In this two-part episode of SpoonFull of Strength, Rachel and Tina dive into the tricky question: “How do you explain a good day without invalidating your illness?” Together, they share how they navigate the everyday “How are you?” question, what boundaries they’ve learned to set, and how to protect their energy when others aren’t truly invested in the answer.

In Part 2, we welcome Zach, a Spoonie and paraplegic whose life was forever changed after a motor vehicle accident. Zach walks us through the crash that reshaped his world and how he has transformed that experience into powerful advocacy for disability rights, accessible healthcare, and gun violence prevention. Beyond advocacy, Zach is a passionate adaptive athlete—competing in wheelchair tennis and football—and proving that sports can be both healing and empowering. His story is one of resilience, honesty, and turning pain into purpose.

This episode is a reminder that chronic illness and disability don’t erase joy, strength, or purpose—they redefine it. We hope Zach’s story inspires you to find your own voice, honor your limits, and know that your journey matters, both on the hard days and the good ones.

Follow Zach's story here:

https://www.instagram.com/thestrategicparaplegic/

Come join SpoonFull of Strength's Instagram page here:https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/

This episode is sponsored by Spicey, Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Get 15% off at Spicey by clicking here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://getspicey.com/products/heating-patch-for-cramps-pain-patch-for-soreness-universal-heat-patch-pack?ref=SPOONFULLOFSTRENGTH⁠⁠⁠⁠