From SWAT Negotiator to Cancer Warrior with Terry Tucker

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Terry Tucker—a Denver-based author, former SWAT hostage negotiator, and cancer survivor—about turning a life-changing cancer diagnosis into a purpose-driven journey. Terry shares the story of his rare melanoma, the challenges of major medical setbacks including limb amputation, and the practical wisdom that has helped him find meaning, connection, and sustainable excellence through adversity.

About the Guest:

Terry Tucker is a speaker, author, and podcast guest on the topic of self-development. Among his diverse professional roles, Terry has been a marketing executive, a hospital administrator, a SWAT Hostage Negotiator, and for the past thirteen years, a cancer warrior. He is the author of Sustainable Excellence: Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon And Extraordinary Life and a featured author of Perspectives On Cancer: Stories Of Healing, Hope, & Resilience.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating an unexpected cancer diagnosis and rare melanoma
• The emotional rollercoaster of receiving a life-limiting prognosis
• Losing a foot and a leg: adapting to profound changes in mobility and identity
• Lessons from a career in SWAT negotiation and coaching applied to surviving cancer
• The role of empathy, connection, and community in healing and resilience
• How to reframe devastating news into meaningful, purpose-driven action
• The creation of Terry’s book, "Sustainable Excellence," during recovery
• The ongoing choice to share personal stories and why it matters in imperfect adulting

Quote from the Episode: "How can I turn a death sentence into a life sentence? ... It was, well, how am I going to live, given the fact that I was a college athlete, I was a SWAT hostage negotiator? I’ve done things in my life that have prepared me for this." — Terry Tucker

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Welcome and guest introductions

[00:01:01] Terry’s passion for connecting with people

[00:02:33] SWAT negotiation and the art of going deep

[00:03:47] Receiving the cancer diagnosis

[00:04:21] Explaining rare melanoma and its challenges

[00:06:10] Life “before”—career, family, and the warning signs

[00:08:35] Telling his wife and seeking support

[00:12:23] Processing a terminal prognosis and embracing the journey

[00:16:07] Coping with five years of harsh treatment

[00:18:10] Amputations, COVID complications, and adapting to new limitations

[00:22:15] Reality of accessibility, mobility, and home modifications

[00:23:56] Choosing to share his story—private person goes public

[00:26:58] How SWAT negotiation skills help during crisis and recovery

[00:30:02] Negotiating with yourself: hope, perspective, and purpose

[00:32:52] About "Sustainable Excellence"—how it came to be

[00:35:24] Fun closing questions and favorite films

You can find Terry Tucker’s Book Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles To Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DXBW98K1

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