The QuadCast
Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie
This episode of The QuadCast explores how people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones find inner strength while navigating loss, change, and the emotional and social experiences that often accompany injury. The conversation shows how social connection, shared experience, personal reflection, and community can foster well-being, offering practical ideas and encouragement through honest dialogue and peer support.
At the heart of the episode is Kessler Foundation’s Inner Strength program, a monthly virtual gathering for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. Maryann Hobbie, a spinal cord injury survivor, chaplain, and author, facilitates the program with Angela Smith, the Foundation’s peer mentoring program coordinator and community engagement specialist. Drawing on lived experience, compassion, and connection, they guide thoughtful conversations that help participants reflect, connect with others, and find strength in community.
The QuadCast Podcast hosted by John McAleavey is a weekly show featuring the spinal cord injury community and stories of personal resilience. This episode is part one of a two-part joint podcast and is used by permission.
To learn more about upcoming gatherings or to register, visit the Foundation’s Events webpage.
Chapters
* 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories
* 02:59 Resilience in Caregiving
* 06:58 Living with Spinal Cord Injury
* 11:03 Inner Strength in Times of Loss
* 23:14 Finding Inner Strength
* 25:38 The Importance of Connection
* 28:28 Adapting to Loss and Grief
* 31:38 Finding Purpose
* 35:22 Inner Strength Program
