In our first story, listen to James Crosby share his disastrous sailing camp experiences and life-changing moments as a lifeguard. James shares his journey of self-discovery and resilience and discovers how a seemingly simple act of kindness led him to find his true calling and inspire others along the way in a story he calls “Too Big to Sail”.

The oldest and tallest among dozens of first cousins, James Crosby oddly and infuriatingly found himself outmatched in many backyard sports. He earned scores of nicknames: Stonehands, Butterfingers, Floodpants… all apt descriptions of his athletic “prowess” and Giraffe-like physique. After years of searching for the thing that could make him cool, a summer job with AccesSport America taught him to be something better.

To learn more about the adaptive programs at AccesSport America: visit goaccess.org.

In our next story, Aaron Miller’s autism diagnosis didn’t define him, it fueled his determination. From speech therapy to high school theater, Aaron overcomes his challenges & proves his capabilities. Aaron believes that disabilities aren’t limitations; they’re opportunities for growth. Aaron calls his story “Growing Up”.

📷 kmr studiosAaron Miller is a 16-year-old boy who loves to talk and bond with others. He stands as the youngest in his family and house but is the tallest out of everyone. His dad died of cancer when he was three, so he only had his mom and brother until he turned around nine where he moved across town and had his family join another family. Aaron gained a stepfather, a stepbrother, and a nonbinary stepsister. His autistic mind is what makes him the way he is: funny and responsible. He does theater at Big Sky High School, one of many MCPS schools with talented kids in many fields. Aaron is the fifth in his family to participate in one of Tell Us Something’s events alongside his brother (Alex), stepsister (Rae), stepfather (Brian), and mother (Angela). Aaron is debating what his future will look like since he doesn’t know if he wants to go to college for theater, but he believes in himself and knows that he will go far with many by his side to support him.

Our next storyteller believes in the power of storytelling so much he founded Tell Us Something in 2011. That’s right, our next storyteller is Tell Us Something founder and Executive Director Marc Moss. He calls his story “Is Anybody Alive Out There Tonight”.

Marc Moss is the founder and director of Tell Us Something & live w/my wife Joyce & our kitten Ziggy on Missoula’s Northside.

Rounding out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Karna Sundby gets swept up in a windstorm, while skydiving. Peer pressure and borrowed gear led to a harrowing experience in a story Karna calls “My Last Jump”.

Karna Sundby has always been on her own unique, uncharted path. Her curiosity and spiritual quest has taken her to places that most people would find bizarre, wondrous or enlightening depending on their personal life experience. The one word they would never use to describe Karna is boring. Karna’s gift and curse is being fearless.

Learn more about Karna and her life coaching services at inneraccess.org.