Kessler Foundation Podcasts

Kessler Foundation

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Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

1d ago

Navigating Government Programs After Spinal Cord Injury

After a spinal cord injury, government assistance programs can help cover healthcare, replace lost income, support employment, and meet basic living needs. But attaining that help is rarely simple. Kessler Foundation researchers at the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS) and seven additional collaborating spinal cord injury model systems centers across the United States conducted focus groups with people living with spinal cord injury to better understand their experiences. Participants described both the benefits of public assistance and the barriers they face, including complex rules, long waits, and limits on savings. The study also identified practical ways to improve access to support and help people maintain financial stability over time. LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/amanda-botticello-phd-mph LEARN about our Outcomes and Assessment research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessment-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id[302]=302 Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (September 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
6d ago

Discover Peer Support and Connection After Spinal Cord Injury - The QuadCast

The QuadCast Inner Strength, Featuring Angela Smith and Maryann Hobbie This episode of The QuadCast explores how people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones find inner strength while navigating loss, change, and the emotional and social experiences that often accompany injury. The conversation shows how social connection, shared experience, personal reflection, and community can foster well-being, offering practical ideas and encouragement through honest dialogue and peer support. At the heart of the episode is Kessler Foundation’s Inner Strength program, a monthly virtual gathering for people living with spinal cord injury and their loved ones. Maryann Hobbie, a spinal cord injury survivor, chaplain, and author, facilitates the program with Angela Smith (https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/angela-smith), the Foundation’s peer mentoring program coordinator and community engagement specialist. Drawing on lived experience, compassion, and connection, they guide thoughtful conversations that help participants reflect, connect with others, and find strength in community. The QuadCast Podcast (https://quadcast.org) hosted by John McAleavey is a weekly show featuring the spinal cord injury community and stories of personal resilience. This episode is part one of a two-part joint podcast and is used by permission. To learn more about upcoming gatherings or to register, visit the Foundation’s Events webpage (https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-usdriven-purpose-leading-impact/events). Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories * 02:59 Resilience in Caregiving * 06:58 Living with Spinal Cord Injury * 11:03 Inner Strength in Times of Loss * 23:14 Finding Inner Strength * 25:38 The Importance of Connection * 28:28 Adapting to Loss and Grief * 31:38 Finding Purpose * 35:22 Inner Strength Program
Sep 22

Tailored Rehabilitation Could Improve Thinking Speed in People with Progressive MS

Many people with progressive multiple sclerosis experience slower thinking speed. This can make it harder to process information, stay focused, and keep up with everyday tasks. According to a secondary analysis of the international CogEx trial, tailoring cognitive rehabilitation to each person’s needs may help improve thinking speed in people with progressive multiple sclerosis. Kessler Foundation researchers and collaborators from 10 additional research centers explored which attention-based exercises were most closely linked to these gains. Using a computerized cognitive rehabilitation program called RehaCom, they identified the strongest gains and key factors that contributed to cognitive improvement. Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-09/Tailored%20Rehabilitation%20Could%20Improve%20Thinking%20Speed%20in%20People%20with%20Progressive%20MS%20_Real-Life%20Science-TRANSCIPT.pdf Kessler Foundation Collaborators: Silvana Costa, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/silvana-lopes-costa-phd Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/nancy-chiaravalloti-phd John DeLuca, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/john-deluca-phd Brian M. Sandroff, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd LEARN about our Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-neuropsychology-and-neuroscience-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our multiple sclerosis research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/multiple-sclerosis PARTICIPATE: https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id%5B290%5D=290&field_location_value=All&field_mri_study_value=All&field_inpatient_study_value=All&field_lead_investigator_target_id_verf=All Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (September 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.
Sep 3

Regain Control of Your Life After TBI with Thomas Dixon

The Summer 2026 Brainstorm webinar features Thomas Dixon, the author of I'm Sorry... That's Awesome!: Inventing a Solution for Memory Loss. He is also the creator of ME.mory, a digital memory app. After surviving a severe traumatic brain injury caused by a car accident, he experienced significant memory loss and developed ME.mory to help manage daily life. He is a speaker and advocate who shares his experiences and promotes the use of technology to support memory and independence after brain injury. View the webinar slides, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-08/Regain%20Control%20of%20Your%20Life%20After%20TBI%20-%20Brainstorm%20-%207-29-26%20-%20Slides.pdf Webinar links: Message Thomas at mrthomasdixon@gmail.com “The Observed Life” clip, https://youtu.be/DvDl4FrOHDw?si=8A5Alvd80U717xra Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/thomasanthonydixonjr My Digital Memory, https://www.us.mensa.org/read/bulletin/features/my-digital-memory Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives. Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join SAVE THE DATE! Friday, September 18  •  8:30 am - 3:30 pm Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ Stronger Together: Empowering Brain Injury Survivors and Their Loved Ones Join us for a day of support and inspiration to help brain injury survivors and their loved ones thrive together. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stronger-together-empowering-brain-injury-survivors-their-loved-ones-tickets-1986077628651 Join us in person for an inspiring event where survivors and their loved ones come together to share stories, gain support, and learn empowering tools. It’s a welcoming space to connect, grow, and celebrate strength! * This is a free event sponsored by the Northern NJ Traumatic Brain Injury System, Kessler Foundation, and Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation * The event will be held in person. There will not be a virtual option for attending * Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Sep 1

