Gentle Art Of Leadership Podcast – Rustin Hughes

Introduction

Rustin Hughes joins us this week to share his incredible story of pain and loss and how he turned it into triumph and purpose. Rustin is a Jesus follower, United States Army Veteran, above the knee amputee, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and Para Jiu-Jitsu champion. Rustin is a multiple time MMA competitor with a record of 4-0, and is the owner of B-Bold Adaptive Living. Rustin founded Nub Jitsu, a program designed to help jiu jitsu practitioners who have had an amputation as well as their coaches.

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Highlights From The Episode

Time: [00:00:25]
Connecting with Mutual Friends
Time: [00:02:03]
Military Background and Joining the Army
Time: [00:03:44]
Stationed in Germany and Deployment to Yugoslavia
Time: [00:06:22]
Different Rules of Engagement and Observing, Monitoring, and Reporting
Time: [00:08:04]
Concerns about International Incidents and Optics
Time: [00:09:33]
Lack of News Coverage and Appreciating Being in the United States
Time: [00:11:05]
Transitioning out of the Army and Moving to Fort Collins
Time: [00:12:46]
Working in Landscaping and Transitioning to Plumbing
Time: [00:14:03]
Reconnecting with Girlfriend and Discovery of Brain Tumor
Time: [00:14:16]
Personal challenges and health struggles
Time: [00:15:56]
Coping with loss and finding support
Time: [00:17:48]
Pursuing culinary school and career plans
Time: [00:19:23]
Leg pain and medical diagnosis
Time: [00:21:13]
Unexpected news about a blood clot
Time: [00:22:44]
Medical treatment options and uncertainty
Time: [00:25:10]
Emotional pain and frustration
Time: [00:27:09]
Exploring the possibility of amputation
Time: [00:28:40]
Decision-making process and surgery
Time: [00:30:05]
Seeking medical help for post-surgery complications
Time: [00:30:08]
Initial Infection and Surgery
Time: [00:31:32]
Discussion about amputation possibility
Time: [00:33:02]
Wake up to find knee amputated
Time: [00:35:35]
Turning Point and Idea for Nonprofit
Time: [00:36:30]
Difficulty in Learning to Ride a Bike
Time: [00:38:21]
Frustrations and Challenges with Prosthetic Leg
Time: [00:41:09]
Struggles in a Hotel and Decision to Quit Pain Medication
Time: [00:42:54]
Quitting Opiates Cold Turkey
Time: [00:43:07]
Multiple Medications and Taking Control of Health Decisions
Time: [00:44:39]
Taking Charge of Your Own Health Care
Time: [00:45:11]
Overcoming Challenges in Walking Rehabilitation
Time: [00:46:02]
Humorous Reflections on Disability
Time: [00:46:26]
Terms for Two-Legged Individuals
Time: [00:47:04]
Finding Strength in Prayer and Faith
Time: [00:50:01]
Discovering Boxing as a Vent for Frustration
Time: [00:52:59]
Embarking on a-Mile Handcycle Ride
Time: [00:54:02]
Nub Jitsu: Turning Disability into an Advantage
Time: [00:56:06]
Defying Expectations and Pursuing a Black Belt
Time: [00:57:53]
The Global Reach and Impact of Para Jiu Jitsu
Time: [00:58:11]
Growing in Jiu Jitsu
Time: [00:59:38]
Weight Loss with One Leg
Time: [01:00:21]
The Benefits of Jiu Jitsu
Time: [01:02:11]
Learning Jiu Jitsu Together
Time: [01:04:26]
Overcoming Challenges and Doubts
Time: [01:05:39]
Encouragement for Those at their Breaking Point
Time: [01:07:34]
Finding Strength in Prayer
Time: [01:09:12]
Embracing Change and God’s Plan
Time: [01:09:55]
Jeremiah 20:9-11 – A Verse of Hope
Time: [01:10:48]
Closing Remarks and Farewell

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