TBI: Talking Brain Injury with Brain Injury Association of Colorado

In this episode we talk with doctoral student Sam Martin. His research at University of Denver digs into traumatic brain injury and substance use, and how certain populations miss out on the help they need long before their recovery even begins.

Have you been swimming through brain fog? The founder and owner of Vive Well Health, Dr. Benjamin Busch, talks about his Colorado clinic's unique approach to brain health and wellness. Open NOW is registration for the 2026 Brain Injury Conference! This year's topic is "Care Across The Ages," with a keynote addres and breakout sessions for professionals managing brain injury care for youth, adults...

In this month's episode we follow Jack Storti on a harrowing yet inspiring journey. This onetime addict got clean, earned a degree, and now works with Denver County Courts, where he specializes in TBI and addiction management.  Brain Injury Association Colorado has free support for TBI survivors struggling with addiction. Reach out -- BIAC is here to help.

Where will YOU be on Saturday Sept. 6? The Pikes Peak Challenge returns for its 40th year and we'd love to see you at 14,115 feet! Registration is open for 3 hikes, including the classic challenge to the summit of Pikes Peak. Gather your friends and family, create a team, and raise money for the good work BIAC does across the state. In this episode we talk with Catie Johnston-Brooks, a neuropsycho...

In this episode we talk with Darcy Epeneter, the horse-riding, outdoors-loving coordinator behind the scenes of BIAC's outreach programs. Come summertime that means outdoor adventures like adaptive rafting, climbing and hiking with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, plus crafting workshops and more all across the state. Darcy's love for BIAC and this community shines through in everything...

In this episode we hear from Stephanie Zavilla, the director of sports performance at Winter Park Competition Center in Colorado. She skis, bikes and plays hard for a living. A tubing hill accident reset her brain -- and gave her new insight on injury, recovery and resilience.

In this episode host Phil Lindeman talks with retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general Kathleen Flarity, now leading the Marcus Institute for Brain Health at the University of Colorado. Flarity and her team are debunking myths about concussion and brain injury in modern warfare, and using what they learn to help survivors across the globe.

In this episode we hear from Denver trial lawyer Keith Fuicelli, who is fighting for survivor rights in the courtroom. As a TBI survivor, Keith brings a unique and empathic approach to the legal system, where he compassionately explains the "invisible injury" to jurors who have never experienced one -- but now know what it's like to step inside the head of a survivor.

Colorado native and world traveler Sarah Whitmer talks about her move to Alaska, a fateful road trip, and how her experience with TBI is opening new volunteer opportunities she never dreamed were possible.

Kelly Tuttle was a career nurse practitioner when her life changed forever. For years after a car crash she struggled with fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Even as a professional she was frustrated by the healthcare system. So after 20 years in cardiology, and newfound love for advocacy, she swapped hearts for brains!

In this episode I talk with Danielle de Boer, of Colorado Springs, who loves to live life at high speed. In 2013 Danielle was hit by a car while road cycling. She was told she had a mild TBI. Like many other survivors, she realized this was just the beginning of a long and often frustrating road, where the smallest bumps can feel like insurmountable roadblocks -- until you rediscover your zest for...

The 2024 Pikes Peak Challenge brought 468 survivors, supporter and volunteers to America's Mountain for a hike up America's Mountain: 13 miles and 7600 vertical feet (that's nearly 1.5 miles straight into the sky!) to the summit at 14,115 feet. Along the way your host Phil Lindeman talks with 15+ people to learn why they made the trip to Pikes Peak for traumatic brain injury support, recovery and...

This month I'm talking with Darius Woods, yet another victim of yet another car accident. A drunk driver sent Darius to the hospital for 6 months, where he spent time in two medically induced comas, and even forgot his daughter's birthday. But he would not let injury keep him down. Coming up on September 7 is the Pikes Peak Challenge! For the first time ever I will joining dozens of TBI survivors...

In this episode I talk with career mathematics professor and published author Deb Brandon. She has lived with "the bloody brain" since 2007, when she was diagnosed with cavernous angiomas. This diagnosis and what came next inspired her memoir, "But My Brain Had Other Ideas." We talk about Deb's condition, her memoir, and her evolving relationship with the bloody brain. Coming up on September 7 is...

BIAC's oldest and largest fundraiser, the Pikes Peak Challenge , returns to the slopes of America's Mountain on September 7 2024. In this episode two BIAC VIPs talk about the challenge, how it has grown over the decades, and what it means to join the brain injury community on one of the nation's most iconic 14,000-foot peaks. For the first time ever I will be joining the challenge! Help me raise $...

In this episode I meet with my BIAC mentee, Calder. Almost exactly one year ago he suffered two seizures caused by a brain tumor. This past year, he says, has been strange. But he is making progress and learning to live with life after a TBI.   ===== Coming to Manitou Springs on Sept. 7 2024 is the annual Pikes Peak Challenge ! Hike to the top of "America's Mountain," travel 13 miles to and from B...

In this episode we hear from Erin, a TBI survivor who suffered a brain tumor at 23 years old. She calls its her "ticking time bomb" -- but today, 20 years later, she has learned to live without fear.   Learn more about BIAC and register for summer events like the Pikes Peak Challenge  on September 7, 2024!

In this episode, for the first time, I welcome a pair of returning guests, Jules and Adam. Before now Jules and Adam did not know each other, but all three of us quickly bonded by sharing "stellar life moments." Brain injury recovery is fluid. But community? That is our bedrock. Follow Jules on Instagram ! Read Adam on Amazon ! Learn more about BIAC and register for summer events: Cathleen's Cause...

Public health professional Flannery O'Neil suffered a stroke at 34 years old. She never saw it coming, but today she's almost grateful it happened. Now, as a nonprofit leader, she wants to make sure other young stroke victims have the same loving support she found during her recovery. It's the power of an "advocacy network" and it can make all the difference. Have you suffered a stroke? Join Flann...

In this episode we talk with Daniel Gaspodarek, a mental health professional using a personal history of TBI to help clients confront all variety of trauma, from injury to divorce and cancer.   ======   Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast...

"My TBI was the best thing that ever happened to me." Laura Renner knows those words are controversial. She tells us how a seemingly minor slip and fall led to emergency surgery, years of recovery, and eventually, deep healing from years of trauma not even related to her TBI. Check out Laura's book! "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You." And her podcast! "Healing #NoFilter" ======   Are you a brain injury...

Every traumatic brain injury claims more than one victim. In this episode we hear from Paul and Erica, a father and mother who battled emotion, insurance and even the pandemic when their son, Dylan, suffered a debilitating longboard accident. This is an episoide you can't miss if you have a loved one recovering from TBI.   Read more about Paul and Erica's journey in their book, "Be At My Side: A F...

Zach Ramirez has always been a thrill seeker. An adrenaline junkie. Maybe even a little bit reckless. These traits led to the accident that changed his life, but today they give him the courage and motivation to thrive with a brain injury.   Follow Zach's adventure NOW on his YouTube channel ! =======   Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact...

LeAnn Sanchez has lived with TBI longer than she has lived without it. In 1993 she was thrown from a car, but she refused to let it destroy her life. Today she is a behavioral health professional, helping youth and adults overcome their person barriers.   ======   Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the o...

Jenica Miller was fast asleep when a friend nodded off at the wheel, and her life changed forever. Jenica talks about life before and after a car accident, and the long (but necessary) process of learning to let go of regret.   ====== Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on T...