The Mindful Return Podcast: From Brain Injury to Back at Work

Kelly Tuttle
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Medicine

🎙️ The Mindful Return Podcast Hosted by Kelly Tuttle, Neurology Nurse Practitioner and brain injury survivor, The Mindful Return Podcast helps brain injury survivors, caregivers, and employers move from recovery to meaningful work. After experiencing her own mild traumatic brain injury, Kelly used her nurse practitioner knowledge and hard-won personal strategies to rebuild her focus, confidence, and career. Now, she shares those same tools to help others do the same. Each episode offers: 🧠 Practical ways to understand and manage your brain injury symptoms 💡 Strategies to improve focus, memory, and communication 💼 Tools to boost your brain’s best performance at work 💬 Real stories of recovery, resilience, and return-to-work success Whether you’re newly injured or navigating long-term recovery, you’ll find compassionate guidance, evidence-based insights, and renewed hope in every episode. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review The Mindful Return Podcast — and visit www.KellyTuttle.org to learn more and access free brain injury recovery tools.

Episodes

  1. May 27

    Episode 11: The Surprising Connection Between Brain Healing and Rebuilding Your Reading Skills

    Summary: Uncover the strategies to reclaim your love of reading after a brain injury — even if it’s been years. Kelly Tuttle shares her inspiring journey from struggling to read for five minutes to devouring complex books again. In this deeply personal episode, Kelly reveals the cognitive and visual hurdles that make reading difficult after brain injury — from blurred vision to brain fog. She details the surprising role of energy reserves and how slowing your reading pace can improve your reading comprehension. You’ll discover practical techniques, such as using audiobooks, text-to-speech technology, and mindful pauses, that help rebuild your reading stamina.   Takeaways: Healing requires pacing, not pushing. The brain’s capacity to process information can be slowed after injury, so faster reading or multitasking can hamper reading after a brain injury. Tactical aids like sticky notes, highlighting, and guiding paper help offload mental effort, freeing up energy for your brain’s reading processes. Starting with simple, short, and visually accessible material enhances confidence and restores reading enjoyment. Consider options like large print, audiobooks, and text-to-speech technology, which make reading more accessible and less taxing. Incorporating short, consistent, low-pressure reading rituals—like one poem a day—creates a positive emotional association with reading as your brain heals. Resources & Links: Kelly’s Linktree If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program:Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel

    35 min

  2. May 13

    Episode 10: How Slowing Down and Repetition Can Boost Your Brain’s Learning Power Post-Injury

    In this episode, Kelly Tuttle shares her personal journey and practical strategies for relearning and regaining cognitive functions after a brain injury. Discover techniques that can help you slow down, adapt, and support your brain's healing process. Main Topics: Impact of brain injury on learning and memory processes Practical strategies to support relearning and cognitive recovery Importance of environmental adjustments and self-compassion during healing Key Points: Brain injury disrupts the organization and retrieval of learned information, though memory remains largely intact. Slowing down the intake of information and being intentional helps the healing brain process better. Using short reading chunks, taking breaks, and allowing extra time for learning are effective techniques. Repetition, note-taking, and reviewing reinforce new learning during recovery. Minimizing environmental distractions (noise, light, visual clutter) supports focus and reduces fatigue. Listening to audiobooks and using visual aids, such as printed materials, can accommodate different learning preferences. Ensuring proper vision and hearing assessments can address additional barriers to learning. Patience, self-compassion, and collaborative therapy (speech, occupational, behavioral optometrists) are essential for progress. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to learning challenges after brain injury 00:29 - Changes in reading ability post-injury 00:56 - How brain injury affects information organization and retrieval 1:19 - The importance of slowing down during healing 2:24 - Strategies: intentional reading and slowing down absorption 3:27 - Attaching new info to previous knowledge to improve recall 4:11 - The significance of taking time and avoiding rushing through information 5:16 - Brain processing delays feel like slow thoughts 6:41 - Visualizing the brain as a sloth managing information flow 7:20 - Slow filing process affecting retrieval and day-to-day conversation 8:56 - Learning remains possible despite changes in how the brain processes info 9:14 - The brain's energy demands increase during healing 10:39 - Damage to mitochondria reduces energy availability for brain functions 11:38 - Summary: Slowed processing and low energy levels impact learning 12:11 - Practical tips: slow reading rate and short chunks 12:39 - Taking brain breaks and gradually increasing learning time 13:09 - The benefit of giving yourself more learning time 13:45 - Kelly's online program "The Road to Recovery" for flexible learning 14:29 - Repetition through listening, reading aloud, and reviewing notes 15:26 - Writing notes by hand to reinforce learning and slow intake 16:16 - Creating a distraction-free environment to enhance focus 17:23 - Using noise-canceling headphones and lowering environmental stimuli 18:53 - Reducing visual distractions and visual sensitivities 20:36 - Avoiding multitasking and focusing on single tasks to build cognitive stamina 22:38 - Using alarms to structure breaks and task transitions 23:27 - Printing information for external memory support 23:53 - Listening to audiobooks and podcasts as alternative learning methods 24:49 - Combining audio and visual cues enhances comprehension 25:42 - Benefits of videos, captions, and rewinding for complex topics 27:05 - Personal stories about audiobooks and verbal reading techniques 28:59 - Individual differences in learning methods vary and should be personalized 29:29 - Encouraging communication with healthcare providers for tailored support 30:16 - Importance of vision and hearing evaluations post-injury 31:16 - Correcting vision issues to reduce fatigue and improve reading 32:09 - Ensuring audiologists are experienced with brain injury survivors 32:54 - Final encouragement: be gentle with yourself and trust the recovery process Resources & Links: Kelly's Linktree If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program:Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel.

    20 min

  3. Apr 29

    Episode 9: How to Handle Denied Disability Accommodations: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Summary: This episode provides guidance for employees facing denial of disability accommodations by their employers.   Key Topics: Legal rights under the ADA The interactive process for accommodations Reasons for denial and how to respond Alternatives and reasonable accommodations   Takeaways: Ask why your accommodation was denied. Suggest alternative accommodations during the interactive process. Keep detailed records of all communications and interactions. Understand the concept of undue hardship and request detailed reasons. Involve union reps or legal counsel if facing unfair treatment. Practice self-care and seek support from mental health professionals. Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Disability Accommodations 04:26 Steps to Take When Accommodations Are Denied 08:17 Navigating Undue Hardship Claims 09:38 Seeking Support and Legal Help   Resources: AskJAN.org - https://askjan.org/ Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - https://www.ada.gov/ Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - https://www.eeoc.gov/   Keywords #disabilityaccommodations, #employmentrights, #ADA, #workplaceadvocacy, #legalsupport, #interactiveprocess, #unduehardship, #employeerights, #workplacediscrimination, #mentalhealthsupport   P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. Linktree My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    10 min

  4. Apr 15

    Episode 8: The Brain Injury Survivor's Guide to Workplace Accommodations

    Summary: This episode explores the complex process of returning to work after a brain injury, focusing on disability accommodations, legal rights, and practical strategies for a successful transition. Key Topics Disability accommodations in the workplace Strategies for returning to work after brain injury Chapters 00:00Introduction to Disability Accommodations 01:12Personal Journey with Brain Injury 05:46Deciding to Ask for Accommodations 09:58Understanding Your Rights and Policies 13:53Preparing for the Request 17:07Exploring Accommodation Options 23:04The Importance of Accommodations 24:36Conclusion and Support Resources Resources Job Accommodation Network (askjan.org) #braininjury, #workplaceaccommodations, #disabilityrights, #neurorehabilitation, #ADA, #workstrategies, #supportsystems P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. Linktree My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    22 min

  5. Apr 1

    Episode 7: Unlocking Brain Healing: The Power of Journaling After a Brain Injury

    Summary:   This episode explores the transformative power of journaling in brain injury recovery, highlighting how it aids symptom tracking, emotional management, and self-discovery. Kelly Tuttle shares practical tips and personal insights on using journaling as a vital tool for healing and self-awareness.   Key Topics Benefits of journaling for brain injury recovery How to use journaling to track symptoms and progress Journaling techniques for emotional and cognitive health Takeaways Journaling helps articulate symptoms for better medical communication. It documents recovery progress. External memory tools reduce cognitive load and fatigue. Reflecting on values and passions helps you get to know the new you and your new brain. Handwriting activates multiple brain regions, supporting neuroplasticity. Chapters 00:00The Power of Journaling in Recovery 04:01Understanding Symptoms and Monitoring Progress 11:57Emotional Management and Self-Reflection 19:24Navigating Change and Embracing the New Self 23:39Developing Healthy Habits and Goal Setting 28:29Financial Planning and Managing Life Post-Injury 33:31The Science Behind Handwriting and Cognitive Benefits 39:13Practical Tips for Effective Journaling #braininjury, #journaling, #recovery, #self-monitoring, #neuroplasticity, #emotional health, #cognitiverehab, #self-reflection,#neurofatigue, #goalsetting P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. Linktree My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    48 min

  6. Mar 18

    Navigating the Complexities of Brain Injury Symptoms

    Summary In this episode of the Mindful Return podcast, Kelly Tuttle discusses the various symptoms associated with brain injuries, emphasizing the importance of understanding and identifying these symptoms for effective recovery. She shares her personal experiences with sound sensitivity and how it impacted her recovery. Kelly provides practical tools for journaling symptoms, communicating with healthcare providers, and understanding the types of specialists available for treatment. The episode concludes with a comprehensive list of common symptoms of brain injury, encouraging listeners to seek appropriate care and support. Takeaways Understanding the symptoms of brain injury is crucial for recovery. Sound sensitivity can exacerbate other symptoms of brain injury. Journaling can help track and manage symptoms effectively. Communicating symptoms clearly to healthcare providers is essential. Different specialists may be needed for comprehensive care. Symptoms can change as recovery progresses. Environmental factors can influence symptom severity. Brain injury symptoms can be hidden under other conditions. Regularly reviewing symptoms can aid in recovery. Everyone's recovery journey is unique and personal. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Brain Injury Symptoms 02:24 Tools for Identifying Symptoms 06:11 Communicating with Healthcare Providers 11:35 Types of Brain Injury Specialists 13:02 Common Brain Injury Symptoms   #braininjury, #symptoms, #recovery, #soundsensitivity, #journaling, #healthcare, #specialists, #treatment, #cognitivedifficulties, #emotionalchanges

    13 min

  7. Mar 4

    Episode 5: Navigating the Journey of Brain Injury Recovery

    Summary In this episode, Kelly Tuttle discusses the complexities of recovery after a brain injury, emphasizing the unique nature of each individual's journey. She highlights the importance of understanding that recovery can be a long-term process, often requiring patience and self-compassion. Kelly also advocates for journaling as a valuable tool for tracking progress and communicating symptoms, and she provides insights on how caregivers can better support those recovering from brain injuries. Takeaways Recovery from a brain injury is unique to each individual. Comparing recovery to others can be detrimental. Journaling helps track progress and communicate symptoms. Brain injuries can have long-term effects, often chronic in nature. Compassion and patience are essential during recovery. Microglia activation can persist long after injury. Each brain injury can compound previous injuries. Support for caregivers is crucial in the recovery process. Celebrate small milestones in recovery. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Brain Injury Recovery 06:00 The Chronic Nature of Brain Injuries 12:29 Journaling as a Recovery Tool 17:44 Supporting Caregivers in Recovery #braininjury, #recovery, #journaling, #caregiversupport, #chroniccondition, #brainhealth, #healing process, #braininjuryawareness P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. Linktree My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    18 min

  8. Feb 18

    Episode 4: Navigating Brain Injury Recovery: The Right Specialists

    Navigating Brain Injury Recovery: The Right Specialists Summary In this episode, Kelly Tuttle discusses the importance of seeing the right specialists after a brain injury. She shares her personal experience and emphasizes the need for tailored care based on individual symptoms. The conversation covers various specialists, including physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, speech therapists, and mental health professionals, highlighting their roles in recovery. Kelly also provides insights on navigating the medical system, documenting symptoms, and the importance of persistence in seeking help. The episode concludes with encouragement for brain injury survivors to advocate for their health and well-being. Takeaways You need to be taking your issues to the right specialist. The brain is complicated, and there are multiple specialists. It's important to document your symptoms. One of the first specialists you should see is a PMR doctor. Speech therapists help with cognitive functioning. Physical therapists help with injuries that occur during a concussion. Counselors can help you navigate the grieving process, mindfulness practice, and behavioral cognitive therapy. Sleep coaches can help with sleep hygiene techniques. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Brain Injury Specialists 02:52Understanding the Role of Specialists in Recovery 05:35Navigating the Medical System After a Brain Injury 08:06Key Specialists for Brain Injury Recovery 11:03Therapies and Treatments for Brain Injury Symptoms 14:22Mental Health and Emotional Support Post-Injury 16:51Additional Resources and Considerations 20:01Conclusion and Encouragement for Survivors P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. Linktree My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    28 min

  9. Feb 4 ·  Video

    Debunking TBI Myths: What You Need to Know

    Summary In this episode, Kelly Tuttle discusses seven common misconceptions about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of brain health. She highlights the need for mindful recovery, the role of neuroplasticity, and the significance of seeking specialized care. The conversation also addresses the emotional challenges faced by TBI survivors, including the risk of suicide, and encourages ongoing learning and self-care as part of the recovery process. Takeaways Rest for the first 48 hours, then mindfully return to activities. A concussion can occur without a direct hit to the head. Brain scans may not reveal all brain injury symptoms. Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion diagnosis. Not all doctors are experienced in brain injury care. TBI survivors can experience suicidal thoughts and ideation. Recovery from brain injury can continue beyond two years. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to repair and improve over time. Engaging in new learning activities supports brain health. Self-care practices are essential for TBI recovery.   Links: Brain Injury Association of America Kelly’s Linktree If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program:Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel.   Chapters 00:00 Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Misconceptions 09:41 The Journey of Recovery and Neuroplasticity

    11 min

  10. Jan 21 ·  Video

    Brain Injuries Uncovered: Exploring Types of Brain Injuries

    Early in my recovery, confusion often clouded my days. I questioned whether I truly had a brain injury, especially as my diagnosis seemed to shift over time. As I searched for answers and guidance, I discovered that there are many different types of brain injuries, each with unique challenges. Yet, I also found comfort in realizing that survivors often share similar symptoms and experiences. In this podcast episode, I explore these different types of brain injuries and highlight the common threads that unite us as survivors. By sharing stories and insights, we shine a light on the resilience and hope that carry us through. To every brain injury survivor listening: you are welcome here. My hope is to build a supportive community where we can learn from one another, uplift each other, and find strength in our shared journey toward healing.

    10 min

  11. Jan 5 ·  Video

    Episode One: Rising Strong: A Story of Hope and Renewal

    Welcome to the first episode of The Mindful Return. I’m truly grateful you’re here. Today, I want to introduce myself and share how I went from surviving a life-altering car crash to finding a new purpose and now speaking with you. My journey is a testament to hope, resilience, and the incredible power we each have to rebuild and thrive, no matter the challenges we face. Kelly Tuttle Brain-Loving Advocate P.S. As a brain injury survivor, I understand the challenges of reintegration into the workforce. If you're also a survivor looking to return to work, please visit my website for my online program: Return to Work and Life After a Brain Injury.  You can also find my book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, and additional resources. My book, After the Crash, is also on Audible. My book, After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury, can be found on Amazon or at your favorite independent bookstore I created a journal just for you! Check out My Brain Injury Recovery Journal  My eBook, Getting Back Behind the Wheel Please check out my YouTube channel. My TikTok:  @brainlovingnp

    16 min

  12. 11/26/2025

    Trailer for The Mindful Return

    🎙️ The Mindful Return Podcast Hosted by Kelly Tuttle, Neurology Nurse Practitioner and brain injury survivor, The Mindful Return Podcast helps brain injury survivors, caregivers, and employers move from recovery to meaningful work. After experiencing her own mild traumatic brain injury, Kelly used her nurse practitioner knowledge and hard-won personal strategies to rebuild her focus, confidence, and career. Now, she shares those same tools to help others do the same. Each episode offers: 🧠 Practical ways to understand and manage your brain injury symptoms 💡 Strategies to improve focus, memory, and communication 💼 Tools to boost your brain’s best performance at work 💬 Real stories of recovery, resilience, and return-to-work success Whether you’re newly injured or navigating long-term recovery, you’ll find compassionate guidance, evidence-based insights, and renewed hope in every episode. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review The Mindful Return Podcast — and visit Kellytuttle.org to learn more and access brain injury recovery tools and a free download of my Stressless Medical Sheet, a tool to support your memory during your doctor appointments.

    1 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

🎙️ The Mindful Return Podcast Hosted by Kelly Tuttle, Neurology Nurse Practitioner and brain injury survivor, The Mindful Return Podcast helps brain injury survivors, caregivers, and employers move from recovery to meaningful work. After experiencing her own mild traumatic brain injury, Kelly used her nurse practitioner knowledge and hard-won personal strategies to rebuild her focus, confidence, and career. Now, she shares those same tools to help others do the same. Each episode offers: 🧠 Practical ways to understand and manage your brain injury symptoms 💡 Strategies to improve focus, memory, and communication 💼 Tools to boost your brain’s best performance at work 💬 Real stories of recovery, resilience, and return-to-work success Whether you’re newly injured or navigating long-term recovery, you’ll find compassionate guidance, evidence-based insights, and renewed hope in every episode. 👉 Subscribe, rate, and review The Mindful Return Podcast — and visit www.KellyTuttle.org to learn more and access free brain injury recovery tools.

Information