Blink of an Eye

#147 -  When Grief Gets Trapped in the Body with Dana Robinson, L. Ac.   Autumn is the season of grief. Grief also inhabits particular organs in the body. Healing invites us to move with and through our emotions and trust in their necessary processes, lest they become stuck within the body system. Learn with us as we explore some of the stunning millennia-old teachings of Traditional Chinese Medicine, as articulated by licensed acupuncturist Dana Robinson with Mend Acupuncture in Baltimore, Maryland. You will receive an illuminating teaching of how we can be in tune with the seasons of the calendar year, by paying attention to our emotions and which organs in the body correspond to which emotions and seasons, and how we can be in tune with the natural movement of the seasons and remove blockages in the body, particularly when certain emotions have not been fully processed, as many emotions are not in our fast paced world.     Blink of an Eye is created by Louise Phipps Senft and co-produced by Louise Phipps Senft and Zera Bloom. Theme music is by Victoria Vox.   Blink of an Eye Podcast is sponsored by the Blink of an Eye Non Profit: a non-profit created as a national resource to help change the Spinal Cord Injury experience for families and medical teams across the U.S. Blink of an Eye provides a national team of SCI specialized doctors for expert opinions in the Golden Hours of SCI injury, a Multidisciplinary Family Support & Navigation Team for SCI families lead by SCI families for the first 30 days of crisis, and a National Resource Library of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours and days after injury specialized for families, friends and SCI medical staff. Blink of an Eye also offers a Registry of Medically Unexpected SCI Recoveries. To find out more, visit www.blinkofaneye.org   Read Dana's guided practice on using the large intestine meridian to let go during Autumn at https://mendacupuncture.com/path-to-letting-go/   To find out more about Louise and this podcast, visit the websites www.blinkofaneyepodcast.com and www.BeingRelational.com.     To find out more about learning relational mediation skills for navigating hospital and medical conflict and trauma, and to sign up for trainings, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com.     Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @blinkofaneyepodcast. Our Twitter is @blinkofaneyepod. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can become a member of our Patreon community and see extra Blink of an Eye content and bonus episodes at: www.patreon.com/blinkofaneyepod.    To find out more about Archer and to see some of Archer’s artwork, check out www.slimeyard.com.    Find out more about the work of Dr. Apkarian and Dr. Farmer at http://apkarianlab.northwestern.edu/   #hopeforeverything   #obtaineverything  #lovehealstrauma  #beginagain   Music in this episode is: Angel Share by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/3367-angel-share License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Calm Meditation by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7456-calm-meditation License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

#78 - Mounting Pressure   When our lives are incredibly busy or we experience a crisis, the pressure on our bodies and brains can show in a lot of ways: stomach aches, overwhelming emotions, and other physical and emotional symptoms. In Trauma Healing Learning: Mounting Pressure, Louise reveals a few key tips, tricks and methods to help provide some respite from the chaos inside and outside our bodies. Listen to this Trauma Healing Learning if you want a mini vacation from your busy life! Victoria Vox created the theme music. Music in this episode is: Deep Relaxation Preview by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5726-deep-relaxation-preview License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Relaxing Meditation by Liron Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7891-relaxing-meditation License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Calm Meditation by MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7456-calm-meditation License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license To find out more about Archer, Louise, and this podcast, visit our website at blinkofaneyepodcast.com, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @blinkofaneyepodcast. Our Twitter is @blinkofaneyepod. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can become a member of our Patreon community and receive transcripts of the Trauma Healing Learnings, see extra Blink of an Eye content and bonus episodes at our Patreon page, www.patreon.com/blinkofaneyepod.  #hopeforeverything   #obtaineverything

Today, Louise shares a personal, heartfelt reflection on gratitude—what it really feels like and why it matters   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

