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Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

By Cristabelle Braden

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or ABI? This podcast is for you. Providing practical tools and inspirational interviews to equip, educate, and encourage the brain injury community. Hosted by award-winning TBI survivor, advocate, and singer/songwriter Cristabelle Braden, this is an uplifting podcast to bring hope to your darkest days.
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23. Brain Health - Strategies to Optimize your Brain for Healing (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

Hope Survives | Brain Injury PodcastApr 13, 2021

00:00
29:22
80. Wordlayer - Speaking Life, Love, and Hope through TBI (with Lindy Boone Michaelis)

80. Wordlayer - Speaking Life, Love, and Hope through TBI (with Lindy Boone Michaelis)

Today, Cristabelle is joined by Lindy Boone Michaelis, sharing her family’s journey with her son Ryan’s severe TBI. Brain injuries affect the entire family: "You get a call or you get notified, and for me, my life is now divided into two halves: before June 19, 2001 and after June 19, 2001... because everything changed."

Listen as Lindy shares from a place of vulnerability, wholehearted compassion, and kindness - and you are sure to be uplifted as she shares her story and words of life, love, and hope for both survivors and caregivers / family members. You are not alone!


0:00 Intro wtih Cristabele

6:45 Introducing Lindy

9:30 Her Son Ryan’s TBI

13:15 Processing, Praying, Journaling

16:00 Ryan’s Rehabilitation Journey

22:00 Growth in Communication

25:15 Family’s Journey

32:00 Ryan’s Reach - Nonprofit + Group Homes

39:30 Lindy’s Song - Wordlayer

43:45 Words of Hope


Lindy Boone Michaelis was born into an entertainment environment as the second daughter of singer/entertainer Pat Boone and grew up in Beverly Hills, California. For 7 years, the Boone Family toured all over the U.S. and internationally. The Boone Girls recorded several Christian albums, including “First Class” which was nominated for a Grammy award. Lindy is mother to Ryan, Jessica, and Tyler. She has been happily married to Mike Michaelis for 38 years. She has authored a book called “Heaven Hears” after her son Ryan had a tragic 3 story fall in 2001, telling of the family’s faith and the faithfulness of the Father to see them through this ordeal. The family started Ryan’s Reach, a foundation to support families of brain injury survivors in 2003 out of gratitude for Ryan’s survival and continued recovery. Lindy has just released her first original single, called “Wordlayer,” sung with her sisters Cherry Boone, Debby Boone, and Laury Boone. It is a beautiful song inspired by her son Ryan’s journey with traumatic brain injury.

Lindy’s new song- Wordlayer: ⁠https://www.ryansreach.com/wordlayer⁠ Lindy’s book- Heaven Hears: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/141438324X/⁠ 

Ryan’s Reach foundation: ⁠ryansreach.com⁠ 


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | ⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | ⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives⁠

Mar 22, 202449:05
79. Hope in Neuroplasticity + New Research and Technologies in Rehabilitation (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

79. Hope in Neuroplasticity + New Research and Technologies in Rehabilitation (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

Whether you just had a brain injury or if you are years or decades out, there is hope. Concussion protocol is continually evolving, there is always new research coming out, and new technologies that completely change the game! It is so encouraging to know that the future is bright in brain injury rehabilitation.


Today, Cristabelle is joined by Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center to share some examples of cutting edge research and technologies within the field of brain injury rehabilitation. There is so much hope for people to continue to get better after brain injury!


0:00 Intro with Cristabelle

7:00 Welcome Dr Schmoe + Hope for Neuroplasticity

10:45 Integrating Multi-sensory Stimulation

15:00 Addressing Brain Feeling “Off” or in Chaos

16:00 Putting the Pieces Together to bring Stability Back

18:15 Importance of Finding Root Cause

21:30 Hope in New Research

26:00 Concussion Protocol is Evolving

28:45 Newer Technologies for Rehab

35:50 Importance of Precise Exam for Precise Rehab

45:50 Metabolic Function, Nutrition, Inflammation, Histamines

48:30 Visual and Vestibular Integration

49:45 Words of Hope 


Previous Episodes with Dr. Schmoe:

#64 "How to Improve Symptoms on Hard Days"

#23 "Brain Health - Strategies to Optimize Your Brain for Healing"

Connect with Dr. Schmoe at thefnc.com

Email Cristabelle with questions at cristabelle@hopeafterheadinjury.com


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | ⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com⁠⁠⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | ⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: ⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives⁠

Mar 15, 202453:15
78. Your Voice Matters + TBI Act Reauthorization Efforts

78. Your Voice Matters + TBI Act Reauthorization Efforts

Did you know your voice can make a huge difference? Today Cristabelle shares about her experience advocating for brain injury in Washington D.C. and explains some of the specific asks for members of congress and senate. Brain Injury is invisible - so using our voice for awareness is even more important.


Significantly, this year the TBI Act is up for reauthorization. You can join the Brain Injury Association of America's letter writing campaign and ask your representative to join the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force! More info: https://biausa.org/get-involved


Also, this episode includes a brief interview with 3 fellow advocates: Melissa Carmen (survivor), Tonya Nagle (caregiver), and Kevin Bingham (board member of BIAA)


Let's make a difference together! There is always hope!


0:00 Intro

5:45 Brain Injury is Invisible

11:30 What You Can Do

13:45 Summary of TBI Act & Our Asks

18:45 Recognizing BI as Chronic Condition

20:20 Expanding Eligibility Criteria to all ABIs

23:30 TBI Model Systems of Care

27:30 Interview in DC with Fellow Advocates

34:10 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/community⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | ⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com⁠⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | ⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: ⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Mar 08, 202436:07
77. Season 3 Premiere! + Embracing Your Unique Brain Injury Journey (with Ali Rheaume)

77. Season 3 Premiere! + Embracing Your Unique Brain Injury Journey (with Ali Rheaume)

We’re back and ready to kick off Season 3 with some special episodes for Brain Injury Awareness month! Join our host Cristabelle and guest Ali Rheaume for an inspiring and honest conversation about the challenges on the brain injury journey. You are not alone!


Ali Rheaume is an award-winning artist, public speaker, disability advocate, and spokesperson who is an encouraging light in the journey of overcoming brain injury. Connect with her on social media @alison.rheaume or at https://www.alirheaume.com


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/community⁠⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!


0:00 Intro

1:50 Updates with Cristabelle

11:00 Introducing Ali

12:20 Ali’s Concussion Journey

16:00 Coping Strategies

18:00 Energy Management

21:25 Memory

23:20 Seeing How Far You’ve Come

26:30 Encouragement for Newly Injured

29:00 Comparison

32:30 Taking Breaks and Letting Go

39:20 Identity

46:00 Words of Hope


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Mar 01, 202450:04
76. Be Kind to Yourself + Encouragement from Brain Injury Professionals

76. Be Kind to Yourself + Encouragement from Brain Injury Professionals

You can't see it on the outside, but every day living with a concussion / brain injury brings an internal struggle. You're constantly fighting what you want to do, what you used to be able to do, and what your brain will allow you to do. There's the physical toll- the fatigue, the headaches, the balance issues... There's also the emotional toll- the grief, the depression, the loss of identity... and more. Today we wrap up Season 2 with an uplifting episode. Cristabelle opens with an encouraging reminder to be kind to yourself, and then we hear some empowering words of hope from brain injury professionals. You are not alone - and there is always hope!


March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!

This is the final episode of Season 2 - stay tuned for Season 3 which will premiere later this year!


Featuring a lineup of some of our incredible brain injury doctors, professionals, and therapists from Season 2: Rebecca Quinn (Ep.29), Dr. Jen Blanchette (Ep.50), Natasha Wilch (Ep.52), Melissa Biscardi (Ep.54), Sonia Vovan (Ep.40), Katherine Noyes (Ep.55), Dr. Meaghan Kirschling (Ep.42), Dr. Thompson Maesaka (Ep.72), Taryn Barlow (Ep.61), Dr. Michelle Eisenmann (Ep.67), Natalie Mackenzie (Ep.74), Dr. Mark Heisig (Ep.35), Dr. Jeremy Schmoe (Ep.64), Dr. Kelsy Rayl (Ep.59).


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/community⁠


Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study⁠


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: ⁠hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Mar 21, 202347:00
75. Heartfelt Words of Hope - from Survivors

75. Heartfelt Words of Hope - from Survivors

Cristabelle shares reflections and encouragement from her 15 year traumatic brain injury anniversary, along with powerful heartfelt "Words of Hope" from survivors. You are NOT alone!


Featuring Season 2 guests: Lisa Pubantz (ep.32), Allison Cook (ep.26), Dillon Berenty (ep.58), Ali Rheaume (ep.39), Madi (ep.62), Nick Krantz (ep.53), Silvie (ep.70), Jeff Huxford (ep.44), Bella Paige (ep.63), Bobby Apgar (ep.68), Cali Lonardelli (ep.37), and Cyndie Braden (ep.38).


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Dec 16, 202230:09
74. Managing Symptoms (with Natalie Mackenzie)

74. Managing Symptoms (with Natalie Mackenzie)

There are a lot of layers when it comes to brain injury symptoms. In the middle of it, how do you even begin to start to tackle your symptoms in order to move forward? Some days are up, some days are down. It can be overwhelming and emotional when you are just trying to get through each day. This week, Natalie Mackenzie joins Cristabelle to discuss advice on managing symptoms, identifying triggers, how to cope, and work towards a plan to improve over time. There is always hope!


Connect with Natalie on social media @thecognitiverehabcoach or at https://thebiss.co.uk/


0:00 Intro

5:15 Introducing Natalie

7:00 Emotional side of Managing Symptoms

17:05 Identifying Triggers/Symptoms

19:35 Growing Self-Awareness

27:00 What’s Not Working vs. What Will

32:00 Investigating your Symptoms

42:30 Uncovering the Layers

46:15 Common Symptoms to Look For

51:15 Facing your Struggles

53:15 Asking for Help from Loved Ones

55:45 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Nov 25, 202257:28
73. I have a concussion… now what? (with Dr. Mark Heisig)

73. I have a concussion… now what? (with Dr. Mark Heisig)

Spoiler alert: there’s more than “just rest”! This week Dr. Mark Heisig helps us to understand some of the new research on what can help concussion patients to improve. It's a comprehensive look at what you can do metabolically to prime your brain to heal. Key takeaway: it's important to take a full picture look when someone has a concussion, and creating a targeted treatment plan, rather than just ignoring the symptoms and hoping they go away.

This will be helpful if you (or your loved one) are in the acute stages, or if you have been living with post-concussion symptoms for some time. There is hope, and there is help!


Connect with Dr. Mark Heisig at drheisig.com or on instagram: @drmarkheisig


0:00 Intro

10:00 Introducing Dr. Mark Heisig

16:00 New Concussion Research

18:30 Acute Concussion Treatment

20:40 Red Flag Symptoms

22:10 Helping Post-Concussion Symptoms

25:00 Finding your “BAM”

25:45 Hydration

27:20 Breathing

30:25 Nutrition/Gut Issues

40:50 Top Things to Do

44:00 Why Prolonged Rest Worsens Symptoms

48:40 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Nov 18, 202252:27
72. Post-Injury Headaches vs. Migraines- and what to do about them (with Dr. Thompson Maesaka)

72. Post-Injury Headaches vs. Migraines- and what to do about them (with Dr. Thompson Maesaka)

When your head is in pain, everything else feels harder. After a brain injury, headaches can be a major symptom that decreases quality of life for survivors. This week, Dr. Thompson Maesaka is here to help us understand all things post-injury headaches, including hidden causes. We will also discuss the difference between post-concussion headaches and "true migraine," neurologists, and medication. When you can identify the cause behind WHY your head is in pain, it will help you to treat it effectively.


 Connect with Dr. Thompson Maesaka: mnmigraineandconcussion.com ; IG: @dr.thompson_maesaka ; TikTok: @headache_whisperer


0:00 Intro

9:30 Introducing Dr. Thompson

12:00 Post-Injury Headaches

15:30 Stress on your System

20:30 Reasons for Headaches

22:00 Basics on How to Help Headaches

25:00 Neck and Eyes Relationship

30:50 Neurologists and Medication

34:10 Post-TBI Headaches Vs. True Migraine

44:45 Top Things to Know

51:10 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Nov 11, 202252:48
71. Social Communication + Relationships after TBI (with Katherine Noyes)

71. Social Communication + Relationships after TBI (with Katherine Noyes)

Friends, dating, family, co-workers, and more... social communication can be a struggle for brain injury survivors! Let's break down some of the common difficulties in interpreting social cues from others, as well as how symptoms affect the way we communicate. 


This week, Cristabelle has invited Speech Language Pathologist Katherine Noyes to join for all things relationships and social communication after TBI. Some topics include: nonverbal cues, tone of voice, repeating yourself, memory loss, interrupting, texting/social media, and more. We'll also discuss maintaining friendships and navigating dating relationships.


This episode is helpful for survivors but also will provide value for caregivers, friends and family to understand why some of these breakdowns in communication may happen. It would be a good one to share with your loved ones!


Connect with Katherine: @lotus_slp or lotusslp.com


Related Episode: #55 - "Communication and Cognition after Brain Injury (with Katherine Noyes)" to learn more about word-finding, aphasia, and more.


0:00 Intro

7:20 Introducing Katherine & SLP

12:50 Challenges in Social Cues after TBI

20:50 Communication Breakdowns

23:30 Dating

29:20 Friendships

35:20 Self-Awareness

36:50 Helping Communication Partners

42:20 Considering your Strengths

47:15 How does SLP help?

49:40 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Nov 04, 202251:19
70. Rebuilding Life after Concussion (with Silvie)

70. Rebuilding Life after Concussion (with Silvie)

It is common to feel a loss of self after a concussion when you lose so many things you used to be able to do - but there is hope.

This week, Cristabelle speaks with Silvie from The Concussion Community. Silvie struggled for years to find the right help and understand what was going on with her. Her concussion was even misdiagnosed as anxiety. The regular doctors she visited couldn’t address her symptoms, so she wasn’t getting help from them. Eventually, Silvie found the right concussion treatments and she is here to share what she has learned from her journey, offering hope to listeners to know that rebuilding your life is possible.


