F*** It, I Have a Brain Injury

In this episode, Ken and Jesse talk with Dr. Jerry Hoepner, SLP and professor at The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, about the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp and the importance of establishing meaningful connections to help people with ABI reduce their cognitive-communication impairment and increase their quality of life.    For more information about the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Camp, please email Mary Beth Clark at [email protected]

BONUS EPISODE! In this crossover episode, Renee Garrett, host of "Brainstorm(s) Podcast" discusses with Jesse and Ken how their lived experience inspired them to create a podcast. They reflect on meaningfulness, communication and cognitive growth and how their identity has been positively impacted by sharing their story and the stories of others with ABI.    *Head to Speech Therapy PD  earn ASHA CEUs for this episode*  

The guys interview Julie Hart, Speech/Language Pathologist and (at the time) Director of the Neurogenic Communication Program at The College of St. Rose in Albany, NY. In this episode, Julie describes foundational elements of the program that prioritized individualized, project-oriented interventions and made it an award-winning program. The group discusses how cognitive/communication tasks are integrated into goals for meaningful engagement, community interactions and friendships. Julie Hart is now the Director of The Aphasia Center at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY. TAC Program and Contact Information

In Part 3 with Andy, he reflects on a 2023 Book Club author visit when we were lucky enough to have Albany, NY’s own William Kennedy talk about writing “Legs” - a book the group had just read.  Co-hosts discuss the positive downstream effects of Book Club and ongoing community interaction as a result.

In Part 2 of this 3 part conversation, Andy talks with co-hosts about Book Club roles and the value of creating support materials for the group by the group. They discuss the development of materials as mini-projects that give purpose in between weekly meetings. Andy discusses how Book Club has helped his ability to communicate in other aspects of his life. 

In Part 1 of 3, Andy discusses how his participation in Book Club has helped him with reading after his TBI. Together with the hosts and SLP, specific reading strategies are offered along with some on-brand humor of three friends in the chronic phase of their recovery.

In this second part, Wendy talks about employment issues with support services (and the irony of the laws), Medicaid, SSDI and SSI paperwork requirements, Waiver transportation woes and ways to resolve conflict with the co-hosts. Her thorough description highlights "the job of a good service coordinator." 

In this first of two episodes, Wendy Decker, describes her role as a long time Service Coordinator for the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program. She describes how NYS administers the Home and Community Based Support 1915 (c) Traumatic Brain Injury Medicaid Waiver program. The co-hosts invite Wendy to discuss the challenges and positive aspects of the waiver including the guiding principle of "freedom of choice." She also highlights the process of enrolling in the waiver program in New  York state, as well as recent changes resulting from newly enforced conflict of interest laws.  

In this episode, Melissa and the hosts talk with Shelly about how she sustained her initial injury and (then subsequent injuries) and challenges and strategies associated with losing your ability to drive and having to rely on transportation services. Listen for some strategies and a potential business idea for entrepreneurs out there!

More on the highs and lows of having Home Health Aides. In this episode Shelly describes characteristics and behaviors of excellent aides and some red flags to watch out for. She discusses her use of a Self-advocacy training video to orient and train new Home Health Aides and also tells her two worst aide stories. Heads up- one is X-rated.

In Part 2 of this conversation, Kim Verner discusses different types of guardianships, including representative payees and how caregivers can help adults with Acquired Brain Injury maintain independence in a supportive environment.  *Note: This interview was recorded in Albany, NY, USA in April 2024.

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, the guys interview Elder Law and Disability Attorney, Kim Verner. She describes how to set up a Special Needs Trust and the important aspects of estate planning following Acquired Brain Injury. *Note: This interview was recorded in Albany, NY in April 2024. 

In this episode, Jesse interviews Ken about his recent experience moving to a new home. They separate physical/mobility challenges associated with hemiparesis from cognitive challenges after ABI. Cognitive strategies include labeling drawers and cabinets and asking family to help organize. Physical accommodations include moving appliances and fixtures on the  strong side, using a rolling cutting board, installing a cut tub, using a rug over hardwood floors and having family help pack and unpack. And remember, even with more room around the bed it still may take a hockey game’s time to put on a fitted sheet. “Anybody going through what I’m going through, it will work out, it just takes time” -Ken

In this episode, Allison discusses overcoming shame and obstacles following her ABI. She talks about her experience with aphasia and acquiring and succeeding in a job. The group talks about fishing and making friends after brain injury. 

Ken and Jesse talk with Molly and share their tips on managing home health aids. The group shares attributes to look for in an aid who will help foster independence and how to spot a not-so-good one. They all share their worst aid stories- one stinks worse than the others. *Episode transcript available.

*Note: this episode was recorded in December 2023 when The College of St. Rose in Albany, NY, USA, had just announced it was closing.*   In the conversation: Jesse, Ken and Melissa Capo, speech/language pathologist. Jesse interviews Ken about his experience with aphasia (an acquired communication disorder that can result from brain injury including stroke). Ken describes strategies that work for him and assures listeners that "anybody that says it doesn't get better is lying, cause it does." He also describes the importance of being comfortable in your own skin.    Resources: National Aphasia Association Life Participation Approach to Aphasia Aphasia Institute (Canada)

In this introductory episode, Ken and Jesse describe the purpose of the podcast and provide background information about their Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI). Ken describes his stroke and his interest before and after. Jesse describes the conditions around his anoxic injury and his challenges since. He also describes his current interests.