Nick Santonastasso was given a 30% chance of surviving birth.

Born with no legs and one arm, Nick was born with Hanhart Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which either leaves the babies with undeveloped limbs or undeveloped organs.

Despite the hand he was dealt, here’s just a small teaser of what Nick has accomplished:

• Decided to amputate part of his arm to become a wrestler and wrestled on the high school varsity team
• Became a professional bodybuilder and won 3rd place in his first competition at the “Iron Bay Classic”
• Toured with Tony Robbins on stage, impacting 1,000,000+ people
• Inspired GIANTS in today’s world, including people like Ed Mylett and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

This is a story that you will NOT want to miss.

We not only dive into Nick’s incredible adventures, but unpack his mindset that has propelled him on his journey.

As Nick says, “The biggest DISABILITY you can have is a BAD MINDSET.”

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Nick Santonastasso

In this transformative episode of Beyond Curious, host Brandon Fong introduces Nick Santonastasso, an extraordinary individual who has continuously defied the odds throughout his life. Despite being born with no legs and only one arm due to a rare genetic disorder, Nick has become a best-selling author, world-renowned keynote speaker, and professional bodybuilder. Brandon dives into Nick's inspiring journey, exploring how he turned his challenges into strengths, becoming a beacon of motivation for millions, including celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Tony Robbins. Nick’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, self-belief, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Timestamps & Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction to Nick Santonastasso: Brandon introduces Nick, highlighting his incredible achievements despite being born with Hanhart syndrome, a rare disorder that left him with undeveloped limbs.

04:33 - Zombie Prank at Walmart: Nick recounts the viral moment that catapulted him to fame—a zombie prank in Walmart that became the number one video on Vine, leading to unexpected opportunities.

09:35 - Nick’s Birth Story: Nick shares the emotional story of his parents' journey during his birth, including the challenges they faced when doctors advised them to abort due to his condition.

14:26 - Childhood and Upbringing: Nick reflects on his childhood, how his parents treated him normally, and how this approach shaped his resilience and solution-oriented mindset.

21:07 - Joining the Wrestling Team: Nick talks about his decision to join his high school wrestling team despite his physical limitations, and the pivotal role this played in boosting his confidence.

30:50 - Wrestling Challenges: A deep dive into Nick's wrestling experience, focusing on how he dealt with losses and what kept him motivated to continue.

39:17 - Transition to Bodybuilding: Nick discusses his journey into bodybuilding, driven by a desire for self-improvement and validation, and how he became a successful competitor.

44:57 - The Power of Reframing: Nick elaborates on the concept of reframing—changing the meaning of experiences to serve oneself—and how this has been crucial in overcoming challenges.

51:36 - Dealing with Public Perception: Nick shares how he handles being stared at in public, using humor and positive reframing to maintain his confidence and happiness.

Links & Resources:

• Nick Santonastasso's YouTube Channel: Check out Nick's content where he shares his journey and insights.
• Nick Santonastasso’s Linkedin Profile
• The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone: A book referenced during the episode.
• Tony Robbins' Website: Explore the work of one of Nick’s mentors.