Joey Rodrigues - An Interview With The Toad: Jordan Frantz!

**webmaster** · 06-01-2005, 03:20 PM

Some people would simply give up and let the cards lead their lives whether they are dealt a good or bad hand. Well in this inspirational interview we talk to someone who has successfully overcome major adversity. Read to learn more about... the Toad.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jrod13.htm

HOW TO REVIEW: Post Your Review Of This Article - CLICK ON POST REPLY BELOW! You do NOT need to be a registered member to post a reply in this section!

06-01-2005, 06:08 PM

Talk about a freaking hero. You rock man, taking advantage of everything you were given and only having to learn the hard way once before you started to live life instead of take it for granted.

Nice

Clayton South · 06-01-2005, 07:18 PM

Jordan,

Congratulations on the great job you're doing! You're working hard with what you've got, and it shows. You look great!

I know that you're going to be a big inspiration to everyone who reads your remarkable story. You inspired me, and I thank you.

Best,

-Clayton South

TheUnlikelyToad · 06-02-2005, 10:13 AM

Hey thanks guys, I appreciate tha kind words.

I'm rather pleased with tha article myself. Will really did a nice layout. If I knew we had this much time to play around with it, I would of taken better more updated pictures. Tha newest are already about 9 months old.

I want to take tha time to thank both J-Rod and Layne Norton once again. This was actually Layne's idea but didn't have sufficient time to bring it to light so Joey took it over. They are truely good people

Currently, I'm looking forward to start working on my own articles and along side some of tha great companies on this very board.

**str8flexed** · 06-02-2005, 02:59 PM

someone i'm proud to know on a first name basis. Jordan, the metaphor with the frog was beautiful man. I'm going to go lift my ****ing ass off tonight!

drewkowsky · 06-02-2005, 05:20 PM

a great article
as someone in a similar boat, it was really nice to read

06-02-2005, 07:33 PM

jeez, and i was whining to myself that i have to hit flat dumbell presses at 6am tommorow b4 work until i read this. very inspirational

KGarnett21 · 06-02-2005, 09:33 PM

A truly inspirational article.

Congrats on all you have accomplished Jordan.

TheUnlikelyToad · 06-03-2005, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

jeez, and i was whining to myself that i have to hit flat dumbell presses at 6am tommorow b4 work until i read this. very inspirational

Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'd be whining too.

I HATE morning training sessions. My brain just doesn't want to wake up. I'd only train that way if there was no other way possible to fit it in. Even still, to train at 6 AM I'd have to wake up at 4!

I usually lift somewhere between 7-9 at night.

Trigger · 06-03-2005, 07:03 AM

Fantastic stuff.. keep it up dude.

Totally motivational!

TheUnlikelyToad · 06-04-2005, 11:23 AM

I just wanted to make note that although tha email responses I've gotten tha past few days is quite overwhelming, I'm doing everything I can to write back to each and everyone of you. I never thought in a million years I'd get this kind of feedback.

It's all quite flattering, thank you so much.

TheUnlikelyToad · 06-04-2005, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewkowsky

a great article
as someone in a similar boat, it was really nice to read

Similar as in having CP?

forklift · 06-05-2005, 03:10 AM

good article!

don't forget to put your computer to work, as suggested here!

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=380351

WillieInc · 11-03-2005, 02:56 PM

I have CP, myself, and I know exactly what you have been through. Congratulations on your successes. Perhaps I should submit something to BB.com on my journey to make my nody as best as it can be.

TheUnlikelyToad · 11-03-2005, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillieInc

I have CP, myself, and I know exactly what you have been through. Congratulations on your successes. Perhaps I should submit something to BB.com on my journey to make my nody as best as it can be.

I say go for it bro.

I just got your email and was going to reply but I'll do it here since you bumped tha old article. I'm not sure why they didn't set up a review option for tha new one, but such is life.

Indeed, there are more of "us" than most think and its all about putting a good foot forward and moving on. Life is too precious to be bitter about things. You end up wasting a lot of time feeling sorry about your situation and not taking time to really EXPERIENCE life. If I can inspire people like yourself to make positive changes and not accept things for what they 'might' be then it is all well worth it.

God Bless

BTW, why not throw some pictures up?

