The Trip That Changed My Life After Paralysis | Sophie Morgan
transcript
show notes
Award-winning broadcaster, travel writer and disability rights advocate Sophie Morgan joins Tanya Rose to share the journeys that have shaped her extraordinary life.
At just 18 years old, Sophie was paralysed in a car accident. In the months that followed, she believed the adventurous life she had imagined was over. Then one unforgettable trip to Canada helped her realise it wasn’t. It reminded her that adventure was still possible and marked the beginning of a lifetime spent exploring the world.
In this episode, Sophie shares:
why Scotland is the one destination everyone should experience
the snowmobile ride in Canada that transformed the way she saw her future
what she learnt from a gruelling expedition through Nicaragua
the most memorable meal she’s ever had, at the White House
riding a motorbike across America
why “accessible” doesn’t always mean accessible
the reality of flying as a wheelchair user and why airlines still have so far to go
an extraordinary safari in South Africa that shows what’s possible when accessibility is truly considered
learning to scuba dive in the Maldives
why she’s determined to become one of the first wheelchair users to travel to space
Chapters:
00:00 Highlights
00:35 Introduction
02:05 How travel helped Sophie rebuild her life after paralysis
05:39 Visiting the White House & campaigning for disability rights
06:40 Why everyone should visit Scotland at least once
10:52 The Canadian adventure that helped Sophie believe she could still live boldly
16:18 Nicaragua, adventure, resilience & knowing your limits
20:40 Sophie’s most memorable meal
30:35 Why you can’t trust the word “accessible”
44:13 Learning to scuba dive in the Maldives & why luxury travel should be for everyone
46:21 Sophie’s favourite travel photograph
49:20 What’s next: painting, television… and going to space
Places:
Scotland • India • Canada • Toronto • Nicaragua • South Africa • Kruger National Park • Maldives • Washington D.C. • The White House • Los Angeles • Yellowstone National Park • Grand Teton National Park • Oregon • Pacific Coast Highway • London