0:00 Intro

4:30 Hope Story with Cristabelle

14:05 Sylvie’s Concussion Journey

19:15 Misdiagnosed with Anxiety

21:10 Looking for Help

25:30 Rebuilding Life

29:30 Concussion Community

32:25 Getting Treatment

38:00 Hope for Everyone

41:30 Words of Hope


Connect with Silvie: @theconcussioncommunity | theconcussioncommunity.com


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Oct 28, 202243:24
69. Dysautonomia and Beyond - Addressing Symptoms after Brain Injury (with Sonia Vovan, PT)

69. Dysautonomia and Beyond - Addressing Symptoms after Brain Injury (with Sonia Vovan, PT)

If you have felt like something is “off” but you can’t quite pinpoint what it is, it is possible that you have a form of Dysautonomia (related to the Autonomic Nervous System). It is very common after brain injury. This week, Sonia Vovan, PT is here to help us understand the basics of dysautonomia - and beyond - as we discuss ways to help address symptoms.

October is dysautonomia awareness month!


Sonia Vovan is a Registered Physiotherapist and Certified Vestibular Therapist working in Toronto Canada with individuals with vestibular issues and concussions. She received her advanced training in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Duke University’s School of Medicine (accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association). Sonia is an advocate for individuals suffering from brain injuries and is a Board Member on the Brain Injury Association of York Region (based in Ontario Canada). She is also working on her Ph.D. program at York University (Toronto) to study the implications of sensorimotor changes, such as visual and vestibular issues, following a concussion.

Connect with Sonia: @allinyourheadpt or https://soniavovan.com


0:00 Intro w/Cristabelle

8:15 Introducing Sonia

10:45 What is Dysautonomia?

12:35 Dysautonomia in Concussion

13:50 POTS vs other forms of Dysautonomia

15:15 Cristabelle’s experience

18:05 Dysautonomia and Anxiety

19:00 Effects of Dysautonomia

22:35 Where to Start

27:15 Giving your Brain Stability

28:55 Addressing Metabolic Issues

32:15 Hormones and Dysautonomia

34:40 Finding Underlying Issues

37:45 Advocate for yourself

19:30 Things you can Do

40:25 Words of Hope


Make sure to go back and listen to Episode 40, when Sonia shares all about the Vestibular System!


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's songs "Hope Survives" and "Not Giving Up" on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Oct 21, 202242:24
68. Frustrations of Living with Brain Injury + Not Giving Up (with Bobby Apgar)

68. Frustrations of Living with Brain Injury + Not Giving Up (with Bobby Apgar)

The ups and downs of brain injury can be hard to navigate, and can often feel downright frustrating. This week we’re talking about these frustrations and what it means to learn to advocate for yourself, the journey of acceptance, how it affects relationships, and more.

This week’s guest Bobby Apgar is a TBI survivor and speaker. In 1995, Bobby was a college football start getting recognized as a pre-season All-American at a Division 1 level when he suffered a life changing car accident which caused a significant traumatic brain injury. After being in a coma for 28 days, Bobby began the journey of rehabilitation - but he didn't realize how much the TBI would affect his life. In recent years, Bobby was faced with coming to grips with his TBI like never before and began a journey of acceptance through entering the brain injury community. Today he openly shares this journey, including many of the frustrations and difficulties - and will leave you feeling inspired to never give up!

See Bobby's testimony video (mentioned): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCo5ZBB80ZA


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's songs "Hope Survives" and "Not Giving Up" on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Oct 14, 202244:45
67. Furthering your Recovery, Part 2 - (with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann)

67. Furthering your Recovery, Part 2 - (with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann)

Let's continue the discussion on how to keep your recovery moving forward - Dr. Michelle Eisenmann is back to help us understand the importance of a lifestyle that supports brain healing, and what to look for in a practitioner.


Connect with Dr. Michelle: https://www.resiliencybh.com/


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's "Hope Survives" song on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Oct 07, 202231:09
66. Grace and Grit: Furthering your Recovery, Part 1 - (with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann)

66. Grace and Grit: Furthering your Recovery, Part 1 - (with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann)

Do you ever feel "stuck" in not knowing how to move forward with your recovery? Today, Dr. Michelle Eisenmann is here in part 1 of a 2 part series to help us understand some things we can do to to keep our brain injury recovery on track. This week we will touch on the importance of finding the right practitioner (more on that next week!) and some tips on how to define your recovery goals. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to move forward with confidence, grace, and grit.


Connect with Dr. Michelle: https://www.resiliencybh.com/


0:00 Intro

5:35 Introducing Dr. Michelle

11:05 The importance of current research

12:35 Frustrations with Practitioners

15:15 How do you know what you need?

18:00 Defining recovery goals

21:00 Finding Root causes

22:50 Addressing Lifestyle

25:00 Finding Care that aligns with your goals

27:00 Grace & Grit


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's "Hope Survives" song on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Sep 30, 202232:53
65. How to Grow in Self-Awareness for Survivors

65. How to Grow in Self-Awareness for Survivors

For brain injury survivors, having some sort of self-awareness when it comes to symptoms is key to moving forward in recovery. When we are able to learn our brain & body's "tells" or when a symptom flare-up is beginning to happen, we are better able to assess if we need to rest, or if we can push through. It also helps us to know what types of treatment to seek out - especially because it's invisible, so others can't see your symptoms on the outside. However, self-awareness after brain injury doesn't always come easy due to feeling disconnected from yourself, the constant fatigue, or even just headache pain. Today, Cristabelle walks us through how to grow in self-awareness so that we can become better advocates for our own recovery. Caregivers will also learn how to support their survivor in growing in this area.


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's song "Hope Survives" on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Sep 23, 202232:08
64. How to Improve Symptoms on Hard Days (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

64. How to Improve Symptoms on Hard Days (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

Symptom flare-ups and hard days will happen when recovering from a brain injury / concussion - and it can be exhausting and disheartening. But there are actually things we can do to help, if we learn the right things to check and respond to our brain & body’s signals. Our nervous system is more adaptable than we may think! Dr. Jeremy Schmoe is here to teach us exactly how to help ourselves feel better on those hard days. 


Connect with Dr. Schmoe: theFNC.com 


0:00 Intro w/Cristabelle

10:00 Introducing Dr. Schmoe

17:00 Your Nervous System can Adapt

18:50 Topic Intro: Keeping Recovery Going

19:50 Check In with Yourself

20:25 Checking Autonomics

22:45 Checking Gut Inflammation

25:10 If Cardio Flares Up Symptoms…

26:00 How to Know if Cardio Will Help

29:45 Checking Vestibular

31:15 Adaptive Exercise

33:00 Checking Eye Movements

34:30 Finding the “Perfect Recipe” For Yourself

36:50 Checking Cerebellum

38:25 Checking Neck

40:40 Checking Dual Tasking

42:15 Learning to Recognize Flare-Ups

45:00 Finding a Good Provider


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's "Hope Survives" song on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Sep 16, 202247:49
63. Concussions, Depression, + Mental Health (with Bella Paige)

63. Concussions, Depression, + Mental Health (with Bella Paige)

Concussion symptoms and mental health can be very interconnected, especially when you can't see the symptoms on the outside. Today, Cristabelle interviews Bella Paige (founder of Post Concussion Inc) on her journey with 10+ concussions and trying to hide her symptoms at first and pretending like nothing was wrong. This led to depression, which Bella openly shares with us today in a candid and inspiring conversation.