WillieInc · 11-03-2005, 06:04 PM

I have thought about it, and I want to- but I have had so many transformations I am not sure where or what they'd want to have. I have been anorexic 108 pounds and also a whopping 305 pounds in my life, along with a lot of in between transformations. Currently I am 5'8, 145, 5% body fat. I also have a host of different looks I go through, as I am an artist and i like to change my look- so if I do decide to submit pictures, I might have to put a disclaimer up so people understand that I don't do it "to look good" I do it to feel good and as an artform. I'm sure when they see pictures of mohawks, spikes, dreadlocks, and the different ways I dress and paint my room, they aren't going to know what hit them lol.............I wouldn't want them to edit anything or take anything out if I did it, so whatever I put in- it has to be in complete form.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheUnlikelyToad

I say go for it bro.

I just got your email and was going to reply but I'll do it here since you bumped tha old article. I'm not sure why they didn't set up a review option for tha new one, but such is life.

Indeed, there are more of "us" than most think and its all about putting a good foot forward and moving on. Life is too precious to be bitter about things. You end up wasting a lot of time feeling sorry about your situation and not taking time to really EXPERIENCE life. If I can inspire people like yourself to make positive changes and not accept things for what they 'might' be then it is all well worth it.

God Bless

BTW, why not throw some pictures up?

TheUnlikelyToad · 11-04-2005, 09:23 AM

That seems a little reminisant of Dan Keplinger, a la "King Gimp".

So I'm assuming you're not very spastic then since your weight has fluctuated so much? I tend to think in some regards it has helped me to keep my set point rather low.

WillieInc · 11-04-2005, 09:25 PM

Actually bodybuilding has improved most of my spastic tendencies. I used to have very poor balance, especially in my walk, but through bodybuilding, everything has improved. In the past year and a half, I even get compliments on how the way I walk is more "graceful", and for people to notice something like my walk has changed- that's very good news to me. I used to fall all over the place and walk into things, as a child I was very sloppy with how I walked, but refused to wear braces, because I wanted to improve my body on my own, and through a lot of work and determination, I surpassed- the doctors said I'd be in a wheel chair by 30, and here I am at 32 doing amazing things never thought possible. The things I canot change is how my bones formed; as my right leg is shorter than my left, but I can always improve on them, and I do. I did have surgeries 8 years ago on my legs, but to be honest, I regret them, because the steel plate in my feet hinder me from certain bodybuilding motions, especially lunges, but I do them the best I can. Before my surgeries, I had a lot more motion, because there was no steel, and I knew how to move and handle my feet- but hey- I know how to adapt and overcome. My walk may never be straight, nor will be certain neurological/physical challenegs i deal with, but I can never stress how much bodybuilding has made my life as pleasant and as accomplished as it is. The one thing I can say about the CP is I find it's made me be able to handle any pain bodybuilding gives most people; I mean my pain threshold is high, and I can take a lot of pain and suffering that most would collapse from. So- the CP does have it's advantages. I hope that translated wel into words. I take no medications for the pain I have from the CP and in turn, it's made me stronger and able to handle pain like no medicine ever can. I improve every day, and I feel it and I see it, and if I can only bottle the awesoem feelings I get- I would, and make this world a better place, but since I cannot do that- I just hope who ever does see me is inspired and builds from it.

As for my weight fluctuations- I was on a host of medications (for psychological disorders such as severe depression, OCPD {obsessive-compulsive personality disorder}, and anxiety), and they made me gain the most weight. For example, when I was first put on a medication called Anafrinil, I went from 120 pounds to 185 pounds within 2 months, and 3 months later I am over 300 pounds! The meds did nothing but cause more problems and made me gain tons of weight. I was a guinea pig for 6 years until I decided to not take medications at all and do it all on my own. In fact, this is my fifth year of being on my own- medication free- and I never felt better in my life. I use my OCPD toward bodybuilding, and as for depression and anxiety- they just went away over time. I swear bodybuilding is pretty much the answer for anything if anyone wants to improve their lives and well being.

The one thing I want to add before I close, is- one of the greatest compliments is when one of the guys at the gym I once admired and was jealous of- starts talking to me and asking me advice....and that recently happened, and nothing feels as good as that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheUnlikelyToad

That seems a little reminisant of Dan Keplinger, a la "King Gimp".

So I'm assuming you're not very spastic then since your weight has fluctuated so much? I tend to think in some regards it has helped me to keep my set point rather low.

