How Someone With No Voice Is Being Heard the Loudest with Dan Vangsnes (Part 2)

Cultivate the Ordinary

In this episode, Travis hosts his brother Dan for a part two conversation. This time the topic centers around their brother Jeremy's life and the past and present stories of him deeply impacting others despite having no voice. Jeremy suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in a car accident in 2009 and has not been able to speak. He is able to communicate by moving his leg/arm to spell or through using an assistive communication device.

They unpack some interesting and dramatic stories of how God has providentially used Jeremy's joy and his message of hope to reach others in need of it. They talk about encounters with pastors, nurses, and doctors (the ones caring for Jeremy) and how they've likely often left those interactions cared for and inspired by him. They reminisce about an interesting FaceTime call they had with the punk band MXPX several years ago where Jeremy shared a message with the band.

Jeremy's also painted and played music with his foot. He has a website that he named and his brother Dan recently created a newsletter that shares more about Jeremy's life. Lots of good stuff in this episode.

Mentioned in this podcast:

Jeremy's website:

JOY IN DESPAIR

Video of Jeremy playing the "Feetar"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qXqUHBTpsE

Additional resources from Travis and Jess:

Guided Pace website: resources for coaching, soul care, and spiritual retreat offerings

Travis' books:

Shiny Eyes: Seeing Better Through the Lenses of Joy, Tears, Beauty, and Hope

Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace