The Broken Road Project Podcast

In this powerful season finale of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson is joined by Luke and Jen Balloun and co-founder Amber Peterson for an honest, emotional conversation about stroke recovery, faith after trauma, and finding purpose through suffering.

Luke shares his firsthand experience surviving a life-altering stroke, the frightening moments that followed, and the long road of neurological rehabilitation. Jen offers a raw and heartfelt perspective from the caregiver side; navigating fear, faith, and the unseen challenges families face during medical trauma. Together, they reflect on how tragedy reshaped their priorities, strengthened their faith, and led them toward serving others walking similar broken roads.

This episode also dives into:

Life after stroke & neurotrauma

Caregiver trauma and emotional recovery

Faith during medical crises

Rehabilitation, therapy, and community support

Why The Broken Road Project exists

The importance of hope, mentorship, and not walking alone

As the final episode of the season, this conversation sets the tone for what’s ahead; expanding outreach, building community, and helping others rebuild life after stroke, TBI, and serious medical trauma.

🧠💙 You are not alone. Healing is possible. Purpose can be found, even on the broken road.

🔗 Learn More & Get Involved

Visit: https://www.thebrokenroad.org

Support the mission, volunteer, or donate to help individuals and families affected by neurotrauma, stroke, and brain injury.

🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations Like This

New episodes feature real stories of:

Stroke & TBI recovery

Medical trauma & faith

Caregivers & survivors

Hope, healing, and resilience

In this powerful episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, Trent sits down with 16-year-old stroke survivor Nathan Griffith to share a story you will never forget. Nathan opens up about the night his life changed, the battle he faced after a sudden hemorrhagic stroke, and the moment of clarity he experienced while fighting for his life, a moment that completely reshaped his future and faith.From losing mobility and proprioception on his left side, to relearning how to walk with an exoskeleton, to pushing through neurofeedback therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatment, Nathan shows what it means to stay “Still in the Game.”

His resilience, honesty, and faith-driven purpose will inspire anyone walking a difficult road, especially families navigating stroke, brain injuries, or major life change.

Nathan shares:

• What led up to his stroke at age 15

• His experience with brain surgery, ventilators, and early recovery

• The emotional impact of seeing himself differently after brain trauma

• The spiritual encounter that redirected his entire future

• His new mission to become a physical therapist and help others heal

• What he wishes every stroke survivor knew early on

• Why “keep on keepin’ on” is the motto that keeps him moving forward

💛 SUPPORT NATHAN’S RECOVERY

Every therapy session makes a difference for Nathan, especially in this critical window of neuroplasticity.

If you feel led to support his recovery, you can donate here:

👉 https://www.thebrokenroad.org/support-nathan-griffith 👉 https://www.supportnow.org/nathan-griffith

Even $1 helps.

🧡 ABOUT THE BROKEN ROAD PROJECT

We are a Christian non-profit dedicated to supporting stroke and brain injury survivors through storytelling, advocacy, and assistance for therapies often not covered by insurance. Your support allows us to stand in the gap for families in need and bring hope where it’s needed most.

🔔 LIKE • COMMENT • SUBSCRIBEYour engagement helps us share stories like Nathan’s with people who desperately need to hear them.

In this inspiring episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with occupational therapist Cassie Graziano to talk about resilience, faith, and the power of purpose in neurorehabilitation. Cassie shares her personal and professional journey from helping stroke and brain injury patients rediscover independence to facing her own health challenges and learning the importance of self-compassion.Together, they discuss how faith fuels healing, what it means to walk beside patients through the hardest seasons of life, and how recovery is not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that every challenge can become a chance to grow closer to God and find meaning beyond the limitations.🎧 Topics Covered:Cassie’s journey into occupational therapy and neuro rehabThe emotional toll and rewards of serving othersFaith, burnout, and finding life balanceThe importance of grace and self-careCassie’s own spinal surgery and lessons from recoveryThe mission behind The Broken Road Project nonprofit💬 Key Quote: “It’s okay to have hard times. Life will throw challenges, but there’s always a brighter side that comes from it.” – Cassie Graziano🙏 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, healing, and hope from The Broken Road Project Podcast.#FaithInRecovery #StrokeAwareness #OccupationalTherapy #NeuroRehab #HealingJourney #ChristianPodcast #TheBrokenRoadProject #FaithAndHealing #RecoveryStories #Inspiration

In this inspiring episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with Nicole Salzano; stroke survivor, motivational speaker, and former Bryant University swim team captain, to share her incredible journey from athlete to advocate.At just 22, Nicole suffered a massive stroke during her senior year of college, leaving her with aphasia and right-sided weakness. Against all odds, she fought her way back through faith, determination, and the healing power of community.Together, Trent and Nicole discuss:💬 Overcoming aphasia and rediscovering her voice through music💪 Living with a blood-clotting disorder and the importance of stroke awareness🙏 How faith and perspective bring purpose through adversity💡 The “Power of Yet” — a mindset for growth and hope in recoveryWhether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, medical professional, or simply someone seeking encouragement, this episode reminds us that every day is a gift and every step forward is victory.🔗 Connect with Nicole: https://www.nicolesalzano.me🔗 Learn more about The Broken Road Project: https://www.thebrokenroad.org📅 New episodes every two weeks; subscribe, like, and share to help spread hope and awareness!#StrokeSurvivor #AphasiaAwareness #FaithBasedRecovery #StrokeRecovery #MotivationalPodcast #TheBrokenRoadProject #NicoleSalzano #TrentPeterson #BrainInjuryAwareness #StrokeSupport #PowerOfYet

In this episode, host Trent Peterson sits down with Lorenzo Cherry, a veteran, father, and stroke survivor whose story reminds us that every challenge can become a chance to grow.

Lorenzo opens up about experiencing a TIA (mini-stroke), rebuilding his health, letting go of stress, and finding gratitude in every moment.

Together, Trent and Lorenzo talk about the power of positivity, faith, healthy living, and second chances, including the inspiring story of Lorenzo’s 97-year-old mother, a cancer survivor and woman of strong faith.I

f you’ve ever felt like life knocked you down, this episode will lift you back up. 💪🕊️

Topics Covered:

Signs and symptoms of a TIA / mini-stroke

Overcoming fear and lifestyle change after recovery

The role of faith and prayer in healing

Fatherhood, family, and finding joy in the small things

Stress, gratitude, and the power of kindness

📌 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, recovery, and resilience from The Broken Road Project Podcast.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments, what part of Lorenzo’s story inspired you most?

👇 Listen now and be encouraged!

#StrokeSurvivor #FaithInHealing #RecoveryJourney #StrokeAwareness #MentalHealth #HealthyLiving #TheBrokenRoadProject #ChristianPodcast #Inspiration #Resilience #PodcastInterview #LifeAfterStroke #FaithOverFear

In this episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with Taylor Moellering, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist at Baylor. Together, they dive deep into the world of occupational therapy, stroke recovery, driving rehabilitation, and the role of faith in healing.Taylor shares her journey of helping patients regain independence, whether that’s learning how to get dressed again, celebrating small wins, or getting back behind the wheel after a life-changing medical event. She also opens up about the challenges of balancing patient care, safety, and the emotional side of rehabilitation.Trent and Taylor discuss:What occupational therapy really is (it’s more than just “getting back to work”).The unique driving rehabilitation program at Baylor and why independence matters.How faith, mindset, and support systems impact recovery outcomes.The struggles patients face with insurance, costly adaptive equipment, and why advocacy is so important.Why celebrating small wins is key to finding purpose and hope after stroke, TBI, or neurological conditions.This conversation is full of inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement for survivors, caregivers, and anyone curious about the recovery journey.✨ If you’re navigating recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Broken Road Project Podcast for more real conversations on faith, recovery, and resilience.

In this episode of The Broken Road Podcast, Colby shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer at just 31 years old. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, she opens up about the challenges of chemo, radiation, surgery, and recovery, and how her faith in God, her family, and her church community became her anchor through the battle.Colby discusses:✦ The moment she received her diagnosis✦ How she and her husband shared the news with their children✦ Practical tools that helped her through chemo (cold capping, hydration, IV therapy)✦ The incredible role her husband and community played in her healing✦ Finding purpose in pain and walking alongside others in their cancer journeyThis is more than just a cancer survivor story, it’s a testimony of faith, hope, and resilience. If you or a loved one are navigating illness, trauma, or hardship, Colby’s story is a reminder that you are never alone and that God can use even the hardest battles for good.🙏 Subscribe to The Broken Road Project Podcast for more real stories of recovery, resilience, and faith.📌 Resources & Links: www.thebrokenroad.org #BreastCancerSurvivor #FaithPodcast #ChristianTestimony #SurvivorStory #CancerBattle #Inspiration #HopeInChrist

In this episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with physical therapist Jeremy Lasso to talk about stroke recovery, the power of neuroplasticity, and the role of faith in healing.Trent shares his journey after surviving a stroke, and Jeremy offers insights from years of working with patients in neuro rehab. Together, they discuss the challenges of physical therapy, why PTs are often the unsung heroes of recovery, and how faith and family fuel both patients and caregivers.If you’re looking for encouragement, resources, and real conversations about overcoming life-changing medical events, this episode will inspire you.✨ Topics Covered:Stroke recovery & neuroplasticity explainedWhat makes physical therapy life-changingFaith’s impact on healing and resilienceFriendship, family, and hope in the recovery journey🙏 About The Broken Road Project:We are a nonprofit dedicated to supporting stroke survivors and those facing life-altering medical events through hope, resources, and faith-based encouragement. Learn more: www.thebrokenroad.org#StrokeRecovery #FaithAndHealing #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeSurvivor #BrokenRoadProject

In this inspiring episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, Trent Peterson sits down with Dina Paetzold, a resilient stroke survivor who turned her battle with pain and loss into a powerful testimony of hope.

Dina shares her raw and authentic story of navigating the darkest valleys of recovery and rediscovering her faith in God.

Her journey is a reminder that even on the most broken roads, healing and purpose are possible.If you’ve ever felt stuck in pain or questioned your faith during life’s hardest moments, this conversation will speak directly to your heart.

✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:

Dina’s powerful recovery story after her stroke

How faith became her anchor.

Practical encouragement for anyone walking through suffering

A message of hope: your broken road can lead to new beginnings

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more faith-filled encouragement and real recovery stories!

🌐 Learn more or support our mission: www.thebrokenroad.org💛

To donate, click the link in our bio or visit our Instagram highlights for instructions.

In this powerful episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with returning guest Dexter Cearly to explore what it means to reinvest in your life after it’s been turned upside down. From personal health crises like strokes to everyday challenges, Trent and Dexter dive into the importance of shifting priorities, valuing health, nurturing relationships, and living with intention.

This conversation covers:

• The difference between reinventing and reinvesting yourself

Whether you’re navigating your own recovery, seeking inspiration to live more intentionally, or simply enjoy authentic conversations about resilience and growth, this episode offers wisdom you can apply today.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to start reinvesting in the moments that matter most.

#TheBrokenRoadProject #Podcast #Reinvesting #LifeAfterStroke #DexterCearly #HealthAndWellness #PersonalGrowth #IntentionalLiving #FaithAndResilience #LifeLessons #OvercomingAdversity