Z Z Archive 2014

Please join me this Saturday night for a dose of positive attitude, some encouraging words, and as always some rocking music! I am going to interview a courageous TBI survivor, Dan Borst who always has me laughing!! Please join in on the fun tonight by either listening, calling in or sharing in the chat room.  You can access the show by clicking the link below or dialing 424-243-9540, or call toll-free 855-473-3711 in the USA and 202-559-7907 toll-free outside USA.  You can also Skype in as well. This link can also be used after the live show, for "On Demand" listening at your leisure. "Be Positive with Shannon Marie" is going to be on every Saturday night 9 PM till Midnight starting December 6, 2014.    

I don’t know about you but I need a motivational booster shot for those ambitious New Year’s resolutions and the Christmas season and ways to help prevent the holiday blues so you can start changing your life! Brain Injury and Mental health professionals have significantly underestimated the importance of lifestyle factors as contributors to and treatments for multiple psychopathologies, for fostering individual and social well-being, and for preserving and optimizing cognitive function. Now my question to you is what are you willing to do to change your circumstances? We often find ourselves comparing about our circumstances then get mad and soon after quit. He adds that "therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) are underutilized despite considerable evidence of their effectiveness in both clinical and normal populations." Healthcare professionals are more likely to prescribe meds than to show their troubled, depressed, anxious and unhappy clients how to help themselves by changing the way they live. For that, we can thank America's obsession with quick and easy fixes, like popping a pill for whatever ails you, whether indigestion or the blahs. I want everyone to think of this as the greatest race of a life time and we can all be part of it so join me to help  start changing the World view on people with disabilities by taking charge of your own destiny now. So take a chance and help start a National and International dialogue to begin the discussion.  

Looking for those survivors who can share with many how to get up, be thankful, to share some of the stratagies of journeys that find peace and reasons for being thankful.  During the holidays it is even harder to feel thankful as many survivors have lost their friends and families during their journey. SAD OR seasonal affective disorder can intensify this feeling of gloom, and make it pretty hard to be thankful for this new us who has lost all of their connections.  Now lost, alone and fighting for the umph to fell like the we are worth the air we breathe in.  Join Us tonight as we brain storm together a better tomorrow.    

Amy Davis lay unconscious on the Weber State University stadium track with a serious brain injury from a cheerleading stunt that went awry. Amy Morgan Davis is currently attending the University of Utah, pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music/Piano Performance. She is a member of The Ladies In Red, a piano performing quartet which supports the U of U Outreach Program. Amy has volunteered much of her time toward teaching piano to under privileged students in this after school music program. Following her year as Miss Utah, Amy continued to be an advocate to provide help for patients with traumatic brain injuries. She also was the spokesperson for the Brain Injury Association of America. Amy spoke to Congress in Washington D.C. and traveled across the country as the keynote speaker at numerous conferences on behalf of brain injury survivors. As a survivor of a TBI, she used music as a tool to help with her recovery. Amy won the Lifestyle/Fitness in Swimsuit competition at the Miss America pageant and was also presented the Presidential Service Award for the State of Utah. In 2007, she won first runner up to Miss Utah USA. As a professional actress, Amy has filmed on camera with numerous companies including RC Willey, Ivory Homes, DoTerra, Nordic Track, Nuriche, Novum Homes, Comcast, Disney, and has been the spokesperson for over 50 websites. She was also the piano hands in High School Musical III and most recently was the featured pianist in Alex Boye's music video by Adele, "Set Fire to the Rain". Amy attended school with the BYU Study Abroad program in Paris, France. She also completed cosmetology school through Taylor Andrews Academy of Hair Design in 2007 and now operates Center Stage Salon in NSL. Amy has been featured in numerous television advertisements and has interviewed and performed on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Inside Edition.

prerecorded programing new shows Nov 24 enjoy this what ever episode

Melissa Cronin was strolling through the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market when an elderly man lost control of his car and barreled into the crowd. That changed her life forever. Now Melissa lives with ‘invisible bruises.” But Melissa picked up the pieces and is embarking on a new career. Read her interview on Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury to find out what it is and check out her story, “Invisible Bruise” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Please join me this Saturday night for a heaping dose of positive attitude, sharing an encouraging TBI survivor story from my good friend Jenny, and as always spinning some rocking music!  BE POSITIVE!!! You can access the show by clicking the link or dialing 424-243-9540, or call toll-free 855-473-3711 in the USA and      202-559-7907 toll-free outside USA. You can also Skype in as well.  This link can also be used after the live show, for "On Demand" listening at your leisure. Join in on the chatroom tonight!

I want to first pay homage honor to our great military forces for which without them I truly believe our World would be in chaos and there would be no USA to fight for!!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all you have done, all that you have given and all the lives that were lost in protection of our freedoms!!!!! You know we the people with disabilities tend to have a major hang up!! Well I’m a person with a brain injury or I’m a person with down’s syndrome or I’m a person with this or that and in the mean time it’s as if we forget we are the human species with likes, Loves, Pains, and heart aches and that no matter what our ABILITY we tend to lock ourselves into the title of what ever happened to us and to HELL with everyone else! I hate that picture and want to rip it down and set it on fire because people with disabilities whatever label we wear tend to isolate and congregate in the narrow scope of their label! ARE YOU AND I JUST A LABEL? I am going to say no!!!  Yes I am a multiple Brain Injury, Aneurism, and AVM survivor but I choose to stand on the promise that the hope of Tomorrow and the reality of Today will bring us together in a powerful and bold new way. So Unity and inclusion for all people with dis/ABILITIES is my Dream Catchers Dream much like Martin Luther King said it during the Civil Rights movement! Make Inclusion is no Illusion in 2014 and beyondPersonnel EmpowermentBeing boldUniting disenfranchised survivorsHOPEMake it realCrossing the isleLiving your dreams and forgetting the pain and heart ache

To night is brain injury radio best of the best, a thought provocing re-run to tantalize your mind, so enjoy

Only got 3hrs sleep last night, and not enough time in the budget to make up for it today. Needless to say, I'm ill prepared, but am still unlocking the room for your questions, comments, topics ... OR, you'll be hearing some great Indie Music, rocking it this Saturday Night! Ever notice how theissues of pets can sometimes mirror ours? Things like being powerless over sudden turns in health, fear, confusion...Trying to stay calm, or keep our bearings in the face of crisis? Understanding the problem and then adapting to new solutions, even if we don't like the available or most prudent options? That's where we were in the overnight, and I had a chance to reflect on it today in my exhaustion. Perhaps not as many differences between man and beast as we might think...   Hosted By Kim Justus

How much do you know about brain injury? Many people talk about traumatic brain injury, strokes, cancer, and tumors but there are more! How many people know details about the others? Toxemia, M.S., M.D., diffuse axonal, anoxic, autism, etc.  There are a number or neurological impairments that are brain injuries which are never discussed enough or brought to the forefront of conversations. There are a number of things we, in the brain injury community, need to bring forth to the public, to make the public aware off, and to build educational resources available.  WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AND HELP EDUCATE PEOPLE, NOT JUST US SURVIVORS BUT FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES OF THE INJURED.  There are a group of us which are working on making a global resource center online for support, counseling and education but we all must stand together. Please join our show and lets start working together!  Please join me, Michael Idell as the host on Friday Night Brain Injury Radio Network November th, 2014 at 8:00pm-9:30pm Eastern Standard / 5:00pm - 6:30 Pacific Call in and speak with us! GUEST CALL-IN (424) 243-9540 Please share!!!

Since my brain injury 37 years ago, I have always wondered why I have done so well over the years?  At last week's Southwest Conference on Disability, I did two presentation that helped to answer that question. Creating a Quality of Life for People with Brain Injuries - Using Neuroplasticity, Mindfullness Meditation and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction.  Recent research has determined that “Neuroplasticity has replaced the formally-held position that the brain is a physiological static organ, and explores how - and which ways – the brain changes throughout life”. Neuroplasticity occurs on a variety of levels, ranging from cellular changes due to learning, to large-scale changes involved in cortical remapping in response to injury. The role in neuroplasticity is widely recognized in healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage. Decades off research have now shown that substantial changes occur in the lowest neocortical processing areas, and that these changes can profoundly alter the pattern of neuronal activation in response to experience. Neuroscientific research indicates that experience can actually change both the brain’s physical structure (anatomy) and functional organization (physiology). Neuroscientists are currently engaged in a reconciliation of critical period studies demonstrating the immutability of the brain after development with the more recent research showing how the brain can, and does, change in response to hitherto unsuspected stimuli". Playing baseball increased my neuroplasticity through exercise, practice and repetition. Mindfulness Therapy was how I kept my poise while pitching. Mindfulness is all about staying focused, thinking ahead and knowing the situations, staying calm, relaxed and in control (resilience in the face of adversity). Neuroplasticity and Minfulness = Baseball.

When Neil Armstrong said the famous words, that’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind He was standing on the surface of the moon on the Apollo 11 mission. It took the vision of many great scientists and inventors, and a lot of hard work, scientific discovery, and creation to develop a way to go to the moon and in a time, there is now well over 40 years ago with technology was not nearly as advanced. Brain injury and disability need their ah-ha moment in history and say it’s their time to stand firm and plant our flag and say we have arrived to place a new understanding encouragement and hope of disability, a place where we can stand on her own strong and believe in ourselves a place I call Dream Catchers. My vision my dream is a place where we can come together work and learn on new skills and develop a whole new life after injury! So join me tonight as we take a step forward in the name of humankind and develop new friendships and relationships here on Dream Catchers.      

