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In this episode 89 of the Know Stroke Podcast, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow reconnect after a break, discussing current events in the world and the impact it has had on our combined mental health across the country and world and especially within the stroke community.

They reflect on their podcasting journey, the importance of community support, and the upcoming milestone and their goals leading up to 100th episode in 2026.

The conversation also highlights their ongoing discussions around advocacy for stroke survivors and care partners and the need for their voices to be heard in healthcare discussions including the upcoming International Stroke Conference (ISC) later this week in New Orleans.

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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On episode 88 we release a recent conversation with Mark Brodie as a rebroadcast from a Know Stroke Substack Live event with co-host David Dansereau. Mark connected with us after listening to our episode on PFO which also is believed to have caused his stroke. As part of his recovery journey Mark and his family had to learn how to find resources to help with his aphasia as a deficit from his stroke during covid shutdowns.

Mark’s Top Stroke Recovery Resources Mentioned:
Just Ask (Aphasia Support ), Stroke Onward , Stroke Awareness Oregon , Mid Atlantic Aphasia , National Aphasia Synergy (shirt Mark mentioned he was wearing!), National Aphasia Organization , American Stroke Association

This is a fitting episode to release for World Stroke Day as the topics and themes covered include all areas of stroke care from knowing the stroke warning signs, to caregiver support, the public stigma around aphasia, use of technology and home therapy, to the power of community and especially the importance of stroke support organizations that helped Mark restore balance and find his voice again after stroke.

Other Episode Mentions:

Therapy apps: Tactus Therapy , Constant Therapy

Support Our Show!
Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity!

Support the show

Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:
Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Substack

Know Stroke Podcast Disclaimer:
Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack

Chime In, Send Us a Text Message!

Episode 87 Our Guest: Stran Smith 2025 'Draft Pick' for Abbott HeartMates Program
Stran is a legendary tie-down roping cowboy from Childress, Texas. He competed professionally for over 20 years, appearing 11 times at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), and won the PRCA World Championship in 2008. In 2025 he was inducted into the rodeo Hall of Fame.

In this episode, Stran shares his incredible journey from being a professional cowboy to overcoming a life-altering stroke. He discusses the challenges of co-authoring a book, his involvement with the Abbott HeartMates Program and the importance of community support during any type of heart or health related recovery. Stran emphasizes the significance of connection and encouragement for stroke survivors and highlights the HeartMates program as a vital resource for those facing similar challenges. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief that there is hope and light ahead if you don’t give up.

More on his stroke: At age 32 he suffered a stroke caused by a previously undetected patent foramen ovale (PFO)—a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart. Doctors initially told him he’d likely never ride again. He underwent PFO closure using the Abbott Amplatzer Occluder, which enabled his remarkable return to competition and eventual world championship.

Abbott HeartMates: In May 2025, Abbott introduced Stran as one of its newest “HeartMates”—heart health champions who share inspiring stories of recovery and resilience. Learn more about Abbott's HeartMates Program and community. https://www.abbott.com/heartmates.html

We cover how Stran got involved with HeartMates, what it means to him to be recognized in this year's "draft class" and connect with other HeartMates including Tedy Bruschi and Damar Hamlin and his message to others who may currently be facing health challenges. Finally we discuss his latest accomplishment since retiring from rodeo. He’s co-authored a bestselling leadership book, A Colonel & A Cowboy: Strategies of the Elite which we cover in this episode. Follow Stran on Instagram @stransmithofficial

Support Our Show!
Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity!

Support the show

Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:
Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Substack

Know Stroke Podcast Disclaimer:
Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack