In Episode 2 of the What’s Your Y? Podcast, we sit down with RJ Nealon—an adaptive athlete, storyteller, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor whose journey is built on resilience, adaptation, and relentless belief.

Born after suffering a stroke that led to cerebral palsy affecting his right side, RJ grew up constantly being told what he couldn’t do. But through sports, he found a different path—one rooted in problem-solving, persistence, and proving that limitations don’t define potential. From competing in Special Olympics for nearly two decades to graduating from the University of Alabama with honors, RJ’s story is one of rewriting expectations at every stage of life.

RJ shares how Brazilian jiu-jitsu became more than just a sport—it became his outlet, his therapy, and his identity. In a discipline that demands both physical and mental toughness, he learned to adapt every movement to his body, creating a unique style that turned perceived weaknesses into strengths.

This episode dives into the mindset behind RJ’s journey—the moments of doubt, the setbacks that nearly made him quit, and the “why” that kept him going. Now an advocate for representation and inclusion in sports, RJ is using his platform to show others that adversity can be the very thing that fuels purpose.

RJ’s story is a powerful reminder: it’s not about the obstacles in front of you—it’s about how you adapt, respond, and keep moving forward