Kandid Konversations with Dr. Kelli

In this episode, I sit down with Jerrold Jackson, CCC SLP and CEO of the Roundtree Group, PLLC, to explore what it means to truly redefine productivity. Jerrold shares his insights on the power of deconditioning from hustle culture, the importance of setting boundaries, and the bold act of telling the world no in order to protect your peace. Together, we discuss the art of justifying rest and why embracing stillness is a radical and necessary part of living a balanced life.

Explore more of Jerrold:
insta: @jjeffjackson
Collector Insta: @ jaystoyroom_511
www.roundtreegroup.org
Nap Ministry

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Check out Freed AI Scribe Here: https://www.getfreed.ai/
and use code DRKELLI50 at checkout for $50 off your first month's subscription

Media page: https://braintalkfoundation.org/in-the-media/Article page: https://braintalkfoundation.org/article-the-silent-epidemic/
Want more? There's nearly an extra hour of exclusive content from this episode alone available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!

Use the link below to BOOK A FREE DEMO with Cognishine today!!
https://www.cognishine.com/book-a-demo
Or reach out to them via email with any questions at [email protected]
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alaina Davis, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Howard University. A licensed medical Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer, Dr. Davis shares her journey from student to educator, offering insight into how the field of speech pathology has evolved. She also reflects on what led her to this work and the profound impact brain injuries have, not just on individuals, but on their families as well. This conversation highlights the importance of empathy, education, and advocacy in the world of brain injury care.
Find more about Dr. Davis:
Instagram: @overallneuro_dr.d
Podcast: Life, Language & Lyrics with Laina
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Check out Freed AI Scribe Here: https://www.getfreed.ai/
and use code DRKELLI50 at checkout for $50 off your first month's subscription
Want more? There's nearly an extra hour of exclusive content from this episode alone available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!
Use the link below to BOOK A FREE DEMO with Cognishine today!!
https://www.cognishine.com/book-a-demo
Or reach out to them via email with any questions at [email protected]
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In this episode, I speak with Mandi Dickey, a nurse practitioner, health coach, and survivor of a life-altering concussion with striking similarities to the story told in the film The Vow. Mandi shares the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges she faced on her journey to recovery, as well as the incredible strength it took to rebuild her life. Through it all, she emphasizes the power of a supportive family and the importance of love, patience, and resilience when facing the unknown.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health. Join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
Find out more about Mandi and her experiences:
Mandi's Instagram: @mandisue_tbiwarrior
Mandi's Book: Welcome back: A TBI recovery story from Provider to Patient
Mandi's Podcast: Brain Wellness NP
Brain Wellness Insta: @brainwellnessnp
Find the book mentioned in toady's episode:
Improving Your Memory: How to Remember What You're Starting to Forget by Janet Fogler and Lynn Stern