Living with a brain injury has been interesting, harsh and unforgiving.  I have learned more about humanity in the last 7 years than I have all the rest of the years combined.  I had a hope that one day it would be behind me.  All the overwhelmed brain days, all of the headaches, all of the thoughts of self-worthlessness and doubt.  As we approach these days that get shorter each day, the weather getting wet and cooler.  Shorter days and longer nights add to our feeling down.  Holidays are reminders of days past, and people past.  I know for me it takes all my energy to get through them.  I try to paint the pretty face for my daughters and people who look to me for support.  It is so hard at times.  I just like everyone else want to crawl under a rock and isolate from the world.  Disappear into the darkness that my mind creates.  And create it does, a never ending race of thoughts that I cannot process because my brain is going faster than I can understand. And sometimes these thoughts get me in trouble, on the wrong path. The blessing side of this I have developed a life that accommodates my life, and these over stimulating conditions that can pound me into the group.  And I have had those moments where I thought I could leave it all behind and just blend into society.  Refuse for a short time to time respite from all that has crumbled in my life.  As I rebuild this new me, on I don’t even fully recognize.  I am learning I am trapped inside myself and for the seven years of my fight there has been NO WAY OUT.

You've heard David's story from my point of view. Now it's time for David to share his perspective of living with traumatic brain injury. He'll talk about how his life has greatly changed for better and for worse. We may even find out some surprises. (Segment 4 of "Prisoner Without Bars: Conquering Traumatic Brain Injury") Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog (survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com) Donna's Blog (donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com)

Please join Shannon Marie this Saturday night for a dose of positive attitude, which is often a challenge for many of us. Tonight we're going to continue discussing changing your life forever and focusing on ways to motivate yourself as you learn to adapt. I will also be introducing listeners to an exceptional friend of mine, Gail L. Kinzer. We will talk about her career working with TBI survivors. We will also hear some new tunes from Nate Leslie, and rock out with Jimmy G. Hosted By Shannon Marie Hilbert

Can you develop a sixth sense or have premonition after TBI? Yes you can! Late the other night I decided to go to the 24 hour grocery store. The traffic was very light. I decided to take my dog bandit with me because he did not want to be alone. Once we were both in the car in the engine was running. I had a strange feeling come over me. The feeling of concern that if I wasn't very careful something could go very wrong I started watching both sides of the road frequently as if something was out there and I had an annoying feeling that if I didn’t watch out, something could go very wrong. So I continued at about 15 mph below the speed limit, but nothing happened. As I headed home I still had that feeling when like a premonition  all of a sudden I just dropped my speed almost to a stop, and lo and behold, there were two baby Dears standing facing my car and if I wouldn't have been going slow. I will surely hit both of them! When you feel that your TBI has got you down and out and lonely. You need to start searching deep inside for your 6th sense because it felt like angels were looking out for bandit and I and the two beautiful little dears. So tonight were going to talk about honing in on your sixth sense because personally I believe that God and angels are watching out for us, and even when we feel alone and hurting we are not alone! I believe they are watching listening out for us when we least expect it and I know it because I felt it very strongly!!! Join me in the discussion and share your stories to tonight on dream catchers with Les Paul If you would like to call in dial 424-249-9540 and join in with the chat room to if you wold like. Dream Catchers with Les Paul

My name is Lori Purdy Faitel and I am a Traumatic Brain Injury/TBI Survivor. And I am your host for THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS. I suffered a TBI many years ago, when I was 24 years old. As I speak to you I am 52 years old and very happy to share my age. Like many of us survivors of brain injury; I was clinically dead 3 times so…. it is proper to tell that I almost did not live to be 25, which makes being over 50 a blessing!     Back in the day, everything in my life was a dream come true. I was almost 25 years old,   had a recent promotion in business which inspired me with dreams for my future. I was attending college at night, I had recently moved out of my parents home for the first time, I had many friends and I was on the fast track to a future of my dreams with the man I had been in love with, for about 5 years. THEN on a beautiful sunny spring morning as I drove on the freeway to my job a construction truck dropped bales of hay onto my windshield causing me to lose control of my car, spinning off the road and into cement construction material. From  that point forward my dreams were taken away. I was diagnosed with a TBI, in a mild coma for 7 days and it took about 6 years of therapy and extensive study before I was able to function like an adult again. I understand that the world is not filled with happiness; But for an hour or so lets concentrate on things that help to create happiness. My guests for Wednesday October 22 at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, 7 Central, 6 Mountain or 5 Pacific; will be Michael Rocque and Leah Grace. Michael & Leah are co-creators of “Transformational Self-Love”…A workshop series and coaching program based on awakening people to The Transformational Power of Self-Love.

Dream Catchers - Breaking Free of the Trials and tribulation of TBI - Les Paul Breaking free of the trials and tribulations of TBI are you kidding Mr. Morgan? No, I’m notand I will explain why! I’m not talking about living a simple, humble life. I’m talking about a Bold Independent and Abundant Life! Tonight I’m going to Challenge You to Go on a Journey with me and Talk with Me Explain Your Problems in Your Situations and Why You Can Be the Best Person in the World to Be A Leader! We Hear the Term Someone Has Suffered a New Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion, Aneurysm, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Tumor, and much, much more… That Is the point I think we tend to go numb at the prospect of ever having at the prospect of our future and yet I’m here to say you can be in overcome your problems and become a champion of adversity, a leader, and a winner beyond your wildest dreams. If you dare to Break Free and destroy the shackles and chains that bind you! 1.       Developing a Recovery Plan 2.       the Power of Peer and Peer to Peer Support 3.       There’s a Method to My Madness 4.       Regularly Visiting Brain Injury Radio Network Support Groups and Local Support Groups 5.       Teamwork, Family, and Relationships 6.       Building a Belief System Based on My Capabilities, My Weaknesses, My Strengths and Developing New skills 7.       to Thine Own Self Be True 8.       Using Adversity to Hone in and Develop New Skills, Open Floor Dream Catchers with Les Paul

