Living with TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury Mark Goode

Jeff Gould’s story, as featured in this episode of “my ReMarkable podcast,” is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Despite a challenging childhood and two significant, undiagnosed TBIs, Jeff found himself seeking escape through substance abuse. His turning point came when he chose to address his health, leading to recovery and understanding the underlying causes of his struggles.

Now, Jeff thrives as an unconventional expert on TBIs, using his personal experiences to guide others through recovery. He emphasizes functional medicine, lifestyle changes, and compassion. His story teaches the importance of treating mental health conditions seriously and offers hope and guidance to those facing personal challenges. Jeff’s journey is a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of understanding and empathy.

For more insights and support, Jeff’s work as a TBI coach can be explored through his website, and memoir.

In this episode of "Living with TBI," Jeff Gould, a TBI recovery coach and author, delves deep into the fascinating world of trauma and healing with his guest, Alejandro Villegas—a practitioner with rich knowledge in South American shamanic traditions and modern biohacking techniques. This episode is the first in a three-part summer series aimed at exploring complex trauma and its impact on individuals, providing listeners with ground-breaking insights and methodologies that promise real healing.

The discussion kicks off with an exploration of what trauma truly is—an event that overwhelms the nervous system, causing physiological and emotional disturbances. Jeff and Alejandro discuss how trauma affects the brain, emphasizing the dysregulation between different areas, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. But here's the twist—Alejandro bridges this modern understanding with ancient shamanic traditions, offering a unique perspective on trauma as an energetic disruption in the body. You might wonder, how do these time-tested sacred practices align with modern trauma theory? The answers are both startling and enlightening, suggesting a deeper, almost mystical, approach to healing.

Alejandro shares vivid anecdotes, including his very first healing ceremony involving a cancer patient. Imagine guiding a person through an extraordinary journey back to their traumatic experiences, providing them with the opportunity to reintegrate fragmented parts of their energy and consciousness. This journey—the soul retrieval process—not only relieved the patient of pain but also led to the complete remission of his cancer. It’s hard to believe, but such miraculous recoveries underline the intrinsic power of aligning body, mind, and spirit. Can these ancient techniques truly alter long-standing ailments and trauma? The podcast holds the answers.

The episode continues with a thorough look at plant medicines and their sometimes controversial role in trauma healing. Alejandro offers balanced insights into both the incredible benefits and potential risks of these substances. His emphasis on rigorous preparation and expert guidance ensures that listeners understand the gravity and complexity involved in such healing processes. Curious about the other transformative stories Alejandro has witnessed? Or how modern technology can harmonize with ancient wisdom to heal trauma? This riveting episode is a treasure trove of insights waiting to be explored.

Four Key Takeaways:
Trauma is not merely a psychological event but a physiological disruption that can be healed through both modern and ancient practices. The sacred tradition of soul retrieval allows individuals to reintegrate dissociated parts of their energy and consciousness, leading to profound healing. Modern trauma theories align remarkably well with ancient shamanic perspectives, suggesting a holistic approach to healing. Rigorous preparation and expert guidance are crucial when using plant medicines for trauma healing to avoid re-traumatization and ensure safety. Dive into the podcast to uncover the full spectrum of healing methodologies discussed by Jeff and Alejandro, and discover how these can change the lives of those grappling with complex trauma and traumatic brain injuries.

Jeff can be reached here.  Alejandro can be reached here.

In this episode of "Living With Traumatic Brain Injury" (LWTBI), co-hosts Mark Goode and Jeff Gould delve deep into the complexities of the human brain, specifically focusing on memory and the effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Their guest, Dr. Charan Ranganath, a recognized expert in the field of brain science and author of the book "Why We Remember," sheds light on how memories are formed, stored, and how TBIs can affect this intricate process.

The Prefrontal Cortex and Traumatic Brain Injury 

One of the episode’s highlights is Dr. Ranganath's explanation of the prefrontal cortex's pivotal role in memory and executive functions. This area of the brain, accounting for about one-third of its volume, becomes significantly impaired with frontal head injuries. He describes such injuries as potentially causing the brain to act similarly to a piece of jello, shaking back and forth, leading to both direct damage and disconnection within the white matter that facilitates brain area communication. This disruption severely affects one's ability to concentrate, keep information in mind, and resist impulses, among other executive functions.

