Rewired Minds

Rewired Minds

Rewired Minds brings you powerful, real stories from those affected by brain tumors. Listen to voices in the brain tumor community as they share their raw, inspiring experiences navigating life before diagnosis, through the pivotal moment everything changed, to the reality that follows. Connect with the human side of brain tumors through understanding, hope, and action as we transform awareness into impact.

  1. Ep 23: Deandra Mayer

    5 DAYS AGO

    Ep 23: Deandra Mayer

    Deandra Mayer had been living with migraines since she was 13, never imagining they were connected to something growing in her brain. A job in the medical field led her to a doctor who ordered an MRI. What followed was a five year gap, a lost referral, and a diagnosis that would change everything at 28 years old. When the first neurosurgeon told her she had 5-8 years to live, it was her mother who refused to accept that answer and found someone who would operate. Today Deandra is cancer free, traveling to France and Greece, and building the future she always dreamed of. Migraines since age 13 were never investigated until a physician she worked with suggested an MRIA lesion was found in 2019 but a follow up referral was lost during COVIDSharp pain behind her eye occurring four days in a row brought her to the ER in May 2025Diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma at 28 years oldFirst neurosurgeon gave 5-8 years to live and said the tumor was inoperableHer mother sought a second opinion at the Montreal Neurological Institute, which changed everythingSecond neurosurgeon removed 99% of the tumor using an AI-powered handheld probe called SentryA second craniotomy removed the remaining 1%, leaving her cancer freeNow taking Voracidinib daily as part of a clinical trial with minimal side effectsPursued fertility preservation before starting long term medicationPositivity and "Team D" carried her through the hardest moments Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients donate to a cause in exchange for a session. 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. Every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. coachingforcauses.com Resources Common medical terms: rewired-minds.com/terms Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Deandra Mayer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deandra.mayer Instagram: @Deandra_K3lly Be a Guest Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    29 min
  2. Ep 22: Ryan Neal

    29 APR

    Ep 22: Ryan Neal

    Ryan Neal was five years old when a family dog named Casey pawed him awake in the middle of the night and that moment set off a chain of events that would define the next 30 years of his life. What followed was a misdiagnosis, a pioneering surgeon, and a near-miraculous shift from a malignant astrocytoma to a non-malignant DNET overnight. But surviving wasn't the end of Ryan's story, it was just the beginning of a life built on radical gratitude. Now an almost 30-year survivor, keynote speaker, and musician, Ryan shares how facing the worst at five years old gave him a framework for handling everything that came after. A family dog's instinct may have been the first sign something was wrongA mother's persistence made all the differenceDr. Alexa Canady, the first African-American female neurosurgeon in U.S. history, performed Ryan's surgeryOvernight reclassification from astrocytoma grade 2 to non-malignant DNET changed his entire treatment pathRyan has lived with a pineal cyst since age 8 with no growthSudden hearing loss in his left ear at age 10, completely unrelated to his tumorChildhood medical experiences eliminated adult health anxietyGratitude as a daily practice, not just a feelingSurvivor's guilt as a motivator, not just a burdenBrain tumor journey evolved into a keynote speaking and music career Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details. Resources Common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Ryan Neal Website: ryannealmusic.com  Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    27 min
  3. Ep 21: Kim Lachut

    22 APR

    Ep 21: Kim Lachut

    In this episode of Rewired Minds, Kim Lachut delves into the emotional and psychological challenges she faced as she watched her father decline due to a glioblastoma diagnosis and treatment. Our convesation highlights the unexpected behaviors that arise, the frustration of navigating medical advice, and the profound impact on family dynamics. Kim also vulnerably shares about her experience with depression after her father’s death and how she got to a much better place today. Instead of seeing signs of getting better, we saw the decline.He would have weird seizures.My dad was not an angry man, never got angry.My husband and my brother had to physically lift him out of the chair.He was just cussing and angry.This just isn't right.You're calling the doctors going, this happened, is this normal?There's nothing normal with this disease.Anything and everything you should expect. Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Kim Lachut LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-lachut-39833912a/ Email: klachut@gmail.com Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    36 min
  4. Ep 20 SPOTLIGHT: Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation

    15 APR

    Ep 20 SPOTLIGHT: Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation

    Cindy Eich, board chair of the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation, shares about the foundation's origins, the lessons learned from Kendall's journey with glioblastoma, and the importance of providing emotional and financial support to brain cancer patients. They discuss the challenges of building a foundation while grieving, the significance of community, and the future aspirations of the foundation to expand its reach and impact. Kendall was a five-year survivor of glioblastoma.The foundation was formed to honor Kendall's legacy.Grief can complicate the process of foundation building.The foundation focuses on financial support.Patients often experience shock after a diagnosis.Memory-making experiences are essential for patients.The foundation aims to connect with patients early in their journey.Cindy believes in the potential for discoveries in brain cancer research. Resources Common medical terms related to brain tumors: rewired-minds.com/terms Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Coaching for Causes: coachingforcauses.com Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with the Kendall Nicole Eich Foundation Website: lovegoesfurther.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knefoundation/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knefoundation/#  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Kendall-Nicole-Eich-foundation  Coaches of high school or college teams looking for a positive activity in the off season should consider Kendall's Challenge. Not all patients are able to use their second gift to pursue a goal. Whatever they need is what we want to provide. If you would like to learn more about our story, find Love Goes Further on Amazon. Be a Guest Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    22 min
  5. Ep 19: Theresa Harju