To Night we are going to talk about what ever for a bit, not sure what kind of show this will be, kind of a open forum, lets talk about what ever, been working on a tree house swiss family robinson would be proud.  Its good to build with our imagination as well as our soul and bodies. Been an interesting fall, can feel the holiday blues, being single on the holidays kind of sucks but there must be a reason i guess right, trust is hard but i think we need to learn it

Here is the MORE THAN 2nd CHANCES show for tonight. Introducing ME, Bartley Williams. I am my guest tonight. I am going to tell you a little about my history, so you can get to know me. Why the title? Tune in to find out...

Julie Kintz goes on the air for Donna O'Donnell Figurski. Join Julie Kintzas she interviews Mark Ittleman M.S. CCC/SLP about trouble speaking after brain injury for both Children and Adults. Tune in and together we can make a difference! Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Please join Shannon Marie this Saturday night at 7 pm PAC/10 pm EST for a dose of positive attitude, which is often a challenge for many of us.  Tonight we are going to begin a series on changing our lives forever by focusing on ways to motivate ourselves.  Later in the program we will listen to some indie music from Jimmy G. and Nate Leslie. You can access the show by clicking this link or dialing 424-243-9540 or call toll free 855-473-3711 in the USA.  For those listeners who are outside the USA, the toll free number is 202-559-7907. You can also Skype in.  The link can also be used after the live show, for "On Demand" listening at your leisure. www.blogtalkradio.com/braininjuryradio/2014/10/19/be-positive-with-shannon-marie About Shannon Marie For a flower to grow and blossom, it has to go thru a lot of dirt.  It also need a lot of care and nurturing. This analogy reminds me of all the tough as well as rewarding experiences I have had in life. Your life can change in a split second. I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury on November 17, 1984 at the age of fifteen. The accident left me in a deep coma for two months. My rehabilitation was learning to walk, talk, chew, swallow, and most importantly, to SMILE! The doctor's prognosis was not good, but my true grit determination proved them all wrong. With my Mother's "Never Give Up" attitude, she instilled in me that anything is possible! Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." That has become my philosophy on life.                           

Expect. Employ. Empower! The Empowerment Zone with Les Paul This is National disability Employment Awareness Month and I say lets kick it up 10 notches and go change the World for people who wish to go back to work… We also want to discuss what is on your mind what can we all do to make life better for people with disabilities everywhere in every way so let’s put on our thinking caps and come up with some really cool and innovative ways to help empower people to be the best we all can be and overcome the barriers to employment, Independent Living, and Empower the World!!!! We are here for you and encourage you to bring your Ideas, and Friends as well.

I sit in a Unique Place in History! I’m a Multiple Traumatic Brain Injury, Brain Aneurysm, and Coma Survivor Who at the Same Time Worked Myself up from the Very Bottom into Becoming a Peer Supporter Advocate Activist for People with Disabilities and a Brain Injury Radio Network Host. At Walton options for independent living where I work, we are people with disabilities fighting for your rights. Every day, and there are over 400 centers and many of them are going to be at a National Disability Rights  event called APRIL next week which is the United Voice of Rural Independent Living in Rural America doing the same thing all across the USA. They are busting a move to make a better place to live for all of us! The big problem! Too many fighting and arguing over which disability gets this and what agency gets that forgetting the people with any type of disability. No matter what and breaking hearts and breaking dreams. So why not forget if it’s a brain injury are whatever and bust a move working together with me to change this now! It’s almost like it’s become a survivors club and at each club fights for the funds and keeps them from the others, and so people with disabilities are actually fighting each other. That’s wrong! Working at a Center for Independent Living It Is Much like I’m at an Outpost for What Is Going on in the Disability Movement and for That I Feel Very Honored because I see things that most people don’t know that are going on in the community and in the country and in the world to help people with disabilities.      

October is disability awareness month, so we will be playing a past show all about the disability movement from one survivors eyes and heart to yours, hope you enjoy this piece of history go and teach the world about us, how we are great creative people

MEEP MEEP!!  ACME Cleaners, Inc...   Co-host Melissa Meeps joins me, and hopefully a lot of Peep's too, as we talk about cleaning out the house, literally and mentally.  Usually reserved for March or April and 'Sprinig Cleaning' season, uh, I'm a little slow, so Fall it is.  .  So, before the LONG winter ahead for all of us clipped-winged Snow BIrds, I best clean 'my house' to my approval, so I an live more comfortable in quiet.  And possibly, then come next year, I can LITERALLY make a LEAP in 2015 without solace.  Admittedly, I struggle with folks that have NO SOCIAL skills in place. .  Struggle hard.  Sure, it frustrates me greatly that most Survivors re-learned 'friendships' from their past involvements, learned to share solid words on their own, without guidance (don't get me started there).   The Big EYE, as in 'I' often overtakes recovery and puts us at our own level.  Eventually, its time to come back home.  Lot's of 'I's' in this world, a lot.  I just spent the week lilstennig to many of our  radio network's offerings.  The "I's"' have it maxed out.  Thanks listeners, for making TMDS about US....BTW:  glitches in the 'routine' this week set me back, but Meeps! and Sam will lead the Way!  If not, well, just another glitch WE have to overcome - with a smile! Next week, Jeff Gabbard of the Indiana State Fire Marshall will be in studiio (for real), offering tips on FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY WEEK.  2013 Canadian 'Courage' Awardee and 2014 'Beyond  Truama Super Hero' Michael Coss will call in from the great (soon to be) white north!  We've each won the same, rarely issued awards in the past few years.  Anticipate insperation from a pair of voices never before heard together (except by us).

Dream Catchers – Disability Awareness Garden - Planting the Seeds of Hope  LesPaul One day I was driving down the road on a beautiful sunny day when like a flash out of the heavens, images just started blasting through my mind! I had to pull off of the road grab a notebook out of the back of my car and start writing it all down.  It was beyond belief. Out of nowhere, where did this come from I said aloud to myself as it appeared to me as a vision out of the blue. I pulled quickly of a very busy road stunned in disbelief and also awestruck by the beauty of what I had seen in the vision! I suddenly heard in my mind say you want to build a Brain Injury Garden? I sat there thinking where did this come from as I pulled off of the highway onto the curb as I close my eyes and vividly saw a botanical garden of setting with flowers of multiple colors and styles, plants and shrubs of all different types and I mean gorgeous not your typical. Tonight I want to challenge people with and without brain injuries and other disabilities to help me build this disability awareness Garden to show the beauty of the lives that live on and fight for freedom and dignity and in memory of those who have passed! Join me in a beautiful discussion as we sit down and plant the seeds of hope of awareness around the globe!!! Bring you gardening tools as we begin planting the hope for tomorrow today!!!    Dream Catchers with Les Paul

Do you Empower or are you an Enabler Hosted by Craig Sicilia To Empower means letting go, teach the skill and step away, why bother teaching if you don't.  Grass roots involves many leaders working together for the same goal, to bring real change takes real leaders, not puppets, those who settle for what is given, and buy into what every the system tells us,  A grass roots movement is only for those who want to change this system.  Are you happy or do you want to be part of a better tomorrow for all of us.  Empower each other

Meet Catherine (Cat) Brubaker. She looks like your normal, everyday, young woman. But what you don't know about Cat by just looking at her is that she is living with not one, but two, traumatic brain injuries. Cat does not let her brain injury tie her down. No, she is on a 5,200 mile trike trip across America (diagonally) to raise awareness for TBI. Come hear Cat. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog: survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com Donna's Blog: donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com

Please join Shannon Marie this Saturday night for a dose of positive attitude, which is often a challenge for many of us. We will talk about saying "No" to hopelessness and say a big "Yes" to happiness!!! You can find Shannon on the 1st, 3rd, & alternating 5th Saturdays of each month. You can access show by clicking this link or dialing 424-243-9540, or toll free 855-473-3711 in US

When do you research about what a brain injury is? Do you look it up after someone you know almost died or is in a coma? How much knowledge do you have about seizures? Who understands the struggles about strokes? Do people label you about your disability or judge you because they can not see your disability? Are you a survivor or caregiver and can't find others who understand the struggle you go through? We are here for you!!! Call in and speak with us! GUEST CALL-IN (424) 243-9540 We have the knowledge and experience which books don't teach. we live our lives through this and support one another

Fantastic Frank will speak about some of the 'flawed to fantastic' people he met in Ottawa, Canada. FF was the keynote speaker chosen to wrap up the Brain Injury Association of Canada's Conference held Sept. 24-26, 2014. This three day conference netted numerous contacts and experiences for Fantastic Frank. Come listen how he was touched and how he touched others Fantastic Frank, born Frank R. Johnson, is the epitome of perseverance. Every day Frank meets his challenges, and is fueled with a passion to help others with his engaging, creative manner which is awe inspiring to everyone he meets. Visit his website at fantasticfrankjohnson.com    

Tonight, Ken Collins will provide updates on his effort to get Major League Baseball to create a brain Injury Prevention and Recovery project.  Ken will also talk about his upcoming presentations at the Southwest Conference on Disability in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 8th and 9th.  Ken also was given a Proclamation by the Gallup City Council on April 23rd to make October - Brain Injury Awareness, Prevention and Recovery Month.   Ken would like to also give a big shout out to his daughter who was recently hired as a Counselor Advocate at the Uhlhorn Apartments in Eugene, Oregon.   Ken was a VISTA Volunteer (1987-88) who helped create the Uhlhorn Apartments.  The award winning Uhlhorn Apartments opened its doors in 1990 as a transitional living program for people with brain injuries and remains one of the most cost effective programs in the country today.  The Uhlhorn Apartments was created as an alternative to the costly for-profit brain injury rehabilitation companies under FBI investigation in the 90’s.  New Medico and others were shut down after the FBI raided their corporate offices.  Today, the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation FINR) took over where New Medico left off and is under investigation for fraud and abuse of people with brain injuries.   Ken will talk about all this and what we can do improve our lives and celebrate our recovery.  Please listen and call in with questions, suggestions and advice.  Thank You!    

