Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

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).

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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).

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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/

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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"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!

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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!

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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.

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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

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"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.

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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

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

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 

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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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:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emotions after brain injury can come in extremes - highs, lows, outbursts - or you can end up just feeling "blank" or nothing at all. Survivors also could have a hard time expressing their emotions and verbalizing it. Emotions also affect our identity, how we view ourselves, and directly impact our relationships. Today, Cristabelle leads us through all of this, sharing some personal examples along with encouragement for listeners.

"A brain injury is the only time that we ask the injured body part to regulate itself..." How do you handle emotions after brain injury? What are some ways to help? Let's talk about it!

Today Cristabelle is joined by Rebecca Quinn & Carly Endres from the North Dakota Brain Injury Network for a conversation about emotional dysregulation as it relates to brain injury. We cover some common "tells" including outbursts and overstimulation, the cognitive behavioral spiral, the importance of mindfulness, and encouragement for both caregivers and survivors.

How do you realistically implement medical recommendations into your lifestyle? Let's talk about it.

Today Cristabelle is joined by Marlene Rivera, CBIS, to learn about how to develop a balanced life post-injury. We discuss some of the barriers that people might encounter, and also strategies such as how to communicate with medical professionals, the importance of a routine, prioritizing, and community.

The Holidays are upon us - and that can be overwhelming for brain injury survivors! For the first shorter "minisode" (mini+episode!) of Season 2, Cristabelle will walk us through some strategies and practical tips to manage symptoms and get the most out of your holiday gatherings.