What if uncertainty wasn’t something to dread, but something we’re meant to live inside? In this episode, Danielle sits down with Paralympian Amy Purdy, whose life changed overnight at age 19 after losing both of her legs to bacterial meningitis. What followed wasn’t just a story of resilience, it was a complete redefinition of identity, possibility, and what it means to move forward. Amy went on to become a three-time Paralympic medalist, a finalist on Dancing with the Stars, and the author of Bounce Forward. But more than what she’s accomplished, this conversation focuses on how she navigates uncertainty, reinvention, and the moments that don’t make sense while you’re living them. In this episode, you’ll learn:

The wild story of Madonna discovering Amy Purdy in a casting call
Amy’s story of losing both legs to bacterial meningitis at 19
How Amy became a Paralympic medalist after losing both her legs
The premonition-like encounter Amy had weeks before she nearly died
What facing death actually feels like (and why it wasn’t fear)
How to redefine purpose after losing everything familiar
Ideas for staying grounded when life feels uncertain and out of control
The difference between “bouncing back” vs. bouncing forward
What it’s like learning to snowboard again on prosthetic legs
The mental tools Amy uses to navigate fear, anxiety, and uncertainty
How Amy manifested working with Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra, and Liz Gilbert
The role of presence and mindfulness during life’s hardest moments
Amy’s devastating second injury, and the moment she realized she “might never walk again”
The power of choosing challenges and reframing our reality

Make sure to check out Amy on Instagram, and read her new book Bounce Forward

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Playbook for Navigating Uncertainty With Paralympian Amy Purdy