Bella Paige is a brain injury advocate. After sustaining over ten concussions and experiencing post-concussion syndrome for years, she hit a low spot and attempted to take her own life. After going to therapy, Bella knew she needed to do something for all those suffering from this invisible injury. She started Post Concussion Inc because she wanted to aid not only individuals who have suffered from concussions but also their families and friends.

Connect with Bella: @postconcussioninc or postconcussioninc.com


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's "Hope Survives" song on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Sep 09, 202241:51
62. Finding Yourself Again After TBI (with Madi Grose)

62. Finding Yourself Again After TBI (with Madi Grose)

"I realized that I can recover without being who I was, and I can find myself without being who I was, and I don't need to fully recover  - and walk and see and do all of these things that might not be possible for me - to be happy. Like I can still be happy without being the person I was with the abilities I had." -Madi Grose


After a brain injury, it is really common to struggle with identity when your abilities and entire life changes. Today, we are talking about finding yourself again after your injury, even through the symptoms and changes. Cristabelle interviews inspiring TBI survivor Madi Grose, who shares her story and encouragement on how to cope with living with a significant traumatic brain injury. We also discuss how to find joy and happiness, even while walking through the very real feelings of grief and sadness. This is an uplifting episode as you'll hear Madi's joy radiate through the entire conversation!


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's "Hope Survives" song on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | hopeafterheadinjury.com/brain-injury-bible-study

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Sep 02, 202239:11
61. Overstimulation, Brain Fog, Sensory Awareness (with Taryn Barlow)

61. Overstimulation, Brain Fog, Sensory Awareness (with Taryn Barlow)

Have you ever been so overwhelmed you couldn't finish a task? What about feeling overstimulated in a grocery store, to the point of panicking? Many brain injury survivors experience overstimulation and brain fog. This is a great episode to learn some tools on how to process this, whether you are a survivor yourself or a caregiver learning how to identify this for your loved one.


Overstimulation and brain fog can be frustrating both for the survivor and for the people around them. Taryn Barlow is here to teach us some tools on how to evaluate our environment, lifestyle, and symptoms to figure out the source of overstimulation. We talk about practicing Sensory Awareness, how to have a "battle plan" of strategies to help, and the importance of being patient with yourself.


Taryn Barlow is a Cognitive Health Coach (TM) which is a unique combination of her background in Speech-language Pathologist, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. Taryn is the owner of a virtual private practice (The Well Brain), that combines her knowledge of cognition and brain healthy lifestyle balance to support adults who have sustained brain injury. Connect: IG- @taryn_thewellbrain Email- thewellbrainslp@gmail.com


0:00 Intro

2:30 Cristabelle

9:00 Introducing Taryn

15:15 Lifestyle Beyond Therapies

20:00 Overstimulation - Sensory Awareness

29:00 Brain Fog

31:00 Making Your Battle Plan/Strategy

36:00 Finding the “Something” Source of Overstimulation

42:30 Cognitive Tasks

44:50 Letting Go of Perfection

48:30 Overdoing It Leads to Fatigue

51:00 Words of Hope


Note: We will be taking a short break, expect new episodes to return in a couple weeks!


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopeafterheadinjury.com/hopesurvives

Jul 08, 202258:26
60. Setbacks During Brain Injury Recovery

60. Setbacks During Brain Injury Recovery

It can be hard to hold onto hope when it feels like there are just setbacks around every corner. Listen as Cristabelle shares her heart on this and how to continue moving forward, even when things are really hard. You are not alone.


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jul 01, 202225:48
59. Patient Empowerment + Guide for Navigating Healthcare (with Dr. Kelsy Rayl)

59. Patient Empowerment + Guide for Navigating Healthcare (with Dr. Kelsy Rayl)

A major part of living with brain injury can become the doctors appointments, therapies, and healthcare system - but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Dr. Kelsy Rayl is here to walk us through some steps to be more empowered as a patient, including practical tools on what to do to show up at appointments informed and get the most out of them. We also discuss managing symptoms in appointments, identifying personal recovery goals, and how to find the right medical team. It is important to know which doctors will help you to do which things, so that you can get your needs and symptoms addressed. 

This is an encouraging and very important conversation for anyone navigating the healthcare system post-brain injury. Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, or family member listening - you'll leave more empowered and informed to know that you can take an active role in this healthcare journey!


0:00 Intro

5:30 Introducing Dr. Kelsy

8:30 Identity Post-Brain Injury

9:40 Lifestyle Change of Dr. Appts

13:30 Patient Empowerment

16:30 Identifying Strengths/Limits

17:45 Provider Perspective

19:00 Understanding Roles of Different Providers

30:15 Managing Symptoms w/ Appts.

36:00 Practical Tips for Documentation

42:15 Identifying & Prioritizing Recovery Goals

47:40 Seeking Second Opinions

48:45 Self-Advocacy

50:00 Words of Hope


Connect with Dr. Kelsy: @drkelsyrayl_dpt


CONNECT

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jun 24, 202251:56
58. Beating the Odds (Inspiring Survivor Story with Dillon Berenty)

58. Beating the Odds (Inspiring Survivor Story with Dillon Berenty)

"I was given less than 10% chance of surviving. Doctors were saying that they couldn't imagine me walking, that I wouldn't be able to talk, that I couldn't see... and the one big thing about my story is that I proved them all wrong. Even if the odds are stacked against you, and hope seems almost lost, always believe in the little percent that things are going to be okay. Because I took that small percent that they said that I was going to make it - I took it and ran. And I'm still here today." -Dillon Berenty


Listen to an inspiring survivor story as Dillon Berenty shares his journey of hope through brain trauma. After a concussion, Dillon was taken to the hospital, and through the scans a brain tumor was discovered. Six brain surgeries later, and a 10% chance of survival, Dillon is beating the odds every day. He shares some of the symptoms, struggles, ways he has learned to adapt, and how he has learned to keep perspective through it all. This is an uplifting story that is sure to encourage you, wherever you are at on your journey.


CONNECT

Next Zoom Group - June 22 - Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jun 17, 202237:05
57. Female Hormones after TBI / Concussion (with Melissa Biscardi)

57. Female Hormones after TBI / Concussion (with Melissa Biscardi)

Hormones can become disrupted after a brain injury, and today Melissa Biscardi is here to share current research and dive deeper into what this looks like for females, including the menstrual cycle, menopause, birth control, and more. We also discuss practical steps you can take if you think you or your loved one's hormones may have been affected.


0:00 Intro

4:55 Melissa & Her Research

8:10 When Menstrual Cycle is “Off”

10:25 Women and Concussions

12:25 Overlap with TBI Symptoms

14:25 Post-Partum Symptoms

15:55 Current Research of Brain Injury & Hormones

19:05 What you can do

20:10 anti-Müllerian hormone - Pre-Menopause & Menopause

23:45 Birth Control

26:20 Hormone Disruption

27:10 Cycle Connection with Risk of Injury

29:55 What you can do


Connect with Melissa: rehablab.ca @the.rehab.lab


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jun 10, 202233:22
56. Empowered Hope + Lessons Learned from TBI (with Cyndie Braden)

56. Empowered Hope + Lessons Learned from TBI (with Cyndie Braden)

Living with a brain injury, some days hope is the only thing that gets you through. This week, Cristabelle is joined by her mother, Cyndie Braden, to speak about lessons they have learned over the 14 years of brain injuries. They speak vulnerably about some of the difficult aspects of the journey, while also sharing the growth in the family, caregiver, and survivor perspectives. You will also hear clips of Cristabelle from 10 years ago in 2012 speaking about her injury, at around the 5 year mark, as we reflect on 10 years of Hope After Head Injury.  


