In this inspiring episode, AJ and Erika, hosts of the One More Run Podcast, share their journey of running Disney races, overcoming medical challenges, and applying mindset principles like "I can and I will" to life and racing. They discuss the importance of community, documenting the journey, adjusting expectations, and faith-based resilience. Discover practical tips, community stories, and motivation to pursue your goals regardless of obstacles.

Key Topics:

• The "I can and I will" mindset principles for overcoming challenges
• The importance of community and support systems in races and life
• Documenting the race journey to inspire others
• Strategies for pushing through training obstacles
• The importance of knowing your 'why' in achieving goals

Links Mentioned in this Episode 🔗

• Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pjiFvuF_sos
• Connect with AJ & Erika: https://www.ajanderika.com
• Jeff Galloway runDisney Training: https://www.rundisney.com/running-training-programs

📘 Our Book: The Comfort and Healing Companion Visit https://www.comfortandhealing.org for free patient downloads!

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs inspiration. ❤️

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In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest: my mom, Melinda Brown! We share a funny story about receiving a literal "sign" in the middle of TJ Maxx, which led us into a beautiful conversation about the spiritual side of resilience.

We also explore why "Faith, Hope, and Love" are more than just cute words on a coffee mug—they actually play a vital role in the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Resilience. Since we are sharing our own stories today, we will be talking about this through the lens of our Christian faith, but this conversation is for absolutely everyone!

🎥 Watch the full video recording on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y3bnNdc8KoA 

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Meet Melinda: Get to know my mom (who was actually my first-grade teacher!) and hear her perspective on navigating life's hardest seasons. 
• Discover how the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model highlights faith and meaning-making as the crucial 4th pillar of resilience.
• Actionable Belief: Inspired by Bob Goff, we discuss how faith isn't just something you believe in your head; it is an action you take. We share how our faith influences our lives on a deeply personal level.

Resources Mentioned: 📘 Our Book: The Comfort and Healing Companion now available on Amazon. Visit https://www.comfortandhealing.org for free patient downloads!

📚 Book Recommendations: Love Does, Undistracted, and Dream Big by Bob Goff

🧠 Clinical Research: The Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Resilience (Dr. Steven Southwick & Dr. Dennis Charney)

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In this special interview, we talk with Linda Robson from St. Charles Cancer Center. Linda was a massive part of our family's personal journey and a true anchor for us during Thomas' leukemia diagnosis and treatment. Drawing from her professional expertise and her own personal health journey, Linda offers a deeply compassionate look into grief, patient advocacy, and the vital resources available in Central Oregon and beyond.

If you noticed we’ve been quiet lately, it’s because our family recently entered a new, unexpected "tornado phase" of our own with a health setback for Thomas involving Muscle GVHD. We will be sharing a full, dedicated update on this current season of life soon. But as we navigate this storm, we couldn't think of a more fitting episode to share with you today.

In this episode, we cover: 

✅ The "Tornado Phase": Understanding the overwhelming chaos of a new diagnosis and how to find your footing.

✅ Patient Advocacy: Practical strategies for asking the right questions for your medical needs.

✅ Normalizing Grief: Why emotional responses are a vital part of the healing journey.

✅ Community Resources: Navigating the support systems available for logistics, comfort, and care.

Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or a provider, Linda’s insights offer a practical roadmap for staying grounded in the midst of a medical crisis.

Resources: 

📺 Watch the Video: Prefer to watch? Catch the full video of this interview on our YouTube channel here!

📘 The Comfort & Healing Companion: Get your copy of our new patient and caregiver book now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/065MHadJ

🎧 Subscribe to The Brain It On! Podcast for more stories on bridging the gap between clinical care and emotional well-being.

Connect with Us: We want to hear from you! How are you navigating your "tornado phase"? Leave a comment below or visit us at comfortandhealing.org

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In this episode, we are joined by Dustin Hawes, the Senior Social Media Specialist for the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. In his role, Dustin is passionate about sharing the stories of cancer patients, caregivers, and researchers to build a supportive and informed online community.

We recorded this interview last year, shortly after Dustin created a beautiful social media feature documenting our own medical journey. Today, we are sharing this conversation to discuss the practical and emotional impacts of storytelling in healthcare.

Dustin explores why patients choose to share their most vulnerable health journeys, how social media can amplify these stories to drive real action, and how externalizing our experiences can help us find purpose. Whether you are ready to share your own story or learning how to hold space for someone else's, this episode provides a grounded look at how sharing our experiences helps both the speaker and the listener.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Power of Narrative: Why shaping our medical journey into a cohesive story is a key part of the healing process.
• Vulnerability in Healthcare: Dustin shares firsthand insights on the impact of storytelling and why patients choose to share their experiences.
• Finding Your Throughline: How to identify the central message of your experience when you are ready to speak out.
• How to Be a Great Listener: We break down Brené Brown’s core teachings on empathy, including how to avoid an "empathy miss" when supporting a loved one.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Coming Soon... As I hinted at in this episode, we are putting the finishing touches on a project designed to help patients and caregivers. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast so you don't miss the official launch announcement! 
• Brené Brown on Empathy: Watch the powerful animated short about how to truly show up for someone in pain: https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw?si=HfXIjokpRO61YeO1
• The Knight Cancer Institute Feature: Check out the beautiful social media feature Dustin created about our journey: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIzOpFtzpPh/

Connect with Us: We would love to hear how this episode resonated with you.  Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help other caregivers find this community or use the "Text Us" feature in your podcast app to share a piece of your story with us.

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What do you do when you’re facing a medical mountain that feels impossible to climb? After a rare Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) diagnosis, a bone marrow transplant, and an unexpected relapse, we learned what it truly means to hold onto hope. Against all odds—by the grace of God, the brilliance of our medical team, and a selfless donor from Germany—Thomas' new immune system fought off the cancer, and we just celebrated his one-year milestone in sustained remission!

In this episode, we are sharing our story from diagnosis to today. This isn't just a story about surviving—it’s a story about being a steward of a second chance. We discuss the overwhelming gratitude we feel for the doctors and nurses at OHSU and the Bend Cancer Center, the anchor of our faith, the prayers of our community, and the incredible gift of our donor, who changed everything. By exploring the science of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), we share how we worked to keep our hearts focused on hope during the darkest hours, and why guarding your mindset is a vital part of the healing process.

📺 Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/BfHTecVzVRE (We share some special visuals and photos, so head over to YouTube if you'd like to see them!)

In This Episode, We Share:

• The Smallest Beginnings: How a simple finger cut led to a diagnosis that changed our lives overnight, and the humor we found in being a "medical advocate."
• A Debt of Gratitude: Honoring the medical teams and our donor, who bridged the gap when it mattered most.
• The Logistics of a Miracle: The scary reality of rapidly stopping anti-rejection meds to fight the cancer, and the suspense of getting donor cells across the world.
• The Science of Hope: A look at how shifting from fear to hope physically supports the body's natural ability to heal.
• The Gandalf Perspective: Why the ultimate goal isn't just avoiding "bad math," but deciding what to do with the time we are given.

Resources Mentioned:

• Podcast: Blood Cancer United
• Quote: When Calls the Heart (Hallmark Channel)
• The Gandalf Quote: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainitonpodcast

📱 Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrainitonpodcast 🎥

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who is navigating a hard season. ❤️

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How do you choose to "Live Fully" when facing a terminal diagnosis? Today, we’re sharing the powerful story of Thomas’ mom, Julie, and the "qualitative research" we did to capture her spirit for her memorial bench in Drake Park.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: See the photos of Thomas' mom Julie, our new memorial bench, and the "Honorary RN" ceremony mentioned in this episode here: https://youtu.be/AWjKiECkPbE 

Julie was an intuitive master of resilience. We break down the brain science behind her philosophy—Live Fully, Laugh Often, Love Always—and show how these weren't just nice sentiments, but survival strategies that helped her outlive her prognosis by nearly a year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Memorial Bench: The challenge of summarizing a life in three lines.
• Live Fully: Why doing the action first (Behavioral Activation) creates the feeling of hope.
• Laugh Often: The "Broaden-and-Build" theory and how humor chemically undoes the effects of stress.
• Love Always: The Stanford Forgiveness Project and the physiological health benefits of letting go.
• Marigold’s Great Adventure: A tribute to the children’s book Julie wrote 10 days before she passed.