Tonight we have a very powerful series of topics to discuss. There is a strong possibility evidence exisits that EMF radiation from Cell phone Towers, Cell Phones, and so called smart meters that are replacing the old fashioned electric meters are killing off large numbers of bee colonies which pollinate over 70% of the plant life all around the World. Bee Keepers are very worried!!! Join me as we discuss what has gone wrong and harming our insect and plant life around the USA and the World!!! For first time ever the CDC put out information recently that there may be harmful effects from EMF, s only for them to take it down from their web site. While watching a program called culture click on the CW Network on September 27, 2014 the host start talking about the unexplained disappearance of bees all over the USA and around the World. I was surprised when I heard the host say there are a lot of theories of why the world is losing so many bees that pollinate two thirds of all plant life and one of the theories are that is EMF radiation could be interfering with the natural patterns that could be affecting Bees and other insect and animal life. Monsanto Loses GMO Permit in Mexico – Judge Sides with the Bees August 27, 2014 by Arjun Walia “A district judge in the state of Yucatán last month overturned a permit issued to Monsanto by Mexico’s agriculture ministry, Sagarpa, and environmental protection agency, Semarnat, in June 2012 that allowed commercial planting of Round-up ready Soybeans.  In withdrawing the permit, the judge was convinced by the scientific evidence presented about the threats posed by GM soy crops to honey production in the Yucatán peninsula, which includes Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatán states. Co-existence between honey production and GM soybeans is not possible, the judge ruled.”

Anguish - Lost Inside Hosted by Craig Sicilia   Life is funny, we spend our whole lives building this person we think we know so well.  Ourselves, then all of a sudden in a single instance it crumbles as we watch after a brain injury.  Our friends and family hardly know us little alone have any desire to be around us shortly after.  These experiences happen so quick in what seems to be a blink of an eye.  We have no one in our lives, life seems to lose meaning.  Soon we isolate and lose more of our ability to socialize in a typical world.  Soon we ponder in being who we used to be and even give every ounce of energy and effort trying to be that person we remember.   Even though none of this perfect life we thought we had no longer exists, we find yourself alone, isolated inside of this vessel our body is no longer recognized by ourselves.  And many may spend the rest of their lives in this state.  How do we change this, how do we embrace and learn to live a life that we truly can love.  One that we have not imagined yet.  Join in tonight as we explore this...

Indie Music (Including by Survivors), who have expressed the depth of their emotions through song, or maybe they just get inspired by a passing spoof. Any way they do it is theuraputic...For someone.Listen in if you want to kick back and hear some great tunes, with a variety of genres. Random thoughts...By Me, and You too I hope. Not all of us can express ourselves through music. Some do it by art, musing, writing...a myriad ofpossibilities.Express yourself through the airwaves of the radio. If you are looking for a soft place to land. Join me tonight. Host Kim Justus, regular Hump Night host..  

Giving Thanks – Brain Injury Insights - How  My Childhood Was Hijacked If you are ready to feel Inspired, empowered, motivated and enlightened you have come to your one stop shop to find solutions and help you set goals to live a better life. The Brain Injury Round Table is a place for Ideas, discussion, for people seeking solutions, to bridge the gap between understanding your brain injry and how to change your life for the better so be prepared to hear some great information to motivate and inspire us to change the World, Tonight's host of the Brain Injury Round Table is Constance Miller who authored a brain injury owner's manual entitled From The Ashes. Her book was featured on Super Bowl XXXIV. Miller, a brain injury survivor of more than 30 years is also founder and Managing Director of Brain Injury Resource Center, located on the Internet at http://www.headinjury.com.  It offers a wealth of useful information on brain injury and its recovery process. It is our desire to help others in their quest to find the tools and knowledge to live a better more  abundant life brain injury. Our very special guests tonight are two survivors of childhood brain trauma. Both "Tai" and Denice suffered, severe brain injuries and have joined us tonight to bring fresh insights to our understanding of the mysteries of brain injury. Because children are growing rapidly they make what is thought to be a fast recovery. However, while tissue and bones might heal quickly the altered brain may take a different track. The greatest difficulties become apparent when they reach adolescence and their hormones kick in and the worse, out-of- control behaviors begin.

    My name is Lori Purdy Faitel and I am a Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor. And I am your host for THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS.I suffered a TBI many years ago, when I was 24 years old. As I speak to you I am 52 years old and very happy to share my age. Like many of us survivors of brain injury; I was clinically dead 3 times so…. it is proper to tell that I almost did not live to be 25, which makes being over 50 a blessing!     Back in the day, everything in my life was a dream come true. I was almost 25 years old,   had a recent promotion in business which inspired me with dreams for my future. I was attending college at night, I had recently moved out of my parents home for the first time, I had many friends and I was on the fast track to a future of my dreams with the man I had been in love with, for about 5 years. THEN on a beautiful sunny spring morning as I drove on the freeway to my job a construction truck dropped bales of hay onto my windshield causing me to lose control of my car, spinning off the road and into cement construction material. From  that point forward my dreams were taken away. I was diagnosed with a TBI, in a mild coma for 7 days and it took about 6 years of therapy and extensive study before I was able to function like an adult again. I understand that the world is not filled with happiness; But for an hour or so lets concentrate on things that help to create happiness.       My guest on Wednesday September 24th at 8PM EST, will be Joel Goldstein the loving and very much caring father of an young adult son who has suffered a TBI. Joel has written a book ”No stone unturned” where he tells about his son, Bart, and what has worked for them. Joel sincerely sounds like a very caring man who wants to help all who have been touched by TBI.  Listen to his uTube interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE06p8lB4FA

