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 mental health in individuals with brain injuries, addressing issues such as cognitive fatigue, depression, pain, sleep, emotional regulation, and resilience. She underscores the importance of adopting these approaches to meet the unique needs of people with brain injuries who often experience challenges like dizziness, balance issues, and co-occurring PTSD. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes that fostering this mind-body connection can support healing and resilience during the brain injury recovery process.

For more information, visit:
Love Your Brain: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/
Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury

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Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded on September 24, 2024, and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

A Holistic Approach to Brain Injury Recovery

DANK and Dick for a Day Donnie meet with Sasquatch, a fellow TBI survivor, who is a cannabis regular user, who grows his magic plants outside.

DICK&Dank Episode 13 Promo Sasquatch

In this episode of CUBIST, the hosts discuss a study titled “Changes in Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive-Affective Symptoms in Patients with Post-Concussion Syndrome Treated with N-Acetyl Cysteine” by Dr. Daniel Monti and colleagues and published in the Journal of Head Trauma and Rehabilitation in November of 2024. 

Article Citation: Monti, D. A., Faezeh, V., Zabrecky, G., Alizadeh, M., Wintering, N., Bazzan, A. J., Mohamed, F. B., & Newberg, A. B. (2024). Changes in Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive-Affective Symptoms in Patients With Post-Concussion Syndrome Treated With N-Acetyl Cysteine. The Journal of head trauma rehabilitation, 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000976. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000976

Article LINK: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39531327/

CUBIST is a podcast for health care providers produced by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence. We discuss the latest research on traumatic brain injury most relevant to patient care. For more about TBI, including clinical tools, go to www.health.mil/TBICoE or email us at dha.TBICoEinfo@health.mil. 

The views and opinions of findings and or devices discussed in this podcast are those of the host, subject matter experts, and or guests. Facts represented constitute our understanding at the time of the podcast, whereas updated factual information may be developed. They should not be construed as pronouncing an official Department of Defense's position, policy, decision, or endorsement. The hosts and guests of CUBIST may be defense contract personnel who support TBICoE. The status of all hosts and guests will be identified during introductions to the podcast. Our theme song is “Upbeat-Corporate’ by WhiteCat, available and was used according to the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 license.

CUBIST S9E1: Addressing Chronic PCS Symptoms with Antioxidant Therapy

Song written for Drake Woolf TFO book, but good song for mental health and holding on despite feeling of helplessness

CARNIVAL MIND

Tom Leyden and Maddie Walter, who was featured on the March cover of Westwood Living, chat at Terma Goods in Dedham. 

Maddie, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in May, 2015, has been a force in the TBI community thanks to her intelligence, fitness and drive. Her commitment to recovery and dedication to helping other people who are experiencing similar challenges is nothing short of inspiring. 

The Walter family formed the non-profit charity called "Life Goes On After TBI" to assist other families who are working to recover from traumatic brain injuries. 

You can find Maddie's story, written by Diana Bezdedeanu at http://www.westwood-living.com/march25 and you can learn more about Life Goes On After TBI by visiting http://www.lgoaftertbi.com

Maddie Walter

StepByStep is an app designed to evaluate and facilitate sequencing skills. It was designed by an occupational therapist and can be used with both adults and children. It is appropriate for users of all ages with impaired or developing cognitive skills.

StepbyStep

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 that would change his life forever.

In "Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose" Luke shares how he transformed his traumatic brain injury experience into a mission to help others. Despite battling uncontrollable rage, suicidal thoughts, and the loss of his former identity, he discovered that rock bottom could become a foundation for something greater.  

Key highlights:
Survived against 5% odds after a critical accident
Navigated through emotional trauma and recovery
Founded Vision to Victory coaching program
Emphasizes turning pain into purpose
Advocates for sharing experiences to help others heal


The presentation, part of the quarterly virtual speaker Brainstorm series, is sponsored by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury System and Kessler Foundation. It was recorded on Friday, November 13, 2024.

View more Brainstorm speaker series videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL21CEB6CAC402EA50 

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

Recycling Pain: Pain to Purpose with Luke Bohnenberger

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 pain, memory challenges, and the crucial role of support systems in recovery. 

