Finding Your Superpower: Teak Ruby-Ano's Story of Resilience, Purpose & Aloha

Defeating Can't Podcast

Defeating Can't Podcast
Finding Your Superpower: Teak Ruby-Ano's Story of Resilience, Purpose & Aloha
Oct 10, 2026 Andy

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What if your greatest superpower is something you haven't discovered yet?

Born and raised on Kauaʻi, Teak Ruby-Ano has spent his life overcoming challenges, discovering unexpected opportunities, and finding purpose through the people and community who believed in him.

Born with spina bifida and having undergone more than 30 surgeries before the age of 21, Teak knows adversity firsthand. But his story is about much more than the obstacles he's faced. It's about discovering a gift, finding your voice, and learning to use that gift for something bigger than yourself.

Today, Teak serves as a Public Information Officer for the County of Kauaʻi, using his talents in communication and storytelling to serve the island he loves.

In this episode of Defeating Can't, host Andy Bestwick explores Teak's remarkable journey, from the influence of his late mother and the mentors who helped him believe in himself to the pivotal moments that shaped his career. They also discuss his ongoing personal challenges, the resilience of Kauaʻi following Hurricane Lowell, and the extraordinary power of a community that lifts its people up.

Through it all, Teak shares a powerful philosophy: "Nobody is anybody without somebody else."

This is a story about resilience, gratitude, aloha, and the incredible things that can happen when someone believes in you before you believe in yourself.

What's your superpower? Have you discovered your ultimate CAN. yet?

Believe in the Spirit of CAN.

Visit our store: Spirit of CAN.
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Remember, the discussions and concepts discussed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. If the 'can't" in your mind ever becomes too much, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional. CAN. Ask for Help.

Episode Artwork Finding Your Superpower: Teak Ruby-Ano's Story of Resilience, Purpose & Aloha 1:10:22 Episode Artwork Jerry MacDonald: More Than the Miles 33:25 Episode Artwork How Hawaiʻi's Great Teachers Keep Learning, Growing, and Changing Lives 53:35 Episode Artwork Keali'i Fathers Day 26:29 Episode Artwork Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 7 | Filtering CAN'T in High-Pressure Moments 19:13 Episode Artwork A Father, A Son, and the Andes: Defeating Can't One Mile at a Time 29:44 Episode Artwork Stefan Gaar, Pt. 2 — 220-Day Check-In: Cycling Across Asia 20:23 Episode Artwork Finding the Glide: Sonny Cruz and the Moloka‘i Hoe - Paddling the World Championships 22:23 Episode Artwork Defeating CAN’T: CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 6 | Staying Positive When Others Aren’t: Mindset, Energy & Workplace Culture 22:51 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 5 | Just Start: The Power of First Steps and Forward Momentum 16:24 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 4 | Creating a Vision: Anchoring Your Life with Purpose 23:28 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 2 | Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: How to Catch Yourself in the Act 24:08 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep.3 | Resistance, Avoidance & Procrastination: Why We All Do It (and How to Push Through) 20:25 Episode Artwork CAN. THRIVE Series – Ep. 1 | What Does Well-being Really Mean? 21:51 Episode Artwork Kaya Waldman: Sleighing Giants at Nazaré 35:21 Episode Artwork Stefan Gaar: A Journey to Cycle Across Seven Continents 21:23 Episode Artwork Coach Jason Carnegie: My Performance Coach 43:49 Episode Artwork Teacher Jenna Katlin: The I CAN. Jar 26:18 Episode Artwork Kevin Mokuahi: What's your mountain? 38:57 Episode Artwork Denise MacDonald: A champion chasing down criminals and change 28:34 Episode Artwork Chris Simpson: His template to transcend addiction 33:46 Episode Artwork Franci: The fight of her life for mental healthcare 37:47 Episode Artwork Pohaku & Olivia: Leave your comfort zone NOW 36:10 Episode Artwork Makani Taniguchi: How we help kids on Kauai 32:45 Episode Artwork Kealii AKA Hawaiian: Shares his dreams and music 27:47