    11 APR

    Ep 19: Theresa Harju

    In this episode, Theresa Harju, spouse of brain tumor survivor Alec Harju, shares her unique perspective as a caregiver. She discusses the challenges and emotional toll of navigating the medical journey alongside her husband. The conversation explores their life before the diagnosis, the impact of surgery and recovery, and the complexities of managing caregiving responsibilities while raising a young family. Theresa also touches on topics such as fertility and medical gaslighting, emphasizing the importance of seeking second opinions. The episode highlights the resilience of families facing such challenges and the journey towards finding a new normal. Navigating the medical system requires persistence and organization.Awake surgery allows doctors to assess brain function in real-time.The emotional impact of losing abilities is profound.Caregiving responsibilities can strain personal identity.Fertility discussions are important but often overlooked.Medical gaslighting can occur, and seeking second opinions is vital.Finding a new normal takes time and adjustment. Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com for details. Resources Common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Theresa Harju Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omgitistheresa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yagurltheresa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokinwiththeresa Be a Guest Visit rewired-minds.com/guest to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    28 min
  6. Ep 18: Alec Harju

    1 APR

    Ep 18: Alec Harju

    Alec Harju shares his personal journey of recovery following surgery, discussing the challenges he faced and the impact on his family, particularly his two young children. The conversation delves into the emotional and mental aspects of healing, highlighting the importance of family support during difficult times. Recovery can be a foggy experience immediately after surgery.Having young children adds complexity to the recovery process.Conversations with family during recovery are crucial.Mental health plays a significant role in physical recovery.Children may not fully understand the situation but feel its impact.Every recovery journey is unique and personal. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Alec Harju Website: https://www.facebook.com/alec.harju Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    17 min
  7. Ep 17: Nola Hynes

    25 MAR

    Ep 17: Nola Hynes

    In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Nola Hynes, a brain tumor survivor who shares her journey from diagnosis to recovery. Nola discusses her initial optimism upon being diagnosed with a meningioma, the challenges she faced during treatment, and the impact on her family life. She reflects on the importance of communication with her children, the struggles of dealing with cognitive decline, and her eventual path to recovery through advocacy and community building. Nola emphasizes the need for support and understanding among those affected by brain tumors and the importance of sharing experiences to foster healing and resilience. Nola's journey began with a diagnosis of meningioma in 2019.She initially felt optimistic, believing it was the best type of brain tumor.The recurrence of her tumor less than six months later led to significant challenges in her daily life.Nola experienced cognitive decline and feelings of dementia post-treatment and leverage psychedelics to help her recover.She struggled with how to communicate her health issues to her children.Nola's perspective on life changed, focusing more on family and less on career aspirations.She found humor and resilience in her experiences, using dark humor to cope.Nola is passionate about advocacy for brain tumor awareness and support.She aims to create community spaces for those affected by brain tumors.Nola believes in the power of shared experiences to aid recovery. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Connect with Nole Hynes Email: meningiomaminded@gmail.com  Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    29 min
  8. Ep 16: Mike Hawkins

    18 MAR

    Ep 16: Mike Hawkins

    Mike Hawkins was diagnosed with a benign pituitary adenoma in 2009 after a routine eye appointment led to a same-day MRI and a life-changing weekend of waiting and uncertainty. What followed was a 17-year journey through four surgeries, two rounds of radiation, a stretch of 13 years thinking he was in the clear, and a gutting recurrence that brought everything flooding back. Now preparing for his first craniotomy, Mike opens up about protecting his four daughters from the fear, struggling with the unknown, and why facts and knowledge have always been his greatest source of comfort. His story is a powerful reminder that "benign" does not mean simple, and that finding the right surgeon makes all the difference. Vision changes were Mike's only symptom, both at diagnosis and at recurrence 13 years laterThe hardest part was the waiting and the unknownAsking a surgeon how many times they have performed your specific procedure is one of the most important questions you can askRadiation is not always the right first step and getting a second opinion early can change your entire treatment pathProtecting loved ones from worry is a valid choice, and there is no single right way to talk to family during a health crisisBenign doesn’t mean easy to treat or guaranteed to stay goneRegular follow-up MRIs are important even when you feel fineHaving confidence in your medical team is something you can build through research and honest conversations with your doctor Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod Instagram: @rewiredmindspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

    32 min
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Rewired Minds brings you powerful, real stories from those affected by brain tumors. Listen to voices in the brain tumor community as they share their raw, inspiring experiences navigating life before diagnosis, through the pivotal moment everything changed, to the reality that follows. Connect with the human side of brain tumors through understanding, hope, and action as we transform awareness into impact.

Information

  • Creator
    Rewired Minds
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Rewired Minds