We must create stories, not statistics.
In the tapestry of storytellers, Caleb Rixon stands as a luminary. Trained at the distinguished Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), he emerged not just as an artist, but as a rare and profound storyteller.
Caleb's narrative is woven from threads of triumph over adversity. From the seismic shift of a life-altering stroke at 24 to becoming a global advocate for stroke and brain injury survivors; his journey resonates through esteemed platforms like ABC News, ABC TV, ABC Radio National, ABC Melbourne ‘Homespun’, SBS Insight, and Channel Seven’s House of Wellness.
In founding the Genyus Foundation, Caleb constructed a sanctuary for those touched by disability and difference, a testament to his belief that every voice and narrative, deserves not only to be heard, but to be celebrated. As the Chief Vision Officer of the Genyus Network, Caleb embodies the boundless potential within each individual.
Caleb's work extends beyond the borders of nations, resonating with audiences worldwide and earning him a coveted place among the select 100 attendees at 'Heal the Voices' conference in New Jersey, USA, presented by Janssen, Johnson & Johnson.
His literary contributions are as impactful as his spoken words. Publications like "Disability, Dating and Disclosure" published by ABC News, "Connection: Stories not statistics" published by Cambridge University Press and “Finding Yourself After Stroke” by Disruptive Publishing are markers of his literary prowess.
His voice, both written and spoken, has graced events including keynote presentations for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA), STROKE 2018 National Conference, 2020 Australian Institute Digital Health Summit, and 2022 UK Stroke Forum. In online health events, he's illuminated discussions at "Fresh Voices in Brain Impairment” and "Help Disrupt The Isolation Industry” for Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI), as well as Digital Health Week 2022.
When Caleb takes the stage, his presence is a fusion of authenticity, vulnerability, and empowerment, transforming every event into a pivotal experience.
As Master of Ceremonies, his dynamic hosting style has graced awards ceremonies such as the 2023 Geelong Disability Awards by genU and City of Greater Geelong (COGG) and the 2023 National Disability Awards by National Disability Services (NDS). He’s also lent his charismatic touch to national conferences for NDS, ASSBI, OTA, Health Justice Australia plus public events for the Stroke Association of Victoria and genU.
Caleb's influence extends to major brands as well, having spoken for NBN, BUPA and L'Oréal Australia, showcasing his ability to resonate with diverse audiences and industries. Inviting Caleb to your event means inviting a storyteller whose narrative transcends boundaries.
His journey is an ode to the resilience of the human spirit, and his presence on stage is an invitation to believe in the boundless potential within us all.
It's an opportunity to experience the power of storytelling, resilience, and inspiration personified in one exceptional individual.
Talking Points
Impactful Storytelling
Hear from the horse's mouth, how this young stroke survivor has navigated a journey of endless obstacles. From being on the precipice of a highly successful professional career in musical theatre to experiencing a cataclysmic event that catapulted him from being a professional singer, actor and dancer to not being able to walk, talk or swallow. Hear how he traversed his journey of being a 24-year-old man, trapped in a newborn's body, to living a life of gratitude and limitless potential.
Impactful Storytelling
Becoming Resilient
Uncover a process of becoming resilient in 3 simple steps.
Becoming Resilient
Building Safe Spaces & Trust
Through reflective and comedic insights shared of Cal's lived experiences of brain injury and in developing a global community of trauma survivors and their supporters, learn practical methods for creating S.A.F.E. spaces and how to build T.R.U.S.T.
Building Safe Spaces & Trust
MC & Host
A cheeky and charismatic MC, Cal brings unique value to special events, including weddings, symposiums and fundraisers such as ‘Will2Walk 2018’, which helped raise over $40,000 for the Stroke Association of Victoria, and symposiums such as genU’s celebration for International Day for People With Disability 'TOGETHER'.
MC & Host
Video
Caleb Rixon | Stroke Survivor, Inspirational Speaker, Host & MC | Saxton Speakers
Caleb Rixon | Keynote Sample
Should you disclose a disability on a first date? | Caleb Rixon | ABC Australia
Caleb Rixon's experience on a date triggered a reflection on when to disclose a disability to a potential partner. Caleb's stage career was taking off when his life took a sudden and unexpected turn. He went from being a budding actor, singer and dancer to a baby unable to walk, talk or swallow, with permanent double vision and vertigo. Caleb faced a long path to recovery after suffering a catastrophic stroke. In his first date after rehab a comedy-of-errors taught him about his disability and disclosure.Caleb Rixon - ABC Artworks
Caleb (Cal) Rixon is a queer, young stroke survivor with invisible disabilities carrying his own thoughts about feeling obscure and obscuring oneself from society. Naturally he’s curious when the opportunity arises to meet the members of Matt Hsu’s “Obscure Orchestra”. He candidly chats with Matt and other orchestra members to uncover what “being obscure” means to them, how it influences their artistic journeys - individually and collectively, plus how they’ve created a safe, inclusive, artistic space to take ownership of their obscurity.Caleb presented one of the most moving accounts of head injury that I have ever heard. He provided remarkable insights into his day to day experiences of recovery and his wider perceptions. ... keep reading University of Nottingham
Caleb’s powerful personal keynote address set the programme proper off to an exceptional start from the insider’s perspective - wisdom and entertainment so skilfully crafted!
Caleb Rixon talked to us last week about Resilience and Connection. His story and journey were weaved throughout and made his message relatable and meaningful.I know the words resilience and connection will continue to drive what I do and how I interact.
Cal stepped into the MC role seamlessly. We couldn’t have hoped for a better MC and panel of speakers.
Caleb is one of my favourite people to work with. While maintaining his professionalism, he injects such warmth and fun into his emcee role and makes the audience really engaged.
