TBI: Talking Brain Injury with Brain Injury Association of Colorado

It's been over a decade since Brian Blair died. With wicked humor, and years of insight, Brian shares the story of a debilitating motorcycle crash, his recovery, his struggles, and why he never gave up on two passions: creative writing and playing the drums.

Join Brian's creative writing course, hosted every 2nd and 4th Monday (in-person and online) by Pueblo Brain Injury LLC.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Sustainable gardening pro Alyse Piburn, of Mountain Roots in Eagle County, talks about the health benefits of gardening for TBI survivors, plus tips for anyone growing veggies or flowers in Colorado, where the season can be short and the conditions can be harsh.

Wanna learn more about Mountain Roots and sustainable gardening? Check them out!

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

In this episode we talk with Lorena Gaibor, an experienced professor and lifelong learner who believes in the power of words, thoughts and action to overcome injury.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

At Craig Hospital, two professionals, Ari Reindeau and David White, are pioneering the treatment of TBI "behavior." They look at the ways a brain injury can change behavior immediately after an injury, and then build a treatment plan to help survivors and their families navigate the first few weeks of life with a TBI.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

For decades, TBI warrior Tasha Koncar lived with the trauma from undiagnosed childhood head injuries. She was angry. She was volatile. She lashed out. And she knew something was wrong. Ever since learning the root cause, Tasha has been unstoppable on her crusade to help other TBI survivors find their inner warrior.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Jack Taylor of tiny Heeney, Colorado, has been living with a TBI for more than 20 years. He reflects on the accident that changed his life, the recovery team he trusted -- and sometimes fought with -- and why he just might be a nicer, kinder person today than he was before the accident.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Melissa Volkert is an occupational therapist with Avalanche Physical Therapy in Summit County, Colorado. She helps skiers, snowboarders and other outdoor athletes recover from broken bones and torn ligaments. But she understands physical trauma often comes with head trauma. Today, she is one of the only mountain-town OTs mixing brain and body recovery in the clinic.

Melissa shares the latest on TBI science and the questions you can ask an OT before, during and after rehab.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Laura Laureta is turning tragedy into opportunity. In 2021, a series of brain procedures led to a stroke, robbing Laura of her legs. As she re-learned to walk, she built community around brain injury support. Today, that community, Lit Up My Mind, holds virtual game nights and women's support groups for TBI survivors across the state.

We talk with Laura about her TBI experience, the inspiration for Lit Up My Mind, and why nothing is more important than connecting with your peers.

Discover Lit Up My Mind here!

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Jenn is founder of The Working Well. After several TBIs, she realized what works for some employees just doesn't work for her. She now teaches businesses nationwide to recognize "neurodiversity," and support neurodivergent employees through acceptance and advocacy.

Interested in more? Set up a free consultation, and see if your work team might benefit from The Working Well, by contacting Jenn at jenn (at) theworkingwell.us

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

Monica comes to BIAC from Loveland on the Front Range. After suffering head injuries, including a serious car accident in the early 2000s, she struggled with PTSD, a toxic relationship and addiction. But nothing could keep this self-described unicorn from charging ahead, helped along by yoga, meditation, patience and a voracious love of learning.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.