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What if your greatest superpower is something you haven't discovered yet?

Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Teak Ruby-Ano has spent his life overcoming challenges, discovering unexpected opportunities, and finding purpose through the people and community who believed in him.

Born with spina bifida and having undergone more than 30 surgeries before the age of 21, Teak knows adversity firsthand. But his story is about much more than the obstacles he's faced. It's about discovering a gift, finding your voice, and learning to use that gift for something bigger than yourself.

Today, Teak serves as a Public Information Officer for the County of Kauaʻi, using his talents in communication and storytelling to serve the island he loves.

In this episode of Defeating Can't, host Andy Bestwick explores Teak's remarkable journey, from the influence of his late mother and the mentors who helped him believe in himself to the pivotal moments that shaped his career. They also discuss his ongoing personal challenges, the resilience of Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell, and the extraordinary power of a community that lifts its people up.

Through it all, Teak shares a powerful philosophy: "Nobody is anybody without somebody else."

This is a story about resilience, gratitude, aloha, and the incredible things that can happen when someone believes in you before you believe in yourself.

What's your superpower? Have you discovered your ultimate CAN. yet?

Believe in the Spirit of CAN.

Visit our store: Spirit of CAN.
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Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

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Cycling has been a huge part of Andy Bestwick’s life, but it’s a chapter of the Spirit of CAN. story he hasn’t shared very often.

In this episode of the Defeating CAN’T Podcast, Andy sits down with one of his best friends, Las Vegas native and retired Metro Police Officer Jerry MacDonald, to talk about the miles, races, friendships and experiences that made cycling about much more than a sport.

Andy and Jerry look back on their years riding and racing together, including an unforgettable Race Across the West, Andy’s years co-directing the Allegiant Air Cycling Team with Tony Gebbia, and the lessons endurance sports teach about setting big goals, doing the work and discovering that CAN’T often shows up long before we’ve actually reached our limits.

They also revisit the hardest chapter of their cycling story: losing teammate Pete Makowski, who was struck and killed while riding outside Las Vegas in 2013. That loss led Andy, Tony, Jerry and their friends to create Three Feet for Pete, an effort to raise awareness of Nevada’s Three Foot Law and encourage greater safety for cyclists.

What began as a ride to remember Pete eventually grew into the Ride to Remember, an annual Las Vegas cycling event honoring all those who have lost their lives on the road while reinforcing a simple message: the most important part of every ride is making it home safely.

The conversation also comes full circle with the launch of the first Spirit of CAN. cycling kit, an idea Jerry kept pushing Andy to finally bring to life. The kit brings together CAN., Andy and Jerry’s cycling history, and a tribute to Three Feet for Pete.

It’s a conversation about friendship, loss, endurance, community and why sometimes the best way to defeat CAN’T is simply to keep moving forward.

Learn more about Spirit of CAN. and the cycling kit at spiritofcan.com.

Learn more about Three Feet for Pete and the Ride to Remember at threefeetforpete.com.

Order you CAN. Cycling Kit

Ride to Remember Reg

Visit our store: Spirit of CAN.
Social media: Instagram

Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

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In this episode of Defeating CAN'T, we share the inspiring story of the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar, a unique retreat that brings together some of Hawaiʻi's most dedicated and accomplished University of Hawaiʻi educators for a week of learning, reflection, and community.

Although the Spirit of CAN. team wasn't able to attend in person, we were honored to support the seminar by sending every participant a CAN. beanie and our CAN. Goal Cards. What began as a simple care package became a meaningful connection with a community of educators who believe the best teachers never stop learning.

Join us for a conversation with seminar leaders Erin Thompson and Amy Shiroma as we explore why investing in educators matters, how great teachers inspire one another, and the ripple effect they create in the lives of their students and communities.

If this episode inspires you and you'd like to support the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar, you can make a donation here:

Support the Hawaiʻi Great Teachers Seminar

Mahalo for listening, and as always, keep defeating CAN'T.

I also removed "that" from "believe that the best teachers..." because it reads a little more naturally.

Visit our store: Spirit of CAN.
Social media: Instagram

Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.