By Cristabelle Braden
4.8
4646 ratings
The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.
The journey with brain injury is not easy - it takes courage, resilience, and hope to walk through.
Today, Cristabelle is joined by Kevin McDonald, a TBI survivor, advocate, and founder of the nonprofit “Restart Your Life - Renew Your Mind.” Kevin shares his personal journey through 15 years of TBI. He candidly opens up about the challenges he has faced, including anger, frustration, cognitive impulsivity, loss of filter, and memory issues - and how learning to renew his mind has brought hope. We discuss strategies for navigating life with a brain injury, and the need for advocacy and raising awareness - with encouragement to share your story! Rebuilding after brain injury can be a continuous process. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way - what is most important is to try again, redirect, and restart!
0:00 Intro with Cristabelle
5:50 Introducing Kevin's TBI Journey
12:10 Acceptance and Dealing with Anger & Frustration
18:43 The New Normal and Overcoming Challenges
25:40 It's Okay to Fail & Try Again
38:06 Encouragement for Rebuilding Life
41:45 Being a Brain Injury Advocate
45:10 Words of Hope
Connect with Kevin: https://www.restartlife.net/
Email: [email protected]
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
Life with brain injury and concussion can feel so overwhelming, affecting identity and sense of self… so let’s talk about finding hope and making sense of the messy!
Today, Cristabelle is joined by Natasha Wilch, a physical therapist and concussion specialist, who shares insights into concussions and the importance of a holistic approach. We discuss the challenges of living with brain injury, including not trusting your body and dissociation, and the courage and bravery it takes to hope and try again after setbacks. Natasha also helps us understand the need to address the root causes of symptoms and why an integrated approach to concussion rehabilitation can make a huge difference. There are so many layers to this multi-faceted journey of healing, and we hope this episode will encourage you to keep gongs even when it’s hard. You are not alone!
***CONCUSSION NERDS SUMMIT REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.natashawilch.com/a/2147875754/K6Qwrgrd
00:00 Intro with Cristabelle
13:00 Introducing Natasha
15:30 The Challenges of Living with Brain Injury
20:30 Addressing the Root Causes of Symptoms
25:15 Rebuilding Trust in Oneself
27:05 The Courage to Hope and Try Again
30:25 A Holistic Approach to Concussion Recovery
33:55 The Power of Mindset
38:15 Challenges in Finding the Right Care
48:15 Concussion Nerds Summit + Program Info
52:33 Words of Hope
Connect with Natasha: https://www.natasha-wilch.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
Lynda and Richard have been married for almost 28 years. The day of their 25th wedding anniversary (9/25/21), while on vacation in Salt Lake City, Lynda was crossing a busy street on a pedestrian crosswalk at a green light. The driver of a lifted SUV made an illegal left turn to beat incoming traffic and hit her full force. She was thrown off and landed to the right side of her head. She was brought by ambulance to the ER and transferred to the Trauma/ICU unit. She was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury. From that day forward, Lynda and Richard (as her caregiver) embarked on a treacherous and challenging journey.
Today, Lynda and Richard join Cristabelle to share their story and hope for others going through similar circumstances. They both share their struggles as well as the way they have chosen to find the silver lining in adapting to life with brain injury.
0:00 Intro with Cristabelle
5:20 Lynda and Richard
10:20 TBI Story
19:05 Hope in New Treatments
24:20 Rehab Process and Symptoms
29:30 Invisible Injury
33:00 Caregiver / Family Member Perspective
36:50 Finding a New Routine
39:20 It’s Okay to Ask for Help
41:20 Words of Hope
Connect with Lynda and Richard: [email protected]
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
After experiencing a concussion or any type of brain injury, the road to recovery can be one that is full of ups and downs, and unexpected twists and turns. Today, Dr. Brittni Charle joins Cristabelle for a conversation all about setbacks, flare ups, and re-injuries and all the unexpected bumps in the road that can hit — and also the wins and victories that we can celebrate along the way! Recovery looks different for each person, but there is help to be prepared for what might be around the bend.
0:00 Intro with Cristabelle
8:45 Introducing Dr. Brittni Charle
14:00 Common Struggles & Symptoms
19:00 Flare-Ups
22:30 Self-Awareness
26:15 Different Types of Flare-Ups
30:15 Everything is Harder
35:15 Flare Ups vs. Re-Injuries
40:15 Ways Impact to Brain Can Happen
42:00 Everyone has a Unique Recovery
46:65 Setbacks and Victories
48:30 Moving Forward
50:45 Words of Hope
Connect with Dr. Brittni Charle: - IG: @asenseofstability
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
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
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
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 [email protected]
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
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
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
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
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
The podcast currently has 85 episodes available.
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