In this inspiring conversation, Rick Hansen shares his journey from a young boy with dreams of athleticism to a Canadian hero known for his resilience and advocacy for people with disabilities. He recounts his idyllic childhood, the life-altering accident that left him paralyzed, and how he found purpose through sports and the Paralympics. Hansen reflects on his monumental Man in Motion World Tour, which raised awareness and funds for spinal cord research, and discusses the legacy he hopes to leave behind, emphasizing the importance of community support and the ongoing fight for accessibility and inclusion.

Learn more about Rick, The Man In Motion World Tour and the Rick Hansen Foundation by going to www.rickhansen.com

Watch the entire unedited interview on YouTube

The Tony Parsons Show is recorded and produced by Mike Pedersen at Eighty Five Audio.

Season 2 of The Tony Parsons Show launches on March 11th!

In this new season, Tony Parsons continues his journey of meaningful conversations with inspiring people—but with a deeper focus on Canada. This podcast is about us—our resilience, creativity, and the voices that shape our country.

Tony sits down with changemakers, storytellers, artists, and visionaries—the individuals who push boundaries, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impact. From the biggest stages to the boldest ideas, these are the voices of Canada—unfiltered, unforgettable, and uniquely ours.

Follow The Tony Parsons Show wherever you get your podcasts and be part of the conversation. Season 2 premieres March 11th—don’t miss it!

thetonyparsonsshow.com

Former colleagues from The News Hour on BCTV/Global (fomerly CHAN-TV) join Tony to reminisce over their experiences together. Enjoy a trip down memory lane with News Broadcaster/Journalist Pamela Martin, News Director Cameron Bell and Weatherman Wayne Cox. It’s safe to say that The News Hour on BCTV/Global was the second most-watched local television newscast in North America!

With over two decades at Canada's top broadcast news divisions her credentials and experience are unparalleled in the industry. To list but a few of her accomplishments, she served as; Managing Editor for ‘The New Reality’ on Global National News, Executive Producer of ‘Global National News’

A PhD in zoology and a BA in biology, 25 honorary degrees, 4 Geminis awards and list of publications are enough to make most of us feel rather unaccomplished! Dr. Suzuki is an environmental troubadour, geneticist and broadcaster, he has also authored a staggering 52 books the host of his landmark television series; The Nature of Things, which aired for 44 years in numerous countries.

Provincial Health Officer for the Province of British Columbia, the first woman in that position. She’s served as Clinic Associate Professor clinic at the University of British Columbia, she was a family doctor and is a specialist in public health and preventive medicine. Dr. Henry led the Province of British Columbia’s response on the COVID-19 Pandemic and the drug overdose emergency. She was recognized in the New York Times as: “…the most effective public health official in the world.”

Tony’s esteemed guest and fellow broadcaster joined CTV Television Network's news division after graduating university. Initially worked as a junior secretary to News Director, Donald Cameron. She later advanced to production manager then research for W5, as well as reporting for CTV National News and Canada AM. In the 80’s she became anchor for the newscasts on Canada AM in 1980, making her the first woman in Canada to hold a full-time position as a national news anchor. Then in 1985 she became weekend anchor of CTV National News, a post she has held ever since.

The voice of ‘Hockey Night’ in Canada on the CBC and Rogers Sportsnet. Jim has also covered multiple Winter Olympics, NHL All-Star Games, the Winter Classic and numerous Stanley Cup Finals. A Gemini award-winner for his work in television, he also won the 2014 Canadian Screen Award for his play-by-play call of the Stanley Cup final.