Kessler Foundation Podcasts

Read the transcript - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/MileStones-Winter%202024_2025-Transcription.pdf In this fascinating episode, Carly Wender, PhD, research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, shares her groundbreaking research that combines cycling with virtual reality technology to boost cognitive function in pe...

Read the transcription - https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/When%20a%20brain%20injury%20disrupts%20your%20sleep-Transcription.pdf In people with traumatic brain injury, disruptions to sleep are pervasive, affecting 50% to 70% of people and manifesting as difficulties in falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings. The repercussions of inadequate sleep can encompass dayti...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/FALL-2024-BrainStorm_Recycling%20Pain_Pain%20to%20Purpose-LukeBohnenberger-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Facing a mere five percent chance of survival after a devastating highway accident, Luke Bohnenberger's story is a powerful testament to human resilience. After being ejected from a vehicle, Luke underwent a critical craniotomy t...

In this podcast, Dr. Kyla Pearce from Love Your Brain shares her expertise in delivering holistic health programs for the brain injury community, focusing on yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and community-building practices that enhance mental, physical, and social well-being. She highlights exciting research findings showing that mind-body practices can significantly improve cognitive function and...

In this podcast, Irene Ward, PT, DPT, and Kayla Kautz, PT, neurological physical therapy experts, discuss how healthcare professionals can support individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) by helping them access resources that encourage physical activity to improve health, fitness, and overall well-being. They address common barriers after TBI, such as limited accessibility, transportation, co...

In this podcast, Erica Weber, PhD, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, assembled a panel of experts to share their experiences, insights, and advice to help individuals navigate the complex issues they may encounter following a brain injury or neurological condition. The speakers emphasize the need for individuals and families to educate themselves on community resources and comprehensive...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-11/traumedy-how-i-turned-my-brain-injury-into-a-punch-line-with-mimi-hayes-transcript.pdf Mimi Hayes, a comedian and author, shares her inspiring story of turning a traumatic brain injury at age 22 into comedic material. Despite the seriousness of her condition, she found humor in her experiences, using stand-up comedy t...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/2024%20KesslerFoundation-Summer-Brainstorm_Look%20Closer.%20My%20Brain%20Injury%20Is%20Invisible-V2-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Stacia Bissell, MEd, shares an inspiring story of overcoming the challenges of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained 13 years ago. In her presentation, “Look Closer. My Brain Injury Is Invisible,” sh...

Read the transcription at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/Einat%20Engel-Haber%2C%20MD%2C%20Discusses%20Evolving%20Definitions%20and%20Challenges%20of%20Central%20Cord%20Syndrome_Transcription.pdf In this podcast, presented by the Northern NJ Spinal Cord Injury Model System series, Einat Engel-Haber, MD, discusses the challenges of accurately defining and understanding cen...

Subject matter experts discuss how and why a new, online education class, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” was created. The course introduces learners to the physical and emotional experience of individuals living with SCI and offers suggestions for building positive working relationships. Course content was created with guidance from individuals who have...

Welcome to this 2024 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship Lecture podcast. Lisa Ottomanelli, PhD, a prominent researcher in the field of spinal cord injury (SCI) and disabilities, was a featured speaker at the 2023 Kessler Foundation Baird Visiting Educational Professorship. Her work primarily revolves around implementing and assessing evidence-based strategies aimed at esta...

Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jon Strum, RealTalk MS. For more information about Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Nancy%20Chiaravalloti Cognitive rehabilitation and Kessler Foundation m...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20cognitive%20rehabilitation-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts from her 2023 interview with Jo...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/What%20is%20the%20modified%20Story%20Memory%20Technique%20%28KF-mSMT%29%20protocol-TRANSCRIPT.pdf  Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/Which%20cognitive%20functions%20are%20commonly%20affected%20by%20MS-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Expertly Explained: Insights with Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is a widely recognized leader in cognitive rehabilitation for multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury at Kessler Foundation. Here are excerpts fr...

Explore how using specialized yoga and mindfulness exercises, developed by national nonprofit LoveYourBrain, can help individuals with traumatic brain injury. Hear tips from certified brain injury specialist and registered yoga teacher Dr. Kyla Pearce. This Winter Brainstorm Series presentation was held on Thursday, January 11, 2024. It was sponsored by Kessler Foundation and the Northern New Jer...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023%20FALL%20BrainStorm%20My%20Invisible%20Injury%20presented%20by%20Kelsey%20Boyer-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Watch our Fall Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Virtual Speakers Series and listen in as Kelsey Boyer shares her dramatic story of her traumatic brain injury (TBI) and forming the nonprofit Save a Brain. Kelsey was a compet...

Fast Takes - Episode 49 In this episode, Dr. Denise Fyffe, senior research scientist in our Center for Spinal Cord Injury and Outcomes and Assesments Research, talks about her peer-reviewed article, “Multi-Phase Veteran Engagement to Develop a Spinal Cord Injury Employment Survey” published on March 17, 2023, in the journal Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action...

Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-09/How%20to%20Live%20with%20Mild%20Traumatic%20Brain%20Injury-The%20Brainlash%20with%20Gail-Denton-2023-Summer-BrainStorm-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Tune in to our Summer Brainstorm virtual speaker series presentation “’The Brainlash’ Way with author Gail L. Denton, PhD. Dr. Denton shares lessons, tips and strategies on living with...

Fast Takes Episode 48 Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/Novel%20Brain%20Injury%20Study%20Expands%20Prism%20Adaptation%20Treatment%20to%20Right-Sided%20Spatial%20Neglect%20-%20Episode%2048-TRANSCRIPT.pdf In this podcast, Research Scientist Timothy Rich, PhD, discusses a new study, the first to show the need to expand the application of prism adaptation...

2023 Spring BrainStorm Read the transcript at https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/2023%20Spring%20Brainstorm-Mike-at-the-Mic_Transition%20to%20the%20World%20After%20Brain%20Injury-TRANSCRIPT.pdf Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the Voices Advancing the Brain Injury Community (Voices), hosted a Mike-at-the-Mic session entitled “Transition to the World After Brain Injury...

Mindful Meditation Ep. 5 Extended - 10-Minute Silence with Bell Tones Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness epis...

Mindful Meditation Ep. 4 - 10-Minute Loving Kindness Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a...

Mindful Meditation Ep. 4 Extended - 20-Minute Loving Kindness Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will...

Mindful Meditation Ep. 3 - 10 Minute Body Scan Welcome to Kessler Foundation’s new four-part meditation series Mindful Meditation. The Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research is adapting mindfulness intervention methods to help improve control of attention and psychological well-being for individuals with TBI while alleviating depression and anxiety. Each mindfulness episode will offer a short...