RESOURCES: Check out Julie's book, Marigold’s Great Adventure, and download free coloring pages at:https://www.pawsitivechoices.com/marigolds-adventure

HUGE HEALTH UPDATE: Thomas has reached his 1-year milestone and is officially in sustained CNS remission! 🎉

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainitonpodcast 📱Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrainitonpodcast🎥

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who's navigating a hard season. ❤️

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How do you find "The Most Wonderful Time of Year" when you’re facing your hardest days?

📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aPk8j4gjx_s?si=XrHFdMtCmTTUEz-9 

In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about reclaiming the holiday spirit while navigating cancer, hospital stays, and grief. Whether you’re spending the holidays in a hospital room or managing the heavy waves of loss at home, we share practical ways to brighten your environment and strategies for holding space for both sorrow and celebration.

We truly believe you don’t have to choose between grief and joy—there is room at the table for both.

What we discuss in this episode:

• Navigating the "Grief Wave": Practical strategies for when the holidays feel heavy or unexpected emotions surface.
• Hospital Holiday Hacks: How simple things like battery-powered lights and cozy blankets can transform a clinical space.
• The Power of Dressing Up: Why wearing something festive—even in a hospital room—is a powerful tool for mental resilience.
• Connecting with Care Teams: Small ways to share the spirit with your nurses and doctors.
• Safe Celebrations: How to stay connected to your community while prioritizing your health.

Key Takeaways:

• Reclaiming the holiday spirit is an active choice, not a location.
• It is okay to hold space for both grief and celebration at the same time.
• Small, simple moments of "festive resilience" can change your entire outlook.
• You are not alone—we are walking this path with you.

Resources & Mentions: 

• Blood Cancer United Interview 🩸: https://youtu.be/ek-O6hNKKXc?si=mJypgj5D7YA3F4n0
• Heated Seats for Outdoors: https://a.co/d/8yfGOA3
• Colorful KN95s 😷: https://a.co/d/18EGLf9
• Warm Christmas Jazz 🎄: https://youtu.be/CPFutAYDBTI?si=P9n9vrrDgi4rlcEs
• Instrumental Christmas Fireplace Ambience: https://youtu.be/qOb0aoWH8DA?si=sHhknTFyMxgKcKAw
• Tranquil Autumn Jazz: https://www.youtube.com/live/2G00EZsE_2w?si=ulBHzFlVPld1TNm-
• Haunted Pumpkin Porch Ambience 🎃: https://youtu.be/Mq-RRyha5Ag?si=_wS7DuK4Z1ZhyJsv

Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrainitonpodcast 📱Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thebrainitonpodcast 🎥

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who's navigating a hard season. ❤️

#HospitalHolidays #CancerJourney #GriefSupport #HolidayHacks #BrainItOn #MentalHealth #FindingJoy #Resilience

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In this episode, Lindsey shares her personal journey through grief following the loss of her mother-in-law, Julie, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. She discusses the complexities of grief, emphasizing that it encompasses more than just the loss of a loved one. The conversation explores the importance of vulnerability, the necessity of grieving, and the process of finding meaning in loss. Lindsey also highlights the support she and her family have received, the role of faith in their healing, and practical strategies for coping with grief. Ultimately, the episode serves as a reminder that while grief is painful, it is also a testament to the love shared with those who have passed.

Key Learnings:

• Grief is proof of our love.
• The only cure for grief is to grieve.
• Love changes its address.
• God is close to the brokenhearted.
• Grief is normal, natural, and necessary.
• Finding meaning is a continuous process.

Connect with us on Instagram @thebrainitonpodcast 📱and subscribe to our YouTube channel for videos and behind-the-scenes content! 🎥 

If this episode helped you, please leave us a review and share it with someone who's navigating a hard season. ❤️

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In this episode, we open up about navigating life's seasons, from unexpected disappointments to moments of grace, wisdom, and joy. The conversation begins with a celebration – Thomas is officially in molecular remission from leukemia! This powerful health update sets the stage for an honest exploration of how to embrace life's changing seasons. We share our personal approach to infusing joy into everyday moments, from decorating for fall and creating themed movie nights during difficult health challenges.

