My travels, adventures,
and life.


Gene outside at a fair with a large bull and the Texas flag is displayed behind them.

“Howdy partners and a big, warm, western welcome from Austin, Texas” -Gene Rodgers

Though I live in Austin, TX now, I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I broke my neck at age 17 when I fell from a cliff at Whipp’s Ledges in Ohio. The good news is, since then, I have had many adventures in 44 countries. Some of the many activities I’ve enjoyed include sailing, sky diving, scuba diving, paragliding, and I even made an expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp. 

Gene relaxing outside enjoying the sunshine.

Things I’ve Done

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Travels


Have traveled on 6 continents, in 44 countries and island nations, and on several bodies of water.

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Adventures


Enjoyed skydiving, paragliding to scuba diving to trekking in the Himalayas and an expedition to Mt. Everest.

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Self-Made Millionaire


Was at one time, a self-made millionaire.

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Education


Earned a bachelors degree in Education, an MBA, and graduate and post-graduate studies in rehabilitation.

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Career


Have worked in the field of disabilities, in Texas, New Mexico, and California.

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Recognition


Earned a Switzer Research Fellowship from the Federal Dept. of Education.

This was all AFTER I became disabled.

Read my book to learn more about my life adventures!


This book is more than an inspirational memoir of a man’s triumph over tragedy. It is the life story of Gene R. Rodgers, an ordinary man who, with the help of his extraordinary friends, builds an incredible life.

This memoir chronicles significant events in the life of Rodgers as he recovers from an accident, at age 17, that leaves him almost completely paralyzed, for life. In “Awesome by Accident”, The author regales readers with anecdotes describing academic, professional, recreational and entrepreneurial quests that have earned him the moniker, AWESOME.

GoodReads Rating – 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazon Rating – 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Buy Awesome by Accident at many major book sellers.

Someones hands holding on to the Awesome by accident book

Book Reviews


“Awesome by Accident” offers a truly unique and intimate insight of how awesome life can be. I will always be grateful to Gene for the amazing courage and fortitude he has demonstrated, the eager willingness with which he approached every day of life as an adventurer, and the goose-bump filled inspiration that he has been for all who have been fortunate to cross his beautiful path.

Bruce Campbell

“To put it simply, Gene is the most remarkable human I’ve ever known. To see up close how much his injury took from him, and how he then chose to nevertheless live a fearless, full- throated life, made it impossible to not love him. I don’t want to miss a word of the story of his incredible life.”

Jane White Taylor

Get to know Gene.


The Gene And Dave Show. Now, along with my co-host, Dave Dauber, create shows that are broadcast on Austin Public Access TV. Our shows are captioned and archived at www.TheGeneAndDaveShow.com Our show has won several awards including a Telly.

Background image caption: Gene and Dave receive an award for their hit podcast show.

Gene and Dave at the VSA awards.

Who I’ve collaborated with…

  • Coalition of Texans with Disabilities logo
  • Knowability Logo
  • ADAPT logo
  • Art Spark Texas Logo
  • Coalition of Texans with Disabilities logo
  • Knowbility Logo
  • ADAPT logo
  • Art Spark Texas Logo

Get in touch.

Let me know what you think of my site.

Email me at USAgeno@gmail.com