#289 Can Strength Grow Through Adaptation? Mason Says Yes Today, Louise sits down with 22-year-old adaptive athlete and social media standout Mason Branstrator. You may know him from Instagram — modeling brands like Spoonie Threads and showing off wheelchair attachments like Firefly and Freedomtrax — but today we get to know the person behind the posts. Mason takes us back to the skiing accident at 17 that broke his T12 vertebra and changed everything. We talk about his time at Craig Hospital, what it felt like to hear he might never walk again, and how determination, family support, and mindset shaped his recovery. He shares the mental and emotional work of healing after SCI: meditation, self-care, and finding balance while living publicly online. We discuss the turning point when his wheelchair and adaptive tools became symbols of freedom, not limitation, and what keeps him training even when progress feels slow. Mason also opens up about life off-camera — his hobbies, his community, and how purpose and spirituality guide him every day. This is a candid look at resilience, adaptation, and the young man building his future with heart.   Sending love    Resources Mason Branstrator Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#288 SCI in Sci-Fi for Young Adults with Kimber St. Lawrence In this season 6 premiere of Blink of an Eye, Louise sits down with Emmy-winning producer and debut novelist Kimber St. Lawrence. Kimber’s novel, Thirsty Ground, is a young adult sci-fi story that begins with a life-altering accident—one that challenges her protagonist to find meaning, identity, and hope in a transformed world. Through this imagined setting, Kimber opens a window into the real-world experience of living with and adapting to spinal cord injury. Drawing from her own life alongside her husband Ryan, a para-athlete and SCI survivor, Kimber shares how fiction can mirror reality in a hero’s journey through trauma to resilience in deeply human ways. She and Louise explore how storytelling and hope sustain creative and personal renewal, and how imagination itself is a way healing. This Season, Louise focuses on SCI through various forms of expression inspiring conversation about the intersection of art and adaptation—and how a story, set on another planet can illuminate the societal views and courage it takes to rebuild one’s world right here on Earth. Sending love  Resources https://www.kimberstlawrence.com/ Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#276 Understanding the chemistry of NVG-291’s efficacy for Rewiring SCI Recovery with Inventor Dr. Brad Lang Brad Lang, PhD, is the neuroscientist and biotech inventor of the ISP drug, the basis of the NVG-291 trials which recently showed efficacy. His work has helped pave the way for one of the most promising new treatments for spinal cord injury in decades. Brad shares the story of how his early research led to the discovery of the intracellular sigma peptide (ISP), a molecule with the potential to unlock axon regeneration and repair damaged neural pathways. We explore the science behind ISP, the challenges of moving from lab discovery to human trials, and the role of persistence at big ideas (a mission imprinted on him by the late Dr. Jerry Silver) when the odds—and the nervous system—seem stacked against recovery.  Along the way, Brad reflects on the emotional journey of being a scientist chasing a breakthrough, the worldwide attention on NervGen’s NVG-291, and the hope these advances bring not only to the SCI community but to the future of treatments for conditions once thought untreatable, and the potential reshaping of lives for those living years with SCI. Resources https://nervgen.com/

Revisiting: Inside the NervGen NVG-291 Trial: Part I Today we’re joined by Larry Williams, a participant in the NervGen Phase 1b/2a clinical trial for NVG‑291, an experimental therapy designed to promote nerve regeneration and restore function in people with spinal cord injuries. Larry takes us through his personal story—from the mountain biking accident that changed his life to the unexpected path that led him into one of the most closely watched clinical trials in the SCI community. Larry opens up about the emotional and physical journey of recovery, the realities of rehabilitation, and what it meant to participate in a groundbreaking study. We talk about the power of scientific hope, the early but promising results from the chronic cohort of the NVG‑291 trial, and the value of being part of something bigger than oneself. Larry’s reflections offer a rare and candid window into life on the frontier of spinal cord injury research—and the enduring strength of the human spirit.   Resources https://nervgen.com/     Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

Season 4 Episode 19 - Dear Louise: A Conversation with Gabriel Rodreick In a world where life's unpredictable twists and turns can sometimes bring us to our knees, one man's journey stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Gabriel Rodreick, known to many as Freaque, found himself at a crossroads in 2008 when a Spinal Cord Injury accident, C5 complete,  altered the course of his life, taking away his ability to walk and play the piano, passions that had defined his existence for years. In the face of this adversity, Gabriel discovered an incredible reservoir of strength and resilience by embracing the darkness he felt. He channeled his creativity into a new form of expression, forging a path forward with music production, giving birth to a genre he named "dirt folk." Inspired by artists like Kendrick Lamar and countless others, he allows the losses and darkness to shape a raw unvarnished invitation he extends to all participants in his music and music productions. Join Louise in an intimate conversation with Gabe beginning with his close brush with death, the experience of abandonment of friends, his overcoming his parents' terror of his venturing out into the world, to the many new normals, grappling with existential anxiety and ways he resources to stay grounded and emotionally balanced. Hear how he initiated "A Cripple's Dance," a remarkable project that brought together individuals with spinal cord injuries and able-bodied artists in awe-inspiring live music and dance performances. Through his work, he sends a powerful message to the world: "Darkness isn't as scary as we think."   To learn more about Gabriel:  https://gabrielrodreick.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

