Healing Brain Trauma

Safe Living Space/Dr. Edie Zusman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health

The brain is resilient, but recovery shouldn't be a solo journey. Welcome to the Healing Brain Trauma Podcast. From the operating room to the living room and everywhere in between, Dr. Kathleen Monahan, LCSW, and Neurosurgeon Dr. Edie Zusman break down the science of injury and the art of healing. If you’re navigating life after a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, join us as we transform complex neurobiology into hope and actionable tools for your recovery.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Equitable Brain Care for Brain Injury Survivors

    In this episode of Healing Brain Trauma, hosts Dr. Kathy Monahan and Dr. Edie Zusman explore the critical need for equitable brain care, particularly for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Together, they break down systemic biases across medical and mental health systems, emphasizing why delayed symptoms and gaps in memory can be physiological markers of brain trauma. Tune in for an empowering discussion on bridging the gap between healthcare and justice, and helping survivors reclaim their narrative through self-advocacy and equitable care. Content Note: This podcast includes discussion of domestic and physical abuse. Some of these topics may be difficult or bring up strong emotions. Please listen in whatever way feels right for you, and practice self-care or step away if needed.

  2. Oct 28

    The Medical Reality of Strangulation

    In this powerful episode of Healing Brain Trauma, hosts Dr. Kathy Monahan and Dr. Edie Zusman tackle a critical yet under-discussed topic: near-fatal strangulation and its link to traumatic brain injury. They discuss how common strangulation or “being choked” occurs in DV/IPV relationships and bring in the misconceptions about how recreational/consensual strangulation can put the brain at risk. Whether you are a survivor, a loved one, a first responder, or a healthcare provider, this episode offers vital insight into recognizing the hidden signs of brain trauma, understanding the risks of intimate partner violence, and advocating for proper medical care. Content Note: This podcast includes discussion of domestic and physical abuse. Some of these topics may be difficult or bring up strong emotions. Please listen in whatever way feels right for you, and practice self-care or step away if needed.

  3. Oct 21

    Unmasking Traumatic Brain Injury in Domestic Violence

    Join Dr. Kathy Monahan and Dr. Edie Zusman to trace the history and critical intersection of domestic violence and traumatic brain injury (TBI). They highlight how symptoms like memory gaps, light sensitivity, mood swings, and severe headaches are often misattributed solely as mental health issues rather than physical brain trauma. Together, they share essential steps for getting safe, finding support, and giving the brain support to heal. Content Note: This podcast includes discussion of domestic and physical abuse. Some of these topics may be difficult or bring up strong emotions. Please listen in whatever way feels right for you, and practice self-care or step away if needed.

  4. Aug 21

    How We’ll Explore Hope in Healing Together

    Come along on our discussion of what truly defines brain trauma. Prompted by a case study involving intimate partner violence, Dr. Kathleen Monahan and Dr. Edie Zusman explore the critical duality of brain trauma, including how it encompasses both neurological/mechanical injury and psychological/emotional trauma. The brain has a remarkable capacity to heal. These experts discuss the importance of addressing both physical brain injury and mental health trauma– essential for long-term, holistic recovery and healing.

  5. Aug 21

    Intersection of Brain Trauma and Mental Health

    Today, Dr. Edie Zusman and Dr. Kathleen Monahan explore the critical, often-overlooked intersection of physical traumatic brain injury and mental health. Together, they discuss how unrecognized brain trauma may exhibit as mental health symptoms. Highlighting the "duality" of the brain's emotional and structural health, they explain why treating mental health symptoms without addressing underlying neurologic injury leads to ineffective treatment cycles.

  6. Aug 20

    Why Healing Brain Trauma Matters

    Join us for the first episode of Healing Brain Trauma, where you’ll meet our hosts, Dr. Edie Zusman and Dr. Kathleen Monahan. By combining neurosurgical expertise with clinical mental health insights, they discuss how unrecognized traumatic brain injuries may frequently manifest as mental health challenges.

  7. Jul 31

    Welcome to Healing Brain Trauma

    The brain is resilient, but recovery shouldn't be a solo journey. Welcome to the Healing Brain Trauma Podcast. From the operating room to the living room and everywhere in between, Dr. Kathleen Monahan, LCSW, and Neurosurgeon Dr. Edie Zusman break down the science of injury and the art of healing. If you’re navigating life after a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, join us as we transform complex neurobiology into hope and actionable tools for your recovery.

  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The brain is resilient, but recovery shouldn't be a solo journey. Welcome to the Healing Brain Trauma Podcast. From the operating room to the living room and everywhere in between, Dr. Kathleen Monahan, LCSW, and Neurosurgeon Dr. Edie Zusman break down the science of injury and the art of healing. If you’re navigating life after a diagnosis or supporting someone who is, join us as we transform complex neurobiology into hope and actionable tools for your recovery.

Information

  • Creator
    Safe Living Space/Dr. Edie Zusman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Safe Living Space/Dr. Edie Zusman
  • Show Website
    Healing Brain Trauma