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Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast

By: Cristabelle Braden and Hope Survives
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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.orgHope Survives Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Ways to Strengthen Resilience on the Brain Recovery Journey (with Wendy Ellmo, CCC-SLP)

    Ways to Strengthen Resilience on the Brain Recovery Journey (with Wendy Ellmo, CCC-SLP)
    13 Oct 2026
    Recovering from any type of concussion or brain injury can feel like a really long journey. But what if you have been developing a resilience you didn’t know you had all along? Whether you’ve had the injury yourself, or if you are a loved one - join us in this episode for some encouragement.In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Speech-Language Pathologist Wendy Ellmo, who shares both her professional expertise and personal insight after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury at age 17. Wendy breaks down the foundations of cognitive recovery, offering practical tools to reframe accommodations and strategies as empowering safety nets rather than limitations. Listen for practical ways to foster resilience and find purpose along the journey.We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on neurological resilience and neuroplasticity. Dr. Schmoe shares how intentional stimulation, including quick eye movements, visualization, breath mechanics, and cognitive dual-tasking, helps neurons fire and wire together while calming microglial neuro-inflammation.🧠 In this episode:Recognizing attention as the foundational building block for memory, word-finding, and cognitive organization.Overcoming resistance to compensatory strategies and embracing accommodations as supportive tools.Making the crucial mental shift from "rehab mode" into "living mode" after brain injury.How gratitude and tracking small daily victories physically alter brain chemistry and elevate mood.Navigating the grief of changed identity and learning to give yourself grace on tough days.How family members and friends of the brain injured person can adapt communication and stay connected to prevent isolation.⁠The Hope Collective: read and share reflections on life after brain injury: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollectiveCONNECTFollow @hopesurvives Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------SponsorThank 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:⁠ thefnc.com⁠⁠ -------0:00 Intro1:55 Welcome with Cristabelle2:50 Neuroplasticity & Brain Resilience - Dr. Jeremy Schmoe7:07 Introducing Wendy11:45 How Personal TBI Experience Helped in SLP Practice13:15 Common Changes after Brain Injury16:48 Ways to Strengthen Resilience25:04 Small, Practical Steps29:08 Encouragement for Family Members31:18 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast
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    34 mins
  • Finding Peace in the Uncertainty of Post-Concussion (with Tara L. Banks)

    Finding Peace in the Uncertainty of Post-Concussion (with Tara L. Banks)
    6 Oct 2026
    Living with post-concussion syndrome often means navigating a disorienting loss of identity, unpredictable symptoms, and the frustration of feeling like a stranger to yourself. When a good day is suddenly followed by an overwhelming crash, the uncertainty of recovery can make finding a clear path forward feel impossible. Today, we are exploring how to navigate the emotional and physical toll of lingering symptoms, adapt to an invisible injury, and discover true peace in the midst of life's chaos.Today, host Cristabelle Braden interviews author and speaker Tara L. Banks, who candidly shares her personal experience recovering from multiple concussions. Listen as Tara opens up about grappling with a shifted sense of self, managing light and sound sensitivity, dizziness, and brain fog, and learning to advocate for herself when her struggles aren't visible to others. We also discuss redefining victory through the "little wins" of daily life, leaning on faith and supportive community, and cultivating internal peace when external circumstances remain uncertain.We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on hope for post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Schmoe shares the importance of looking beyond traditional rehab to explore blood chemistry, gut health, neuro-inflammation, and supporting the brain's glymphatic system.🧠 In this episode:Navigating the deep sense of losing your identity and feeling disconnected from yourself after a concussion.Managing unpredictable day-to-day symptoms, light and sound sensitivity, and "invisible" recovery struggles.Learning self-advocacy and extending patience toward loved ones who may not fully understand post-concussion syndrome.Redefining resilience, embracing vulnerability, and celebrating the "small victories" in daily healing.Finding peace through faith and community support.The Hope Collective: read and share reflections on life after brain injury: hopesurvives.org/thehopecollectiveCONNECTFollow @hopesurvivesVisit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with Tara:.taralbanks.com-------SponsorThank 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:⁠ thefnc.com⁠⁠-------0:00 Intro2:05 Welcome with Cristabelle4:24 Hope for PCS - Spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe8:26 Tara’s Concussion Story15:14 “Looking Fine” - Not Feeling Fine20:18 Finding Peace in Post-Concussion23:25 Sense of Self & Not Giving Up31:10 Finding Everyday Fruit - Tara’s Book32:22 Words of Hope-------DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠
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    34 mins
  • How the 6 Pillars of Brain Health Transform TBI Recovery (with Luke Bohnenberger)

    How the 6 Pillars of Brain Health Transform TBI Recovery (with Luke Bohnenberger)
    29 Sep 2026

    Have you ever felt stuck and unsure how to move forward in your recovery journey? Today, as we kick off Season 6, we are talking about how learning about brain health can make a huge impact - and giving you some practical tools to take with you.

    In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Luke Bohnenberger, known as Luke Speaks TBI, who shares his powerful journey from a severe car accident and mental health struggles to becoming an advocate for others. Listen to discover how understanding your brain’s needs on a neurological level can remove shame, empower recovery, and help you regain a sense of control over your life and recovery journey.

    We also feature a spotlight on brain health with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Schmoe explains practical, daily habits for supporting your neurology, focusing on blood sugar regulation, hydration, and simple ways to activate your brain through movement, visualization, and stress reduction.

    🧠 In this episode:

    • Reframing post-injury symptoms as "signals" and learning to listen to your brain before it reaches an overload state.
    • Exploring 6 pillars of brain health: connections, movement, diet, novelty, environment, and rest.
    • Why establishing a sense of neurological safety is a required foundation for deep healing.
    • How to navigate the "push and pace" dynamic to challenge your brain without causing a setback.

    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

    Connect with Luke: lukespeakstbi.com

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    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

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    0:00 Intro

    1:45 Welcome with Cristabelle

    2:59 Brain Health - Spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

    6:02 Introducing Luke

    8:45 The TBI Journey

    14:35 Foundation of Brain Health

    23:00 Understanding Safety in Nervous System

    26:45 Takeaways and Small Steps

    31:35 Final Words of Hope

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    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
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
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