Season 4 Episode 14 - Dear Louise: A Conversation with WAGS of SCI  Elena Pauly and Brooke Pagé, both caregivers to partners with recent Spinal Cord Injuries, felt the deep isolation that comes with their role. Their connection on Instagram, fueled by their close proximity in Vancouver, became a lifeline. In November of that year, they birthed WAGS of SCI on Instagram, a community that not only hosted local caregiver events but also united "inter-abled" women - wives, partners, and girlfriends of those living with SCI. Together, they provide unwavering support for the unique challenges that come with loving someone with a spinal cord injury. Elena and Brooke tirelessly advocate and reach out, with long-term dreams of establishing a non-profit to support inter-abled relationships, boosting mental, emotional, and physical well-being awareness, and funding special trips for deserving couples. Join Louise in an eye opening conversation with two very special advocates for those who are injured, but specifically for their caretakers and loved ones.   To learn more about WAGS and their work: https://wagsofsci.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

Season 4 Episode 12 - Dear Louise: A Conversation with Matthew Rodreick Matthew Rodreick serves as the Executive Director at United 2 Fight Paralysis, an organization at the forefront of the battle against paralysis. Through his leadership, he continues to amplify the voices of those impacted by SCI, pushing for groundbreaking research, fostering innovation, and advocating for comprehensive support systems. His journey, from caregiving to advocacy and leadership, showcases the remarkable impact of one individual's determination to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Spinal Cord Injury.   Join Louise in discovering the true meaning of perseverance, adapting to change, and the power of unconditional love.   To learn more about Matthew and his work: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/all-episodes.html https://u2fp.org/ https://www.instagram.com/roadreck/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/u2fp/?hl=en   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

Season Finale: NerveGen with Meghan Morrow Join Louise in this heartfelt finale of Season 4, where we dive into a journey exploring incredible medical innovations in spinal cord injury recovery.  Meet Meghan Morrow, one of the driving forces along with Dr. Monica Perez in the groundbreaking NervGen trials at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago.  From crafting affordable devices for stroke and brain injury patients to now leading exclusive trials with Dr. Perez, you'll hear Meghan's passion for innovation that is pushing the envelope for what is possible for those living with SCI 1-10 years from injury.   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com     Join us in this season finale, as we hear the inside scoop on these pivotal spinal cord injury trials, clarify who can qualify, and get a glimpse into cutting-edge developments which are transforming SCI rehabilitation medicine and what's next.  Stay tuned for this touching finale filled with hope and progress, and get a sneak peak at a whole new Blink of an Eye experience coming in the new year in Season 5!   To learn more about Meghan Morrow https://www.sralab.org/researchers/meghan-morrow-otrl

Canadian Paratriathlete Leanne Taylor A biking accident left our next guest paralyzed from the waist down. However, instead of succumbing to despair, she made a bold decision while in the hospital – to become a paratriathlete. Just eight months after her injury, she completed her first paratriathlon, showcasing adaptability, resilience, and peak performance. Leanne's story extends beyond sports; it's a journey through mental health challenges, finding hope, and building a fulfilling life. She champions body image and self-love, inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness. Leanne is also a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, promoting equal opportunities for all. And she has a unique approach to how employers and employees together can make accommodations in the workplace.   Stay tuned.   To learn more about Leanne: https://www.leanne-taylor.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

Season 4 Episode 18 - Trauma Healing Learning: Invaluable Wisdom and Integration with Amy Fox  In today’s episode, Amy Elizabeth Fox, the founder and CEO of Mobius Executive Leadership, offers a wealth of invaluable insights on why personal trauma healing is essential for leaders. With a rich background spanning senior leadership consultancy, public speaking, and empowering corporate leaders, Amy's journey is a source of key lessons in leadership communication, negotiation, and professional growth. Her extensive experience at healthcare startups, work with influential figures like Vice President Al Gore and Carl Sagan, and expertise in psychotherapy and emotional intelligence coaching make her a beacon of wisdom. As an alumna of Wesleyan University and earning a master's in Counseling Psychology, Amy's return to her passion for trauma healing invites all leaders to have a conversation with self to explore the role of their own journey of integration so they may experience wellbeing as they lead others wisely.   To learn more about Amy:  https://www.mobiusleadership.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com  

