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Joe Stone grew up playing volleyball, skateboarding, and breakdancing. Then, in 2012, a car crash left him paralyzed. 

Doctors told him he would likely never move anything below his chest again. But five weeks after leaving the hospital, Joe found wheelchair rugby. This violent, fast, full-contact sport helped him rebuild strength, process anger, and feel alive in a changed body. 

In this conversation recorded at a live tournament in New Haven, Joe talks about the crash, falling in love after paralysis, being a father, faith, adaptive sports, and what people misunderstand when they assume athletes with disabilities are fragile.

Suggested episodes:
Multiple sclerosis tried to bench her. Karen Smith won gold instead 
Stunt performers David Holmes and Jonathan Goodwin on life after paralysis 
A marathon swimmer and ultrarunner: surviving cancer, breaking records 
New ways to see, new ways to move: The tech that’s changing disability 

 

GUEST: 
Joe Stone: Wheelchair rugby player and adaptive athlete who became paralyzed after a 2012 car crash fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae. He plays with the Gaylord Warriors

Joe Stone grew up playing volleyball, skateboarding, and breakdancing. Then, in 2012, a car crash left him paralyzed.&nbsp;
Doctors told him he would likely never move anything below his chest again. But five weeks after leaving the hospital, Joe found wheelchair rugby. This violent, fast, full-contact sport helped him rebuild strength, process anger, and feel alive in a changed body.&nbsp;
In this conversation recorded at a live tournament in New Haven, Joe talks about the crash, falling in love after paralysis, being a father, faith, adaptive sports, and what people misunderstand when they assume athletes with disabilities are fragile.
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-03-06/multiple-sclerosis-tried-to-bench-her-karen-smith-won-gold-instead">Multiple sclerosis tried to bench her. Karen Smith won gold instead&nbsp;</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2024-05-02/stunt-performers-david-holmes-and-jonathan-goodwin-on-life-after-paralysis">Stunt performers David Holmes and Jonathan Goodwin on life after paralysis&nbsp;</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-01-23/a-marathon-swimmer-and-ultrarunner-surviving-cancer-breaking-records">A marathon swimmer and ultrarunner: surviving cancer, breaking records</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-03-21/new-ways-to-see-new-ways-to-move-the-tech-thats-changing-disability">New ways to see, new ways to move: The tech that&rsquo;s changing disability</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUEST:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Joe Stone: Wheelchair rugby player and adaptive athlete who became paralyzed after a 2012 car crash fractured his C6 and C7 vertebrae. He plays with the <a href="https://sportsassociation.gaylord.org/wheelchair-rugby-team">Gaylord Warriors</a></li>
</ul>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

For more: ctpublic.org/audacious

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we're often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
For more: <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood. 

Audacious with Chion Wolf

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.

Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we’re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.

Listen at ctpublic.org/audacious

Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Audacious with Chion Wolf spotlights the stories of people whose experiences, professions, or conditions defy convention or are often misunderstood.
Guided by deep curiosity and genuine compassion, the team behind Audacious creates space for the kinds of stories that rarely get told - and the kinds of questions we&rsquo;re often afraid to ask. From those speaking publicly for the very first time to voices already known around the world, every guest is met with care, and every story is honored as both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Listen at <a href="http://ctpublic.org/audacious">ctpublic.org/audacious</a>
Support is provided by a generous contribution from Suzanne Hopgood, in Memory of Frank Lord.

Joe Stone, wheelchair rugby, and the full-contact art of resilience

After Charles Wolf’s wife, Katherine, was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he found himself taking on an unlikely new role: activist. 

Wolf became a tireless advocate for victims’ families, challenging the federal compensation system and successfully pushing for reform. His efforts later became part of the movie Worth, with Stanley Tucci playing him. 

Twenty-five years later, Wolf looks back at what grief made him do, what justice can and cannot accomplish, and the life he built without the woman he still loves. 

Suggested episode:
Life after Parkland: A victim’s dad turns to art and activism

GUEST: 
Charles G. Wolf: After his wife, Katherine, was killed in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he became a prominent advocate for victims’ families, pushing for changes to the federal compensation system and working to preserve the legacy of those lost

After Charles Wolf&rsquo;s wife, Katherine, was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he found himself taking on an unlikely new role: activist.&nbsp;
Wolf became a tireless advocate for victims&rsquo; families, challenging the federal compensation system and successfully pushing for reform. His efforts later became part of the movie Worth, with Stanley Tucci playing him.&nbsp;
Twenty-five years later, Wolf looks back at what grief made him do, what justice can and cannot accomplish, and the life he built without the woman he still loves.&nbsp;
Suggested episode:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-10-20/life-after-parkland-a-victims-dad-turns-to-art-and-activism">Life after Parkland: A victim&rsquo;s dad turns to art and activism</a></li>
</ul>
GUEST:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Charles G. Wolf: After his wife, Katherine, was killed in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, he became a prominent advocate for victims&rsquo; families, pushing for changes to the federal compensation system and working to preserve the legacy of those lost</li>
</ul>

What is a life worth? One 9/11 widower’s fight for fairness

Welcome to the Brimfield Antique Flea Market!

Thousands of buyers and sellers descend on a small Massachusetts town three times a year, filling fields with furniture, vintage clothes, tools, art, oddities and things you didn’t know existed five minutes ago. 

We spend the day roaming the country’s largest outdoor antiques show, meeting serious collectors, first-timers, lifelong dealers and shoppers operating almost entirely on instinct. 

Along the way: haggling advice, the difference between an oar and a paddle, clown art, a singing bowl sound bath and one important lesson: if you love it, somebody else probably does too. So grab it (preferably using cash). 

