Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed after a brain injury, with the mix of symptoms, daily stress, and simply coping with how your life has changed. It’s also common after brain injury to end up in survival mode, feeling disconnected from your body, and pushing yourself - which may be okay short term, but can add to long term stress and chronic symptoms. Today, we are diving into the topics of grounding, mindfulness, and how learning to regulate your nervous system can help you to move forward with healing after a brain injury.In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Occupational Therapist Shelley Latendresse, who shares practical insights on how mindfulness and grounding techniques can aid recovery from a brain injury. Listen to discover how simple daily practices can help manage symptoms, reduce cognitive load, and promote healing. We also talk about coexisting with pain, symptoms, and the ways that we can acknowledge where we are at while also moving forward. We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Schmoe explains how to bring your nervous system out of a hyper-sympathetic "fight-or-flight" state using targeted neurological stimulation as well as ways to do it at home.This is also our Season 5 finale! We are so grateful for the conversations we've had this season and we look forward to staying connected as we enter a break to prepare for the next season.🧠 In this episode:Navigating the process of managing symptoms, pain, and cognitive load post-concussion.Why focusing on simple, everyday habits can bring forward healing after brain injury.Understanding mindfulness as a core skill for present moment awareness to reduce stress after brain injury.Exploring grounding techniques that actively involve your senses and nature.Ways to stimulate your vagus nerve for nervous system regulation.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome with Cristabelle3:00 Season 5 Finale7:15 Nervous System Regulation - Spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe13:00 Introducing Shelley Latendresse, OT17:51 Why Mindfulness Matters19:55 Feeling Disconnected from Your Body & Mind21:40 Ways to Connect to the Moment31:30 Grounding for Coexisting with Pain and Symptoms40:44 Finding Beauty in the Everyday42:22 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Imagine a world where brain injury recovery isn't a frustrating game of trial and error, but a precisely mapped, tech-driven path designed for how your unique brain heals. The future of neuro-rehabilitation is no longer a distant dream - it is happening right now, and it brings so much hope.In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden sits down with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center to unpack some of the recent groundbreaking technology advancements reshaping rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has ever been stuck in survival mode or told your scans look "normal" despite a daily battle with brain fog and fatigue, this conversation is an exciting look at the advanced care happening across the globe.🧠 In this episode:Why the most effective way to spark neuroplasticity and rewire the brain is by activating multiple systems at once.A look at a cutting-edge tablet technology out of Paris that measures how your eyes converge and diverge using light and sound cues in a natural, active environment.How functional near-infrared spectroscopy from South Korea images real-time blood flow changes in the frontal and temporal cortex during everyday movements.Why interactive testing in free space uncovers subtle visual and tracking deficits that standard, stationary medical testing completely overlooks.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro1:47 Welcome with Cristabelle6:05 Introducing Dr. Schmoe12:25 New Visual Tablet Tech - REMOBI21:20 New VR Assessment Tech - NESPLORA24:52 New Brain Imaging Tech - NIRSIT28:20 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Concussions are incredibly complex, and because they can disrupt up several systems in your body at once, recovery never looks the same for any two people. If you have ever felt like your (or your loved one’s) symptoms are completely overlapping, today we are going to help you understand why - and what to do about it.In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden is joined by neuro-rehabilitation specialist and clinician Dr. Melissa Biscardi to break down "concussion phenotypes,” which are the distinct categories of symptoms that can present in concussion. From visual and vestibular disruptions to autonomic and cervical triggers, Melissa offers a path forward in reading the body's post-injury baseline and creating an order of operations for physical, cognitive, and emotional recovery.We also feature an expert clinical spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Schmoe helps us understand concussion rehabilitation, including explaining why pairing multi-system tasks (such as combining cognitive tracking with physical movement) drives neuroplasticity and can safely accelerate healing.🧠 In this episode:A breakdown of the core concussion phenotypes and how they constantly interact.Why your nervous system must feel foundationally stable and safe before you can successfully rehabilitate through targeted cognitive therapy.How subtle formatting issues or structural injury in the neck directly spark secondary symptoms like nausea, blurry vision, and tracking headaches.Honoring the intense identity shifts, irritability, and anxiety that naturally occur when an unexpected injury flips your daily life upside down.How physical movement, even a simple sequence of marching in your bedroom for 10 seconds, drives essential oxygen and blood flow straight to a healing brain.Why changing or rotating clinicians as your baseline improves is a sign of therapeutic progress, not failure; different phases of recovery demand different clinical specialties.Melissa's previous episodes with us:57- Female Hormones after TBI/Concussion: https://hopesurvives.org/podcast/5754- Pillars of Concussion Care + Holistic Approach: https://hopesurvives.org/podcast/54CONNECTFollow @hopesurvivesVisit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠-------0:00 Intro1:55 Welcome with Cristabelle3:10 How to Treat Concussion with Dr. Schmoe - Spotlight8:00 Introducing Dr. Melissa Biscardi12:12 Breaking Down Concussion Phenotypes20:50 How Symptoms Show Up in Everyday Life27:18 Intentional Movement29:24 Metabolic Factors33:25 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Have you ever wanted to share more about your story, but weren’t sure how to start? The hidden realities of living with brain injury can feel overwhelming to explain, especially to people in your life - and it can feel daunting to know where to start with sharing. In this episode, our host Cristabelle sits down with bestselling author Laura Conaway to explore the vulnerable journey of living with POTS and dysautonomia following a childhood concussion. Laura shares personal insights on breaking the cycle of shame, the struggle with sharing symptoms with people around you, learning to give yourself grace during unpredictable flare-ups, and how the act of writing can become a powerful vehicle for healing.We are also introducing The Hope Collective: a space on the Hope Survives website that gathers the voices and creative expressions of our community reflecting the complexity and resilience of life after brain injury.This space is designed specifically for you to read and share your own reflections, stories, and triumphs whenever you feel ready. Whether you want to process your own healing, provide comfort to someone else walking a similar path, or take advantage of the opportunity to be officially published on Hope Survives, The Hope Collective is here for you. Learn more: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollective*FREE ACCESS to Laura’s Writing With Hope On-Demand Course: https://hopesurvives.org/writingwithhopePlus, we feature a spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Harvey explains the fascinating relationship between creative writing, fine motor skills, and neuroplasticity, showing how putting your thoughts on paper actively re-wires the cerebellum and strengthens emotional control.🧠 In this episode:Processing the difficult feelings of looking “fine” on the outside while managing symptoms internally.The struggle with feeling initial shame in sharing your limitations with others - and learning to give yourself grace and take small steps forward.How creative writing and fine motor expression stimulates core neural pathways to enhance recovery.Why stepping out of isolation and linking arms with a community can calm an overactive nervous system.Encouragement for why your story matters, and some small steps forward towards sharing.Practical tips on breaking through the fear of writing, setting aside rigid formatting, and letting your authentic voice shine.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro2:20 Welcome with Cristabelle6:40 The Value of Writing after Brain Injury - Spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey9:30 Introducing Laura12:56 Managing Symptoms16:04 Processing Shame & Sharing with Others20:50 Courage to Start Writing26:33 Encouragement to Try Writing & Sharing34:30 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

When you are dealing with the overwhelming changes of a brain injury, it can easily feel like you are stuck in constant survival mode. There are so many changes in identity, dreams, and goals. So how do you move forward and find purpose? In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Jackson Davis, who shares his powerful story of turning trauma into a deeper purpose. After surviving a catastrophic car accident that left him in a multi-month coma with severe physical and brain injuries, Jackson had to completely rebuild his life, reframe his goals, and discover what it truly means to endure - even becoming an ultra-endurance Ironman athlete.We also feature a special spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center on finding meaning during recovery. Dr. Harvey discusses the vital psychological shift from focusing on feeling "broken" to intentionally making yourself whole again, and how a purpose-driven perspective can actively build your neurological resilience.🧠 In this episode:Navigating survival mode & why it is completely okay to just focus on getting through the day one moment at a time when your system is overwhelmed.Coping with the sudden loss of your old life plans and learning to accept and love the person you are today.How finding new purpose doesn't have to look like a massive plan right away; it can be found in the small ways you choose to show up for yourself and your community each day.Ways that Jackson defied medical expectations, overcame severe physical limitations, and trained to compete in multiple long-distance triathlons.The importance setting goals for yourself to take those small steps forward - even if it’s pacing your daily actions one hour at a time.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle4:55 Spotlight - Finding Purpose within Recovery - Dr. Ryan Harvey7:55 Introducing Jackson Davis9:30 Jackson’s TBI Story19:30 Emotional & Physical Recovery21:50 Finding New Dreams & Goals23:13 Defining Purpose25:05 Journey to Ironman27:45 Encouragement in Walking in Purpose30:10 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

