Resilience After 9/11: Mike Dempsey on TBI, PTSD, and Finding Hope

A 9/11 survivor with a fractured skull and years of concussion fallout, Mike Dempsey shares the real cost of trauma—and the tools, people, and hope that helped him rebuild his life.Mike Dempsey’s life is the definition of resilience. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he chased elite athletics—football, baseball, even boxing—before building a successful corporate career. Then September 11, 2001 changed everything.Mike was inside the World Trade Center complex when the first plane hit. Minutes later, near Tower One, he was knocked unconscious as the second plane struck—suffering a fractured skull and internal bleeding. What followed wasn’t just survival. It was years of navigating PTSD, memory loss, brain fog, vertigo, executive function challenges, and the terrifying experience of not recognizing your own brain.In this powerful episode of The HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase and Corey Berry sit down with Mike to unpack:What it was like inside the WTC on 9/11The hidden aftermath of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Repeated head impacts (RHI) and long-term brain healthA later concussion that “broke the camel’s back”The darkest months—and how he fought backNeurofeedback therapy and emerging recovery modalitiesWhy “finding your helpers” can save your lifeThis conversation is raw, honest, and hopeful. If you or someone you love is dealing with TBI symptoms, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or post-trauma life, this episode delivers clarity and courage.Mantra: How to cope and find hope.👉 Learn more about Mike: themikedempsey.com👉 More episodes & resources: headrushpodcast.comProudly Supported By:• Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation• Millennium Health Centers• Millennium Health Store• Paradise Behavioral Health• McWellness – Cristal ClarkDisclaimer: This podcast/video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.#9/11survivor #WorldTradeCenter #traumaticbraininjury #TBIrecovery #PTSDrecovery #brainfog #neurofeedbacktherapy #concussions #repeatedheadimpacts #CTEawareness #traumarecovery #executivefunction #mentalhealthsupport