Autism Community Parents Create Employment Solutions for Their Children

The audio version of the Summer 2026 issue of Facets, Kessler Foundation’s autism newsletter, explores the vital role parents play in creating businesses that support successful transitions to adulthood for neurodivergent youth. Stories include community-driven efforts in job training, life skills, and supportive employment and the importance of the Center for Autism Research in advancing understanding and meaningful progress. Learn how these strength-based, evidence-backed initiatives are shaping a positive future for neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults. Read the issue, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/autism-community-parents-create-employment-solutions-their-children-2026-summer-facets Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/Facets-Newsletter_Summer-2026_Transcript-v2.pdf Articles timestamp 00:00 - Welcome Message 01:08- A parent’s hope, a community’s future 03:55 - 4 keys to success 04:42 - Small businesses. Big opportunities. 06:53 - Spread the word! 07:55 - Listen up 08:49 - Working partnership 10:10 - Episode Wrap-Up Newsletter links: Carson’s Cookie Dough: https://carsonscookiedough.com The Ethan Foundation: https://ethanfoundationnj.com Invictus Bakery: https://invictusbakery.org Popcorn for the People: https://popcornforthepeople.com Sorriso Kitchen: https://sorrisokitchen.com Spectrum Independence Living: https://spindlrivervalley.org WorkAble NJ: https://workablenj.com Webinar ("Focused on Strengths"): bit.ly/4ecq33x Our research develops interventions focusing on the critical adolescence-to-adult transition, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-for-autism-research Have a question? Contact the Center for Autism Research, AutismResearch@ KesslerFoundation.org To learn more and enroll in our studies, https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id%5B279%5D=279 Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.    These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to us at Communications@KesslerFoundation.org Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast was recorded in July 2026 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
Aug 17

Cognitive Frontiers in Multiple Sclerosis

Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-07/Milestones-Newsletter_Spring-2026_Transcript.pdf In this episode of MileStones, Kessler Foundation’s multiple sclerosis research newsletter, John DeLuca, PhD, shares key insights on cognitive impairment in MS. He discusses advances in assessment guidelines, effective cognitive rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes that promote brain health. Learn about important research studies you can join and practical tips for protecting your cognition with MS. For more information or to enroll in studies, visit the links provided. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Evolution or revolution? Nearly half of people with MS experience cognitive impairment, now recognized as a major factor in quality of life. Cognitive screening guidelines. Annual cognitive screening is recommended for everyone with MS, starting at age eight, to catch changes early. For the complete guidelines, visit bit.ly/4tombks Putting mind over matter. Cognitive rehabilitation and active lifestyles, like socializing, exercising, and learning, help preserve brain health in MS. PODCAST WEB LINKS: Meet the Researcher John DeLuca, PhD, is a leading MS neuropsychologist with over $65 million in research grants, 425+ publications, and seven edited books. He is a professor at Rutgers and co-chief editor of the Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Read more at https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/john-deluca-phd Advance the science. Join a study! Research is ongoing on exercise, cognitive rehab, and new ways to measure and treat cognitive issues in MS. For more information or to see if you qualify, email Nancy Moore at nbmoore@KesslerFoundation.org or go to bit.ly/43bXR9B 6 Ways to be smart about brain health. Healthy habits, including good diet, exercise, sleep, mental stimulation, stress reduction, and social connection, support brain health in MS. To learn more, visit bit.ly/47AIZ8q ARTICLE TIMESTAMPS: Welcome and Introduction - 0:00 - 0:56 Evolution or revolution? - 0:58 - 3:49 Cognitive screening guidelines - 3:54 - 4:53 Putting mind over matter - 5:02 - 7:28 Meet the researcher - 7:33 - 8:10 Advance the science. Join a study! - 8:16 - 9:36, 6 Ways to be smart about brain health - 9:44 - 10:44 Wrap up - 10:46- 11:16 READ this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/cognitive-frontiers-ms-milestones-spring-2026-newsletter MISSED a newsletter, check out our MileStones archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/media-center?search=&type%5B3%5D=3&field_research_categories%5B290%5D=290 INTERESTED in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Visit https://kesslerfoundation.org/join Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.    These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org This podcast was recorded in July 2026 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.
Aug 3

Planning with Confidence - A Live Disability Benefits Q & A

This one-hour session is designed to provide clear, practical guidance for people with disabilities and their families. In this session, you can: - Get clear, straightforward answers to your questions about SSI and SSDI - Learn how to avoid common challenges in the application and appeals process - Understand how to protect benefits eligibility over time - Gain practical insights you can use right away Our experts: Jonathan Gudema, Esq. jgudema@kesslerfoundation.org Legacy Giving Advisor, Kessler Foundation With more than 30 years of experience in estate and elder planning, Jonathan helps guide people and families through complex decisions with clarity and compassion. Gabriel J. Hermann, Esq. gabe@hermlaw.com Founding Partner, Hermann Law Group, PLLC Gabe has represented thousands of people navigating Social Security Disability benefits (SSI and SSDI), bringing decades of practical experience to this conversation. Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Disability%20Q%20%26%20A%20Webinar%20-%20TRANSCRIPT%20-%20%20June%2015%2C%202026.pdf
Jul 20

Mental Fatigue May Depend on More Than Your Age

In this episode of Real-Life Science, we explore how mental fatigue may relate to your brain age rather than chronological age. Discover how brain scans reveal differences in fatigue development, what this means for aging, and practical steps you can take to manage cognitive tiredness in daily life. Join us for insights that connect scientific research with real-life decisions about your brain health. READ the full study, “The differential effect of chronological age and brain age on cognitive fatigue: new metrics, new insights,” in the Journal of Neurology (2026), doi.org/10.1007/s00415-025-13584-1 LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Glenn R. Wylie, DPhil, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/glenn-wylie-dphil LEARN about our Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/rocco-ortenzio-neuroimaging-center READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (May 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

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4 Ratings

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

Creator

Kessler Foundation
Years Active

2015 - 2026
Episodes

388
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© All rights reserved
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Kessler Foundation Podcasts