Mind Games and Funky Little Things - Dream Catchers - LesPaul Do you have a TBI, AVM, Aneurism, Cerebral palsy, Brain Tumor, Brain Cancer or for all that matters any disability as far as that goes?Well if you do you have you’ve come to the right place for understanding, fellowship, and a place to learn how to recover using tools such as advocacy, peer support, and developing new life skills to help us all live a happy and inspired life!!! Think of Dream Catchers as a frame of mind whichwas born out of the hope to inspire people who have faced life’s struggles and dared to walk or role into new pathways no matter what life has thrown at us we must continue even when we struggle or feel like giving up  and discover our destiny! Tonight we will discuss. Mind games and why we play themFighting the frightIt’s about your ABILITIESLearning to access your plosivesNot giving upFighting our fearsRe learning to laughLive your Dreams one Day at time Dream Catchers with Les Paul

Tonight meet the future of the disability movement, our young adults who are moving our movement, all around the world fresh minds with experience shakers and grovers of advocacy are changing the world, unfortunately the us movement has been very slow,  mainly because of the lack of unity, everyone is so divided and fighting their personal battles.  You know what I mean this cause competing with that cause, my way or no way, egos and personalities.  Young against old, focus against focus. Tonight were will meet 5 young people with various cognitive needs who are leading many people with their excitement and vision.  Leading one of the largest youth disability empowerment groups in the world.  This is our future.  Is it good, bad or indifferent listen in tonight and you decide.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? David's story continues. (3rd/last segment) Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog (survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com) Donna's Blog (donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com)

Please join Shannon Marie this Saturday night for a dose of positive attitude, which is often a challenge for many of us. You can find Shannon on the 1st, 3rd, & alternating 5th Saturdays of each month. You can access show by clicking this link or dialing 424-243-9540, or toll free 855-473-3711 in USA &  202-559-7907 FREE outside US, or you can Skype! The link below can also be used after the live show, for On Demand listening http://www.blogtalkradio.com/braininjuryradio/2014/09/21/be-positive-with-shannon-marie      

Tonight I have a very special guest JEAN GALLICK EarthCalm EMF Protection Products Inventor.What motivated her to focus for 30 years on environmental pollution and EMF protection?  A personal problem with chronic ill health led her to explore the problem of technological pollution. I remember reading an article stating that there were higher pollution levels inside the home than outside, and this was in the early 80s when we were just starting to clean up the air. She thought to herself: I need to face this. She had a background in experimental psychology which had taught me detailed observation and scientific  methodology–specifically how to set up a verifiable hypothesis and then to conduct an experiment that would prove or disprove the hypothesis. So she slowly began to conduct experiments. Working on current knowledge regarding formaldehyde, perfumes, detergents, etc, I quickly found that elimination of these variables produced little improvement in her condition. I discovered that a deeper more fundamental problem existed, namely electromagnetic fields emanating from the electricity and from microwave towers. In my attempts to locate and identify this deeper problem, I proceeded to progressively tear apart two houses before I had my first breakthrough. - See more at: http://www.earthcalm.com/jean-gallick/#sthash.qyUvdEqu.dpuf Dream Catchers with Les Paul

Happy Birthday to us Yeah us..... 4 years can you believe it I still remember like it is the first time, reaching out to find other only to find out there is more than you could ever imagine, all the pain and suffering people have gone thorough that didn't have to be..  I cannot express how proud I am to be part of this kind of movement, yes i said it movement. People can like it or not survivors of all kinds of brain stuff are networking, connecting changing the world and the support survivors get.  We are everywhere and everybody all races and sexual preferences.  We are the heart and soul of the world and in no one catagory but yet in every catagory or label. I want to boast the hosts, there is over a 1000 episodes that have been produced recordedd and archieved for future survivors.  A person could start listening today and listen for 6 months straight with out a blank second and people do.  Tonight is a celebration of all the hosts, present and hosts gone by, i hope they all come to our online birthday party and share a little about what it means to be part of this movement unlike any other. the movement to exsist and be who we are.  We are the warriors of brain injury and your not alone come and listen to our voice, there is hope and the hope is all of us changing this silent epidemic of where we don't exsist.  We are survivors of many different kinds of brain stuff, hear our voice, hear us roar!!!!!!!!

