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Ep 36 The Unstoppable Nate Peitz: Taking the "Dis" Out of Disability

What does it mean to truly overcome limitations? In this powerful conversation, Nate Peitz redefines what's possible when you refuse to be defined by circumstances beyond your control.

Born with spina bifida, Nate shares his remarkable journey of growing up as the only wheelchair user among five siblings in a family that never treated him differently. "Take the dis out of disability" isn't just a catchy phrase for Nate—it's his life philosophy. With refreshing candor, he reveals how his parents' refusal to accept "I can't" in his vocabulary shaped his determined approach to challenges.

The conversation takes us through Nate's impressive athletic career in wheelchair basketball, soccer, and sled hockey, where his competitive spirit earned him championships and All-American honors. But what truly shines is his commitment to service. Unable to join the military due to his disability, Nate found other meaningful ways to serve, including his current challenge—completing a grueling 50-mile march in his wheelchair to support veterans.

Perhaps most inspiring is Nate's perspective on obstacles. When faced with steep hills during the march qualifier, his response wasn't frustration but determination: "I'm going to figure it out." This mindset transcends his personal journey, offering profound lessons for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Whether you're confronting your own limitations or seeking to understand how to better connect with people of all abilities, Nate's insights will transform your perspective. His message is clear—see the person, not the wheelchair; acknowledge the challenge, then find a way forward.

Listen now and discover how reframing your view of limitations might just reveal capabilities you never knew you had. What would be possible in your life if you decided to "figure it out" instead of saying "I can't"?

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The power of genuine connection threads through this conversation between longtime friends Jay Miralles and DeDee Oliver, who reconnect after nearly three decades to share insights that span professional wisdom and deeply personal memories.

DeDee opens up about her remarkable 27-year journey in real estate, revealing how the industry transformed from three-ring binders with listings and paper maps to today's digital landscape. Her success secret? Blending traditional relationship-building practices with modern technology. "The heart of my business is built on referrals," she shares, describing how she's helped multiple generations of families find homes. This philosophy of authentic connection has sustained her career while many others came and went.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when DeDee shares the story of her father, Marvin Edward Park, who was killed in action during Vietnam when she was just 13 months old. Though she has no personal memories of him, her father's presence has been kept alive through family stories and a precious book created by his war buddies containing photographs and accounts from his service. "How do you miss something that you never knew? But you do," DeDee reflects, in a moment that speaks to the universal experience of loss and remembrance.

Jay announces he'll be honoring Marvin during the upcoming 50 Mile March, carrying his photo and sharing his story. Their exchange reveals how listening to others' experiences—really listening, not just hearing—creates meaningful bonds that enrich our lives. As Jay notes, "We've lost the art of connection, and as I get older, that gets more and more important." Whether you're building business relationships or preserving family legacies, this episode reminds us that genuine connection remains our most valuable resource.

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Beyond the Vest: The Real Impact of Service Dog Partnerships

What does it take to transform a puppy into a life-changing service dog for a veteran? Susan and Brandon pull back the curtain on this remarkable journey at Assistance Dogs of the Heartland (ADH), a Nebraska-based nonprofit with a powerful mission. Inspired by her family’s military service, Susan founded the organization to give back to those who have served. Brandon, his sister Grace, and other dedicated board members work tirelessly to match specially trained service dogs with veterans in need.

Susan and Brandon share personal stories about Susan’s military father, reflecting on how his experiences shaped their deep respect for veterans. When Susan and her late husband, Andy, acquired Bonafide Dog Academy in 2019, they saw an opportunity to expand their nonprofit arm specifically to support veterans through service dog partnerships.

This conversation reveals the meticulous process behind training service dogs like Hope, Harper, and Skye—dogs currently preparing for veteran placement. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that each dog has the right temperament and health background. Training is intensive, costing approximately $20,000 per dog, and involves an innovative puppy raiser program where community volunteers help nurture future service dogs.

What stands out most is their commitment to thoughtful matching. These aren’t just dogs being handed out—they are carefully paired with veterans based on lifestyle compatibility and mutual benefit. The dogs learn specialized skills such as deep pressure therapy and develop an intuitive understanding of their handler’s needs. As Susan beautifully explains, “The thing that sums up a dog best is unconditional love... It doesn’t care what car you drive, it doesn’t care what job you have. It cares about you.”

ADH relies on community support to sustain its mission—whether through donations, volunteering as a puppy raiser, or spreading awareness. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of service dogs for veterans who might otherwise wait years for assistance through other programs. If you’re inspired by their mission to create life-changing partnerships, visit assistancedogsne.org to apply, or learn how you can help transform a veteran’s life through the extraordinary power of canine connection.

Enhancing Lives Through Canine Companions

At Assistance Dogs of the Heartland, our mission is to transform lives through the power of specially trained service dogs. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those facing significant challenges by providing them with loyal, highly skilled canine companions. Our service dogs offer essential support, fostering greater independence, confidence, and a sense of security for our clients.

We believe in the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, and our goal is to harness this connection to create positive, life-changing experiences. Each dog in our program undergoes rigorous training to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our training process is tailored to address the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that every service dog is perfectly matched to provide the support and companionship required.

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Thank you for listening to The Connection Podcast with Jay Miralles. Please subscribe and share!

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