In this episode, Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to talk about how a life-changing football injury at age 20 led him down a completely unexpected path.

Ken shares how paralysis reshaped his identity, why he never thought marriage or fatherhood would be possible, and how meeting his wife Anna changed everything. He opens up about becoming a dad to triplets at 54, raising sons with empathy and strong values, and why family, patience, and presence matter far more than physical ability.

The conversation also touches on disability, faith, diversity, resilience, and Ken’s book, I Dream of Things That Never Were.

Episode Description

At 20 years old, Ken Kunken’s life changed forever after a football injury left him almost completely paralyzed.

He never thought he would get married. He never thought he would become a father.

Then he met his wife, Anna.

Years later, through IVF, they became parents to triplet boys.

In this episode, Ken shares his unbelievable story of resilience, identity, disability, marriage, faith, and fatherhood. He talks about learning to redefine what it means to be a dad when you cannot do things the way you once imagined, why presence matters more than perfection, and how raising his sons changed his life forever.

This is a conversation about overcoming impossible odds, building a meaningful life, and becoming the father your family needs, even when life looks nothing like you expected.

In This Episode

Paul and Andrew sit down with Ken Kunken to hear the incredible story of how a football injury changed his life forever and how he still built a life full of purpose, family, and fatherhood.

Ken talks about paralysis, identity, marriage, IVF, becoming a dad to triplets, and what he learned about being present for his kids despite severe physical limitations.

Topics Covered

Becoming paralyzed at 20 after a football injury
Learning to redefine identity after losing athleticism
Meeting the woman who changed everything
Becoming a father through IVF
Finding out they were having triplets
Parenting with physical limitations
Why presence matters more than physical ability
Raising empathetic and resilient sons
Teaching kids patience, diversity, and family values
The importance of community and support
Ken’s book and the meaning behind its title

Memorable Moments

Ken finding out all three embryos took and they were having triplets
Feeding one of his sons using his lap board and balancing a bottle on his arm
His boys checking whether places had ramps so dad could come too
His son calmly helping him through a low blood pressure episode in the grocery store
Ken explaining why he wanted his sons to know they could do anything they set their minds to
The story behind the title of his book, inspired by a quote from Robert F. Kennedy

Connect with Ken

Website: kenkunken.com
Book: I Dream of Things That Never Were
Audiobook narrated by Ken