Have you ever felt stuck when you were trying to work through something? Saul Enriquez, a teacher to our future nurses at Rio Grande Valley Nursing School, has over 26 years of experience in caring for people with a multitude of health issues. During his work providing critical care at ICUs, trauma units, and emergency departments, he's seen patien…

While we don't always have choices in life, we always have a choice in how we react. Lori Vober, a stroke survivor, is a speaker and author who volunteers her time to help others. She encourages survivors to look for support from others, knowing that it is OK to not be OK! She learned about vulnerability by taking a positive approach to life and co…

Today’s program is filled with opportunities and service. Our guest is Lori Vober, a young stroke survivor, an author, public speaker, and an adoptive mother. After a life of dependency, Lori shares her turnaround in her later years, and now helps others with emotional issues. She asks people with a brain injury to not ignore the grief that comes w…

If you hadn't visited your library in the last 10 years, you might not recognize it. Yes, there are still plenty of books, but they have added heaps of services, many of which are especially helpful for those recovering from a brain injury. Kristen Lindscott and Bob Loftin who work for community partnership and engagement for the Plano Library talk…

Think about a brain injury as a family event. Both the survivor and their family need resources and support to find their new normal. Our guest, Karol Falci, a neuro case manager for Baylor Scott and White in Frisco, is a brain injury survivor herself. Her background began in acute short-term care but is currently part of the day neuro team. She ex…

Being positive and fighting goes a long way! Listen to John Hoffman tell an inspirational story about his wife, Judy’s battle with an inoperable brain tumor and how she lives a full life now. His story tells us how they chose to go to Oregon to do an experimental treatment. Judy is a hero: not only did she win her battle with cancer, she went on to…

Let’s face it: life after brain injury is expensive. From loss of employment to additional medical bills, building a relationship with a trusted professional is key to planning your future. Lori Vejii, a financial planner from Edward Jones, shares tips and tricks for a successful financial planning session after a brain injury. She advises us on wa…

And, do you know how to build your credit score? After a brain injury, in addition to being faced with additional medical costs, many survivors must relearn how to manage their finances. In today's episode with Lori Vejil, financial planner at Edward Jones, will give you a starting point. She will tell you how to create a budget beginning with your…

In this episode, Mike Stedham, an ordained minister and professional counselor with over 40 years of experience, shares his experiences leading a support group for TBI caregivers and emphasizes the importance of communication, realistic expectations, and self-care. He shares the significance of humor, and the value of peer support in the TBI recove…

In this episode, Rick Yates discusses his experience with brain injury, the support group he helped to establish in 2004 and the benefits of being part of such a community. Rick describes the support group's impact on his recovery, including improved communication skills, a sense of purpose, and coping with depression. He highlights the importance …

We know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, …

We know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, …

After a stroke, look for ways to be happy! That is the advice from Silas Allen, who survived a stroke and is a reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram covering educational news for Tarrant County. He found several tools to assist in writing for work, e.g. GoogleDocs, Otter.ai, etc. Silas felt mentally challenged with fatigue, relearning how to dr…

After brain injury, have you ever felt that you may need help in maintaining or strengthening your spiritual life? Talking with somebody like Chaplain Johnny Taylor may be the help you need. He has helped many with that process throughout his 28 year career as a chaplain and continues till this day as he now serves at UT Southwestern Hospital. Supp…

Everyday is a challenge after a brain injury! Welcome bindwaves co-hosts Carrie & Kezia as they discuss common obstacles faced by brain injury survivors. The limitations each survivor faces vary due to the affected area. It is highly unlikely that two survivors would face the exact same challenges, e.g. relearning swallowing, speaking, walking, bat…

There are reasons why the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may deny your request to resume driving. Listen to Christine Nelson who is a licensed rehab specialist and a manager at PATE. Several reasons why a person may not pass a driving test are memory lapses, anger issues, spatial issues between cars, and the failure to execute certain strategies…

There is no substitute for real-life driving! Our guest today is Alice Petranek, an Occupational Therapist, who works at Rehab Without walls. She is a founding member of BIN board of Directors. She believes that resume driving is a set of sense skills in perception, vision, and coordination… all at the same time. Alice is clear that safety is the m…

Be patient and take time to get your confidence back to drive. Welcome back Mr. Brandon Higgs, co-owner of H & T Driver Rehabilitation, which is a driving-specific occupational therapy business. They do clinical testing and behind-the-wheel evaluations designed to give survivors an idea if it would be safe to return to driving. They can do all of t…

