Survivor Science

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This episode wraps up our week exploring the ego paradox and how it impacts stroke recovery. Ego is tricky—it can push us to make great progress, but it can also hold us back when we get in our own way. Whether it’s the drive to keep going or the frustration of hitting limits, managing ego is an important part of the recovery journey.

I reflect on some personal moments this week, including a frustrating recording process (yes, four takes to get this right) and how those challenges brought my own ego into focus. I also revisit earlier conversations, like my chat with Jason Lopes, where we explored the balance between determination and self-care, and the fine line between pushing forward and overdoing it.

In this episode, I share a few strategies for keeping ego in check, like tracking fitness progress, journaling, and setting realistic expectations. I also highlight some great resources, like Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday and Mindset by Carol Dweck, for anyone who wants to dig deeper into this topic.

Stroke recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and understanding the role of ego can make the journey a little smoother. Let’s wrap up the week with practical insights you can apply to your own path.

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Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this inaugural episode of Survivor Science—formerly The Lovable Survivor Podcast—I sit down with Jason "LionHeart" Lopes, a media coordinator for MMA organizations and an advocate for stroke survivors. Jason shares his journey of resilience after a cerebral stroke in 2015 left him with 75% impairment on his right side. Despite facing two additional strokes, Jason’s determination to rebuild his life and inspire others remains unwavering.

Exploring Jason's Story:

• Personal Background: Life before and after his stroke, family dynamics, and passion for media and MMA.
• Health and Recovery: The impact of multiple strokes, how athletics helped his recovery, and the role of breathwork in rehabilitation.
• Advocacy and Community: Supporting fellow survivors, sharing his journey online, and building a strong, supportive community.
• Life After Stroke: Personal growth, coping mechanisms, and lessons learned through humility and perseverance.

Beyond Recovery:

• Challenges of health, technology, and rehabilitation.
• Lifestyle changes, alternative treatments, and balancing limits with recovery goals.

Jason’s story exemplifies courage, grit, and the power of community. Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or seeking inspiration, this episode offers invaluable insights and a testament to human resilience.

Connect with Jason:

• Instagram: @legendthelionheart
• YouTube: LionHeart Lopes Photography
• Facebook: Jason Lopes

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

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IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this week’s Survivor Science Soundbite #7, I dive into the "ego paradox" and how it impacts stroke recovery. Ego can be a powerful tool, fueling persistence and helping us push through plateaus, but it can also become a blocker, keeping us from asking for help or setting realistic goals.

Key topics include:

• How ego drives progress in stroke recovery or creates setbacks
• Strategies for using ego as a tool rather than a trap during recovery
• Practicing strategic humility and productive pride after a stroke
• The importance of celebrating small wins and setting achievable recovery goals

I’ll share personal reflections on how ego has shaped my own stroke recovery journey and offer practical insights to help you find balance. Tune in to explore how to harness your ego to fuel your progress without letting it derail your recovery.

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, I reflect on the ups and downs of the recovery journey and why gratitude plays such an important role. From sharing personal updates about life as a stroke survivor and the relentless pursuit of progress to exploring inspiration from athletes and the lessons they teach about resilience, this episode dives into what fuels recovery—even when it’s hard.

I also talk about balancing safety with pushing boundaries, share insights from a recent group call with fellow survivors, and highlight the importance of finding a community that truly supports you. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this episode serves as a reminder to appreciate the small wins, connect with those who matter, and stay focused on moving forward.

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

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IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this week’s Survivor Science Soundbite #5, I delve into Good Energy by Casey and Callie Means. This holistic guide to health and wellness offers valuable insights for stroke survivors, covering topics from anti-inflammatory foods to daily habits like mindful movement and improved sleep. While some advice may seem ambitious, it's essential to view the book as a long-term resource rather than a checklist for immediate action.

I'll share how my perspective has evolved over time, embracing small, incremental changes as part of the recovery journey. Recovery, much like health, is a marathon, not a sprint. Tune in for practical takeaways and a reminder that even small improvements can make a significant difference.

Additional Topics from Good Energy That May Interest Stroke Survivors:

• The importance of gut health and incorporating fermented foods.
• Tips for maintaining stable blood sugar levels for steady energy.
• Simple strategies for managing stress, like mindfulness and breath work.
• The role of sleep and hydration in recovery and overall wellness.
• So much more—definitely worth a read!

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this episode of The Lovable Survivor Podcast, I sit down with Keith Ellis, a medicinal chemist, associate professor, and founder of Science-Driven Supplements. With his extensive background in drug discovery and natural products, Keith brings unique insights into Long COVID recovery, combining rigorous science with practical solutions. We explore everything from cutting-edge research to accessible treatment approaches that benefit both Long COVID and survivors. 

