Kessler Foundation Podcasts

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/From%20Stroke%20to%20Strength_How%20Robotics%20Are%20Transforming%20Rehab-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Research scientists at Kessler Foundation are pioneering a new frontier in neurorehabilitation through groundbreaking studies in robotic exoskeletons. This research helps individuals recovering from stroke and brain injury walk agai...

In this episode, Darcy Keith shares candid insights from her TBI journey and offers practical tips to manage memory and daily life challenges. Topics include: Using repetition, verbal, and visual cues to improve memory The importance of regular routines and structure to avoid overwhelm Embracing new interests when physical abilities change Utilizing devices and notes for organization Prioritizing...

In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental o...

Read the transcript, https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Stroke-RLS%20-%20Shifting%20Perspectives-%20Prism%20Adaptation%20and%20Stroke%20Recovery%20%E2%80%93%20Peii-CHen.pdf Spatial neglect is a common but often overlooked condition following stroke or brain injury, where individuals struggle to notice one side of their environment—making everyday tasks like eating, dressing,...

Welcome to this special podcast series for people living with paralysis due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or related conditions and their families. We know that finding a new path forward can be challenging, but through expert talks and peer discussions, we’re here to help you set meaningful goals and take actions to experience a fulfilling life—whether in health, recreation, family,...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Hearst%20Fellows%20Shaping%20the%20Future%20of%20Cognitive%20Rehabilitation%20Research-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, we spotlight emerging leaders in cognitive rehabilitation research at Kessler Foundation—Dr. Aubree Alexander, Dr. Silvana Lopes Costa, and their mentor, Dr. Nancy Chiaravalloti. Together, they’re advan...

Karen J. Nolan, PhD, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering at Kessler Foundation, sat down with Heather Rose, host of Community Connections at Radio Free Roanoke, to discuss leads on groundbreaking research in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. Dr. Nolan's work focuses on developing innovative robotic interventions to improve mobility and walking function...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Thinking%20Through%20MS-How%20Cognition%20Shapes%20Daily%20Life-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research from Kessler Foundation that reveals how subtle cognitive changes in people with multiple sclerosis can have a profound impact on daily life. Dr. Yael Goverover, a visiting scientist and pro...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Employment%20and%20Disability_A%20New%20Path%20to%20Independence-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Over 14 million Americans with disabilities rely on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to survive. Yet, the very system designed to support them often creates barriers to financial independence. Co...

En este episodio de Ciencias de la Vida Real, exploramos un estudio convincente de la Fundación Kessler y sus socios del Sistema Modelo de Lesiones Cerebrales Traumáticas (LCT). La investigación analiza cómo el lugar de nacimiento (si una persona hispana con LCT nació en EE. UU. o en el extranjero) afecta su capacidad para trabajar, estudiar o realizar actividades de voluntariado. Con 706 particip...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/RLS-ANGELI_Spinal%20Stim_New%20Insights%20to%20Restore%20Function%20After%20Spinal%20Cord%20Paralysis-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In our latest episode of Real-Life Science, we delve into our groundbreaking research that is transforming the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Once considered impossible, independent standing is...

Read the transcript,https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/RLS-Language%2C%20Location%20%26%20Life%20After%20Brain%20Injury%20in%20Hispanic%20Communities-TRANSCRIPT.pdf A compelling study from Kessler Foundation and its partners in the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Model System investigates how nativity—whether a Hispanic individual with TBI was born in the U.S. or...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-08/Supporting%20SCI%20Recovery%20at%20Every%20Stage%20-%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this "Rebuilding Lives Through Research" episode of Supporting SCI Recovery at Every Stage, we explore how two groundbreaking programs from the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research at Kessler Foundation are transforming the lives of individuals w...

Read the transcript, https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Brainwaves%20SUMMER%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf After a life-altering car accident left Luke Bonenberger with a traumatic brain injury, his world was consumed by rage, confusion, and a loss of identity. But what began as a devastating setback became the spark for a remarkable transformation. In this epi...

Read the transcript https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Gaming%20for%20Good%20-%20How%20Virtual%20Therapy%20is%20Changing%20Stroke%20Recovery%20Forever-TRANSCRIPT.pdf This "Rebuilding Lives Through Research" series episode, "Gaming for Good: How, showcases the life-changing innovations made possible by donor support. We explore how virtual reality is reshaping stroke rehabili...

Read the transcript https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Rewiring%20Hope_Epidural%20Stimulation%20for%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20Recovery-Transcript.pdf In this episode, we spotlight groundbreaking research in epidural spinal stimulation at Kessler Foundation’s Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation. This transformative therapy uses electrical impulses to help...

What if your brain erased part of your world—and you didn’t even know it? Discover the invisible condition reshaping stroke recovery and caregiving worldwide. Spatial neglect is an often invisible yet life-altering condition that affects many stroke survivors, leaving them unaware of parts of their environment without realizing anything is wrong. This neurological blind spot can dramatically alter...

Steve Adubato welcomes Steven Kirshblum, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Kessler Foundation, to examine breakthrough research that could improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis and Christopher Reeve’s lasting impact on spinal cord research. What if the key to spinal cord recovery lies in the legacy of a superhero? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirshblum—renowned for treating Chri...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Real%20Talk%20on%20MS%20Fatigue_What%20Works-What%E2%80%99s%20Next-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this episode of Real Talk MS, host John Strum sits down with John DeLuca, PhD, senior vice president of Research and Training at Kessler Foundation, to explore the elusive nature of MS-related fatigue. Dr. DeLuca explains how fatigue...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Your%20Impact%20SPRING%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf Steps Toward Healing: Breakthroughs in Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation A groundbreaking study at Kessler Foundation, led by Karen Nolan, PhD, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering, is exploring t...

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Finding%20Purpose%20and%20Not%20Giving%20Up%20After%20Brain%20Injury%20with%20Craig%20J.%20Phillips-TRANSCRIPT.pdf 2025 Winter BrainStorm: This presentation is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. "Second Chance to Live" is the inspiring story and mission of Craig J....

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Brainwaves%20SPRING%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT-V2.pdf Discover how a life-altering bike accident transformed Stacia Bissell, MEd, into a powerful voice for the traumatic brain injury community. As a brain injury coach, educator, author, and TBI survivor, Stacia shares her personal battle with chronic pai...

Read the transcript, https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Breakthrough%20Technologies%20Transform%20Lives_rom%20VR%20Games%20to%20Robotic%20Rehab-2024%20Impact%20Report%20Transcript.pdf In this episode, we explore how Kessler Foundation is transforming the future of rehabilitation medicine through groundbreaking research and innovative technology. Discover how virtual reality...

Read the transcript at https://KesslerFoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Facets%20Spring%202025%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT-2.pdf Discover how the right preparation and support can transform the college experience for students on the autism spectrum in this insightful episode featuring Helen M. Genova, PhD, associate director of the Center for Autism Research at Kessler Foundation. S...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Facets%20Winter%202024%20Audio%20Newsletter%20TRANSCRIPT.pdf Discover how to transform holiday challenges into meaningful experiences for families in the autism community! This enlightening episode brings together expert voices sharing practical strategies for navigating the festive season.     Helen M. Genova, PhD, a...