Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

Cristabelle Braden and Hope Survives
  • 4.9 (57)
  • MENTAL 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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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
  6. 126. Hope for the Holidays after Brain Injury + Strategies for Sensory Overwhelm & More

    12/20/2025

    126. Hope for the Holidays after Brain Injury + Strategies for Sensory Overwhelm & More

    It's okay if your holidays feel different this year... there is hope to find comfort and joy this holiday season, even while navigating brain injury. Today, Cristabelle offers encouragement and practical tools to help you move through this season with grace - and beyond - because these strategies work anytime of year! We’ll discuss sensory regulation strategies, graceful social "scripts" for setting boundaries, and brain-healthy ways to find joy. Join us as we learn to redefine what celebration may look like, and it's okay if the holidays feel different this year. ***FREE Downloadable Resource Guides: 🎄Seeking Comfort & Joy this Holiday Season: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/seeking-comfort-and-joy-holidays 🎄Harvesting Hope for the Holidays: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/harvesting-hope-for-the-holidays This is the Season 4 finale! Stay connected between podcast seasons by joining our support groups and workshops, & reach out to us anytime at: hi@hopesurvives.org CONNECT Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- 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 ------- 0:00 Intro 2:42 Welcome with Cristabelle 12:00 Encouragement if your holidays feel different… 14:40 Sensory Regulation to Decrease Overwhelm 18:10 Strategies to help with Overstimulation 22:15 Navigating Social Situations 25:09 Finding Brain Healthy Alternatives 26:45 Gratitude Crafts and Activities 27:25 Give Yourself Grace in Redefining Celebration ------- Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms! This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    29 min
  7. 125. Understanding Neuro Fatigue in Brain Injury Recovery (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

    12/06/2025

    125. Understanding Neuro Fatigue in Brain Injury Recovery (with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe)

    Have you ever wondered why the healing brain’s battery seems to drain so quickly, even after simple tasks? Today, we’re diving into the complex and often misunderstood topic of neuro fatigue after brain injury. In this informative episode, host Cristabelle Braden welcomes back Dr. Jeremy Schmoe of the Functional Neurology Center to uncover the science behind this exhausting symptom. Dr. Schmoe explains exactly what happens when neurons become unstable and lack the oxygen, activation, and nutrition they need to communicate effectively. Listen as they distinguish the difference between general physical tiredness and true neurological fatigue, validating the "rollercoaster" of energy crashes that so many survivors experience. Tune in for practical strategies to identify your limits, advice for loved ones on spotting the physical signs of a crash, and a powerful reminder that there is always help and hope for improving your function. 🧠*FREE Downloadable Resource: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/understanding-neuro-fatigue 💙 *Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: www.hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope CONNECT Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- 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 ------- 0:00 Intro 2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle 7:00 Introducing Dr. Schmoe 9:25 What is Neuro Fatigue? 15:10 Distinguishing Neuro Fatigue vs General Fatigue 17:30 Identify Neuro Fatigue & Strategies 20:45 Simple Practical Tools 28:30 What Families and Loved Ones Can Look For 30:20 Final Thoughts 32:30 Words of Hope ------- Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms! This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    34 min
  8. 124. Reframing the Journey: Finding Gratitude in a Life You Didn’t Expect - Brain Injury Community Panel

    11/21/2025

    124. Reframing the Journey: Finding Gratitude in a Life You Didn’t Expect - Brain Injury Community Panel

    How do you hold on to thankfulness when you’re navigating symptoms, setbacks, or the emotional weight of daily challenges? Together we’ll explore how gratitude can coexist with grief, struggle, and healing - along with a podcast spotlight on the power of gratitude from Dr. Jeremy Schmoe. In this heartfelt panel, host Cristabelle Braden invites Holly Kostrzewski, Joi Kue, and Robin Luftig for an honest conversation about gratitude, reflection, and resilience. Each panelist brings a unique story: Robin’s sudden medical crisis and brain tumor; Holly’s traumatic injury at 18 and decades of ongoing symptoms & reinjury; and Joi’s lifelong journey with hydrocephalus, childhood surgeries, and the emotional impact of growing up with a TBI. Together, they share the first emotions they faced, from hopelessness and confusion to loneliness, depression, and fear, and how each learned to find gratitude through difficulty. Their stories highlight the power of small celebrations, community, acceptance, and learning to reframe setbacks with compassion. You are not alone! Connect with panelists & read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/124 Let’s make a difference together! 🌎 Millions of people are living with brain injury and struggling to find support… and at Hope Survives, we’re here to change that. 💙 Join us for GivingTuesday: HopeSurvives.org/givingtuesday CONNECT Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠ Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------- *PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: The Power of Gratitude with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe 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 ------- 0:00 Intro 2:14 Welcome with Cristabelle 6:04 The Power of Gratitude with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe 8:27 Introducing Panelists 14:35 Emotional Impact of Injury 19:35 How did you find gratitude during hardest times? 25:45 Hope through Setbacks 36:45 Challenges with Connection and Communication 41:15 Reframing Perspective with Gratitude 46:15 For the Dark Times 49:55 Advice for those Struggling with Gratitude 53:55 Words of Hope ------- Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms! This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

    56 min
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4.9
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57 Ratings

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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