Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

Cristabelle Braden and Hope Survives
  • 4.9 (58)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or ABI? This podcast is for you. Providing practical tools and inspirational interviews to equip, educate, and encourage the brain injury community. Hosted by TBI survivor, advocate, and singer/songwriter Cristabelle Braden, this is an uplifting podcast to bring hope to your darkest days. The Official Podcast of Hope Survives, a nonprofit organization for brain injury support: https://www.hopesurvives.org

  1. 5D AGO

    Dysautonomia Explained - Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction Post-Brain Injury (with Dr. Ryan Harvey)

    Recovery after a brain injury can feel like solving a puzzle, uncovering the pieces and trying to put it all together. For many, dysautonomia is the missing piece of the puzzle that explains why symptoms like brain fog, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue persist long after the initial impact. In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to pull back the curtain on the autonomic nervous system and explain why a problem with the autonomic nervous system and blood flow might be the real reason you’re struggling to find stability. Dr. Harvey also shares his powerful personal journey from a child experiencing mysterious fainting episodes to becoming a lead clinician helping others navigate the same complex neurological dysfunctions. 🧠 In this episode: Understanding dysautonomia as a dysfunction in how your brain signals blood flow throughout the body.Neurogenic inflammation from a head injury can last much longer than typical body inflammation, often triggering autonomic issues.Identifying the wide range of symptoms of dysautonomia, from cold hands and feet to GI issues and exercise intolerance.Why simple positional changes, like standing up or showering, can become major hurdles for cerebral perfusion.Practical, controllable strategies for taking the next step forward.How to move from a state of overstimulation into a multimodal rehabilitation plan where life eventually becomes your therapy. CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle 6:20 Introducing Dr. Harvey 11:40 Explaining Dysautonomia 15:50 POTS & Other Forms 18:20 What to Look Out For 20:50 Exercise Intolerance 23:18 Where to Start to Regulate Nervous System 27:07 Dysautonomia vs. Post-Injury Dysfunction 30:20 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    32 min

  2. APR 23

    What Gets Missed: The Hidden Tension Between Brain Injury and Mental Health (with Dr. Edie Zusman)

    Navigating life after brain injury often means managing a complex overlap of symptoms where the lines between neurological changes and mental health can become blurred. Too often, individuals find their very real neurological symptoms misdiagnosed as purely psychological issues, leaving them without the comprehensive care they need. Or there can be mental health needs that go overlooked due to the brain injury, leading to things getting missed. In this episode, we sit down with trauma neurosurgeon Dr. Edie Zusman to discuss the often-overlooked mental health aspects of brain injury and the necessity of a holistic approach that integrates both neurological and psychological support. Dr. Zusman is also the Founder and CEO of Safe Living Space, a nonprofit organization dedicated to brain injury awareness, education, and advancing brain injury research where it is most frequently overlooked. 🧠 In this episode: Understanding both the cognitive and emotional aspects of an injury is vital for effective recovery.Many neurological symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as psychological issues, highlighting the need for specialized expertise.Brain injury symptoms can create barriers in interpersonal relationships that require patience and understanding.Recognizing the neurological basis of symptoms can lead to more validated experiences and better treatment outcomes.The path to wellness is unique for everyone and requires a high degree of patience with the process.Prioritizing safety and preventing further brain injuries is essential for long-term health and stability. CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 1:58 Welcome with Cristabelle 6:45 Introducing Dr. Zusman 10:15 Common Gaps with Brain Injury 15:00 When Symptoms Get Missed or Misdiagnosed 20:00 The Effect on Sense of Self and Relationships 22:40 Understanding Brings Empowerment 33:20 Takeaways 34:45 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    37 min

  3. APR 16

    The Wide Reaching Impact of Brain Injury

    One moment can alter the course of a lifetime, but no one should have to navigate that new reality alone. Brain injury is a journey that impacts the entire family, often requiring a level of patience and resilience that must be discovered along the way. In this special episode, Cristabelle leads us on a look back on Brain Injury Awareness Month by sharing a diverse range of perspectives- including an introduction to the conversations happening on a broader scale in the current landscape of brain injury as well as deeply personal stories shared during our recent virtual concert. Hear from Chrys Dolcé (Daughter Perspective of Father’s Stroke), David Colby (Story of Multiple Concussions), Lindy Boone Michaelis (Parent Perspective of Son’s TBI), and Tameka Wolfe (Spouse Perspective + VP of Board). We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on the neurological basics of brain injury and how understanding the underlying physical changes can lead to more targeted and effective recovery. 🧠 In this episode: Understanding how brain injury affects everyone: from children and adults to the entire family support system.An overview of current national conversations around language used to describe brain injury (moving beyond “mild” “moderate” and “severe”), the need for standardization of care, and the push to reclassify brain injury as a chronic condition.Brain injury recovery is dynamic; there is a need for better awareness of shifting symptoms over time.Neurology of brain injury and why it’s important to understand underlying neurological changes for effective recovery.Why building a supportive network is vital for reducing isolation and maintaining hope during the long-term recovery journey.There is always hope for new life and joy after an injury, no matter how much the trajectory has changed. CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 2:19 Why it Matters 11:58 Neurological Basics of Brain Injury - Dr. Jeremy Schmoe 17:29 Daughter Perspective of Father’s Stroke - Chrys Dolcé 20:47 Story of Multiple Concussions - David Colby 23:09 Parent Perspective of Son’s TBI - Lindy Boone Michaelis 29:06 Spouse Perspective + VP of Board - Tameka Wolfe 32:26 The Journey Continues ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    34 min

  4. APR 9

    Navigating Aphasia and Loss of Language after Brain Injury & Stroke (with Tawni Ballinger, CCC-SLP)

    When words feel out of reach, the frustration and isolation of aphasia can become one of the most challenging parts of the recovery journey, especially because maintaining communication is essential for the social connections that fuel our healing. So how do we navigate this? In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Tawni Ballinger (M.A., CCC-SLP), a speech-language pathologist specializing in aphasia, to explore the deep impact of language challenges on individuals and families and to share practical strategies for finding your voice again. We also feature a special spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe, founder and director of The Functional Neurology Center, about the neurological explanation of aphasia. 🧠 In this episode: Understanding the emotional impact of aphasia and the frustration of communication hurdles.Practical tips for using describing words to help express your needs clearly.How loved ones can best support someone with aphasia through patience and understanding.The importance of seeking evidence-based speech therapy focused on meaningful, real-life tasks.Neuroplasticity & how the brain can adapt and recover through targeted effort. *REGISTER FOR APHASIA VIRTUAL WORKSHOP - May 19, 2026 - https://hopesurvives.org/aphasia-workshop CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 1:54 Welcome with Cristabelle 4:04 The Neurological Side of Aphasia - Dr. Jeremy Schmoe 7:47 Introducing Tawni Ballinger 12:39 Impact of Loss of Language 16:24 Strategies to Help 21:28 Advice for Loved Ones 24:54 Understanding SLP for Aphasia 28:06 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    31 min

  5. APR 2

    Communication Strategies to Increase Connection after Brain Injury (with Roberta Brooks - CCC-SLP)

    Navigating conversation after a brain injury can often feel like a series of constant roadblocks, but rebuilding connection starts with understanding the "why" behind these challenges. In this episode, we sit down with Roberta Brooks (M.A. CCC/SLP (ret), CBIS), a neuro resource facilitator and retired speech-language pathologist who has spent her entire career spanning 40 years in the field of brain injury. This episode explores the complexities of communication that can happen with brain injury, along with encouragement and strategies to help you have better conversations - both for the person with the injury and their loved ones. We also feature a special spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center on understanding how to communicate about your brain injury, including some tips to effectively communicate your needs to your medical providers. 🧠In this episode: Understanding communication breakdown after brain injuryHow symptoms can affect communication in subtle waysWays to help with expressing your needs clearly with an injuryPractical ways that conversation partners can engage in connection with the person with brain injuryThe role of emotional regulation in daily communication CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 2:14 Welcome with Cristabelle 4:50 Communicating about your Brain Injury - Dr. Ryan Harvey 8:42 Introducing Roberta Brooks 13:58 Defining Communication Breakdown 16:25 Strategies to Help Connection 24:15 The Impact of Emotional Regulation 28:35 Approaching with Curiosity & Intentionality 34:40 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    36 min

  6. MAR 26

    Invisible Injury and Self-Advocacy after Brain Injury / Stroke (with Judy Kim Cage)

    Even when they are not immediately obvious to outsiders, the symptoms of a brain injury are valid and real- yet it can be so frustrating to feel misunderstood while navigating these invisible effects. Today, we’re discussing the reality of living with an invisible injury with Judy Kim Cage, who has experienced a hemorrhagic stroke and brain surgeries due to MoyaMoya, and also lives with hypermobile EDS. We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to explore the science behind what is happening in the brain when symptoms aren't visible. There are very real neurological reasons for these challenges that simply can’t be seen from the outside - and if you can relate, you’re not alone! 🧠In this episode: The neurological side of invisible brain injury symptomsA real life story of surviving a stroke & brain surgeriesExamples of invisible effects in daily lifeThe tension of holding hope while also having hard daysWhy self-advocacy is so important CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 1:55 Welcome with Cristabelle 6:23 Neurological Side of Invisible Effects of Brain Injury - Dr. Ryan Harvey 10:58 Introducing Judy Kim Cage 18:55 Hope in the Tension of “You Look Fine” 23:55 Advocating for Yourself 31:00 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    33 min

  7. MAR 19

    Understanding Nutrition for Brain Injury Recovery (with Dr. Karen Carpenter)

    Nutrition is one of the most overlooked, yet most powerful tools for healing from brain injury. Let’s dive into how what we choose to eat can actually help our brains to recover in this conversation with Dr. Karen Carpenter, a clinician with over 30 years of experience in Chiropractic Neurology and Functional Medicine. 🧠In this episode: Why you should care about nutrition in brain injury recoveryThe role of inflammation and anti-inflammatory dietsGut-brain axis and its impact on brain healthPractical tips for improving nutrition with limited cognitive function ***FREE Downloadable Resource Guides: 🥗Small Steps Towards Better Brain Nutrition: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/small-steps-toward-better-brain-nutrition 🥑Fueling the Brain For Recovery: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/fueling-the-brain-for-recovery 💙Nutrition Workshop with Dr. Carpenter coming on April 24 - sign up: hopesurvives.org/nutrition CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- 0:00 Intro 2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle 6:23 Introducing Dr. Carpenter 8:44 Why should we care about nutrition in brain injury? 15:25 Small steps to get started 17:00 Understanding Inflammation 20:15 Practical tips for brain injury 23:40 The Gut-Brain Connection 26:50 Impact on Hormones 30:55 Words of Hope ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    33 min

  8. FEB 27 ·  BONUS

    Broadening the Brain Injury Conversation | Season 5 First Look

    At Hope Survives, we know there is no one-size-fits-all path to recovery. Today we’re sharing a preview of where we are going in Season 5. This season, we’re having thoughtful conversations with clinicians and individuals impacted by brain injury: connecting expert insight with the real-life, day-to-day experience of life after brain injury. Today’s preview episode includes a first look at some of our conversations. Subscribe and stay tuned for the official premiere coming on March 19! CONNECT Follow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- Sponsor Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠ ------- Disclaimer This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    4 min
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4.9
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About

Have you or a loved one experienced a traumatic brain injury, stroke, concussion, or ABI? This podcast is for you. Providing practical tools and inspirational interviews to equip, educate, and encourage the brain injury community. Hosted by TBI survivor, advocate, and singer/songwriter Cristabelle Braden, this is an uplifting podcast to bring hope to your darkest days. The Official Podcast of Hope Survives, a nonprofit organization for brain injury support: https://www.hopesurvives.org

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