#279 The Universal Laws of Change: Habits of Mind to Live into an Integrated Life despite an Uncertain Future with Futurist Cecily Sommers In this season finale on Living a Life of Integration after major life changes, Louise sits down with Cecily Sommers, global trends analyst, futurist, and author of Think Like a Futurist. Their conversation explores the universal nature of change—how it unfolds in our personal lives, across society, and within the cosmos itself. Cecily shares the four habits of mind—optimism, curiosity, courage, and patience—that help us navigate uncertainty, as well as her perspective on reinvention, resilience, and what it means to lose an ordered life and find ourselves again. She also reflects on her journey as a breast cancer survivor, offering hard-won wisdom on how to nurture our souls and co-create with change. This thoughtful exchange closes out Season 5 with insight and inspiration, reminding us that change, though often disruptive, is also a guide toward living with greater purpose and that we all have an inherent capacity to live a trauma healing integrated life even after life altering change.  Sending love  Resources www.cecilysommers.com Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#278 The Long Arc of Living a Life of Trauma Integration and Resilience with Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns Louise sits down with Dr. Ann Kaiser Stearns, a psychologist, educator, and bestselling author whose work has touched millions through her books, lectures, and decades of teaching. In this conversation, she shares insights from more than 30 years of research and clinical experience on the long-term journey of resilience, grief, and our human capacity to integrate profound loss into a new sense of self. Together they explore the long arc of healing after life-altering trauma, the difference between simply surviving and truly integrating, the power of one decision to live fully, and the role of meaning-making in shaping one’s future. Dr. Stearns vividly illustrates what trauma integration can look like over time, including the phenomenon of paying it forward for others.  She also speaks to caregivers, the importance of their purpose, and mental health tips for how growth and strength can emerge even when loss is permanent. Her wisdom helps illuminate the closing reflections on Tony Schmiesing’s journey—what it means to continue integrating over time, to redefine identity, and to embrace the ongoing work of living fully. Resources https://www.annkaiserstearnsphd.com/  Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#277 Embracing Disability Identity as part of Living a Life of Integration with Anthony Tusler  Louise sits down with Anthony Tusler, a writer, photographer, advocate, and educator who has lived with a spinal cord injury for over 70 years. Anthony reflects on his journey of embracing his disability identity in the activism of the 1970s, a turning point that shaped his life’s work in education, community building, and the arts. He shares how community and advocacy are essential to belonging, how art can change the way disability is seen, and how integration and community are key to living a meaningful life. Anthony also speaks to the importance of advocacy in today’s political climate and the responsibility we all share in protecting disability rights since it was the advocacy of SCI advocates and others who made life easier for all Americans with ramps and curb cuts. His insights offer wisdom, encouragement, and a reminder that disability is part of the human experience, something every human will face, not to be feared, but embraced.   Resources https://aboutdisability.com/ https://cripcamp.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

#276 Understanding the chemistry of NVG-291’s efficacy for Rewiring SCI Recovery with Inventor Dr. Brad Lang Brad Lang, PhD, is the neuroscientist and biotech inventor of the ISP drug, the basis of the NVG-291 trials which recently showed efficacy. His work has helped pave the way for one of the most promising new treatments for spinal cord injury in decades. Brad shares the story of how his early research led to the discovery of the intracellular sigma peptide (ISP), a molecule with the potential to unlock axon regeneration and repair damaged neural pathways. We explore the science behind ISP, the challenges of moving from lab discovery to human trials, and the role of persistence at big ideas (a mission imprinted on him by the late Dr. Jerry Silver) when the odds—and the nervous system—seem stacked against recovery.  Along the way, Brad reflects on the emotional journey of being a scientist chasing a breakthrough, the worldwide attention on NervGen’s NVG-291, and the hope these advances bring not only to the SCI community but to the future of treatments for conditions once thought untreatable, and the potential reshaping of lives for those living years with SCI. Resources https://nervgen.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment. To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#275 Post-Traumatic Resilience for Living Fully After Spinal Cord Injury with Maria Sirois, Psy.D. On today’s episode, Dr. Maria Sirois shares her perspective on how trauma reshapes the body, mind, and relationships, and why gratitude, acceptance, and connection to others are essential to healing. She talks about the ways friendships, especially for young people, can sever after trauma and why, and how to begin repairing or redefining those bonds. She reflects on how trauma impacts people differently across the stages of life and offers a vision of what living a life of integration can look like after a spinal cord injury. Drawing from decades of experience working with loss, death chronic conditions and research, she offers grounded insight into ways of finding strength and meaning in the midst of hardship and why it’s possible for everyone because of our innate human capacity to be resilient. Resources https://www.mariasirois.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment.   Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI: Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI, a nationally recognized leader in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. With a focus on individualized care, QLI helps people rebuild their lives by combining expert clinical therapy, real-world skill development, and unwavering emotional support. Their mission is to empower clients and families to navigate the challenges of spinal cord injury with strength, hope, and purpose. Learn more about their work at qliomaha.com To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com      

