He Survived Paralysis Twice. What Matt Blanchard Reveals Next Will Change How You See Your Own Life

Most people fear one life-changing setback. Matt Blanchard has survived two. And today on Crackin’ Backs, we’re not just talking about recovery — we’re talking about life after paralysis. What happens when the crowds fade, the rehab ends, and an entirely new version of living begins?
 

Matt’s story is as raw and real as they come. In 2006, a rollover accident left him with a T-12 spinal cord injury, paralyzed from the waist down. After 15 years of relentless therapy he defied the odds and walked again. Then in 2021 a head-on collision with a drunk driver erased his progress — the jaws of life, an air-lift to a trauma center, paralysis again. Through it all, Matt founded St. George Adaptive Sports, became a nationally recognized motivational speaker, and rewrote what resilience, strength and real living mean.
 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How identity dies and is reborn when you rebuild life twice after paralysis — the truth behind “starting over.”

• The smallest, most overlooked daily habit that keeps Matt grounded, mentally resilient and strong — still to this day.

• What happens after the world stops watching: how do you create momentum when no one is cheering and your body still carries the load?

• What healthcare providers still get wrong about the long-term physical realities of paralysis — and the hidden mental load they often miss.

• A perspective every fully-mobile athlete would gain if they lived just one day in Matt’s body — about training, gratitude and physical mastery.
   

Connect & Support the Mission
If you feel inspired by Matt’s journey and want to join the cause:

• Visit St. George Adaptive Sports (Utah-based nonprofit) to donate, volunteer or learn how adaptive golf and inclusive recreation are rewriting strength HERE

• Follow Matt on Instagram: @mattyblanch3 & Facebook: Matt Blanchard 333 to stay updated, share his message and support his speaking mission.

• Book Matt as a speaker or connect for collaboration via BlanchardInspires.com
   

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
 

Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast