Communication can become a big challenge after a brain injury - which affects all relationships, but especially the ones that are closest to us. So let’s talk about communication in relationships & marriage after brain injury! We also have a podcast spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe sharing some of the neurological reasons why communication can be hard after a brain injury.

Whether you are a survivor, family member, single, or married, there is something in this episode to encourage and uplift you, and practical communication tips that can help us all to maintain better relationships post-injury. You are not alone!

Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces 2 panelists: Tameka Wolfe and Rob Baugh. Tameka not only is the leader of Hope For Couples support group, but also currently serves as Vice President of the Hope Survives Board of Directors. Rob is a member of our Brain Injury Advisory Council and serves as a team lead for the Hope Ambassador Team. They each bring a unique perspective to marriage after brain injury - Tameka will share from the spouse’s perspective, and Rob will share from the survivor’s perspective. They will share their experiences with how communication changed in their respective relationships after the brain injury, as well as practical tips and strategies that have helped them. We also dive into the balance of navigating ambiguous loss and grief for relationship changes, while also maintaining hope and embracing the journey with your partner.

Hope For Couples group: https://www.hopesurvives.org/couples 

*Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: www.hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read Tameka & Rob’s bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/115

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*PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Neurological Reasons for Communication Struggles with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

9:10 Neurological Reasons for Communication Struggles with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

13:05 Hope For Couples - Introducing Panelists

19:30 Communication Challenges after TBI

26:00 Connection with One Another after TBI

34:43 Navigating Misunderstandings

39:50 Ambiguous Loss and the Hard Times

48:45 Encouragement for Spouses

51:15 Encouragement for Survivors

55:20 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

If relationships have been hard post-concussion / brain injury, you are not alone. Our ability to connect with others is an important part of life - so what do you do when your communication skills and ability to read social cues becomes affected after a brain injury? Let’s talk about it!

Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces 2 panelists: Elayne Masters and Hunter Schulz. This panel of brain injury survivors opens up about the challenges of staying connected and the need for understanding support while navigating cognitive overload, shifting relationships, and the struggle to communicate. We’ll share some strategies for adapting communication, maintaining real friendships, and finding hope for new ways to connect.

Register for our upcoming workshops: https://hopesurvives.org/workshops

*Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: www.hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Hunter - IG: @huntervpageantry 

Connect with Elayne - IG @brainiactivist

Read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/114

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:18 Welcome with Cristabelle

6:05 Introducing Panelists

11:45 Communication Challenges

28:05 Social Challenges

35:00 Strategies for Maintaining Relationships

47:10 Finding New Ways to Connect

56:15 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Brain injury impacts how we express ourselves, how we connect with others, and how we're understood. In this heartfelt episode, Cristabelle Braden shares her personal journey through the communication challenges that follow brain injury.

Through real-life examples, she opens up about the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood, how memory and social difficulties can impact relationships, and the ongoing process of rebuilding confidence in social situations. The struggles of communication often impact connection with others, but this isn’t always seen on the outside - let’s talk about it!

Register for our upcoming workshops: https://hopesurvives.org/workshops

*Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Importance of Connection

7:40 Struggles with Communication

10:58 Practical Examples

25:25 Growth and Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

After a brain injury, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure how to truly care for your brain in the day-to-day. What habits actually help? What mindsets make a difference? And how do you know when something just isn’t working?

Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces 3 panelists: Stefanie Beeney, Charlotte Endorf, and Farook Outhmani. Each of our panelists has lived experience with brain injury, and shares openly about their personal journeys: what has helped them, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear honest insights about shifting mindsets, learning to rest, building healthy habits, and the importance of listening to your body. Through stories of trial and error, the panelists highlight the value of self-advocacy and support systems, while offering practical ideas and gentle encouragement for others navigating recovery. 

Register for our upcoming workshops: https://hopesurvives.org/workshops (on Pacing Your Plans, Functional Neurology with Dr. Schmoe, Nervous System, and more!)

*New Hope Survives Online Store - podcast listeners discount code: PODCAST10 for 10% off your entire order through July 31, 2025! ⁠https://www.hopesurvives.org/store⁠

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Read bios & more on panelists on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast

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*PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

5:00 Brain Health Small Steps with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

11:18 Introducing Panelists

15:40 Process of Learning to Care for Brain after TBI

20:55 Adjusting Pre-Injury to Post-Injury Habits

26:40 Practical Things that Have Helped

35:25 Things that Did NOT Work - and How to Pivot

47:10 Advice on Staying Consistent

52:25 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

We often feel like we are in “survival mode” after a brain injury - our lives have changed so much, and it’s all we can do to get through each day. But what if healing could feel gentle, and less overwhelming?

In this relatable episode, Cristabelle Braden opens up about her own journey through multiple traumatic brain injuries - moving from survival mode to embracing small, powerful brain health rhythms that foster true recovery. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or family member, you’ll find hope, practical tips, and heartfelt encouragement, reminding you that progress is possible, and you’re never alone on this journey. Listen to discover how gentle rhythms and community support can help you take the next hopeful step forward.

*New Hope Survives Online Store - podcast listeners discount code: PODCAST10 for 10% off your entire order through July 31, 2025! - ⁠hopesurvives.org/store

*Register for our upcoming workshops: https://hopesurvives.org/workshops

(on Nutrition, Pacing, Nervous System, and more!)

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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*PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:33 Survival Mode

9:00 Invitation to Gentle Healing

11:05 Importance of Brain Health Lifestyle with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe 

13:52 Struggles of Stress

17:15 Recognizing Your Symptoms

20:00 Finding Rhythms

28:15 Small Steps to Brain Health

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Everyday resilience after brain injury  isn’t always big or loud - sometimes it’s a quiet determination to keep going, or simply getting out of bed. Today, through the voices of our Brain Injury Community Panel, we will bring you some tools to recognize your own resilience, and how to continue to move forward and find strength in the struggle.

Join our host, Cristabelle Braden, as she introduces our 3 panelists: Rob Baugh, Christine Lawrence, and Angie Weber - and they courageously share their personal journeys through the challenges of brain injury. Each panelist opens up about navigating setbacks, learning from challenges, advice for when you feel in survival mode, and the practical tools that have guided them toward healing and hope.

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

*New Hope Survives Online Store - podcast listeners discount code: PODCAST10 for 10% off your entire order through July 31, 2025! - hopesurvives.org/store

More on the panelists & this episode: https://hopesurvives.org/podcast/110

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:24 Welcome with Cristabelle

10:00 Introducing TBI Survivor Panelists

14:30 How do you define Resilience?

18:00 How do you recognize Resilience?

27:30 Tools for Resilience

31:10 Embracing New Dreams while Grieving Old Life

38:50 Lessons Learned from Challenges

43:20 Navigating Setbacks

50:30 When In Survival Mode

56:55 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Did you know that our brains are resilient? Today, we’re exploring neuroplasticity - the brain’s ability to rewire and form new pathways - as it relates to brain injury!

In this uplifting episode, host Cristabelle Braden welcomes Dr. Michelle Eisenmann, a passionate advocate, Functional Neurology doctor, and expert in brain resiliency. Dr. Eisenmann brings both professional insight and personal experience with traumatic brain injury, offering a compassionate perspective that resonates with survivors and their families alike.

Listen as we explore the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt and heal, debunking common myths about recovery timelines and empowering listeners to take an active role in their healing process. You’ll learn how lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, and movement can make a real difference, why small changes matter, and how resilience is built through consistency and self-compassion. Tune in for practical tips, encouragement, and a reminder that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating on the lifelong journey of recovery.

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Dr. Michelle Eisenmann: @thebrainfluencer | resiliencybh.com 

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:40 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:40 Introducing Dr. Eisenmann

9:25 Neuroplasticity and Brain Injury

11:55 Is there a Time Limit for Neuroplasticity?

17:45 Brain Rewiring & Adapting after Injury

22:40 Lifestyle for Brain Resiliency

29:45 Consistency, Predictability, and Novelty

32:10 Stress and Trauma Impact on Brain Resiliency

36:55 Need for Individualized Care

42:05 Dr. Eisenmann’s Personal TBI Recovery

48:05 Small Steps Forward in Resilience

51:40 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Cristabelle Braden has fought through multiple traumatic brain injuries to come out on the other side carrying a strong message of resilience, hope, and healing.