#274 Through the Storm: Scott Seely on Life, Loss, and Connection Scott Seely grew up in Southern California searching for a place to belong, trying out for every sport he could before finding his footing in water polo – and in a friendship with Tony that would last a lifetime. In this episode, Scott shares what it was like to be a part of that early team, the brotherhood they built, and the profound impact Tony’s spinal cord injury had on him and their circle of friends. He talks about the guilt, confusion, and grief that followed, and the journey of reconnecting with Tony years later to rediscover the bond that first brought them together. This is a conversation about friendship, resilience, and the ways we carry one another through life’s hardest moments. Resources https://www.tonyschmee.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment.   Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI: Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI, a nationally recognized leader in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. With a focus on individualized care, QLI helps people rebuild their lives by combining expert clinical therapy, real-world skill development, and unwavering emotional support. Their mission is to empower clients and families to navigate the challenges of spinal cord injury with strength, hope, and purpose. Learn more about their work at qliomaha.com To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com

#273 Rooted in Faith, Carried by Love: Jim and Julie Schmiesing Jim and Julie Schmiesing didn’t set out to become experts in lifelong caregiving, faith under pressure, or how to hold a family together through profound change. But when their son Tony sustained a spinal cord injury at age sixteen, their world turned upside down—and their new journey began. In this look back over 45 years conversation with Louise, the Schmiesings reflect on more than four decades of choosing love, steadiness, and grace in the face of the unknown. They speak openly about the early days after the injury, the decisions they made to preserve normalcy for their other children, how to rely on others and ask for help, and how their marriage and faith evolved over time. This is not a story of easy answers. It’s one of quiet courage, deep listening, and a lifelong process of integration—where grief, joy, purpose, and uncertainty are allowed to coexist. Jim and Julie’s voice adds something rare and essential to the conversation around spinal cord injury: the perspective of time. What it means to keep showing up. To carry the weight together. And to let love do the work that words sometimes can’t. Resources https://www.tonyschmee.com/   Stay Connected: Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in advocacy for SCI funding!    BLINK of an Eye® Podcast is sponsored by BLINK of an Eye® Non-Profit: A non-profit which is an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injury, originating the first SCI Navigator Program in the country for newly injured SCI Families by SCI Families as an essential national resource for Spinal Cord Injured families in the first days, weeks and months of SCI crisis when life turns upside down and few medical teams in the US have SCI expertise or lived experience. They bring essential support, connections, life expertise and resources. BLINK of an Eye non profit deploys a rapid response HEAL Team for ICU bedside support to create an Extraordinary Experience despite the devastation for SCI families and a personal SCI Navigator for 24/7 support in the first 90 days and throughout the Miracle Year. BLINK of an Eye non profit also provides a Multidisciplinary Wrap Around Team and SCI Expert Medical Panel.  Stay tuned for their launch of a National Digital Resource Library, the SCI PLAYBOOK, chocked full of essential SCI information and trauma informed responses for the first hours, days and months after injury. To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.BLINKofaneye.org. Blink of an Eye is sponsored by Baltimore Mediation: To find out more about cutting edge conflict transformation skills courses to learn relational conflict theory and advocacy, mediation interventions and support for leaders and anyone navigating or facilitating difficult situations, conflict, or trauma, visit the website www.BaltimoreMediation.com and register for nationally certified 40 hour courses, including the Enneagram of personality for mediators to know themselves to stay neutral while offering opportunity for other’s empowerment.   Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI: Blink of an Eye is sponsored by QLI, a nationally recognized leader in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. With a focus on individualized care, QLI helps people rebuild their lives by combining expert clinical therapy, real-world skill development, and unwavering emotional support. Their mission is to empower clients and families to navigate the challenges of spinal cord injury with strength, hope, and purpose. Learn more about their work at qliomaha.com To find out more about Louise visit: www.BlinkofanEye.org, www.BaltimoreMediation.com, www.BeingRelational.com