Suggested episodes:
The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic
Audacious at sea: Wisdom from strangers on a cruise ship
Audacious Scotland: CT’s Highland Festival & Games, plus quarrelsome dames seek justice for witches
The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters
Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition
It’s A Brand Nude Day!

 

GUESTS: 
First segment: Lois Shelton, Jacey Bradshaw, Mike Vojnich, Monica Pedroso, Sarah Gray, and Emily Cahill, Ram Limbu, Bruce Baier, Sam Sutner
Second segment: Jen Davidson, Jen Weckbacher, Deborah Baird, Mary Smith, Collin and Kari McCaffery, Robert Simas, Kate Corriveau
Third segment: James Enders, Shiree Cole, Tonya Cameron, Mo Benzriouil, Sarah Baroud, Luke Davis, Ross and Laura Bonner, Garett Eisele

Welcome to the Brimfield Antique Flea Market!
Thousands of buyers and sellers descend on a small Massachusetts town three times a year, filling fields with furniture, vintage clothes, tools, art, oddities and things you didn&rsquo;t know existed five minutes ago.&nbsp;
We spend the day roaming the country&rsquo;s largest outdoor antiques show, meeting serious collectors, first-timers, lifelong dealers and shoppers operating almost entirely on instinct.&nbsp;
Along the way: haggling advice, the difference between an oar and a paddle, clown art, a singing bowl sound bath and one important lesson: if you love it, somebody else probably does too. So grab it (preferably using cash).&nbsp;
Suggested episodes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-10-03/the-big-e-what-it-takes-to-create-17-days-of-magic">The Big E: What it takes to create 17 days of magic</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2025-12-05/audacious-at-sea-wisdom-from-strangers-on-a-cruise-ship">Audacious at sea: Wisdom from strangers on a cruise ship</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-02-27/audacious-scotland-cts-highland-festival-games-plus-quarrelsome-dames-seek-justice-for-witches">Audacious Scotland: CT&rsquo;s Highland Festival &amp; Games, plus quarrelsome dames seek justice for witches</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2026-07-03/the-minds-hearts-and-stomachs-of-competitive-eaters">The minds, hearts (and stomachs) of competitive eaters</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2023-09-22/welcome-to-the-punderdome-were-entering-nycs-punniest-pun-competition">Welcome to the Punderdome! We're entering NYC's punniest pun competition</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/mental-health/2020-07-03/its-a-brand-nude-day">It&rsquo;s A Brand Nude Day!</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">First segment: Lois Shelton, Jacey Bradshaw, Mike Vojnich, Monica Pedroso, Sarah Gray, and Emily Cahill, Ram Limbu, Bruce Baier, Sam Sutner</li>
<li aria-level="1">Second segment: Jen Davidson, Jen Weckbacher, Deborah Baird, Mary Smith, Collin and Kari McCaffery, Robert Simas, Kate Corriveau</li>
<li aria-level="1">Third segment: James Enders, Shiree Cole, Tonya Cameron, Mo Benzriouil, Sarah Baroud, Luke Davis, Ross and Laura Bonner, Garett Eisele</li>
</ul>

A trip to Brimfield Antique Flea Market, where old things find new people 

In honor of Dolly Parton, we’re rebroadcasting a conversation with her niece, singer/songwriter Jada Star. 

Jada shares what it was like growing up with Aunt Dolly, watching the rest of the world fall in love with her, and learning from her example of kindness, faith, hard work, and generosity.

For a transcription of this episode, click here.

Original air date: January 6, 2024.

GUEST: 
Jada Star: Singer-songwriter whose debut album is called Tell Me I'm Your Angel. She also starred in the ABC reality series Claim To Fame.

You will also hear the voice of Heather Ream, author of "Lunchladies Bought My Prom Dress," East Tennessee native, and Dolly Parton fan. She was a guest on the Audacious episodes about super smellers and nostalgic childhood scents.

In honor of Dolly Parton, we&rsquo;re rebroadcasting a conversation with her niece, singer/songwriter Jada Star.&nbsp;
Jada shares what it was like growing up with Aunt Dolly, watching the rest of the world fall in love with her, and learning from her example of kindness, faith, hard work, and generosity.
For a transcription of this episode,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/audacious-with-chion-wolf-transcript-jada-stars-musical-bond-with-her-aunt-dolly-parton" data-cms-id="0000018c-d5e6-d28c-a1bc-d7e78dfe0000" data-cms-href="https://www.ctpublic.org/audacious-with-chion-wolf-transcript-jada-stars-musical-bond-with-her-aunt-dolly-parton">click here</a>.
Original air date: January 6, 2024.
GUEST:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://jadastarmusic.com/home%C2%A0">Jada Star</a>:&nbsp;Singer-songwriter whose debut album is called&nbsp;Tell Me I'm Your Angel. She also starred in the ABC reality series&nbsp;Claim To Fame.</li>
</ul>
You will also hear the voice of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heatherream.com/">Heather Ream</a>, author of "<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lunchladies-bought-my-prom-dress-heather-ream/1143617862?ean=9798988235705">Lunchladies Bought My Prom Dress</a>," East Tennessee native, and Dolly Parton fan. She was a guest on the Audacious episodes about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2021-11-18/what-its-like-to-be-able-to-smell-illnesses">super smellers</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/audacious-with-chion-wolf/2022-10-13/what-smells-like-childhood-hear-eighteen-answers">nostalgic childhood scents</a>.

Joe Stone, wheelchair rugby, and the full-contact art of resilience

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