Can Being Hit by a Truck Really be one of the Best Things that Ever Happened to a Person?

For Episode 11 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a true force of nature: Megan Hottman. Megan is a national champion cyclist, an attorney, an author, and a woman who has redesigned her life around the philosophy of "hell yes or it's a no".

We dove deep into the concept of intentional living. Megan shared how she transitioned from the grind of a traditional legal career to a life of "van life" and advocacy, driven by a desire to live on her own terms. We discussed the tragic death of her friend and fellow cyclist, Gwen English, and the emotional weight of securing a record-setting $403 million verdict for Gwen's family—a "mic drop" moment that left Megan questioning what comes next.

Megan also opened up about her own near-death experience, where she was struck by a truck just days after the criminal sentencing for Gwen's driver. She described this trauma as a "portal" that stripped her life down to the studs, leading her to write her upcoming book, Finding Enough in a World Wired for More.

From "awe walks" to creating a legacy with PeopleForBikes, Megan’s story is a masterclass in turning trauma into purpose. Set to an electronic-pop vibe inspired by Big Wild, this episode is a wake-up call to stop following the script and chart your own course.

Tune in to hear how getting hit by a truck became one of the best things to ever happen to her.

Megan’s Website

https://www.meganhottman.com

Gwen’s Video

https://youtu.be/gmEPzRGF_e4?si=bYNWSoyeaLFntx00

The Engine Inside

https://www.engineinsidefilm.com

People for Bikes

https://foundation.peopleforbikes.org

For Episode 9 of The Human Reboot Project, I sat down with a trio of survivors who turned a diagnosis into a documentary. Meet Alejandro Daza, Christina Fisher, and Jeff Meskey—the stars of the AbbVie-sponsored film from Encompass Films, Second Winds.

We dive deep into the reality of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL). If you’ve ever heard the medical term "watch and wait," you know it feels less like patience and more like holding a live grenade. My guests open up about that psychological burden, the confusion of being told you have the "good cancer," and the rollercoaster of treatments—from clinical trials to breakthrough drugs like Venetoclax.

But this isn't just a medical discussion; it's a story of grit. Alejandro, a cyclist and engineer; Christina, a mountain biker and patient advocate; and Jeff, a skateboarding grandfather with a history of heart resilience, prove that a diagnosis doesn't mean the end of adventure. We talk about how they use the outdoors—whether it's shredding trails or just finding the energy to garden—to reclaim their identity and mental health.

From bone marrow biopsy war stories to the dark humor required to survive the oncology ward, this episode is a masterclass in resilience.

Tune in to hear how these three turned their "second wind" into a gale-force movement for hope and patient advocacy.

Topics Covered:

• Understanding CLL/SLL: Navigating the diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
• The "Watch and Wait" Phase: The mental toll of monitoring the disease before treatment begins.
• Movement as Medicine: How cycling, skiing, and skateboarding aid in cancer recovery.
• Patient Advocacy: Moving from patient to advocate and the importance of second opinions.
• Second Winds: Behind the scenes of the documentary.

Watch the Second Winds documentary to see their full story in action,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuoeKkE7Obg&t=50s

Learn more and support those with CLL

https://cllsociety.org

Blood Cancer United

https://bloodcancerunited.org

Encompass Films

https://www.encompassfilms.com

Meet Steph Lightfoot: British expat, mother of twins, trail runner in the French Alps, and a powerful force in the world of exercise oncology.

In this inspiring episode, host Jay Middleton speaks with Steph about her journey through a 2021 breast cancer diagnosis. Steph shares her candid and intense experience with treatment—including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, a double mastectomy, and a crash menopause—and how she redefined her recovery.

Steph turned movement into her medicine, committing to a daily walking ritual through the darkest days of chemo and even cycling 100 kilometers just three weeks after her final treatment.

Now a dedicated cancer exercise specialist and coach, Steph discusses:

• The profound importance of personalized exercise and protein intake during and after cancer treatment.
• The proven power of coaching for accountability, citing a study that showed a 30% lower cancer recurrence rate for coached patients.
• Her life in the French Alps, her shift from endurance trail running to competing in a Half Iron Man (and winning her age group!), and her plans for a challenging Hyrox race.
• Her mission to help others navigate the "new normal," reclaim their strength, and use movement to find control and confidence after a life-altering diagnosis.

Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking to understand the role of exercise in recovery, or just need to hear a story of ultimate resilience, this conversation with the unstoppable Steph Lightfoot is one you won't want to miss.

Links Mentioned in the Show

Steph’s Coaching Website

https://www.cancercoach.me

Step’s Instagram

@cancercoach.me

Mont Blanc Marathon

https://www.marathonmontblanc.fr/en