Brainstorms

Resurrecting Lives Foundation
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Brainstorms is a forum to help those with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s) and their loved ones to better understand what they might be going through and connect with those experiencing the same issues themselves and the people who are trying to help bring awareness to the issue. Hosted byDr. Chrisanne Gordon and The Resurrecting Lives Foundation.

  1. Aug 4

    Breaking It Down: The Mission Behind Guarding Our Guardians

    Drawing from the ideas in Guarding Our Guardians, Major Granger shares practical, community-driven solutions that could transform how we support those who have served. From creating transition hubs at military recruiting stations to simplifying education benefits and connecting veterans with meaningful careers, this conversation explores how local communities, educators, employers, lawmakers, and veterans themselves can work together to build a stronger future. Order the book HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKF8RW9L?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback   If this episode resonates with you: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 📢 Share this episode with someone passionate about supporting veterans 🔔 Subscribe for future conversations focused on veteran advocacy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD recovery, and community action. Together, we can build a future where no veteran faces the transition home alone.

  2. Jul 1

    America's 250th Birthday

    As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we ask an important question: Are we doing enough to support the men and women who defended our freedom? In this special Independence Month episode of Brainstorms, host Dr. Lori Crissinger welcomes retired Colonel David Williamson, an Air Force veteran, community leader, educator, and longtime advocate for veterans transitioning into civilian life. Together they explore why America must move beyond simply thanking veterans and begin truly guarding our guardians. Colonel Williamson shares decades of leadership experience—from commanding Air Force personnel to helping thousands of veterans identify their skills, find meaningful careers, and successfully transition into civilian life. His unique perspective challenges employers, educators, community leaders, and every American to better understand the incredible value veterans bring long after their military service ends. As Resurrecting Lives Foundation prepares for the release of Guarding Our Guardians, this conversation serves as a powerful call to action for America's next 250 years. If you believe our veterans deserve more than gratitude—that they deserve opportunity, understanding, and purpose after service—this episode is for you. Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread this message and strengthen support for America's veterans and their families.

  3. Jun 19

    De‑Boot Camp: The Real Path Home for Returning Warriors

    What if the military prepared service members for civilian life with the same intensity and purpose that it prepares them for war? In this powerful episode of Brainstorms, Dr. Hemant “Dr. T” Thakur—psychiatrist, former orthopedic surgeon, Army Colonel, PTSD program director, and internationally recognized expert in veteran rehabilitation—shares a lifetime of lessons learned from treating thousands of veterans struggling with PTSD and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Drawing from more than three decades at the VA, multiple military deployments, and groundbreaking work with combat veterans, Dr. T challenges the traditional treatment model and presents a bold alternative: the “De-Boot Camp.” Inspired by the military’s boot camp model, Dr. T argues that service members need an immersive transition program at the end of their military careers—one designed to help them rebuild relationships, restore purpose, regain resilience, and successfully reintegrate into civilian life. Through moving stories, including the remarkable transformation of a homeless Vietnam veteran, Dr. T demonstrates how holistic rehabilitation can change lives far beyond symptom management. The conversation explores: Why many veterans struggle after military discharge The long-term impacts of PTSD and TBI on every area of life Lessons learned from Holocaust survivors and resilience research The limitations of medication-only approaches to treatment How community, purpose, education, and personal growth support recovery The vision behind Dr. T’s “De-Boot Camp” model for veteran transition What policymakers, clinicians, and citizens can do to better support those who served This episode offers an inspiring and thought-provoking look at veteran recovery, resilience, and the responsibility we all share in helping service members thrive after their military service ends. Guest: Dr. Hemant Thakur Perfect for listeners interested in: veteran affairs, military transition, PTSD recovery, traumatic brain injury, mental health, resilience, leadership, and holistic approaches to healing.

  4. May 12

    'Rescuing Dogs to Rescue Veterans' - VCAS - Veteran Companion Animal Services

    This month on Brainstorms, we sit down with National Guard veteran and Veterans Companion Animal Services President Josh Doran alongside his four-legged partner Lucy. From deployments in Afghanistan to building a nonprofit that pairs rescue dogs with veterans, Josh shares how purpose, connection, and unconditional love can help veterans navigate life after service. We discuss: • Life in the National Guard and deployment overseas • The challenges veterans face returning home • PTSD, hypervigilance, and finding renewed purpose • How rescue dogs provide companionship and healing • The incredible mission behind VCAS • Why every placement is carefully matched for both veteran and dog   This heartfelt episode also honors Memorial Day, Gold Star families, and the importance of continuing to support those who served long after they return home. Connect with Josh: joshua.doran@vcascharity.org #Veterans #MemorialDay #PTSD #RescueDogs #ServiceDogs #MentalHealth #NationalGuard #VeteranSupport #Podcast #Ohio #SycamoreStudio

  5. Apr 3

    Faith Tested and Soul Restored.

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with retired Army Captain James McCormick II to hear his remarkable story of courage, faith, and leadership in combat. Captain McCormick recounts the harrowing events of Easter 2004 in Iraq, when he and a small gun-truck crew repeatedly drove through deadly ambushes to escort ammunition convoys into Baghdad—saving countless lives in the process. Decorated with multiple honors including the Silver Star, Bronze Stars with Valor, and three Purple Hearts, McCormick shares not only the realities of war, but also how faith, family, and service have shaped his life after the military. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our service members and the strength it takes to keep serving long after the battlefield.

  6. Mar 5

    Planting for All Seasons

    In this episode of Brainstorms combat veteran Matt Garrett sits down with sustainability advocate Chuck Lynd for a powerful conversation about nature mental health and how reconnecting with the living world can transform lives. March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month and this special episode highlights how agro therapy native plants and ecological restoration can support healing especially for veterans navigating the challenges of PTSD TBI recovery and life after service. Matt shares how working with native plants and restoring ecosystems became part of his own journey forward.  Together Matt and Chuck explore Why planting native plants can restore ecosystems and support wildlife The connection between nature mental health and veteran suicide prevention The hidden relationships between plants pollinators birds and even ants Practical ways anyone can support biodiversity in their own backyard How veterans can lead the charge in ecological restoration From winter garden strategies to the incredible science behind pollination and seed dispersal this episode shows how small actions like planting a tree or shrinking your lawn can make a meaningful difference for both people and the planet. As Matt puts it Plant as if your life depended on it because it does.  Featured Reading Meet the ecologist inspiring people to rewild their backyards https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/meet-ecologist-who-wants-unleash-wild-backyard-180974372/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1772662399365165&usg=AOvVaw1pFjK1782mJOB_oCyzshR2 About Brainstorms Produced by the Resurrecting Lives Foundation with support from the Fred and June McMurray Foundation Brainstorms explores recovery resilience and new ways forward for veterans and others affected by traumatic brain injury. If you or someone you know is struggling call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

  7. Feb 10

    Guarding Our Guardians: A Call To Action

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Brainstorms, we’re joined by Major Montgomery J. Granger, U.S. Army Reserve (Ret.), author, educator, and lifelong advocate for America’s veterans. Major Granger brings lived experience from three deployments in the Global War on Terror, including Guantánamo Bay and Iraq, and speaks candidly about the hidden costs of service—on careers, families, health, and identity. From job loss after deployment to delayed VA care, PTSD, sleep apnea, and the long road to healing, this conversation is both unflinching and hopeful. Together, we explore: Why caring for veterans is an obligation of citizenship, not charity The broken transition from deployment to employment The real human cost behind veteran suicide statistics Why journaling, structure, and personalized transition plans matter How emerging AI mental-health tools may help scale support for those who need it most This episode also previews themes from the upcoming book Guarding Our Guardians: Guaranteeing America’s Veterans a Future from Deployment to Employment—a call to action as we approach America’s 250th birthday. If you care about veterans, leadership, moral responsibility, or the future of how we support those who serve, this conversation matters. Learn sets with Montgomery J. Granger: Author page: http://sbprabooks.com/montgomeryjgranger/ Heroes of Gitmo documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjq7qOqfsuk Referenced Research & Discussion: Dartmouth AI chatbot trial on depression & anxiety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjq7qOqfsuk

  8. Jan 8

    Looking Back at 2025, Fixing Forward in 2026 | Chief Joe Pisano on Guardians, Art & Unity

    As we open Season 3 of Brainstorms, we kick off the new year with a powerful January conversation featuring retired Navy Chief Joe Pisano, returning for his third annual appearance to reflect on the lessons of 2025 and cast a bold vision for 2026. This episode centers on unity, service, and action as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States. Chief Pisano and Dr. Gordon explore what it truly means to honor our veterans—not just with words, but with systems that work. In this episode, we discuss: Why 2026 is a pivotal year for veterans, families, and communities Reframing “veterans” as Guardians—those who stood between our freedoms and harm The upcoming book Guarding Our Guardians, focused on healthcare, education, and employment reform Chief Pisano’s powerful art installation “The Guardian: Wings of Sacrifice”, featuring 2,500 dog tags and a battlefield cross The growing VISTA (Veterans Standing Together Across America) initiative and its role in suicide prevention How art, community ceremonies, and civic leadership can help heal the invisible wounds of service What it will take in 2026 to move from awareness to real, measurable action This episode is both a reflection and a call to action—reminding us that honoring those who served means building a future where no Guardian feels forgotten, burdensome, or alone. 🧠 If you or someone you love is navigating traumatic brain injury, military transition, or mental health challenges, this conversation offers insight, hope, and direction. 📍 Learn more about VISTA: VeteransStandingTogetherAcrossAmerica.org 📍 Learn more about Resurrecting Lives Foundation: ResurrectingLives.org If you’re thinking about harming yourself or someone you love needs help, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 👉 Please like, subscribe, and share to help grow this movement. We’ve got a lot to fix in ’26—and it starts together.

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About

Brainstorms is a forum to help those with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI’s) and their loved ones to better understand what they might be going through and connect with those experiencing the same issues themselves and the people who are trying to help bring awareness to the issue. Hosted byDr. Chrisanne Gordon and The Resurrecting Lives Foundation.

Information

  • Creator
    Resurrecting Lives Foundation
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Brainstorms