TheUnlikelyToad · 11-05-2005, 12:46 PM

I think bodybuilding has helped with some of my tendencies but not all. Often people think it must have helped alot with my hand. In all honesty, if it has, its been subtle. Much like you I think my sense of balance is stronger, yet at times if I do stutter-step, I fall hard because I'm now more top heavy. OCD in terms of working out is quite evident for me as well. Sometimes this is a good thing, but I've also found it to be a burden too in some regards.

I could literally write so much more, but unfortunately I'm running a little short on time today. I'll try to get back to this eventually...

Since bb.com took down tha link on tha main page, here's my latest for those who wish to give feedback:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/theunlikelytoad1.htm

TheUnlikelyToad · 11-07-2005, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillieInc

I improve every day, and I feel it and I see it, and if I can only bottle the awesoem feelings I get- I would, and make this world a better place, but since I cannot do that- I just hope who ever does see me is inspired and builds from it.

Just like you, I can totally relate to this. This is EXACTLY why I do what I do. Sometimes people confuse my determination for arrogance, or they think I do this to 'toot my own horn'. It is however far from tha truth. My main drive is to show people that anything is possible within reasonable limits, and in some cases, even beyond them.

At this point in my life I'm at a crossroads. To be honest, I'm not sure where all this is leading me. I feel as if tha lord is calling my name and using me for a purpose far greater than I ever once expected. Tha feedback from people is overwhelming at times. I see how I effect so many, how many lives I've touched yet I'm not quite sure how to channel all this energy. That's why I'm wanting to write more. Through bb.com, tha doors have started to open (eventhough they did edit my last article)... In fact, a local sportscaster saw my interview with Joey and is now coming to my gym on Wed to do an on-air interview. So I guess what I'm trying to say is people do read this stuff.

Even if your articles don't entirely make tha cut, at least its something. You have to roll with tha punches, and as you said ADAPT. That's tha common thread here. I'll be writing on this in tha future without a doubt. It's how we survive. So in my eyes, if you have tha same heart as me (which no doubt you do), its really only a matter of time -- before someone SOMEWHERE sees your accomplishments for what they are and offer you opportunities beyond your wildest imagination... be it in tha physical form with a job opportunity or in spiritual form from God himself. I am his instrument.

WillieInc · 11-07-2005, 11:01 PM

WOW- this reply gave me the chills. God does use us as instruments, many times we don't know why- but as we let him use us, we gain more power beyond our expectations. There have been people who confused my motives, but a lot of times it was their own jealousy, or plain non understanding.

As for your crossroad, I have a small piece of advice; even if you are not sure where this is leading you, just keep doing it. In fact, I would like to share this quote with you;

We know nothing of tomorrow, our business is to be good and happy today.

There are times I get caught up in the future, but when I do- I stop thinking about it- or at least I try to- because there are some things we must let go of, and just let happen. I have had the tendencies of living in the past and future so much I was lost in the present, and once I embrace each present moment, the past makes sense, and the future falls rigth into place right where it would be. I am glad you love God, like I do, because it just shows us, and anyone who reads this how awesome He is.

Keep inspiring and touching people's lives- it's one of lifes' greatest gifts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheUnlikelyToad

Just like you, I can totally relate to this. This is EXACTLY why I do what I do. Sometimes people confuse my determination for arrogance, or they think I do this to 'toot my own horn'. It is however far from tha truth. My main drive is to show people that anything is possible within reasonable limits, and in some cases, even beyond them.

At this point in my life I'm at a crossroads. To be honest, I'm not sure where all this is leading me. I feel as if tha lord is calling my name and using me for a purpose far greater than I ever once expected. Tha feedback from people is overwhelming at times. I see how I effect so many, how many lives I've touched yet I'm not quite sure how to channel all this energy. That's why I'm wanting to write more. Through bb.com, tha doors have started to open (eventhough they did edit my last article)... In fact, a local sportscaster saw my interview with Joey and is now coming to my gym on Wed to do an on-air interview. So I guess what I'm trying to say is people do read this stuff.

Even if your articles don't entirely make tha cut, at least its something. You have to roll with tha punches, and as you said ADAPT. That's tha common thread here. I'll be writing on this in tha future without a doubt. It's how we survive. So in my eyes, if you have tha same heart as me (which no doubt you do), its really only a matter of time -- before someone SOMEWHERE sees your accomplishments for what they are and offer you opportunities beyond your wildest imagination... be it in tha physical form with a job opportunity or in spiritual form from God himself. I am his instrument.