About

My name is John McAleavey, and on August 19, 1992, I sustained a life-altering spinal cord injury after a fall down my basement steps. I was diagnosed as a C3/4 incomplete quadriplegic with Central Cord Syndrome… but at the end of the day, I’m still just John. 🙂

In an instant, the career in sports television I had been working toward my entire life was gone. Ironically, on my very first day of physical and occupational therapy, I was offered the production job I had interviewed for 3 months prior to my accident, at ESPN—the Worldwide Leader in Sports. At that point, however, I couldn’t wiggle my toes or even open and close my hands. Needless to say, my priorities shifted quickly. The new primary goals had become such things as learning how to feed and dress myself again.

Fast forward to 2020. At the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, I created and launched The QuadCast Podcast. While the venture is geared toward those rooted in the spinal cord injury community, it’s truly for anyone looking for inspiration.

Each episode features a guest who, despite experiencing a life-changing injury or accident, has gone on to do remarkable things. Guests have included a Tony Award–winning actress, an American Idol contestant, a race car driver featured in a Netflix docuseries, and many more.

The mission of the show is simple: to serve as a blueprint for what’s possible—whether you’re newly injured or years into your journey. These conversations highlight how meaningful, successful, and fulfilling lives can still be built, often against the odds. Think of each episode as a session of OT and PT… for the soul.

If you enjoy what you hear, I’d truly appreciate you sharing the pod with a friend—or ten. I’m building this community two ears at a time. And if you know someone who would make a great guest, I’d appreciate your suggestion: jmcaleavey@comcast.net

Welcome aboard, and thank you for being here.