Drawing from Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart, we unpack what disappointment really means—those moments when the movie in our head doesn't match reality. You'll discover practical strategies for managing disappointment, including the power of validation and how cultivating appreciation can strengthen your relationships and well-being. We also share how our faith provides a foundation of strength, offering the reassurance that difficult seasons are temporary while love remains constant.

This episode reminds us that two things can be true simultaneously: we can acknowledge disappointment while still finding moments of joy. We can also miss certain seasons while appreciating our current chapter. Whether you're facing health challenges, relationship transitions, or simply navigating everyday ups and downs, we hope you'll find comfort and companionship in this conversation. 

Key Learnings

• Acknowledge Unmet Expectations: The first step to overcoming disappointment is to honor and process it. Learn to put words to your difficult emotions, understanding that it's a brave and healthy step toward healing and meaningful connection.
• Cultivate Joy and Appreciation: Discover how actively seeking out the good in your current season—even in small ways like decorating your home or savoring a cup of coffee—can help shift your perspective and boost your brain's feel-good chemicals.
• Give Yourself Grace: Learn to be a "human being" instead of a "human doing." Give yourself permission to rest and sit with your emotions without judgment, knowing that it's a vital part of navigating life's ups and downs.

Resources & Mentions

• Watch the video version of the episode on YouTube! 
• Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown 
• Some Things Never Change (Song from Frozen 2)
• Michael and Mom Talk Cancer
• Philippians 4:11-13

Connect with us  on Instagram 📱and subscribe to our YouTube channel for visuals from our journey and behind-the-scenes content! 🎥 

If this episode helped you find a way to lean into the good in your own life, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who is navigating a hard season. 

#embracechange #gratitude #disappointment #mentalhealth #cancerjourney #hope #brenebrown #bothandthinking #brainitonpodcast #atlasoftheheart

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What happens when our minds fixate on life's black dots while missing the expansive white space around them? Join us for a deeply personal exploration of finding joy amid serious health challenges.

When my husband Thomas received wonderful news that his cerebral spinal fluid showed no evidence of leukemia, I noticed how quickly my mind pivoted to anxiety about pending bone marrow results. This stark example of negativity bias—our brain's tendency to spotlight potential threats—became the catalyst for this episode's powerful message.

Drawing from psychology research, personal experiences in hospital rooms, and wisdom from unexpected places, we unpack why our brains gravitate toward problems and how we can intentionally shift our focus without falling into toxic positivity. The science behind this tendency is fascinating: our amygdala functions as the brain's alarm system, keeping us safe but sometimes causing us to miss the beauty surrounding our difficulties.

Perhaps most valuable is the concept that "two things can be true at the same time"—we can acknowledge pain while celebrating joy, feel anxiety alongside gratitude, and recognize hardship without letting it consume our entire perspective. As Catherine Price wisely notes, "Our lives are what we pay attention to."

Key Learnings:

• Acknowledge and Process the Black Dots: Learn to honor and feel difficult emotions like sadness and fear, understanding that doing so is a brave and healthy step toward healing.
• Define Your "Why": Take a moment for honest self-reflection to clarify your purpose. When you know your "why," it becomes easier to say "yes" to what truly matters and "no" to distractions.
• Find a Way to Help Others: Discover how shifting your focus to the needs of others—even in your darkest moments—can bring a renewed sense of purpose and agency, allowing you to see the "white space" where good can work through you.

Resources & Mentions:

• Undistracted by Bob Goff
• Unshakeable by Christine Caine: 
• The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
• The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
• The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
• Part of Life by Ben Rector
• The "Invisible Gorilla" experiment
• Connect with us on Instagram 📱
• Subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥 

Call to Action:

If this episode helped you see the expansive white space in your own life, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Share this episode with someone who is navigating a hard season and needs a reminder that they have the power to choose their focus.

#lifeiswhatyoupayattentionto #negativitybias #mindfulness #gratitude #purpose #psychology #mentalhealth #cancerjourney #hope

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