There is time to be of service with Ryan O’Donoghue, Denver

November 29, 2021

For teens and young adults with cancer or multiple sclerosis, navigating these diseases in the prime of their life is a lonely endeavor. Ryan O’Donoghue is on a mission to create impact through life-changing outdoor adventures.

“That rock doesn’t care that you have cancer; those rapids aren’t going to mellow out.They’re not treating you any differently.”

After losing his brother, Colin, to cancer at age 28, Ryan founded Rise Above It, an organization committed to advancing the field of adolescent and young adult oncology. Now, he serves as CEO for both First Descents and their for-profit subsidiary, Stoke Broker. 

Through each of these companies, and with a Zero Excuses mentality, Ryan is helping young adults with serious health conditions overcome their perceived limitations and regain their self-confidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Doing hard things makes doing hard things easier
  • You can’t control what happens, only your response
  • People matter more than anything

Things to Listen For:

  • [05:01] The magic of the outdoors
  • [07:45] What “Zero Excuses” means to Ryan
  • [11:59] What does it mean to “add life to days”?
  • [15:46] Helping others live with zero excuses
  • [19:39] Make gratitude a practice

After You Listen:

More from the Zero Excuses Podcast:

Episode 001: There is time to travel

Episode 002: There is time to not work

Episode 003: There is time to improve yourself

Episode 004: There is time to build the life you want

Episode 005: There is time for laughter

Episode 006: There is time for relationships

Episode 007: There is time for community

Episode 008: There is time for renewal

Episode 009: There is time for loving others

Episode 010: There is time for giving

Episode 011: There is time for the three B’s

Episode 012: There is time for learning

Episode 013: There is time for others

Episode 014: There is time for listening

Episode 015: There is time for action

Episode 016: There is time for reflection

Episode 017: There is time for Zero Excuses

Episode 018: There is time for change

Episode 019: There is time to plan

Episode 020: There is time to start difficult things

Episode 021: There is time to unplug

Episode 022: There is time to choose your perspective

Episode 023: There is time to reinvent yourself

Episode 024: There is time for everything important

Episode 025: There is time to excel

Episode 026: There is time to do the work

Episode 027: There is time for self-reflection

Episode 028: There is time for healthy living

Episode 029: There is time for whatever you want to do with it

Episode 030: There is time to create a listening culture

Episode 031: There is time to say yes

Episode 032: There is time to confront uncertainty

Episode 033: There is time for empathy

Episode 034: There is time to be bold

Episode 035: There is time for improv comedy 

Episode 036: There is time for investing in others

Episode 037: There is time to fit the puzzle pieces together

Episode 038: There is time to impact your community

Episode 042: There is time to reflect

Episode 043: There is time for meaningful connection