Empowered hope is knowing that there may still be things that will be hard, but there is always something you can do to move forward on your journey. You are not alone! Share how Hope After Head Injury has helped you - in a written or voice message format! https://www.hopeafterheadinjury.com/10years 


Connect with Cyndie: @cyndiebraden | email: cyndie@hopeafterheadinjury.com 


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jun 03, 202251:26
55. Communication and Cognition after Brain Injury (with Katherine Noyes)

55. Communication and Cognition after Brain Injury (with Katherine Noyes)

Communication is so important to our world, but it can be drastically affected for brain injury survivors. Difficulties include word finding, forming ideas, expressing oneself, understanding nonverbal cues, and more… so let’s work to understand this deeper and talk about some tips that can help!

Today we are diving into the connection between communication and cognition, and how this can be affected after brain injury. Katherine Noyes is a Speech Language Pathologist who is here to guide us in learning tools for improvement for executive functioning and communication. We also discuss tips for family/caregivers to help the survivor get their goal of communication across, as well as the non-verbal side of social cues, difficulty understanding sarcasm, and more.


Share how this podcast or the Hope After Head Injury groups have helped you! Accepting written & audio messages that could be shared on the podcast! https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/10years


0:00 Intro

2:00 10 Years

7:05 Introducing Katherine

10:15 Communication & Cognition

15:00 SLP / After Brain Injury

22:05 Tools for Improvement

28:55 Routine as a Strategy

33:05 Word Finding / Goal of Communication

36:05 How Family/Caregivers can Help

39:50 Difficulty with Social Cues / Sarcasm

48:35 Words of Hope


Connect with Katherine: @lotus_slp or lotusslp.com


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

May 27, 202250:37
54. Pillars of Concussion Care + Holistic Approach (with Melissa Biscardi)

54. Pillars of Concussion Care + Holistic Approach (with Melissa Biscardi)

Brain injury affects the whole person - and every injury is different. That is why it is so important to learn as much as we can about current research and rehab practices. This week, Melissa Biscardi from Rehab Lab is guiding us through pillars of concussion care to learn about different pieces of recovery that we may not have known to address. This includes: Autonomic Nervous System, Nutrition / Supplements, Psychological Support, Soft Tissue / Manual Therapy, Rehab + Memory / Cognition. We will also discuss how to find the right clinician. You’ll leave this episode with some takeaways that can help you to find where to go next in your recovery journey.


0:00 Intro

8:45 Introducing Melissa

12:15 Why Rehab?

17:40 Pillars of Care - overview

24:05 Autonomic Nervous System

26:40 Nutrition / Supplements

30:25 Psychological Support

31:30 Soft Tissue / Manual Therapy

35:10 Finding the Right Clinician

41:05 Rehab + Memory/Cognition

43:45 Cristabelle’s Example

49:00 Words of Hope


Connect with Melissa: rehablab.ca @the.rehab.lab


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

May 20, 202250:43
53. Take Control of Your Recovery (Survivor Story with Nick Krantz)

53. Take Control of Your Recovery (Survivor Story with Nick Krantz)

After 17+ concussions, Nick Krantz found himself at the end of his rope, having been told by many medical professionals that there wasn't really anything he could do, and he would just have to live with the symptoms. It was then that he discovered that there is so much more to brain injury recovery than he ever knew, and he began a journey of learning to overcome PCS, including nutrition, mindset, balancing hormones, exercise, and more. Today, Nick shares his story of overcoming PCS and finding hope in recovery.


0:00 Intro

6:20 Nick’s TBI Story

14:05 Symptoms

17:30 Fighting for Recovery

26:00 Power of Mindset

27:50 Taking Control

29:10 Hormones/Nutrition/Lifestyle

36:50 Autonomic Nervous System Regulation

40:50 Think about How you View Yourself

46:50 Words of Hope


Connect with Nick: @neurofitnick on IG


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

May 13, 202248:38
52. Autonomic Nervous System Recovery (with Natasha Wilch)

52. Autonomic Nervous System Recovery (with Natasha Wilch)

After a concussion or brain injury, the function of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) can be commonly disrupted. This can cause a dysregulation between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system - leading to increased symptoms.

This week, Natasha Wilch is back to explain the ins and outs of the ANS as it relates to brain injury. She will also explain dysautonomia and POTS, and share some practical tools to improve autonomic function.


0:00 Intro

2:20 Cristabelle

7:55 Introducing Natasha

13:11 What is the Autonomic Nervous System

14:20 Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic

17:15 Effect of Concussions/Brain Injury

21:20 Compass 31 Tool to Bring to Practitioners

22:55 Dysautonomia & POTS

25:40 Cristabelle’s Experience

27:25 Identifying Triggers & Response

34:55 Putting the Pieces Together Clinically

36:40 Anxiety or Autonomics?

37:55 Practical Things to Do to Help

42:00 Words of Hope


Connect with Natasha: @natasha.wilch or https://www.natashawilch.com/

Compass 31 Assessment: https://www.mvpctr.com/compass-31-online-questionnaire/


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

May 06, 202243:59
51. Survivor Self-Worth + Cristabelle's Mental Health Journey

51. Survivor Self-Worth + Cristabelle's Mental Health Journey

How can the "invisible" injury affect our self worth? Survivors often don’t realize their own identity as separate from their brain injury. Living with symptoms for so long can take a toll on mental health. It's also easy to take in how other people view the "invisible" injury and let it negatively impact how we view ourselves. But you are more than your injury, and there is hope for improvement!


This week, Cristabelle goes deeper into some lesser known pieces of her own story, candidly sharing some of the harder parts to talk about including mental health struggles, navigating social cues, abuse and trauma, and more.


You'll hear Dr. Jen Blanchette ask Cristabelle questions, as today's interview was originally aired on TBI Therapist podcast: tbitherapist.com


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Apr 29, 202245:36
50. The Role of Trauma/PTSD in Brain Injury + How to Find Help (with Dr. Jen Blanchette)

50. The Role of Trauma/PTSD in Brain Injury + How to Find Help (with Dr. Jen Blanchette)

Something often overlooked in brain injury recovery is the effect of trauma or PTSD on the survivor. Trauma symptoms can have a lot of overlap with brain injury symptoms, as both stimulate the Autonomic Nervous System. Dr. Jen Blanchette helps us to uncover what this overlap can mean, and explains how addressing trauma can often be a missing piece that can really help to further along brain injury recovery.


0:00 Intro

5:15 Introducing Dr. Jen Blanchette

9:09 Neuropsychology vs. Therapy

14:03 What is “Trauma” exactly?

19:45 Trauma Symptoms

20:45 PCS/PTSD Overlap

24:15 What is Trauma Therapy?