When facing cognitive challenges after a brain injury, your mindset has a massive impact on your overall recovery. Today, Cristabelle talks with speech-language pathologist Jenny Traver about mindset, learning, emotional recovery, and returning to school after a brain injury. Whether you are a student trying to go back to a busy school, a parent figuring out how to guide your child, or anyone navigating a unique path to wellness, this episode offers practical tips for your journey.We also have a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on learning and neuroplasticity. He explains how the brain rewires itself when you learn new tasks, especially when you mix brain exercises with simple body movements to get blood flowing.🧠 In this episode:How changing your self-talk helps your brain heal when facing difficult days.Why managing brain fatigue is just as important as studying or working.Learning to speak up for your needs is a skill you can practice and build over time.Coping with the hard emotional shift when your daily abilities suddenly change.Practical tips for parents and students returning to loud classrooms and managing mental fatigue.Navigating school accommodations and learning to move forward step-by-step.Caregivers don't need all the answers; just being a calm, supportive presence is a powerful tool.Taking it one day at a time will help you get back to what matters most.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvivesVisit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠-------0:00 Intro2:10 Welcome with Cristabelle3:45 Spotlight with Dr. Schmoe6:35 Introducing Jenny Traver11:55 The Intertwined Picture of Recovery13:15 Cognitive Challenges of Returning to School18:30 Mindset Shifts & Gentle Reframing25:20 Importance of the Right Support29:55 Self-Advocacy and Executive Functioning33:30 Asking for Help35:40 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, yet it has never received distinct, individualized attention from the world’s largest health policy bodies. For years, TBI has been treated as a "footnote" in broader neurological discussions, but that is about to change.In this episode, our host Cristabelle is joined by Paul Dubetz, whose lived experience with traumatic brain injury eventually led to working with a global coalition to bring a historic resolution before the World Health Organization (WHO). Paul also shares his story of survival after a catastrophic accident in Italy, and explains why reclassifying brain injury as a chronic condition is the key to unlocking global standards of care.🌏 This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment as the 79th World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva, Switzerland, this May 2026. As the supreme decision-making body of the WHO, this Assembly has the power to approve programs and set the international health policies that will define the future of neurological care. Paul is part of leading a critical effort at a side event during the Assembly, where a panel of individuals with lived experience will advocate directly to member states to ensure that TBI is officially recognized as a chronic and notifiable condition on the world stage in 2027.🧠 In this episode:Why the World Health Organization is the essential vehicle for setting international health policies for TBI.Paul’s personal account of a severe TBI and the advanced neurosurgeries that saved his life in Milan.Understanding how labeling TBI as a "chronic and notifiable condition" will allow member states to implement long-term surveillance and treatment.A glimpse into the legislative process behind the World Health Assembly and the target for adoption in 2027.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvivesVisit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠-------0:00 Intro1:53 Welcome with Cristabelle6:34 Introducing Paul Dubetz8:50 The Life Changing Accident18:05 Effects of the TBI22:32 Involvement with the World Health Organization26:10 Resolution for TBI Recognition32:58 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Recovery after a brain injury can feel like solving a puzzle, uncovering the pieces and trying to put it all together. For many, dysautonomia is the missing piece of the puzzle that explains why symptoms like brain fog, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue persist long after the initial impact. In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to pull back the curtain on the autonomic nervous system and explain why a problem with the autonomic nervous system and blood flow might be the real reason you’re struggling to find stability. Dr. Harvey also shares his powerful personal journey from a child experiencing mysterious fainting episodes to becoming a lead clinician helping others navigate the same complex neurological dysfunctions.🧠 In this episode:Understanding dysautonomia as a dysfunction in how your brain signals blood flow throughout the body.Neurogenic inflammation from a head injury can last much longer than typical body inflammation, often triggering autonomic issues.Identifying the wide range of symptoms of dysautonomia, from cold hands and feet to GI issues and exercise intolerance.Why simple positional changes, like standing up or showering, can become major hurdles for cerebral perfusion.Practical, controllable strategies for taking the next step forward.How to move from a state of overstimulation into a multimodal rehabilitation plan where life eventually becomes your therapy.CONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle6:20 Introducing Dr. Harvey11:40 Explaining Dysautonomia15:50 POTS & Other Forms18:20 What to Look Out For20:50 Exercise Intolerance23:18 Where to Start to Regulate Nervous System27:07 Dysautonomia vs. Post-Injury Dysfunction30:20 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