E136 | Josh Komen

Episode summary | Josh Komen

At the age of 23 Josh Komen was one of the fastest runners in New Zealand. Then, in a blink of an eye, he became one of the sickest.

Josh was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia not once, but twice. This diagnosis took him on a 10-year battle of deep depression, an allogeneic stem cell transplant, being put into a coma, developing graft vs host disease, multiple complications, all while experiencing multiple heart attacks – and somehow in the middle of this hell – he climbed Mt. Everest and went on 200 sky dives.

Today, 10 years after he received his deadly diagnosis, he is alive, strong, healthy and happy. Not only did he survive but he began to thrive. Josh reclaimed back his health, through patience and persistence and is now married and a father.

Through his suffering, Josh has learnt so much about the human condition and we cover it all.  Strap in – Josh is an absolute legend.

Show notes | Josh Komen

0:00 How is Josh Komen?

3:08 Ruth Croft on Josh Komen

7:59 Current perspective on life

11:30 The influence of the West Coast

16:41 Pre-cancer Josh Komen

20:18 A potential career in running

26:26 The beginning of the journey into sickness

33:02 Learning to ask for help

41:09 The importance of humour in recovery

47:29 Reaching Everest Base Camp

59:14 Jumping out of planes

1:04:20 Cancer 2.0 and a “random” stem cell donor

1:10:49 The suicide disease

1:18:37 Wim Hof and a series of heart attacks

1:25:15 Ice baths and cold immersion

1:31:57 The best part of the story: Sibille Komen

1:40:51 The closeness of a family

1:43:49 Thoughts on suffering

1:46:17 Raising money for Ranui House

1:50:46 Tūrangawaewae and aqua dumps

1:53:18 Last words from Steve, Seamus, and Josh