• Understanding Long COVID's Complexities: We dive into the challenges of drug discovery and why repeated infections increase risk. Drawing from his expertise in medicinal chemistry, Keith explains why diagnosis remains difficult and how this impacts treatment approaches.
• The Science Behind Symptoms: Keith breaks down the fascinating "microclot hypothesis" and shares insights from his research into how spike proteins might cause Long COVID symptoms. We explore current clinical trials and his work developing natural solutions through Science-Driven Supplements.
• The Power of BreathWork: I share my personal journey with breath work post-surgery, and we explore how these techniques can revolutionize recovery, from weight loss success to improved endurance.
• Innovation in Recovery: We conclude by examining the latest research in natural supplements and the importance of integrating diverse approaches for optimal healing.

Connect with Keith Ellis:

• Website: keithcellisphd.com
• Podcast: keithcellisphd.substack.com
• Learn more about CircuGuard and Science-Driven Supplements

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this Survivor Science Soundbite, I’m wrapping up the week with reflections on curiosity and its role in stroke recovery. As the host and writer, I’ve spent the week exploring how curiosity shapes resilience and growth, and this episode brings it all together. From engaging conversations with fellow survivors like Jason Lopes, who will be featured in a full episode in a couple of weeks, to sharing personal updates about navigating recovery and staying mindful of the balance between curiosity and action, we’re covering it all.

I also highlight connections with inspiring organizations like Stroke Awareness Oregon and Stroke Warrior Radio, share insights from survivor stories, and preview upcoming topics, including a conversation with Keith Ellis about long COVID and its impact on recovery.

This isn’t just about curiosity. It’s about the lessons we learn along the way and how we use them to move forward. Join me as I reflect on the week, share what I’ve learned, and encourage you to find your own sparks of curiosity in the recovery journey.

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In Survivor Science Soundbite #3, I’m diving into something that’s been on my mind all weekend—curiosity. For me, curiosity might be the most powerful driver in my stroke recovery, pushing me to ask deeper questions, try new things, and shape a path that feels right for me. But is curiosity really the key to recovery, or is this just my own way through?

Join me as I explore why curiosity can shake things up, especially when standard approaches fall flat. I’ll share my perspective, and I’d love to hear yours too—how does curiosity shape your recovery? I hope this episode gives you something useful, even fun, to think about as we kick off the week together.

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this Survivor Science Soundbite, I’m following up on our discussion from Episode 1 about psychedelics and their potential role in stroke recovery. Earlier this week, we explored the emerging research on psilocybin, the active compound in ‘magic mushrooms,’ and its potential to support neuroplasticity, brain health, and resilience post-stroke.

Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned since that first dive, including insights from The Psychedelic Handbook by Dr. Rick Strassman, and reflecting on the bigger picture of what psychedelics could mean for recovery. This isn’t about replacing the hard work that recovery demands; it’s about considering psychedelics as a potential tool to supplement the process. I also talk about my personal experience with SSRIs and the importance of knowing when certain treatments have served their purpose.

This episode is all about keeping the conversation open and understanding that every stroke recovery journey is unique. If you’re curious about what psychedelics could bring to the table—or if you’ve been putting in the hard work and wonder what else is out there—this one’s for you.

I’ll be back next week with more of these quick Survivor Science Soundbites and a full episode mid-week. Let me know your thoughts! What topics would you like me to explore? And remember, I’m just here sharing my story and what I’m learning along the way—always do your own homework and find what works best for you.

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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In this episode of The Lovable Survivor Podcast, I’m excited to sit down with Bill Gasiamis, stroke survivor and creator of the Recovery After Stroke podcast and YouTube channel. We dive deep into what it really takes to build resilience, how to navigate the day-to-day grind of post-stroke recovery, and the personal growth that emerges from facing life’s toughest challenges. Bill and I share the journey from our pre-stroke habits to the lifestyle changes that ultimately helped us rebuild our health and wellbeing.

Here’s what we cover:

• Shifts in Health and Lifestyle: We talk about our pre-stroke lives, marked by habits like smoking, poor sleep, and the need to overhaul our health after these life-altering experiences. Bill shares how recovery became a catalyst for positive lifestyle shifts focused on wellness.
• Resilience in Daily Recovery: We break down the repetitive routines required to make daily progress—even when it feels like “Groundhog Day.” Bill and I discuss ways to stay motivated through these cycles and celebrate small wins as milestones in recovery.
• Breaking Down Recovery Myths: Recovery timelines can be tough, and the mental and physical demands are often misunderstood. Bill explains how his early lack of resources drove him to create Recovery After Stroke, supporting others with the information he wished he’d had.
• Accepting Where You Are: Bill opens up about the philosophy of being “good enough” in recovery, focusing on steady, mindful improvements over chasing perfection. We both reflect on how embracing each stage of the journey brings a sense of peace and purpose.
• And frankly, a whole lot more good stuff!

Connect with Bill Gasiamis:

• Recovery After Stroke Podcast
• YouTube Channel
• Instagram

More from Survivor Science

Check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com.

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com 

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)

Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com

💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/

X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ

IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/

Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...