Jake Haendel

Jake Haendel is the only known survivor of stage four Acute Toxic Progressive Leukoencephalopathy—a rare and typically fatal brain disease that left him fully locked-in: conscious but unable to move, speak, or breathe on his own.

Since his extraordinary recovery in 2021, Haendel has become a powerful voice in mental health, disability advocacy, and resilience.

He is the co-creator of the viral podcast "Blink"—consistently a Top 10 Podcast and one of Apple Podcasts’ Best of 2025—and the co-founder of Ahoi, a tech startup focused on accessibility innovation. Blending lived experience with raw insight, Haendel offers a rare perspective on trauma, addiction, recovery, and the human condition that few in the world can match.

Haendel’s reflective storytelling explores the lessons learned and the profound shift in perspective gained from surviving the impossible. His goal is not just to inspire, but to challenge audiences to reevaluate how they’re living—offering a window into a mindset forged through trauma, so others might access it without having to experience it themselves.

In addition to his keynote storytelling, Haendel regularly delivers focused talks for clinical and academic audiences—covering topics such as speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, ICU care, and treating patients with nonverbal or altered consciousness. He also speaks candidly about substance use disorder and its lasting impact.