26:25 Role of Autonomic System

31:05 Strategies to Help

32:00 Importance of Community

38:30 Different Types of Trauma Therapy

45:05 Words of Hope


Dr. Jen Blanchette is a Maine based licensed psychologist, trauma (PTSD) expert, fitness/yoga professional, and concussion clinician. She has over 10 years of training and experience in brain injury therapy and neuropsychological testing. Her superpower is curiosity and out of the box thinking to aid in finding new ways to thrive. She helps determined, ambitious brain injury survivors gain the tools and support they need to LIVE again. Dr. Blanchette is also the host of the TBI Therapist podcast, which discusses the intersections of meaning, mental and emotional wellness, and acquired brain injury.

Contact: tbitherapist.com @tbitherapist


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Apr 22, 202248:13
49. How to Sleep Better to Improve Brain Healing (Dr. Roy Wilkins - Part 2)

49. How to Sleep Better to Improve Brain Healing (Dr. Roy Wilkins - Part 2)

Let’s discuss some specifics on how to sleep better after a brain injury. Dr. Wilkins also shares important information on sleep hygiene, what a sleep study will do, and hope that there is help available.

This is Part 2 - check out last week’s episode to hear an introduction on how sleep affects the brain and sleep disturbances after brain injury, along with more of Dr. Wilkins personal journey with TBI.


0:00 Intro

5:15 Getting to Root Cause

7:00 Trouble Falling Asleep

10:00 Trouble Staying Asleep

16:15 Help with Sleep Medicine

18:05 What is a Sleep Study?

19:30 What Happens when you’re Sleep Deprived

22:15 More Sleep Study Info

24:15 Sleep Hygiene / Habits

33:30 Do what you Can Do

35:15 Words of Hope: There’s Help

37:20 Contact


Roy Wilkins, D.C., M.D., RPSGT has extensive training and history in neurology, chiropractic medicine, and sleep medicine. He received his D.C. degree in 1983, residency orthopedics with board certification in 1989, residency neurology board certification in 1992, fellowship with sleep medicine American academy sleep medicine waiver B program in 2006, and MD degree UHSA 2010. He has owned and operated sleep labs White Mountain Sleep Lab from 2003 to present.

Contact: roydwilkins@hotmail.com


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Apr 15, 202240:08
48. Why is Sleep so Important? + Sleep Disturbances after Brain Injury (Dr. Roy Wilkins - Part 1)

48. Why is Sleep so Important? + Sleep Disturbances after Brain Injury (Dr. Roy Wilkins - Part 1)

Dr. Roy Wilkins is an expert in sleep medicine - and a brain injury survivor himself! This week we will learn the importance of how sleep affects the brain. Dr. Wilkins also shares some of his own journey with TBI, along with why there can be sleep disturbances after a brain injury.


Stay tuned for PART 2 with Dr. Wilkins next week!


0:00 Intro

2:15 Cristabelle

7:50 Introducing Dr. Roy Wilkins

9:50 TBI Experience

17:50 Why is sleep so important?

21:10 Sleep & Brain Injury

25:20 Sleep & Autonomic System

28:20 Suggestions for Helping Sleep


Roy Wilkins, D.C., M.D., RPSGT has extensive training and history in neurology, chiropractic medicine, and sleep medicine. He received his D.C. degree in 1983, residency orthopedics with board certification in 1989, residency neurology board certification in 1992, fellowship with sleep medicine American academy sleep medicine waiver B program in 2006, and MD degree UHSA 2010. He has owned and operated sleep labs White Mountain Sleep Lab from 2003 to present.


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Apr 08, 202237:57
47. Survivor/Caregiver Partnership and Communication (with Drew and Terry Niemann)

47. Survivor/Caregiver Partnership and Communication (with Drew and Terry Niemann)

Let's talk about effective communication between survivors and family caregivers at home! This week, married couple and survivor/caregiver duo Terry & Drew Niemann are here to inspire us and talk about some of the challenges and lessons learned on their journey. We also discuss mental health, depression, mindfulness, and the importance of communication from both sides.


0:00 Intro

5:30 Introducing Drew & Terry

9:45 The Caregiver/Spouse Role

12:50 Finding a Rhythm

19:50 Push and Pull of Independence

21:00 Not Being Hard on Yourself

24:45 Depression & TBI

27:00 Survival Mode

28:50 Mindfulness and Mental Health

33:00 Caregiver Perspective

33:41 Lessons Learned

38:10 “A Battle Within”

42:20 Words of Hope


Drew & Terry also host their own podcast called "A Battle Within" - hear Cristabelle's interview on their podcast on Ep.120 "There is Always Hope" https://abattlewithin.com/120/ and check out their podcast on all platforms!

Connect with them: @a_battle_within


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Apr 01, 202245:53
46. Personal Growth Mindset + Connecting to Your Values and Strengths (with David Freeman)

46. Personal Growth Mindset + Connecting to Your Values and Strengths (with David Freeman)

There are a lot of things you CAN do to help your recovery - and it's built on the foundation of your mindset! This week, fitness professional David Freeman, who has also had concussions from playing football, helps us to connect to our values and strengths and shares some tangible things we can do to improve our recovery and overall wellness.


0:00 Intro

2:15 Cristabelle

13:40 Introducing David

17:00 Foundation of Mindset

21:30 Redefine Success

27:40 Being True to You with Loss of Identity

29:50 Importance of Sleep

32:40 Importance of Nutrition

33:55 Management of Stress

35:10 Intentional Movement

38:40 Creating Better Habits

42:55 Personal Growth Mindset


David Freeman is a health and fitness professional that has been in the fitness industry for 10+ years. He is the National Digital Performer Brand Manager, Director of Inclusion and Diversity as well as the Co-Host of Life Time Talks Podcast with Life Time the Healthy Way of Life Company. He has been featured on the cover of Experience Life Magazine as an innovator within the health and fitness industry, and has been featured in Men’s Health and Men’s Journal, as the subject matter expert in helping change lives around the world and grow Life Time’s overall brand.

Connect with David at @freezy30 on instagram

David's Book Recommendation: StrengthsFinder2.0 by Tom Rath


CONNECT

Listen to Cristabelle's new "Hope Survives" single on all music streaming platforms!

Join the Virtual Concert on March 25 - "Hope in Song" supporting Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania - more info: https://biapa.org/hopeinsong

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Mar 25, 202252:16
45. Uncovering your Personal Path to Recovery (Dr. Molly Parker)

45. Uncovering your Personal Path to Recovery (Dr. Molly Parker)

While each brain injury is unique, there are things we can do to treat it - as you find what works on your personal path of recovery. Dr. Molly Parker shares her personal concussion experience, including advice for work/life/symptom balance, routine, and boundaries. Then, we dive into the different types/sub-types of concussions, understanding your individual symptom profile, how to find the right provider, and more!


0:00 Intro

2:30 Announcements from Cristabelle

8:00 Introducing Dr. Molly

11:20 Work-Life-Symptom Balance

15:58 Routine & Boundaries

17:30 Uniqueness of Each Injury

20:00 Need for Comprehensive Care

22:00 Finding the Right Provider

25:45 Different Types/Sub-Types of Concussions

31:45 It’s Treatable

35:00 The Invisible Side

39:15 What works for YOU?