         After TBI and other disabilities happen do I have a choice? Well get up off of yor TBI and do something about your life if you can because that’s a big part of the struggle and for you and I to decide but for me as far as I’m more concerned it’s what we do with what we still have that matters not what we have lost!!! So get up off of your TBI and live!!! Do survivors have struggled oh yes we do, does that mean quit? Well that’s what many people have done sat on the sidelines for many years lost in the fog, waiting for someone else to do it for us when in reality it us that has to do if we want real change to happen! Strategies for success are: Believe in More Than Just YourselfDo the Impossible DailyHelping Others When You Don’t Feel like Helping YourselfPositive Self Talk and MiraclesGetting up and Living Life Because It’s the Right Thing to DoQuestions, Answers, Open Floor and Open Mic This Is Your Chance to Make It Real. So Call in Tonight and Share Your Dreams and Your Stories and Help Other Survivors along the Way and We Do This Because It’s Hard Not Easy!!! Dream Catchers with Les Paul on BIRN 7pm to 10pm Pacific Time 10:00 pm until 1:00 am Eastern Time. If you live In the USA dial 424-243-9540, or toll free 855-473-3711 if outside the USA dial 202-559-7907 toll free. On demand listening available minutes after live show ends 24/7/365!)       Get up off of Your TBI & Live on Dream Catchers with Les Paul

Numbered Day's - Destiny or Delusion Hosted by Craig Sicilia   This show airs just 51 weeks after empowering emerging leaders in truly leading.  Almost too where some felt abandoned left to drown.  Many not understanding how I would dare let others just have it.  You see it was never mine, it has always been for whoever needs it.  I can remember my first show, how I to, was just searching and not even knowing what it was I was searching for.  I have been planning this show for almost two years.  Knowing the time was coming.  And if this vision is destiny or just my dark deeded delusion.  I guess time will tell.  From the deepest depths of my heart i know this is what I am, was and will do to the end. I knew about a year and a half ago my own music was killing me, whether it was the physical sounds and lights or just the significance of it's meaning to me.  Juggling everything putting its focal point on building a real community, with leaders that will survivor this jungle of life.  Though my children paid a huge price as my time got consumed many times.  I know they will be proud.  People may think I’m nutsy, and their probably more right than wrong.  Tonight part one of a three part series of one man’s journey, in his attempt in creating a support system that will last through the times of sand, bringing hope to those who need it.  Am I delusional, maybe! The sense of dying knowing the time is coming, thinking I am some kind of fortune teller, I sit here and ask myself the same thing, I say to myself, really I think I see my future, or am i just delusional My Universe, God, Creator or whoever it is has put my destiny in my head from the beginning, and the peace people see in me is the peace that I have done my best, and believe he is saying "I Am Pleased"

Lost in TBI sauce of enjoyment, 'vacation', Racin', Golf, Education Conference and me Downtown Milton yard work was simply - a break away from 'society' as I know it to be.  I planned, I struggled, and did more than the above during the past 5 weeks.  Well, make that 5 1/2 weeks.   We will begin with The Best of Matt episode about 'Traumatic Passions' (check out the voices, the callers.  Remember these folks?).  We'll slip in the back door the studio around 11:30 p.m. to go back LIVE! on the air.  Let me tell y'all "What I did on my summer vacation" for the closing hour.  Yep, a reverse of what is common for people often will show up to work only to gear down.  I'm gonna slam this machine into fourth gear, probably have a chug, and end TMDS second season with, with, with, uh, with...damnit, with FOCUS on going BACK TO BASICS.  We often may not forget "where we came from", but struggle with past knowledge of the stratigies created.  I'm here to HELP YOU  HELP ME...  Oh boy, I better get a nap beacuse as Dad used to tell me as a young'in - "Ya best git ta work, boy".  

Segment 2 of Donna's story of David's Traumatic Brain Injury and their journey through the TBI maze. Every TBI survivor and caregiver has encountered a fork in the road that has diverted his or her life-plan. A car accident, a fall from the roof, doing one more chin-up, or a door literally slamming one in the face are just some causes of traumatic brain injury. College plans, walking down the aisle in the perfect dress, or the coveted job quickly slip from reality as dreams turn to struggle. These unexpected life-happenings that divert one from his or her chosen path in life can be devastating. But as Yogi Berra once said, "If you come to a fork in the road, take it." Life is all about choices! To learn more about me, please visit my blogs. Survivng Traumatic Brain Injury Blog (survivingtraumaticbraininjury.com) Donna's Blog (donnaodonnellfigurski.wordpress.com)

I found out minutes before the show that a regular listener stationed in Afganistan (one of our troops), died on Sept 2nd at 8pm from complications of an IED. Bottomline Fighter is a military channel that can access our shows, so many deployed troops can listen at the same time. Sgt Maj Ron, has been a regular for nearly two years, and we've had a lot of interaction in the chat. He has done numerous tours, had served 30 years, and was to retire for good next month. His sister Diane reached me just 6 minutes before I went on air. In immediate shock, tears, and technical problems...I went on with the show. God bless our troops. Our humble gratitude at Brain Injury Radio for them listening to our shows from so far away, and that we could bring them fellowship and comfort. Thanks to them for their service and sacrifice. I am saddened tonight, but wanted to go on with a tribute, and our condolences to family, friends, and those of us who will sorely miss Sgt Maj Ron. God Bless You.