There is no right answer to this question, but Brandon Higgs will shed light on some of the issues in today’s program. He is a co-owner of H&T Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and is certified for comprehensive rehabilitation services (CRS). Brandon believes that occupational therapists are well suited to contribute to the decision to regain the i…

Listen to Chris B, who advises listeners to go slow when restarting driving after a brain injury. Chris is a member of BIND and volunteers at Heritage Farms in Plano. He has a supportive family, who encouraged him to start driving. Chris remembers the feeling of waking up and recognizing that his hands worked properly so that he could drive. It too…

As we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “What happens Next After Brain Injury” with Bernard, a great example of willingness to relearn even with all the the frustrations. You will …

As we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're Re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “Independence is Key” with Livia, a great example of determination and independence in the face of difficulties. You will be hearing her ear…

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month we are re-releasing our most popular episodes. On this episode, we talked with Amber Richarson who is an Occupational therapist and Community Relations Manager with Pate & Rehab without walls. We discuss all the many different options for brain injury rehabilitation therapy such as within a hospital, outpati…

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, we are re-releasing our most popular episodes. Today you will be hearing our very first episode that was published on March 25th, 2021 “What is a Brain Injury?” You will re-meet Karl H. as a founding member of BIN and his knowledge on brain injury through 15 years of recovery 💚 🎙️ Do you want to support us?…

Listen to these inspirational stories from two members at BIND. Kezia and Olivia who are both young stroke survivors. They will tell you that every experience is different, and how to recognize that many brain injuries are invisible. In the podcast, you will hear how they persevere and overcome fatigue, difficulty in speech and cognitive tasks, mem…

Enjoy listening to Gregg Grossman, Ph.D., who is a life coach, president of Beyond Perseverance, and author of Times of Perseverance: Hope and Healing on the Battlefields of Life. No stranger to brain injury, he had to recover from two car accidents over 10 years. Gregg explains how he uses mostly open-ended questions to build trust, spirit, and wh…

In today's episode Carrie and Kezia take the stage to offer their perspectives, not just as co-hosts but as stroke survivors and members of the Brain Injury Network. Reflecting on why BIN embarked on this podcast journey and the importance of providing a platform for survivors to break the silence surrounding brain injuries. They uncover the multif…

Most members want to do a job well and improve what they do. This interview with BIND’s Executive Director, Brian White, explains the progress we have made in the past year, and looks forward to a bright future. Not only have we doubled our listening base with weekly podcasts, but we have been successful with our public events, efforts for fundrais…

Chris, a member of BIN, believes that his disability cannot stop his destiny with his brain injury. He was born without sight but continued to study in college, worked, and lived independently before his brain injury. As his caregiver, his mom, Marilyn, joins us in the conversation to share her perspective. Support the Show. New episodes drop every…

Kevan believes that any professional does not allow people to humiliate themselves in therapy, but rather, strives to obtain the most self-efficacy with the least intervention possible. These programs are varied, including testing, coaching, on-site observations, and specific skills such as art, speech, and computer instruction. Support the Show. N…

Kevan Beijan brings more than 20 years of licensed professional counseling (LCP) experience. He was an original BIN board member for five years and was instrumental in the decision to create a clubhouse for brain injury survivors. BIN is now a recognizable brand within the DFW medical community. Support the Show. New episodes drop every Thursday ev…

In his youth, Steve was a football player and still adores his home team! Today, as a BIND member, he shares his mantra that despite the challeges he has faced, never give up! Steve went through four different strokes with various symptoms, including fear, anxiety, balance, vision issues, blood clots, transfusions, and scary neck problems. One of t…

Enjoy our round table discussion for some holiday self care tips. What to avoid as a brain injury survivor and how your loved ones can help! We feel that these tools are useful for anyone during this time. We share what works for us and what we’ve learned since our brain injuries. We would also like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season! Sup…

Do you know what eating habits, foster good sleep, and build strength following a brain injury? Learn how to employ health lifestyles in Part 2 with Dr. Simon Driver and Jasmine Herrera - Martinez. Consider some tools to help survivors choose foods with quality oils, using elastic bands to exercise, getting additional rest, eating dinner early, and…

What can we learn about healthy lifestyle choices after a brain injury? We listen to Dr. Simon Driver who directs a research program in Rehab and Jasmine Herrera - Martinez who is a brain injury survivor and is the administrator of the TBI Peer Mentor Program at Baylor Scott and White. Dr. Driver received his doctorate in Exercise Sciences which le…

Have you ever wondered, who is working behind the scenes to coordinate your care in rehab? Meet case manager supervisor, Tonja Ohradzansky, who has been working with brain injury survivors for over 8 years at PATE Rehabilitation. Tonja shares her superpower - Coordinating the Chaos! Learn how she helps survivors & their families navigate life with …

This week we hear from Becca, a BIND member, who tells us how she got out of her comfort zone to prove that she was on the right track in her recovery. Following her skydiving accident in 2013, Becca learned that she was not in control of everything. In her recovery she is retraining herself to work with other people and plans to add to her three d…

What happens when you go to sleep and wake up 6 months later? Meet BIND member Nate, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling down the stairs. This left him lying injured for an hour before he was discovered. He was in a coma for 6 months, then spent 6 more months in a vegetative state before being able to begin his rehabilitation. His d…

For a lot of survivors, BIND is a lifeline to making new friends and accepting the “New You”. Listen to Michael who tells us that the most important factor for recovery is to keep an open mind at all times. He shares how the stroke affected him, how he is making progress each day, and how he is taking a bigger role and writing for bindwaves. Suppor…

Today, we're thrilled to introduce Emily, our intern at BIND Plano Clubhouse. Starting with a brain tumor diagnosis at 41, Emily has navigated a labyrinth of surgeries and brain-related challenges in her survival story. And guess what? She's far from done. In fact, she's back in school, and on her way to becoming a counselor. According to Emily, “S…

Today Kezia and Carrie talk with Jeni from the Brain Injury Network of Dallas (BIND). She shares her experience of suffering two concussions while working as a teacher. Her journey for recovery included difficulties in memory and recall, balance, speech, planning, slowness in answering questions, walking, shopping, and other physical activities. Je…

It’s ok to not be ok, just don’t stay there!” says Leigh Richardson, the Founder and Clinical Director of the Brain Performance Center. We’re welcoming Leigh back for a second episode as we delve into the purpose of the Brain Performance Center. The center focuses on the behavioral health model and it’s not just for brain injuries survivors but for…

When Leigh’s 5th grader came to her and told her that his “brain was broken”, it kickstarted her 30 year study of Human Behavior.Today, at the Brain Injury Network (BIND), we hear from Leigh Richardson, who started the Brain Performance Center in 2009 and has decades of experience in counseling. Leigh not only discusses her son’s brain injury but s…

How can we give hope to survivors of brain injuries? Today, we learn from Shari who is involved with “Head for the Cure” as a volunteer, board member, and volunteer at BIN. We have four members who have had brain tumors or cancer in their lives. Shari is a nurse and works with hospice patients. Her goal is to connect and build a community of surviv…

Ever wonder what interns learn while creating their capstone project? Carrie and Kezia talk with BIN Interns, Hannah & Elizabeth. They go through their experience as interns, their final capstone and what they have learned from and about brain injury survivors. Support the Show. New episodes drop every Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. - …

Have you ever wondered how non-profit organizations raise money? You don’t see her very often but she’s behind the scenes making things work. Our guest today is Tara Judd-Longley, our development director at the Brain Injury Network. Tara shares her responsibilities at BIN and what she sets out to accomplish each day. Support the Show. New episodes…

Carrie and Kezia are wishing all of you a fantastic Summer Break! bindwaves is taking a break too and on this episode you will hear why and tell you about our Summer Lemon AID campaign, but do not forget that you can continue to hear and see us on Instagram! Support the Show. New episodes drop every Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. - Giv…

To spotlight June which is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Carrie and Kezia spoke to Tara Judd-Longley, who worked many years with The Alzheimer's Association to educate us what Alzheimer's is and its effect on loved ones of all ages, from a non-clinical perspective. Support the Show. New episodes drop every Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts.…

Carrie and Kezia talk with Rick, a brain tumor survivor and member of BIND. Rick is an active user of DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit). He describes his experience using DART’s paratransit services and describes the application process. Support the Show. New episodes drop every Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. - Give us some feedback, te…

Carrie and Kezia speak with Chris Hawkins, the Director of Administration, with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Mobility Management Services department. Chris, describes the different options of transportation that are available for individuals with disabilities to strengthen their independence. To contact DART - Twitter: @DARTAlerts @DARTMedi…