Connect with Dr. Molly at @mollyparkerpt or concussioncompass.com


CONNECT

Join the Virtual Concert on March 25 - "Hope in Song" supporting Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania - more info: https://biapa.org/hopeinsong

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Mar 18, 202247:47
44. Finding Normal + Living with TBI (with Jeff Huxford)

44. Finding Normal + Living with TBI (with Jeff Huxford)

What does “normal” mean anyway? Jeff Huxford was a family medicine doctor in northwest Indiana for ten years before having to retire due to complications from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He has since become a blogger, author, and speaker - and his story is currently being turned into a feature film!

This week, Jeff joins Cristabelle for an uplifting conversation, sharing his story and also touching on parenting with a brain injury, coping strategies for symptoms, and the perspective of having a brain injury for nearly a decade.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!


0:00 Intro

6:20 Introducing Jeff

7:50 Brain Injury Awareness

10:20 How did you get your brain injury?

14:55 Finding Normal

16:30 Symptoms & Coping

23:40 Parenting with TBI

30:20 Finding Normal Book & New Normal Movie

33:50 Words of Hope


Connect with Jeff at: jeffhuxford.com


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Mar 11, 202239:42
43. The Importance of Brain Injury Awareness

43. The Importance of Brain Injury Awareness

Brain Injuries are invisible. You can't see them on the outside, and that's one of the reasons awareness is so important. They can be overlooked, misdiagnosed, or mistreated, and survivors feel the burden. 

This week, Cristabelle shares some of her personal brain injury story, and how she has seen awareness improve over the last decade - along with encouragement for how you can make a difference by bringing awareness right where you are.


March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!


Related Past Episodes to Check Out:

17. Understanding the Invisible Injury (with Cyndie Braden)

19. Brain Injury Association of America (with Susan H. Connors, BIAA President & CEO)

21. How to Be a Brain Injury Advocate + Tips for Sharing Your Story (with Monica Vaccaro from BIAPA)


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Mar 04, 202223:29
42. Gut-Brain Connection (Dr. Meaghan Kirschling)

42. Gut-Brain Connection (Dr. Meaghan Kirschling)

Did you know that healing the gut can be a powerful tool in brain injury recovery?

Dr. Meaghan Kirschling is back to explain the way that the brain and gut are connected, including how chronic inflammation can adversely affect healing. There is so much hope in learning things that we can do to take our power back in healing. This is an informative and educational episode that will bring a deeper understanding of what we can do to further our brain healing through the gut.


0:00 Intro

6:45 Introducing Dr. Meaghan

9:00 Brain-Gut Connection

11:45 Inflammation & Information

16:35 Gut Affecting Recovery

18:25 Leaky Gut / Leaky Brain

22:15 Healing the Brain through the Gut

28:15 Gluten & the Brain

31:58 Recommendations

39:15 Words of Hope


Connect with Dr. Meaghan Kirschling: @drmeaghankirschling on instagram or through www.oneagorahealth.com


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Feb 25, 202242:51
41. Symptom Flare-Ups & Crying Over Bananas

41. Symptom Flare-Ups & Crying Over Bananas

When you are so overwhelmed that every little thing is causing symptom overload & emotional responses... it may be time to step back and allow your brain and body to rest. This week, Cristabelle shares a personal story and encouragement for the days when everything is all too much.


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Feb 18, 202220:38
40. Vestibular Rehab + Ways to Improve/Maintain Recovery (with Sonia Vovan, PT)

40. Vestibular Rehab + Ways to Improve/Maintain Recovery (with Sonia Vovan, PT)

After a brain injury, the vestibular system can be impacted and cause symptoms such as feeling off-balance, dizziness, vertigo, headaches, vision, and more. So this week we are discussing all things vestibular recovery with Sonia Vovan, PT!

Sonia is here to share her expertise and educate us on all things vestibular rehabilitation, focusing on things we can do to improve recovery. We will also talk about the difference between chronic vs. acute vestibular issues, and practical things we can do to maintain vestibular recovery over time.


0:00 Intro

7:34 Introducing Sonia Vovan, PT

12:40 What is the Vestibular System?

16:57 How does Brain Injury affect it?

20:34 Dizziness, Vertigo, Balance

25:07 Vision / Vestibular Relationship

29:04 Chronic vs. Acute

31:49 Dysautonomia & POTS

37:04 Vestibular Rehab Therapy

40:44 Ways to Improve Vestibular Recovery

45:18 Adaptation vs. Habituation

52:09 Maintaining Recovery

54:49 Words of Hope


Connect with Sonia on IG: @all.in.your.head.pt


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Feb 11, 202258:02
39. Applying Creativity to Brain Injury Recovery (with Ali Rheaume)

39. Applying Creativity to Brain Injury Recovery (with Ali Rheaume)

What does it mean to have a creative mindset - and how can it help recovery? Let’s talk about it!

This week Cristabelle is joined by fellow survivor Ali Rheaume to discuss the benefits of creativity, and how having a creative mindset can aid in adaptability. This is an encouraging episode full of practical tips and application points!

Ali will also share how incorporating creativity in rehabilitation helped her go from a 10% functioning level and nonverbal after TBI to where she is today! Creative activities can help with learning skills post-TBI like trying new things, expressing emotions, and coping with change.


0:00 Intro

2:25 Cristabelle: Applying Creativity

10:35 Introducing Ali

13:25 Ali’s TBI Story

20:50 Creative Mindset in Recovery

23:30 Planning, Pacing, & Balance

28:05 Benefits of Creativity Post-TBI

32:40 Tips for Trying Something New

36:50 Creative Mindset Helps us Cope

29:30 Words of Hope


Connect with Ali on IG: @alison.rheaume ; @embracingunique

Register for Ali's BIAA webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4100996272117241867

Join the Brain Injury Community on Clubhouse


CONNECT

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | hopeafterheadinjury.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com


Feb 04, 202245:05
38. Loss of Identity, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families (with Cyndie Braden)

38. Loss of Identity, Grieving the "Old Life," + How it Affects Families (with Cyndie Braden)

The “loss of identity” can be so hard to describe after a brain injury. On the one hand, you are still “you” - but you also don’t feel like yourself. There is also a grief that comes with losing the life you had before the injuries.

This week, Cristabelle dives deep into this struggle that survivors face and provides hope in knowing you are more than your brain injury. Then, Cristabelle’s mother Cyndie Braden is here to talk about the caregiver side. Loss of identity does not just affect the survivor, but also the family, as everything changes for them too. We also discuss what is like to grieve the “old life.” You are not alone.


NOTES

0:00 Intro

2:10 Cristabelle on Loss of Identity

10:48 Your Story is not Your Identity

19:31 Introducing Cyndie Braden (Cristabelle’s Mom)

24:41 Caregiver Loss of Identity

25:45 Grief Process

44:15 Words of Hope


Connect with Cyndie: @cyndiebraden | email: cyndie@hopeafterheadinjury.com


CONNECT

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jan 28, 202247:06
37. Identity after Injuries - Survivor Story (with Cali Lonardelli)

37. Identity after Injuries - Survivor Story (with Cali Lonardelli)

How do you define yourself when everything about your life has changed? Cali Lonardelli is a survivor of multiple brain injuries, and this week she shares her story of perseverance and hope. As a teenager, she went from an accomplished athlete in gymnastics and pole vaulting to struggling to be able to walk. Her journey has taken her through many years of symptoms and learning to live with a new reality, as well as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) eating disorder. Cali is a true overcomer and is now a Physical Therapy student and an intern for the non-profit Pink Concussions. Take a listen as she joins Cristabelle for an inspiring conversation shining a light on what it is like to live with brain injury.


NOTES

0:00 Intro

6:15 Introducing Cali

9:18 Concussions + Symptoms

13:15 School Adjustments

17:41 Life Change

20:40 Loss of Identity

23:00 RED-S Eating Disorder

27:50 Therapy & Support

39:45 Coping Strategies

46:05 Words of Hope


Connect with Cali: @cali.lonardelli and @pinkconcussions


CONNECT

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jan 21, 202251:04
36. Learning Accommodations + Self-Worth Post-Injury (with Carly Endres, MS, CBIS)

36. Learning Accommodations + Self-Worth Post-Injury (with Carly Endres, MS, CBIS)

When a brain injury changes your cognitive abilities, your self-worth can be affected. For survivors attending school or in any type of learning environment, it can be hard to keep up because of symptoms and fatigue. Cristabelle knows this firsthand, as she had her first TBI during high school and attended college post-injury. Today we are talking about difficulties with learning after a brain injury, what sort of accommodations are helpful, and how to advocate for yourself. Educator Carly Endres, MS, CBIS, also joins to share insight from her special education background.

This episode will provide insight for survivors, parents, families, and anyone in a learning environment. We also talk about some studying tips that are applicable to survivors- whether you are currently in school or not!


NOTES

0:00 Intro

2:15 Cristabelle

11:33 Introducing Carly

15:45 Accommodations & Modifications

37:04 Advocating for Yourself / Your Child

41:30 Studying & Reading Tips

49:15 Words of Hope


CONNECT

Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Connect with Carly through the North Dakota Brain Injury Network: https://www.ndbin.org/


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jan 14, 202252:26
35. Exercise Intolerance + Ways to Increase Movement (with Dr. Mark Heisig)

35. Exercise Intolerance + Ways to Increase Movement (with Dr. Mark Heisig)

It is common to develop exercise intolerance while recovering from a brain injury. Today, Dr. Mark Heisig is here to explain why this happens, and give advice for survivors on how to increase movement.


Some topics covered: the relationship between symptoms and exercise, autonomic system dysfunction, different types of exercise affect on the brain, suggestions for where to start with increasing movement, and more.


Connect with Dr. Mark Heisig and sign up for his newsletter at drheisig.com


0:00 Intro- Exercise Intolerance

7:47 Introducing Dr. Mark Heisig

12:02 What are some challenges with exercise after concussion?

15:33 Exercise & Concussion Symptoms

17:40 Symptom Limited Activity

21:54 Increasing Activity

23:20 Buffalo Concussion Test

28:32 Low, Moderate, and High Intensity Exercise

35:22 Resistance Training

40:53 Duration

44:09 Where to Start for PCS

49:26 Ways to Increase Movement

53:12 Words of Hope


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com


Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Jan 07, 202257:05
34. Warrior Words of Hope

34. Warrior Words of Hope

What does it mean to be a brain injury warrior? To kick off the new year, here are some words of hope from 6 incredible survivors.


0:00 Intro

2:21 Cristabelle: Warrior Words of Hope

10:20 Tanya Gauthier: Keep Going

14:02 Jo Ann Glim: Resilience

20:25 Shane Warner: Never Quit

24:07 Ali Rheaume: Combatting Fear

29:34 Rachel Rose Dombeck: Self-Kindness

34:04 Tracy Yatsko Onyekanne: Surviving is Fighting


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com


Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Dec 31, 202141:09
33. Life is Not a Highlight Reel

33. Life is Not a Highlight Reel

There is a trend to post highlights of the year on social media. But do you find that actually hard to do, or even see from others? Living with brain injury, it is easy to feel discouraged from setbacks, or a recovery timeline you had in mind, or comparing to the "old you" and grieving the life before, as well as coping with symptoms on a daily basis. Listen as Cristabelle discusses all of this, while also sharing some of her personal journey through TBI. 

Life is not a highlight reel. And that is okay. Let's talk about it!


Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!


0:00 Intro

9:44 Life is Not a Highlight Reel

13:56 My First TBI

19:58 Feeling like a Failure

21:47 Improving Little by Little

23:47 Re-Injuries & Setbacks

26:39 Most Recent Concussion Setback

30:14 It Can Be Hard to Look Back

32:14 Celebrating Steps

35:31 Reasons for Discouragement

38:59 You Don’t Need a New Years Resolution

39:41 You Don’t Need Highlights

40:56 You are More

44:34 Different Ways to Reflect


Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Email: cristabelle@hopeafterheadinjury.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Dec 24, 202147:50
32. Victory through Visible & Invisible Disability (Lisa’s Story)

32. Victory through Visible & Invisible Disability (Lisa’s Story)

Lisa is a fighter, living with both an invisible injury (TBI) and physical disability. She was born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), contracted spinal meningitis as an infant, and has been an advocate for disabilities her entire life. Then, in 2011 she sustained a traumatic brain injury from an accident playing wheelchair basketball. 

This is an episode that is sure to inspire and encourage all who listen, as Lisa Pubantz eloquently shares her story of victory. She joins Cristabelle to discuss the tension between the invisible injury and the physical disability, how society treats people with disabilities, and how the TBI symptoms are often misunderstood.


0:00 Intro

6:13 Introducing Lisa’s Story

15:03 Wheelchair Basketball & Races

16:27 Adjusting after TBI

19:53 Surviving the Injury

22:14 Symptoms & Challenges

25:45 Visible vs. Invisible Disability

28:37 Misunderstood TBI Symptoms

31:38 Mental Health

34:49 How Others Treat People with Disabilities

42:58 Claiming Victory

46:28 Words of Hope


Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Email: cristabelle@hopeafterheadinjury.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Dec 17, 202149:07
31. Hormones after Brain Injury (with Dr. Meaghan Kirschling)

31. Hormones after Brain Injury (with Dr. Meaghan Kirschling)

Did you know that hormones can be affected by a brain injury? Hormonal imbalances can actually be a contributing factor to persistent symptoms, along with affecting sleep, stress response, and reproductive systems.

Today, Dr. Meaghan Kirschling is here to talk about some of these potential hormonal changes, and how it could potentially affect a brain injury survivor. We also including variables in age, differences between male and female, and sex drive.


NOTES

0:00 Intro

4:29 Introducing Dr. Meaghan

10:18 Brain Injury Affects Hormones

14:14 What if it goes untreated?

15:22 Stress Response

16:32 Hormones & Persistent Symptoms

17:25 Pituitary Gland

21:58 Cortisol & Adrenal Glands

25:28 Variables (Age, etc.)

27:59 Oxytocin, Emotional Connection

31:19 Male vs. Female Differences

34:59 Birth Control & Menstrual Cycle

37:38 Testosterone & Estrogen Balance

40:03 Sex Drive

43:47 Sleep & Melatonin

45:25 Recommendations

51:43 Words of Hope


Connect with Dr. Meaghan Kirschling: @drmeaghankirschling on instagram or through www.oneagorahealth.com


Hope After Head Injury: @hopeafterheadinjury | facebook.com/hopeafterheadinjury

Join the online community & monthly zoom support group: hopeafterheadinjury.com/community


Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com


Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Email: cristabelle@hopeafterheadinjury.com


Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com


This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

More: hopesurvivespodcast.com

Dec 10, 202156:48