For most of us, our lives are filled with doing the things we love. Consider, for a minute, if the ability to partake in your hobbies was taken from you. Would you still love those activities just as much as you do now? Mitch Bohn says you should, because life is all about loving something you can’t do.
A sports media host, a disability advocate, and the founder of the hit podcast Wide Left Sports, and one of the newest non-profits around, AccessBillings, Mitch is here to tell us that ability and passion don’t always have to be on a level playing field. And he knows, because Mitch relies on a wheelchair.
Growing up with Spina Bifida
In the simplest of medical terms, Spina Bifida is a congenital (present from birth) defect of the spine where part of the spinal cord doesn’t develop properly. The effects of spina bifida can vary greatly from one person to another. Some may have minimal use of their lower limbs, while others may have little to no mobility challenges. Many adapt and participate in activities, including sports, in their own way. The cause of spina bifida is still unknown.
Growing up with Spina Bifida meant Mitch’s childhood was laden with doctor visits, prolonged hospital stays, and watching his younger brother play baseball. Mitch however would not let his limitations stop him from being his little brother’s biggest fan. And on days Mitch wasn’t as motivated his parents would help get him back in the right mindset.
“Being disabled, I learned from a very young age that in order for me to do things and participate, it may look different, but that’s ok.”
For the Love of the Game
Mitch has a passion for athletics, despite his physical limitations. Over the years, as he watched his brother play and fell more and more in love with baseball, he recognized something: there are a ton of fans out there who don’t actually play. Even though they could, their passions run deep without getting on the field.
Mitch tells us, “As someone with a disability, you wouldn’t think I’d be such a sports fanatic – but here I am!” With this passion came the desire to share his knowledge and assessment of sports with the world. There were other fanatics out there; why not connect with them?
His earlier goals in life were to pursue something in politics. That seemed like the best way to inspire change in the world and ramp up disability awareness. However, his passion for sports continued to reign supreme, and it became his primary focus.
At age 25, he launched his podcast, Wide Left Sports. With guests on regularly, he talks about historical games, upcoming events, great plays, and favorite moments. From high school students to the pros, it’s a show that’s all about passion for the game these athletes play and love.
Tapping into the Power of the Community
As the popularity of the podcast grew, Mitch’s podcast now ranks 4th in the state of Montana for sports podcasts and 30th for podcasts overall via feedspot. Mitch’s voice was being heard. It was time to instill a bigger change and cast a vision that goes beyond baseball and sports.
Working with the community, and the encouragement of Jack Lillis, he founded AccessBillings; Jack now acts as vice president of the non-profit. The group’s entire goal is to promote accessibility and inclusion within the business community and beyond. AccessBillings wants to make Billings accessible for everyone regardless of their ability.
While he gives the biggest and most credit for inspiration and influence to his parents, he also gives a special shoutout to his new family, his sports family. Whether that be the Billings American Legion Baseball family, or the many other sports communities he has been blessed to be a part of through his podcast, he says it’s the perfect example of how communities uplift us and shape our mission. Learn more about Mitch and his story by reading his interview with Resilient Stories.
Why TEDx? Why Now?
Initially, Mitch wasn’t going to apply to speak. However, his friend Elyssa Leininger (who herself was a TEDxBilling speaker just a couple of years ago) encouraged him to do so. She helped him realize it would not only shape him into a better person by pushing his abilities and getting him outside his comfort zone, but also help spread awareness.
Looking deep into himself, he realized he’s already telling his story, but now he’s ready to share the full story. With an admiration of TEDx and what it represents, combined with the success of his podcast and the launch of AccessBillings, Mitch says, “I realized I wanted a way to bring everything together in a meaningful and impactful way.”
You might not be able to do what you love in the traditional sense. But you can channel it in a way that still brings joy and purpose. Mitch encourages others with disabilities to create their own lane.
Learn how and hear that full story at the TEDxBillings Main Event on September 26th! Get your early bird ticket today so you don’t miss all the great talks.
