In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha talks with 17-year-old wheelchair tennis champion Charlie Cooper. From being born with spina bifida to ranking #1 in the U.S. and #3 globally in junior wheelchair tennis, Charlie shares the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path. They explore how a chance encounter at a guitar shop led to a life-changing discovery of tennis, the emotional and physical toll of early surgeries, his deep-rooted Christian faith, and his mission to inspire others. Charlie opens up about family dynamics, sacrifices, and his hopes beyond sports.

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[00:00:00] Intro

[00:01:14] Charlie’s background and diagnosis with spina bifida

[00:02:55] Discovering tennis through a chance meeting at a guitar shop

[00:04:36] The role of faith in Charlie’s mindset and resilience

[00:06:05] Explanation of spina bifida and its effects on Charlie’s mobility

[00:08:01] Impact of Charlie’s condition on his younger sister

[00:12:24] Early surgeries and hospital experiences

[00:17:23] First time trying wheelchair tennis and initial reluctance

[00:21:03] Emotional freedom and equality found on the court

[00:24:24] Charlie’s realization of his competitive potential

[00:27:08] Winning the US Open and reflecting on his journey

[00:31:16] Handling defeat with gratitude and maintaining faith

[00:34:30] Goals for transitioning to professional play

[00:37:12] Influence of Charlie’s faith on others and younger players

[00:38:36] Charlie’s interfaith upbringing and grandfather’s conversion

[00:41:15] Fear of future regrets and desire to inspire

[00:45:13] Career aspirations beyond tennis, including sports agency

[00:47:53] Dedication of Charlie’s father and family support

[00:51:59] Sacrificing social life for professional aspirations

[00:53:46] Mentorship from top wheelchair tennis players

[00:56:49] Favorite opponents and tennis inspirations

[00:58:00] Injury prevention and physical training routines

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha welcomes Dr. Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of Prep Expert and Shark Tank entrepreneur. Shaan shares his inspiring story of overcoming an average SAT score to achieve perfection, launch a successful test-prep business, and become a board-certified dermatologist. The discussion traverses his childhood in a budget motel, his parents' immigrant sacrifices, and the resilience that propelled him through rejection to success with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Shaan also explores entrepreneurship, telemedicine, and why standardized tests matter more now than ever.

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[00:00:00] The impact of asking children, "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

[00:01:16] Dr. Elisha's personal story about identity and completing med school

[00:04:03] Shaan Patel's upbringing in a motel and the value his immigrant parents placed on education

[00:05:17] Shaan’s initial struggles with standardized testing and journey to a perfect SAT score

[00:07:28] From book rejections to launching Prep Expert

[00:09:31] Growing Prep Expert during medical school breaks

[00:10:01] Lessons on empathy and education from Shaan’s childhood environment

[00:13:17] Dealing with rejection and embracing the underdog mentality

[00:15:00] Parental influence and leading by example

[00:20:56] Shaan's Shark Tank audition and securing a deal with Mark Cuban

[00:26:57] Insights into working with Mark Cuban

[00:28:56] What Prep Expert offers and the value of test preparation beyond exams

[00:31:29] Entrepreneurship as freedom versus residency constraints

[00:33:35] The risks and uncertainties of entrepreneurship

[00:37:09] The importance of prioritizing helping others over making money

[00:40:18] Are standardized tests valid measures of intelligence?

[00:41:30] How test preparation builds essential life skills

[00:44:31] The most important advice Shaan plans to give his child

[00:46:30] Balancing career, entrepreneurship, and family life

[00:51:18] Advice for healthcare providers considering entrepreneurship

In this episode of I’ll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Ron Cukier, whose life story spans survival, loss, and renewal. Born to Holocaust survivors, Ron opens up about the deep family traumas that shaped him and the decades-long battle with alcohol and drugs that nearly cost him everything. He recounts how a wrong number led him to his wife, how hitting rock bottom saved his life, and why sobriety remains the foundation of his success. From faith and family to honesty about addiction, Ron’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Ron Cukier’s family background and Holocaust legacy

[00:01:09] The impact of generational trauma and survival stories

[00:02:43] Early childhood, faith, and growing up in Boyle Heights

[00:06:14] How Ron’s mother’s hope and faith kept her alive

[00:10:31] College life, privilege, and the seeds of addiction

[00:14:27] First experience with alcohol and early drinking stories

[00:18:12] Short-lived marriages and escaping through Europe

[00:26:00] Meeting Danielle through a wrong number call

[00:29:59] Addiction deepens and Danielle leaves

[00:33:06] Hitting rock bottom and entering rehab

[00:35:32] Detox, rehab lessons, and the turning point

[00:38:05] Finding community and support in meetings

[00:40:02] Staying sober and giving back to others

[00:42:01] Faith, a higher power, and rebuilding life

[00:48:58] Mentors, his mother’s influence, and life lessons

[00:50:52] Reflections on antisemitism and generational strength

[00:53:10] Final thoughts on speaking up, hope, and resilience

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab