Please tell us about yourself.
I’m John B. Grimes, a meningitis survivor, advocate, and storyteller. My journey began in 1998 when bacterial meningitis changed my life overnight, leaving me with permanent invisible disabilities and reshaping how I view the world. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to raising awareness about meningitis and empowering others to face life’s challenges with resilience.
I have over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, helping individuals and families protect what matters most. I’m also the co-founder of Shots 4 Meningitis, a national event raising awareness for meningitis and providing critical support for survivors and families affected by meningitis, and I host a podcast, Destiny Is Debatable, where I explore how life’s unexpected twists shape us. Currently, I’m working on a memoir to share my story and inspire others to build meaningful lives, regardless of their circumstances.
Outside of work, I’m a family man, a lover of music, and someone who finds tremendous joy in connecting with others. For me, it’s all about embracing life as it is and helping others do the same.
How did you get to be where you are today?
Before meningitis, I was a typical college student—19 years old and convinced I was ten feet tall and bulletproof. Life felt limitless, and I rarely gave much thought to how quickly it could all change. Then, in February 1998, everything did.
Bacterial meningitis struck out of nowhere, and I spent eight days in a coma, fighting for my life. When I woke up, everything I had taken for granted was gone. I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and adjust to invisible disabilities, including blindness and neurological dysfunction, that would forever shape how I navigate the world.
I’ve been incredibly blessed along the way, with support from my family, friends, and my Christian faith, which has been a constant source of strength and hope. It taught me to find purpose in life’s hardest moments and gave me the resilience to keep moving forward.
While I approach my story with humility, I also recognize how fascinating and unexpected my life has been, full of twists, turns, and even some miracles. It’s this journey that inspired me to write a memoir. My hope is to share what I’ve learned about faith, resilience, and the power of community, so others might find encouragement in their own challenges.
Have you ever been fired?
No, I’ve never been fired—though I’ve probably tested a manager’s patience once or twice! I like to think my ability to adapt, learn, and keep a good sense of humor has kept me gainfully employed. Life has a way of teaching you lessons without the need for a pink slip.
What are your real passions?
My real passions revolve around connection, advocacy, and living life with purpose. As a survivor, I’m deeply committed to raising awareness of meningitis and supporting those affected by its brutality. Sharing my story has become a way to inspire resilience in others while reminding myself of the strength we all possess.
I’m also passionate about storytelling. I believe in the saying, “facts tell and stories sell,” because while facts can inform, it’s stories that truly connect us and move us to action. Whether it’s through my advocacy work or meaningful conversations, storytelling allows me to create connections that resonate on a deeper level.
My experiences have taught me to embrace a “don’t wait” mindset. Life can change in an instant, so I believe in acting now—whether it’s pursuing a goal, helping someone in need, or simply telling someone you care. For me, life’s greatest passion is making the most of every moment and connecting with others along the way.
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
If I won the lottery, I’d focus on turning my family into my full-time “work”—though most would call it play. I’d invest in creating unforgettable experiences with them while ensuring we had the time and freedom to truly enjoy life together.
Of course, I’d also dedicate a significant portion to advocacy—not just for those affected by meningitis, but to help people succeed in life regardless of their circumstances. My goal would be to inspire others not to wait but to act now, even if that means taking two steps forward and one step back. After all, that’s still progress—and in Texas, we even call it dancing.
And because no lottery win is complete without a little indulgence, I’d probably splurge on something ridiculous—like a house with a slide instead of stairs. You know, for the grandkids someday.
What do you do to help others be their best?
I help others be their best by connecting with them through stories and lessons from my life and others I’ve met. These experiences are often transferable, offering new perspectives on how to navigate challenges and take meaningful action.
Progress isn’t always linear, but small steps forward can lead to big changes. I encourage people to focus on what they can do today and remind them that their potential is often greater than they realize. It’s about connection, encouragement, and helping others see what’s possible within themselves.
How do you help yourself be the best you can be?
I help myself be the best I can be by leaning on my faith, maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, and seeking guidance from others. Whether it’s through meaningful conversations or reading books that challenge and inspire me, I’m always looking for ways to grow. Staying connected to my faith and the people around me not only keeps me grounded but also helps keep me accountable to my goals and values.
What do you like to do in your personal life?
In my personal life, I try to keep up with three little Texas tornadoes at home—they keep me on my toes and laughing every day. I also enjoy podcasting as a creative outlet and a way to connect with others.
