The Brain It On! Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with a very special guest: my mom, Melinda Brown! We share a funny story about receiving a literal "sign" in the middle of TJ Maxx, which led us into a beautiful conversation about the spiritual side of resilience. We also explore why "Faith, Hope, and Love" are more than just cute words on a coffee mug—they actually play a vital role in the Biopsych...

In this special interview, we talk with Linda Robson from St. Charles Cancer Center. Linda was a massive part of our family's personal journey and a true anchor for us during Thomas' leukemia diagnosis and treatment. Drawing from her professional expertise and her own personal health journey, Linda offers a deeply compassionate look into grief, patient advocacy, and the vital resources a...

In this episode, we are joined by Dustin Hawes, the Senior Social Media Specialist for the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. In his role, Dustin is passionate about sharing the stories of cancer patients, caregivers, and researchers to build a supportive and informed online community. We recorded this interview last year, shortly after Dustin created a beautiful social media feature documenting our ow...

What do you do when you’re facing a medical mountain that feels impossible to climb? After a rare Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) diagnosis, a bone marrow transplant, and an unexpected relapse, we learned what it truly means to hold onto hope. Against all odds—by the grace of God, the brilliance of our medical team, and a selfless donor from Germany—Thomas' new immune system fought off...

How do you choose to "Live Fully" when facing a terminal diagnosis? Today, we’re sharing the powerful story of Thomas’ mom, Julie, and the "qualitative research" we did to capture her spirit for her memorial bench in Drake Park. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: See the photos of Thomas' mom Julie, our new memorial bench, and the "Honorary RN" ceremony mentioned in this episode...

How do you find "The Most Wonderful Time of Year" when you’re facing your hardest days? 📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube : https://youtu.be/aPk8j4gjx_s?si=XrHFdMtCmTTUEz-9  In this episode, we’re having an honest conversation about reclaiming the holiday spirit while navigating cancer, hospital stays, and grief. Whether you’re spending the holidays in a hospital room or managin...

In this episode, Lindsey shares her personal journey through grief following the loss of her mother-in-law, Julie, who passed away from pancreatic cancer. She discusses the complexities of grief, emphasizing that it encompasses more than just the loss of a loved one. The conversation explores the importance of vulnerability, the necessity of grieving, and the process of finding meaning in loss. Li...

In this episode, we open up about navigating life's seasons, from unexpected disappointments to moments of grace, wisdom, and joy. The conversation begins with a celebration – Thomas is officially in molecular remission from leukemia! This powerful health update sets the stage for an honest exploration of how to embrace life's changing seasons. We share our personal approach to infusing...

What happens when our minds fixate on life's black dots while missing the expansive white space around them? Join us for a deeply personal exploration of finding joy amid serious health challenges. When my husband Thomas received wonderful news that his cerebral spinal fluid showed no evidence of leukemia, I noticed how quickly my mind pivoted to anxiety about pending bone marrow results. Thi...

In this episode, Thomas and Lindsey take a deep dive into the lessons learned from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Two Towers," and how it resonates with their current journey. While Thomas is in remission from cancer, they've been navigating a new and challenging front: Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) . Join them as they discuss the powerful "two towers" analogy, d...

In a deeply personal and heartfelt surprise episode for her husband, Thomas, Lindsey takes the microphone to celebrate their 11th dating anniversary and mark the one-year "cancerversary" since Thomas' leukemia diagnosis. This episode reveals profound lessons Lindsey has learned from watching Thomas courageously navigate a year filled with intensive treatment, a bone marrow transplan...

Thomas is officially in remission! After months of intense treatment, unexpected complications, and significant uncertainty, this milestone feels nothing short of miraculous. From bone marrow once 94% leukemia cells to being cancer-free, this episode reveals how this journey has transformed our perspective on life and time. Join us as we share the full story behind our recent absence, including de...

In this episode, we draw parallels between our personal journey and the epic tale of "The Lord of the Rings," exploring how stories can inspire resilience. We discuss building supportive fellowships, embracing life's challenges, and choosing how to respond to uncertainty. Discover how J.R.R. Tolkien's classic series offers insights into navigating personal trials, mirroring Tho...

Watch this episode on YouTube and subscribe to our new YouTube channel for visuals from our journey, behind-the-scenes photos, and extra content! 🎥  Episode Summary In Episode 8 of The Brain It On! Podcast, Lindsey and Thomas explore the power of celebrating small wins and taking things one step at a time, especially when navigating life's biggest challenges.  This episode offers a deeply pe...

In this episode we explore how to navigate life's challenges while keeping love and connection strong. We open up about Thomas's recent cancer relapse and the difficult journey we've been on, sharing the ups and downs, the fears, and the moments of hope. We also dive into the power of the 5:1 ratio, a concept from relationship expert John Gottman, which highlights the importance of...

Ever experienced the unexpected joy of a thoughtful gesture? That’s exactly what happened when my brother took it upon himself to service and detail Thomas' car, reminding us of how small acts of kindness can profoundly touch our lives. We also delve into the story of Thomas' coworker Mistie, who surprised us with a generous bag of gifts from his fellow nurses, illustrating the strength...

Join me, Lindsey, on this solo episode as I navigate the intense world of emotions and brain health, sharing a personal update on my husband Thomas’s ongoing health journey. Drawing strength from emotions researcher Susan David, I reveal how understanding emotions can transform those tough days into opportunities for resilience. Learn research-backed techniques to differentiate your identity from...

In this episode, we delve into the profound impact of self-compassion on navigating life's challenges, particularly during times of illness and recovery. We explore the concept of "informed" versus "prepared," highlighting the often significant gap between cognitive understanding and emotional experience. Through Thomas' experience following the days after his bone ma...

In this episode, we explore the profound impact of language on our healing journey. By shifting our focus from "pain" to "discomfort," we can rewire our brains and empower ourselves to manage physical challenges more effectively. We delve into the science of psychoneuroimmunology, examining how our thoughts and emotions influence our physical health. Key Takeaways: The Power of...

Join us as we discuss the power of vulnerability and self-compassion. We'll explore how these qualities can help us navigate life's toughest challenges, drawing inspiration from the insightful work of Brené Brown and Kristin Neff. We'll share updates on Thomas' cancer journey, highlighting his resilience and the role of vulnerability and self-compassion in his healing process a...

Join us, Lindsey and Thomas Kealey, as we share our personal journey through tough life challenges on the inaugural episode of The Brain it On! Podcast. We open up about our experience following Thomas's rare leukemia diagnosis and his mother's terminal pancreatic cancer. Despite these adversities, we have found solace in resilience and the strength of human connection, thanks to our lov...

Your brain is the powerhouse behind your life, your relationships, and your ability to overcome challenges. On the Brain It On podcast, we explore practical ways to nurture your brain for optimal health and happiness. We delve into strategies to strengthen your connections with loved ones, build resilience, and navigate life's ups and downs with a focus on brain health. From teachers and pare...