She is the host of this podcast - the founder of Hope Survives - and today, in something much different than our usual episodes - she shares her story!

Listen for practical advice, takeaways, and lessons learned from her over 15 years of living with TBI and working with so many survivors & their families through her online support groups, as well as in the brain injury community. We hope you’ll be encouraged and uplifted by hearing her story.

This episode features an interview that originally aired on The Concussion Coach podcast with Bethany Lewis. Thank you to Bethany for allowing us to share this with our community!

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach - neurological occupational therapist and certified life coach - and check out her podcast:  @the_concussion_coach | ⁠ theconcussioncoach.com⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:15 Concussion Coach Intro

8:35 Cristabelle’s Interview Start

12:20 TBI Journey & Symptoms

21:45 Re-Injuries and Recovery

28:25 What is Hope for TBI

34:45 Brain Injury Affecting Other Systems in Body

44:25 Flare Ups & Calming Symptoms

50:45 Finding Hope through Setbacks

57:30 Pacing & Daily Life with Brain Injury

62:45 Connecting with Hope Survives

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

There is a common phrase, “new you” after brain injury - but what if it’s more nuanced than that? There are parts of ourselves that feel new and unfamiliar, but there are other parts of ourselves that have been there all along… how do we piece it all together? 

How do we find ourselves again? What does “identity” mean anyway? Why does society define us by what we do - and how can we get to a deeper understanding of who we really are? Get ready to explore all this and more with our second Brain Injury Community Panel.

Today’s panel features 3 brain injury survivors, each with their own unique journey: Bobby Apgar, Lynda Douge, and Chelsea Tuttle. Our conversation will help you to learn more about the journey of identity after brain injury, ways that these survivors have learned to re-discover themselves, and encouragement and advice on how to get to know yourself again.

FREE Resources available for Instant Download:

• Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Exploring Identity after Brain Injury

• Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Emotions, Relationships, and Daily Growth

• Family Identity after Injury: When One of Us is Injured, All of Us are Changed

CLICK HERE: ⁠https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub⁠

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CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠

Join the online community & zoom groups: ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about volunteering, sharing your story, or becoming a Hope Ambassador: ⁠https://www.hopesurvives.org/getinvolved⁠ 

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:34 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:20 Introducing Panelists - Survivor Stories

15:15 Identity Changes post-TBI

21:20 Sense of Self

34:50 Society Defines by What We Do

40:30 Self-Perception - Who We Are

45:35 Getting to Know Yourself Again

55:50 Brain Injury Identity Journey

57:55 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Sense of self is often affected after brain injury - you just don’t feel like “you” anymore. This happens for both survivors and family members, and today we are exploring these identity shifts, and how to find yourself again even in the midst of brain injury recovery.

In this episode, Cristabelle is joined by Bethany Lewis, a Neurological Occupational Therapist passionate about combining occupational therapy, brain health, and mental and emotional well being, to explore the profound impact of brain injuries on identity. Let’s dig into why these identity shifts may happen, what could be going on beneath the surface, and how to move forward with a renewed sense of identity post brain injury - both for survivors and their loved ones.

It's okay to feel lost and to take time to rediscover yourself.  Embracing the messiness of life is part of the human experience. Finding identity post-injury is a journey that requires intentionality, and it’s a process that you can work a little towards each day.

*** FREE Identity Resources available for Instant Download:

• Family Identity after Injury: When One of Us is Injured, All of Us are Changed
• Journaling Prompts for Survivors: Exploring Identity after Brain Injury

CLICK HERE: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub

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CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives | ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠

Reach out to us anytime: [email protected] + connect with our global online community & zoom groups: ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Bethany - neurological occupational therapist and certified life coach - and check out her podcast:  @the_concussion_coach |  theconcussioncoach.com

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠ 

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0:00 Intro

2:20 Welcome with Cristabelle

9:30 Introducing Bethany Lewis

14:15 Why talk about Identity and Brain Injury?

17:30 Describing Identity Shifts

26:30 When You Don’t Feel Like “You”

30:45 Help for Family Members

39:50 Feeling Defined by Injury

42:40 The Power of Language and Self-Perception

51:30 Tools for Reconnecting with Identity

57:15 Tools for Loved Ones to Help Survivors

60:00 Words of Hope

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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: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