Life & Limb - A monthly podcast about Living Well with Limb Loss

Current Episode: Tracy MacCharles: Charting Her Own Amputee Destiny

Tracy MacCharles, the former Ontario Minister of Accessibility, never planned to be a politician until she saw a newspaper article announcing the retirement of the then-current MPP. And so, with no experience as a politician, her political journey began. Tracy never planned to be an amputee either despite being just hours away from the amputation of her left leg as a teenager with cancer. At the last minute, a limb-saving surgery was presented. At age 59 she became an above-knee amputee. Tracy knew disability well, professionally and personally as her now-late husband was a wheelchair user and prominent figure in the disability community. But she didn’t know about living with an amputation. And so, her limb loss journey began. Tracy shares how she has navigated her limb loss journey.

Life & Limb Podcast is made possible with the support of Ontario Creates.

On Deck:

Leslie Karmazinuk

Episode Title: Finding Meaning in Life’s Hardest Interruptions

Episode Date: August 20, 2026

A registered nurse and now a certified life coach, Leslie Karmazinuk brings with her a story of deep resilience. After decades as a healthcare executive, she navigated multiple life-altering events — surviving cancer three times, one time with a fours-months-to-live diagnosis. She has endured the loss of her husband, a devastating event on her home, as well as multiple amputations, the last resulting in her becoming a below-knee amputee. But she rebuilt… physically, emotionally, and professionally, and today she, alongside her daughter as her business partner at Karma Coaching Insights, helps others move past trauma and adversity.

Previous Episodes

Hosted by

Jeff Tiessen, PLY

Double-arm amputee and Paralympic gold-medalist Jeff Tiessen is the founder and publisher of thrive magazine. He's an award-winning writer with over 1,000 published features to his credit. Recognized for his work on and off the athletic track, Jeff is an inductee in the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame. Jeff is a respected educator, advocate and highly sought-after public speaker.