Brad Smeele | Mindset lessons from a pro athlete turned quadriplegic

On July 5, 2014, Brad Smeele was a 27-year-old pro athlete and part-time model, living his wakeboarding dream in Florida, America.

One day later, his whole life changed.

Brad attempted a “trick of the year” wakeboarding stunt where he fell 90° short of a safe landing, and instead, tumbled into a crash that left him quadriplegic.

Since that day, Brad has gone on an immense journey of self-discovery, and found the positives in the incident, both for himself and for society. He is now a speaker, author, and general force for good.

In this podcast, Brad unpacks his story in depth, revealing the raw physical and mental realities of his life.

Physically, he opens up on the nature of his day-to-day, whether or not he can have sex, and what it feels like to be quadriplegic.

Mentally, he shares hard-earned wisdom on avoiding a victim mindset, turning negatives into positives, and what it means to work on yourself.

Brad’s combination of humor and vulnerability make this conversation as enjoyable as it is powerful.

Where to find Brad:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradsmeele/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-smeele-5297ba14a/?originalSubdomain=nz
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bradsmeele
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradsmovement

Referenced:

• Brad’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Owning-Ride-that-Changed-Life/dp/198854727X
• Brad landing the “trick of the year”: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2347707388794488⁠
• The 7 Principles of the Huna Philosophy: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Owning-Ride-that-Changed-Life/dp/198854727X⁠

Where to get help

• 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
• Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
• Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202
• Lifeline 0800 543 354
• Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access its free resource and information service.
• Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825
• thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626
• What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.
• Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here.
• If it is an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
• In a life-threatening situation, call 111.