Hey Collective Crew, Shaun here. This week on The Gold Mine, Chance and I were joined by Michael Laughlin and Jarret Robinson, the co-founders of Untapped 60, for an incredibly powerful and moving conversation. Born from Michael’s life-altering story of trauma, loss, and an unbreakable will to live, Untapped 60 has become a movement dedicated to showing people that they possess a deep well of untapped potential. The discussion navigated the raw realities of hitting rock bottom, the vital role of brotherhood, and the mindset required to reframe catastrophic adversity into fuel for a better life.
This Week’s Voices of Resilience:
– Micheal Laughlin: Canada’s only above-knee amputee full-time firefighter, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Untapped 60.
– Jarret Robinson: Co-founder of Untapped 60, lifelong friend to Michael, and the driving force behind the “Make It a Great Day” platform.
Key Insights from Our “Untapped 60” Discussion:
1. The “Untapped 60” Philosophy
Jarret explained the core concept: when we believe we’re completely spent – spiritually, physically, emotionally – we are typically only operating at about 40% of our true potential. There is an “untapped 60%” of resilience, strength, and will inside all of us, waiting to be accessed. Michael’s story is a living testament to this principle.
2. A Story of Hardship and Resilience
Michael shared his harrowing journey in detail: a catastrophic snowmobile accident, a battle with opioid addiction, the tragic suicide of his girlfriend, hitting rock bottom after being arrested, and then a second horrific motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of his leg. His story is one of layered trauma that would have broken most.
3. The Choice to Live
A crucial theme was the conscious choice to live. In both accidents, Michael described moments where he was ready to give up and die, but an internal drive – a refusal to let his family down, an instinct to fight – kept him going. Jarret emphasized that while many of us just have to breathe, Michael had to actively decide to live, multiple times.
4. The Power of a Single Human Connection
In the ditch after his motorcycle accident, bleeding out, a pivotal moment came when a stranger, an elderly retired teacher, came to his side, held him, and told him he was going to be okay. Michael stressed how vital that simple act of human kindness was, giving him the extra boost he needed to hold on.
5. Reframing the Narrative – From Victim to Warrior
After his amputation, Michael’s focus wasn’t on what he’d lost, but on what he would do next. Lying in his hospital bed, he immediately asked his dad to look up the best prosthetic leg in the world, inspired by an image of a Green Beret. This act of forward-looking determination, of choosing a warrior mindset over a victim mindset, was the key to his recovery.
6. The Long Road Back & The Power of “Why”
Michael’s return to active duty as a firefighter – a feat no one else in Canada has accomplished as an above-knee amputee was the result of grueling, focused work, supported by his crew. His “why” wasn’t just to get his job back, but to prove it could be done, refusing to let the accident define his limits.
7. The Gift of Helping Others
Both Michael and Jarret now find their greatest fulfillment in helping others through Untapped 60. Michael shared that the best feeling he’s had in the last nine years is sharing his story and seeing it change someone’s life. This turns his personal challenges into a powerful gift for the collective.
Final Thought: Your Rock Bottom Can Be Your Bedrock
Michael Laughlin’s story is a stark and powerful reminder that our deepest well of strength is often discovered in our darkest moments. “Untapped 60” isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the incredible, often hidden, reservoir of resilience that resides within each of us. His journey proves that even after unimaginable trauma, it is possible to not just survive, but to rebuild, reclaim your purpose, and use your experience to become a beacon of hope for others.
What untapped potential lies within you?
Listen to the full “Untapped 60” discussion here: Untapped 60
Learn more about Michael and Jarret’s work at Untapped60.com
Keep digging deep,
Shaun & The Collective Crew