Memory: A Multifaceted Process 

The discussion transitions into a broader exploration of memory, with Dr. Ranganath offering personal insights and professional findings. He describes memory not as a simple storage system but as a complex, episodic recollection that integrates who, what, when, and where into a coherent whole. Remarkably, emotional intensity and unique associations significantly enhance memory retention, with smells and sounds acting as strong cues to trigger past experiences stored in our brains.
Dr. Ranganath also touches upon the fascinating intersection of memory and interventions like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), sharing anecdotal evidence of its effectiveness in recalling and processing traumatic memories. This part of the conversation underscores the dynamic relationship between various senses and memory recall, hinting at the profound emotional components inherent in our memories.

Life with TBI: Strategies and Interventions 

Towards the episode's end, practical advice is offered for individuals navigating life post-TBI. Emphasizing the importance of creating an environment that compensates for impaired executive functions, Dr. Ranganath suggests strategies such as minimizing distractions, using reminders, and establishing structured routines to support daily tasks. These interventions mirror his personal strategies for managing ADHD, highlighting the universal benefit of structured support for cognitive disorders.

Additionally, Jeff Gould shares insights on improving memory and brain health, emphasizing activities that challenge the brain, like learning new languages or engaging in tasks that deviate from one's comfort zone. This proactive approach advocates for neuroplasticity, encouraging the development of new neural pathways to mitigate the effects of memory impairment caused by TBI.

Episode Takeaways

This episode offers a rich exploration of the brain's complexity, particularly focusing on memory and the aftermath of traumatic brain injuries. Through Dr. Ranganath's expert lens, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how TBIs affect memory, alongside actionable advice for those looking to improve their cognitive function post-injury. 

Whether you're a TBI survivor, a caregiver, or simply fascinated by the human brain, this episode is a must-listen, packed with insights that enlighten and empower. Dr. Ranganath’s contribution, alongside the thoughtful dialogue with the hosts, makes for an educational and inspiring discussion, shedding light on the resilience and adaptability of the human brain.

For...

Aaron Volpatti was an up and coming hockey player when tragedy struck at the age of nineteen.  While playing around with a campfire, he accidentally burned himself, so seriously that he had to be airlifted to a burn unit where he faced months of very painful recovery.  During that difficult time, Aaron discovered the power of visualization, something that would change his life.

Against all odds he not only recovered from the burns, but he went on to win a hockey scholarship from Brown University and then, remarkably a place on his hometown hockey team, the Canucks. 

Our co-host, Jeff, learned about Aaron and his remarkable story a few months ago.  Convinced that Aaron’s story and visualization practice could assist people suffering from a TBI, Jeff invited Aaron to be a part of today’s show.

Listen as Aaron takes our host, Jeff Gould, through the recovery and discovery process.  And learn about the power of visualization, a practice Aaron not only maintains but teaches.

By the way, check out Jeff's website to learn more about his experience in helping people with TBI. His practice is focused on helping people suffering from TBI and he works with clients both locally (in Dallas) as well as across the country. 

You can learn more about Aaron Volpatti, his book, and his coaching practice here.

In this episode, Jeff Gould is joined by Cameron Center, a BCIA Board Certified Neurofeedback Clinician with Johnson Medical Associates in Richardson, TX. Jeff and Cameron discuss neuroadaptibility, neuroplasticity, and neurofeedback in the context of recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Cameron discusses the key elements of good health that everyone should follow (diet, exercise, sleep) and then what things can be done by someone suffering from a TBI to recover from that injury.

Jeff discusses his coaching strategies and techniques that have proven effective with his coaching clients.

You can learn more about Jeff's coaching here, at TBICoaches.com.

In today's episode, Jeff Gould discusses a variety of issues associated with TBI including:



Trauma informed TBI coaching and counselingThe book, "How the Body Keeps Score"Adrenal fatigueThe amazing incidence of TBI among high school and college cheerleadersAnd a case study of domestic violence and TBIJeff is now consulting to the Dallas-based Johnson Medical Associates, a care provider that offers an integrated approach to medical care.

Jeff can be reached TBI Coaches, a Dallas-based practice offering TBI coaching and support both in the Dallas-area as well as nationally through remote support tools and systems.