I’m an avid music listener and collector—I just love music. Whether it’s exploring new artists or rediscovering classics, music has always been a constant source of joy and inspiration in my life. I love how music can make me feel and even move me—often literally!
I’m also in the process of writing my first book, a memoir-style account of a life profoundly changed by unexpected circumstances. It’s been an incredible journey of reflection and storytelling, and I’m excited to share it with the world very soon.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
In the future, I hope to continue making a meaningful impact through advocacy and storytelling, raising awareness for meningitis and supporting those affected by it. My professional goal is to bring my message of Don’t Wait to the world—a career pivot that will allow me to inspire and empower millions to take bold action, overcome obstacles, and create lives filled with meaning and purpose.
On a personal level, I want to create lasting memories with my family and set an example for my children about the power of purpose and perseverance.
What is a book or two that you recommend?
I wasn’t always a reader, but that changed after school when I began picking up books I was truly interested in, rather than ones I was assigned. That’s when I discovered the power of a good story to transform perspectives, spark action, and even change lives.
There isn’t enough room here to list all my favorites, but three books that have profoundly influenced me and inspired me to write my own are Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad, There I Am by Ruthie Lindsey, and The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday.
Between Two Kingdoms is a raw and honest memoir about living in the space between illness and recovery, a journey I deeply relate to as a meningitis survivor. There I Am is a beautiful story of resilience, faith, and finding meaning after life takes an unexpected turn—reminders I’ve held close in my own life. The Obstacle Is the Way takes a timeless, stoic approach to life’s challenges, showing how setbacks can become opportunities to grow stronger—a mindset I strive to embody every day.
These books didn’t just shape my perspective; they showed me what’s possible through storytelling. They’ve inspired me to share my own story in the hope of helping others, just as they’ve helped me.
Please give us one or two shameless plugs.
Shameless? Oh, absolutely. I’m so good at it, I could teach a masterclass! But since we’re here, let me tell you about a few things I’m proud of:
First up, Shots 4 Meningitis! This national event brings people together to raise awareness for meningitis and support survivors and their families. It’s a cause close to my heart, and you can learn more or get involved at shots4meningitis.com (https://shots4meningitis.com).
Next, my podcast, Destiny Is Debatable, and blog at johnbgrimes.com (https://johnbgrimes.com). It’s where I have meaningful conversations, share stories, insights, and the occasional belly laugh as I explore resilience, advocacy, and what makes ordinary people become extraordinary.
And here’s the big one: my forthcoming book, set to be published in 2025! If you want to stay in the loop and be first in line to grab your copy, join the Don’t Wait List at johnbgrimes.com (https://johnbgrimes.com). Why wait when you can be ahead of the curve?
What are some of your favorites? (books, websites, etc..)
There are so many incredible podcasts out there that narrowing down a favorite feels impossible. I’m constantly drawn to shows about faith, health, entrepreneurship, writing, inspiration, and history—topics that keep my curiosity alive and my mind inspired.
That said, my ultimate passion isn’t a podcast—it’s music. I’m a collector and an avid listener of just about every genre under the sun. Music doesn’t just move me; it transforms me. There’s nothing quite like the way a song can lift my mood, get me dancing, or catapult me back in time. Hearing a melody randomly at a grocery store can unlock a vivid memory from childhood, complete with sights, smells, and emotions I thought I’d forgotten. Music is the ultimate time machine, a universal language, and an endless well of joy and inspiration in my life.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I’ve learned how quickly life can change and how important it is to find strength and purpose in the face of challenges. It took me a while to get to this place, but that journey gave me a deep desire to help others get there faster—to discover their resilience, embrace their potential, and take meaningful steps forward.
Sharing my story and working to inspire others isn’t about drawing attention to myself—it’s about creating a ripple effect of hope and action. If something I’ve experienced can make someone else’s path a little easier or inspire them to take that first step, then it’s worth it.
Ultimately, I do what I do because I believe we’re here to lift each other up. Whether it’s through storytelling, advocacy, or simply being present for someone, I want to make the most of the time I’ve been given and help others do the same.
What do the words "Best Ever You" mean to you?
To me, “Best Ever You” is about becoming the best version of yourself, not by chasing perfection, but by embracing growth, resilience, and authenticity—regardless of your circumstances. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities and making the most of each day by taking even small steps forward.
It also reflects the power of connection—lifting others up, sharing experiences, and realizing our best selves are often shaped by those around us. It’s a mindset: don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start now, embrace progress over perfection, and trust in the extraordinary potential within yourself.
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