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Check out Freed AI Scribe Here: https://www.getfreed.ai/
and use code DRKELLI50 at checkout for $50 off your first month's subscription
Want more? There's nearly an extra hour of exclusive content from this episode alone available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!
Use the link below to BOOK A FREE DEMO with Cognishine today!!
https://www.cognishine.com/book-a-demo
Or reach out to them via email with any questions at [email protected]
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In this episode, I speak with Chaandani Khan, a leading expert in concussion brain injury and post concussion syndrome. Chaandani shares the personal accident that led her to this work and how it shaped her passion for helping others navigate the challenges of severe head trauma. She walks us through what she does to support recovery and highlights the need for a unified, compassionate approach to addressing this often invisible condition. Together, we explore the importance of awareness, collaboration, and long-term care in the fight for better brain health.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health. Join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
Find out more about Chaandani and her mission:
Website: www.returntolife.ca
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaandanikhan/
Instagram: @chaankhan
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Check out Freed AI Scribe Here: https://www.getfreed.ai/
and use code DRKELLI50 at checkout for $50 off your first month's subscription
Want more? There's nearly an extra hour of exclusive content from this episode alone available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!
Use the link below to BOOK A FREE DEMO with Cognishine today!!
https://www.cognishine.com/book-a-demo
Or reach out to them via email with any questions at [email protected]
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In this episode, I sit down with Vad Lee, a retired football player, missionary, and founder of the nonprofit Purpose Over Position. Vad shares his personal experiences with injury, the mental and physical toll of being a quarterback, and what he witnessed firsthand throughout his football career. He also opens up about his passion for supporting Black men’s brain health and his mission to combat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through education and advocacy. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, pressure, and protecting the mind.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health. Join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
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Want even more? There are hours of exclusive content available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!
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In this bold and unfiltered episode, I sit down with Angela Gentile, a viral social media voice known for her outspoken takes on mental health, self preservation, and personal freedom. Angela dives into what it means to live life unapologetically, from choosing to be child free to challenging societal expectations around womanhood and identity. This episode is raw, real, and unlike anything we've done before. Angela’s core message is clear: live life for yourself, not for anyone else.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health. Join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
We highly recommend you check out the books we discussed both here and in the bonus patreon episode:
The End of White Politics: How to Heal Our Liberal Divide
Zerlina Maxwell
https://a.co/d/544EEAT
Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships
by Nedra Glover Tawwab
https://a.co/d/9tK6yvX
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Want more? There's nearly an extra hour of exclusive content from this episode alone available now on Patreon!
patreon.com/drkelli
See you there!
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In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Holloway, a pediatric sports medicine physician with a strong focus on concussion care. Dr. Holloway shares his deep passion for improving how we address head trauma, not just on an individual level, but across entire school communities and even through legislative efforts. He discusses the cultural and emotional pressures young athletes often face after a head injury, and the critical need for proper education among medical professionals. With firsthand insight, Dr. Holloway emphasizes why getting concussion care right, especially for kids, is more urgent than ever.

Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health—join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!

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For more Kandid Konversations, and a deeper look into Dr. Kelli, check out our Patreon!

patreon.com/drkelli

See you there!

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In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Sarah Reikowski, a fellow Speech-Language Pathologist and mother of five, as she shares the heartbreaking story of her son, Alex. Sarah reflects on the subtle but alarming changes she saw in Alex before he tragically took his own life—changes that were later linked to repeated head trauma from sports and life experiences. With incredible courage, Sarah opens up about her grief, her journey toward healing, and the message she hopes to share with other parents: to trust your instincts, take symptoms seriously, and advocate fiercely for your child’s brain health.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health—join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
**Trigger Warning**
This episode of Kandid Konversations with Dr. Kelli contains mentions of very serious topics like violence, depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a crisis helpline by dialing 988 accessible 24/7.

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Chisholm, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Voice and Swallow Specialist, and the CEO of Voice Rehab. As the founder of The Foundation for Voice and Swallow Wellness, Melissa shares her passion for helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives by addressing the essential functions of speaking, eating, and breathing. Together, we explore the power of the human voice, the value of public speaking, and how small changes in care can lead to big improvements in quality of life.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health—join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!
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Learn more about Melissa and her missions!
www.voiceswallow.org
https://www.thevoicerehab.com/
Instagram - the_voice_rehab
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In this short, but powerful, episode, Dr. Kelli sits down with Kenny Florian, a retired UFC fighter and renowned commentator, to explore the realities of head trauma in combat sports. Kenny offers insight into how concussions can happen in the cage and what they may lead to long term—both physically and mentally. Reflecting on his MMA career and the evolving understanding of brain health, Kenny and Dr. Kelli emphasize the urgent need for greater education, awareness, and care when it comes to protecting athletes inside and outside of competition.
Help raise awareness about the impact of physical trauma on the brain by following and sharing! Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not important. Kandid Konversations is here to shift the way people think about brain health—join our community of listeners as we learn, grow, and make a difference together!