This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Will Schmierer. In December of 2019, a small leg wound led to an unexpected diagnosis—AFib. Days later, a stroke left his entire right side paralyzed. Then came another blow: multiple sclerosis. At that point, Will was 37 and weighed 530 lbs.  Recovery was slow, but he has always been one to do things 1000%, and so goes his recovery.  

A book on nasal breathing changed his outlook and life.  He became a biker, then runner, and ultimately a resource for other survivors.  Now, as the founder of Survivor Science, Will is dedicated to sharing his journey and empowering others to reclaim their strength and resilience.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What new passion or interest have you discovered since your stroke?
• How has your journey inspired others?

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

Survivor Science - Will Schmierer

AVM Superhero - Greg Graham

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Brooks Rehabilitation - Jacksonville, FL

Legend the Lion Heart - Jason Lopes

Oxygen Advantage - Patrick McKeown

Recovery After Stroke - Bill Gasiamis

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Will Schmierer. In December of 2019, a small leg wound led to an unexpected diagnosis—AFib. Days later, a stroke left his entire right side paralyzed. Then came another blow: multiple sclerosis. At that point, Will was 37 and weighed 530 lbs.  Recovery was slow, but he has always been one to do things 1000%, and so goes his recovery.  

A book on nasal breathing changed his outlook and life.  He became a biker, then runner, and ultimately a resource for other survivors.  Now, as the founder of Survivor Science, Will is dedicated to sharing his journey and empowering others to reclaim their strength and resilience.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What new passion or interest have you discovered since your stroke?
• How has your journey inspired others?

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

Survivor Science - Will Schmierer

AVM Superhero - Greg Graham

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

Brooks Rehabilitation - Jacksonville, FL

Legend the Lion Heart - Jason Lopes

Oxygen Advantage - Patrick McKeown

Recovery After Stroke - Bill Gasiamis

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Todd Berreth who shares his story of perseverance, determination, and grit.  He takes us through the challenges of rebuilding speech, the resilience required to reclaim his passions, and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way.  Join me as we dive into his story that proves that perseverance isn’t just about surviving, but about finding new ways to thrive. 

This episode is contributed by Abbe Simon, speech language pathologist, integrative health coach, and yoga teacher.  Abbe‘s private practice , iCommunicare, offers individuals impacted by a stroke ways to regain communication and connection. 

Todd Berreth is an artist, designer, architect and technologist, and an assistant teaching professor in the Media Art, Design and Technology department at North Carolina State University. He is a member of the Chancellor’s Visual Narrative faculty cluster.  He has presented artwork locally, nationally and internationally, including ACM SIGGRAPH, Leonardo Art Journal among other venues.

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

• iCommunicare
• Studio Berreth
• Strong Story Lab

Community Conversation Prompts:

• In what ways have you adapted and shifted while remaining focused on your passions?
• What helps you persevere through challenges?

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Todd Berreth who shares his story of perseverance, determination, and grit.  He takes us through the challenges of rebuilding speech, the resilience required to reclaim his passions, and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way.  Join me as we dive into his story that proves that perseverance isn’t just about surviving, but about finding new ways to thrive. 

This episode is contributed by Abbe Simon, speech language pathologist, integrative health coach, and yoga teacher.  Abbe‘s private practice , iCommunicare, offers individuals impacted by a stroke ways to regain communication and connection. 

Todd Berreth is an artist, designer, architect and technologist, and an assistant teaching professor in the Media Art, Design and Technology department at North Carolina State University. He is a member of the Chancellor’s Visual Narrative faculty cluster.  He has presented artwork locally, nationally and internationally, including ACM SIGGRAPH, Leonardo Art Journal among other venues.

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

• iCommunicare
• Studio Berreth
• Strong Story Lab

Community Conversation Prompts:

• In what ways have you adapted and shifted while remaining focused on your passions?
• What helps you persevere through challenges?

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Angel James. On the morning of February 4, 2023, she was singing in the choir, her voice resonating with joy, connection, and purpose. But by that evening, everything changed. A stroke stole Angel’s ability to speak, leaving her in silence, uncertain of what the future would hold.

This is a story of survival, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice. Through faith, community, and unwavering determination, she not only relearned to speak but discovered a deeper purpose—using her voice to inspire hope, foster connection, and remind us all of the strength found in sharing our stories.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What is one thing you can do today to be a voice of connection and hope?
• What has helped you regain confidence in your voice?

Guest Resource Suggestions:

• Stroke Survivors CAN! - Support Group
• Good Samaritan Hospital Rehabilitation Center

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Angel James. On the morning of February 4, 2023, she was singing in the choir, her voice resonating with joy, connection, and purpose. But by that evening, everything changed. A stroke stole Angel’s ability to speak, leaving her in silence, uncertain of what the future would hold.

This is a story of survival, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice. Through faith, community, and unwavering determination, she not only relearned to speak but discovered a deeper purpose—using her voice to inspire hope, foster connection, and remind us all of the strength found in sharing our stories.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• What is one thing you can do today to be a voice of connection and hope?
• What has helped you regain confidence in your voice?

Guest Resource Suggestions:

• Stroke Survivors CAN! - Support Group
• Good Samaritan Hospital Rehabilitation Center

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

On January 16, 2017, Mike’s life was full—teaching, coaching, and raising a family. But in an instant, everything changed. A stroke stole his ability to swallow, eat, and live life as he knew it. What followed was a battle he never saw coming—one of survival, loss, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.  

In this episode, Mike shares his journey of renewal, from isolation to connection. Through unexpected friendships, volunteer work, and a shift in perspective, he found a way forward and now offers his experience to accompany others through their recovery. This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and the power of connection.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has helping others shaped your sense of self in recovery?
• How have the communities or relationships you’ve found after the stroke impacted your recovery?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

• Sarah Bellum’s Bakery and Workshop 
• Resilient Seed Healing Farm 
• Love Your Brain 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

On January 16, 2017, Mike’s life was full—teaching, coaching, and raising a family. But in an instant, everything changed. A stroke stole his ability to swallow, eat, and live life as he knew it. What followed was a battle he never saw coming—one of survival, loss, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose.  

In this episode, Mike shares his journey of renewal, from isolation to connection. Through unexpected friendships, volunteer work, and a shift in perspective, he found a way forward and now offers his experience to accompany others through their recovery. This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and the power of connection.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• How has helping others shaped your sense of self in recovery?
• How have the communities or relationships you’ve found after the stroke impacted your recovery?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

• Sarah Bellum’s Bakery and Workshop 
• Resilient Seed Healing Farm 
• Love Your Brain 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group led by Becky Louko, PT.  In today’s episode, stroke survivors share personal attributes that have been helpful in recovery, lessons they’ve learned, while also offering gratitude to each other. 

Suggested Resources:

University of Vermont Medical Center Support Groups

Project Independence Vermont

Community Conversation Prompts:

• • What strengths, talents, and/or personality traits have helped you through recovery?  How?
  • What empowering lessons have you learned from fellow stroke survivors?

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group led by Becky Louko, PT.  In today’s episode, stroke survivors share personal attributes that have been helpful in recovery, lessons they’ve learned, while also offering gratitude to each other. 

Suggested Resources:

University of Vermont Medical Center Support Groups

Project Independence Vermont

Community Conversation Prompts:

• • What strengths, talents, and/or personality traits have helped you through recovery?  How?
  • What empowering lessons have you learned from fellow stroke survivors?

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth