171 - Play From Your Heart: Inclusion, Disability, and the Power of Resilience with Scott Martin

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with Scott Martin—husband, father, author, coach, teacher, and quad amputee—for a powerful conversation about resilience, identity, and inclusion. Scott shares his journey from collegiate athletics to sudden disability, navigating discrimination, depression, and rebuilding purpose through coaching, parenting, and storytelling. Together, they explore what true inclusion looks like, how assumptions limit opportunity, and why “being human” matters more than saying the right thing. Scott also dives into his book Play From Your Heart, blending sport, music, and life lessons that challenge us to rethink learning, leadership, and belonging.

Key Takeaways:
Redefined Inclusion - Inclusion means creating an equal playing field where opportunity exists and effort—not assumptions—determines outcomes.


Identity Shift - Becoming disabled reshaped Scott’s understanding of privilege, discrimination, and how society responds to difference.


Learning Through Experience - True growth happens when people are placed in environments where they can try, fail, and learn—without fear.


Power of Perspective - Disability didn’t remove Scott’s competitive edge; it sharpened his awareness, resilience, and leadership.


Be Human - Inclusion starts by dropping labels and simply showing up as yourself with curiosity and respect.

Scott Martin’s definition of inclusion:
Inclusion is creating an equal playing field where opportunity exists.

Scott Martin’s Bio:
Scott Martin is an award-winning soccer coach, educator, and advocate for the disability community. Holding an advanced national coaching license, he has spent over 30 years coaching at the select youth, high school, and college levels, earning Coach of the Year honors four times and leading multiple teams to state championships. His expertise has connected him with top coaches in the U.S. and internationally.


Recognized for his advocacy, Martin serves as a Global Advisor for Billion Strong, a worldwide disability organization. His journey has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive, and he is the author of Play From Your Heart (Library Tales Publishing), a memoir that chronicles his remarkable path of perseverance, reinvention, and the unwavering spirit that has guided him forward.
Connect with Scott Martin:
Website: https://librarytalespublishing.com/co...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Instagram:   / librarytalespublishing  
LinkedIn:   / scott-martin-lifesaroadtrip  

SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 77
No - 92
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