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From Hiding to Impact: Chris Ruden on Disability, Ableism, and Building a World Without Limits Through Curiosity
Manage episode 520352780 series 3596132
In this episode, Shanti Joy Gold (she/her) sits down with Chris Ruden (he/him) - keynote speaker, powerlifter, disability advocate, and competitor on The Rock’s Titan Games. Born with a limb difference and later diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how he spent years perfecting the art of hiding - keeping his hand in his pocket, wearing a glove, and meticulously planning ways to blend in. He talks about the weight of ableism, both external and internal, and how unlearning it required facing layers of shame and self-protection he didn’t know he carried. What followed wasn’t a sudden transformation, but a steady reclamation - and the belief that difference itself can be a source of power. Chris also shares how curiosity - his own and others’ - opens the door to inclusion, connection, innovation, and unlocking the best version of ourselves.
Chris Ruden is a transformational keynote speaker, change management expert, author, and disability inclusion advocate. He leverages his story of overcoming adversity to help organizations build trust and resilience - bringing his message of “creating your world without limits” to impact people around the world.
Shanti Joy Gold is a professional coach, 30-year corporate warrior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She understands the unique challenges faced by those who feel like outsiders and, as an executive coach, guides underrepresented people to confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves.
👉 Try Shanti’s free Thriving Assessment here to get clarity on where you’re excelling - and where you can increase fulfillment, joy, and impact.
Other stories shared by Shanti and Chris at the campfire:
- Exploring how lasting change grows from small, winnable moments that build confidence - encouraging risk-taking and opening the door to possibilities.
- Recounting the middle-school moment when a classmate’s cruel taunting set off years of hiding and self-doubt.
- Discussing that habits are not identity - and the freedom that comes from knowing we can choose differently at any moment.
- Reflecting on a period of numbing that ended with a little girl’s unfiltered love - sparking a cascade that led Chris to share his disability publicly.
Thank you for listening! Tune in to all episodes for stories and insights on navigating your career as an outsider — and on the impact of allyship. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!
Learn more about Stories We Haven’t Shared at storieswehaventshared.com
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Chapters
1. Introduction and Welcome (00:00:00)
2. Sharing on YouTube: Like Getting Ready for a High Dive (00:03:43)
3. Professional Highlights / Mission and the Power of Curiosity (00:05:17)
4. Personal Interests and Hobbies (00:08:59)
5. Chris' Outsider Journey (00:10:58)
6. Hiding, Creating Distractions - and the Power of the Curiosity to Change (00:12:13)
7. Chris Discusses His Disability and Ableism (00:13:13)
8. Hiding His Hand for 17 Years (00:15:42)
9. The Middle School Humiliation that Started His Hiding Journey (00:16:33)
10. Survival Mode and the How Chris Actively Went About Hiding (00:18:03)
11. Hiding Has Many Layers and Impacts (00:20:09)
12. Playing Drums Opens Up New Community and Possibilities (00:22:45)
13. The Intersection of Chris' Disability and Masculinity (00:25:43)
14. Creating Distractions Through Achievement (00:27:50)
15. A Dark Period of Escaping, Numbness and Living a Split Existence (00:29:17)
16. A Little Girl's Unconditional Love - the Backstage Moment that Sparked the Turnaround (00:31:12)
17. Thrive Takeaway: Face the Elephant in the Room with Curiosity (00:34:33)
18. Winning the Moment and Learning to Change (00:36:31)
19. Music Share: Where There's Hope, There's a Way (00:39:00)
20. The Power of Free Will and Learning to Separate Habit from Identity (00:40:15)
21. Where to Connect with Chris, Thank You, and Final Thoughts (00:42:18)
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