This episode also highlights groundbreaking research from Kessler Foundation, demonstrating how modern treatment approaches are revolutionizing TBI recovery.  Learn about the unexpected heroes in TBI recovery - from using exercise as medicine to the vital services provided by organizations like Plan NJ. 

Ready to be inspired by a story of remarkable resilience and discover valuable resources for TBI recovery? Listen to this powerful episode that bridges hope with practical guidance.

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Chapters 

00:00:04 - Overcoming Traumatic Brain Injury 

00:01:53 - Finding Strength Through Community 

00:03:17 - Resilience and Recovery After Brain Injury 

00:04:44 - Importance of Exercise in Recovery 

00:05:53 - Types of Exercise and Tips

00:06:40 - Setting Goals for Health Improvement  

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Read this newsletter at https://kesslerfoundation.org/march-2025-tbi-brainwaves

Missed a newsletter, check out our Brainwaves archives, https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-traumatic-brain-injury-research-newsletter

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
 
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

=======================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in May 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Embracing Grace: A Journey of Healing from Traumatic Brain Injury

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 the combined use of spinal cord stimulation and gait training to improve mobility in people with traumatic brain injury. This innovative approach aims to enhance brain plasticity and restore walking ability by delivering electrical impulses to the spinal cord while participants engage in structured walking exercises. Physical therapist Christina Dandola plays a key role in supporting participants and tracking their progress. The study could significantly improve quality of life for people with TBI and potentially inform treatments for other neurological conditions.

In a parallel effort to address health disparities, Cristina Román, PhD, adjunct research scientist in the Center for Neuropsychology & Neuroscience Research, is leading a national study on how healthcare barriers and cardiovascular risks contribute to accelerated brain aging in Hispanic people with multiple sclerosis. Funded by a prestigious NIH award, the study will gather both personal experiences and brain imaging data to better understand how social determinants of health impact MS progression. Dr. Román hopes the findings will lead to more equitable care and improved outcomes for underserved populations, emphasizing the importance of timely and consistent medical intervention.


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Article Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome
01:20 - When two is more powerful than one
04:18 - Stepping into research
06:17 - Under the looking glass (How healthcare barriers and medical risks impact Hispanics with multiple sclerosis)
09:15 - Your support means more
10:17 - Episode Wrap-Up

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Kessler Foundation researchers mentioned by order of articles:

Karen Nolan, PhD Associate Director, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Karen-Nolan

Christina Dandola, PT, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/christina-dandola-pt-dpt-ncs

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Newsletter website links:

Ways to give - For more information, please contact us at (973) 324-8430 or Development@KesslerFoundation.org

Read this issue at https://KesslerFoundation.org/2025-spring-your-impact-newsletter

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Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities. 
 
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

=========================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in June 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Steps Toward Healing: Breakthroughs in Brain Injury and Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Research

The Doctor IS IN!  Another POWERFUL & INFORMATIVE episode with the LEGEND Dr. Mark Gordon!
tbihelpnow.org/about
https://millenniumhealthstore.com/
"A Path Less Traveled" Article-
https://agemed.org/e-journal/feature-article-march-2025-a-path-less-traveled-how-alternative-medicine-became-mainstream-in-american-healthcare/
Dr. Gordon's YT Channel.
https://youtube.com/@markl.gordon5856?si=LMfBv7_e-br17mzT

ItsMeSpkn2U Ep. 153 Dr. Mark Gordon

Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

Indie demo drops and sync catalog written and produced by best selling author and indie writer/producer, J.T. Patten, the “meanest man in the business.” NSAI member / ASCAP

Music/vocals demo tracks created by various artists/musicians using Lone Woolf lyrics through Lone Woolf Productions.

All rights currently retained by JT Patten. All demos can be modified as collaborations. BUY/USE RIGHTS available. Let’s make some music!

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

A small team of caring individuals dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and people with disabilities.

Featured podcasts are produced by the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence for the Defense Health Agency - a division of the Research and Engineering Directorate. Episodes focus on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and clinical practices relevant to patient care. For more information, visit health.mil/TBICoE or email us at dha.ncr.j-9.mbx.tbicoe-info@mail.mil.

The views, opinions, and/or findings contained in featured podcasts are those of the host and subject matter experts. They should not be construed as an official Department of Defense position, policy, or decision unless designated by other official documentation.

New tracks tagged #TBI