Making Headway

This. Episode.  It has hit more glitches than any other one!  Sound quality and late posting aside, this is one of our best! It’s a metaphor for how life is.  Rewarding experiences oftentimes require the most work.  It is these hard times that end up giving us the most value; as brain injury survivors we understand this all too well!  Sara Tucker Howe is an inspiration.  She has used her journey to sculpt her into a compassionate and loving human.  Our conversation is a powerful reminder that true beauty is a reflection of our inner spiritual and mental health.  This episode has elements to feed your soul! Learn more about Sara and connect with her as one of life’s sherpas at saratuckerhowe.com! Get a free workout with Sara on our NEW tools and resources page! In this episode:Sara’s Website and coaching business is LIVE!! Saratuckerhowe.comHealth coaching, personal training, virtual trainingClients come to Sara for mindset, learning how to care for your whole self, and personal training.  Mindset, mindfulness, and movement builds you as a healthy person on the inside which is then reflected on the outside.Go to the new tools and resources page on our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for a FREE lower body workout from Sara!Gender normingThe roles that are expected of usLiving in your emotions and learning to self sootheFilling your own cupHow Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath: super powerful kids book we all can learn from; link belowWe can’t fix others.  We can fix ourselves and then live by exampleOn Site Workshops; Cumberland Furnace, TN, link belowLiving Centered ProgramAn off the grid, inner-work retreat Group meditation, lectures, group experiential therapyInsightsEverybody has trauma and your body remembers it, from small things that happened with your peers to large life eventsPsychodrama- a role play experience that allows you to play your inner child and members of your family. Allows you to experience situations from multiple viewpointsVery safe environmentEvery human wants to be seen and heard for who they areValidating experienceHuman beings not human doingsTrust the processIt may suck but you will get there and get through itRecharging to find your peaceThe spider webA parallel to lifeWhile making the web, the spider falls and gets back up making beautiful imperfections within the web.  These lines strengthen the structure.The web is like life.  Our story is written a little bit (the big lines of the web).  You’re born into what you’re born intoli...

In this episode of the Making Headway podcast, hosts Alison and Eryn welcome Toni Hickman, an Emmy award-winning music artist and aneurysm survivor. Toni shares her inspiring journey of overcoming two brain aneurysms and a stroke, and how these experiences shaped her identity and music career. The conversation delves into themes of disability, the societal pressures of perfectionism, and the importance of embracing one's journey. Toni discusses her Emmy-winning song and the creative process behind her lyrics, emphasizing the power of music as a form of therapy and expression. The episode concludes with a reflection on the beauty of diversity and the value of every individual's story.KeywordsToni Hickman, disability, music, aneurysm survivor, empowerment, mental health, perfectionism, creativity, resilience, Emmy awardTakeaways·     Toni Hickman is an Emmy award-winning music artist and aneurysm survivor.·     She experienced two brain aneurysms and a stroke at a young age.·     Toni's journey highlights the impact of disability on identity and self-worth.·     The concept of perfection is an illusion that affects many people.·     Embracing life after disability can lead to greater appreciation for oneself and others.·     Toni's music serves as a powerful form of expression and therapy.·     The creative process for Toni's songs often feels channeled from a higher energy.·     Lyrics can convey deep messages about resilience and self-acceptance.·     Everyone has value, regardless of their circumstances or challenges.·     Toni encourages listeners to find beauty in diversity and to learn from every individual.Sound Bites"Perfection is the illusion.""You can learn from anyone.""Everyone in life has value.""I will never stop believing in me.""It just came out through me.""Beauty's in many different forms."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Toni Hickman01:06 Toni's Journey with Aneurysms04:16 The Impact of Disability on Identity09:43 Perfection as an Illusion13:18 Embracing Life After Disability17:08 The Emmy-Winning Song and Its Message20:08 The Creative Process Behind the Music23:19 The Power of Lyrics and Their Meaning27:37 Finding Beauty in Diversity28:35 Connecting with Toni and Her WorkReach out to Toni’s music is on all major streaming platforms or at tonihickman.comToni Hickman on all the socials: @therealtonihickmanApple podcasts: Toni Hickman ShowEryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcastAlison on IG @alison_maknigheadwayodcastMHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and resourcesSupport us atPatreonDonate section on a...

In this episode of the Making Headway Podcast, hosts Alison and Eryn welcome back Nia Renee, who shares her journey through multiple brain surgeries and the impact of chronic illness on her relationships. Nia discusses her transition from being a brain injury survivor to a relationship coach, focusing on helping others navigate the complexities of relationships affected by trauma and chronic illness. The conversation highlights the importance of medical advocacy, personal growth, and the challenges faced by those living with chronic conditions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of navigating medical trauma, the importance of self-advocacy, and the emotional toll of job loss. They discuss the significance of journaling as a tool for self-reflection and the necessity of setting boundaries to protect oneself from toxic relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the power of vulnerability and the importance of finding supportive relationships that uplift rather than drain energy.Keywordsbrain injury, recovery, relationship coaching, chronic illness, narcissistic abuse, medical advocacy, emotional healing, personal growth, medical trauma, self-advocacy, job loss, identity, journaling, boundaries, toxic relationships, support systems, chronic illness, empowermentTakeaways·     Nia has undergone six brain surgeries due to Chiari 1 malformation and idiopathic intercranial hypertension·     Chronic illness can significantly impact personal relationships.·     Medical gaslighting is a common issue for patients with rare conditions.·     Nia's husband plays a crucial role in advocating for her health.·     Nia transitioned to relationship coaching to help others with similar experiences.·     The importance of having proper medical credentials as a coach.·     Nia's journey includes confronting her past relationships and trauma.·     Building a supportive community is vital for recovery.·     Nia emphasizes the need for self-advocacy in healthcare settings.·     Personal growth often comes from confronting difficult experiences. Advocating for oneself is crucial in the face of medical trauma.·     Job loss can significantly impact one's identity and sense of purpose.·     Journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and understanding triggers.·     Setting boundaries is essential for mental health and well-being.·     Recognizing toxic relationships is key to personal growth and healing.·     Support systems play a vital role in recovery and self-empowerment.·     It's important to prioritize self-care and personal needs.·     Documenting experiences can provide clarity and validation.·     Vulnerability can lead to stronger, more authentic relationships.·     Everyone deserves to feel supported and valued in their relationships.Sound Bites"Relationships are a big part of our recovery.""I started having the strangest symptoms.""I decided to bet on myself""You have to document everything""I gaslit myself for so long""I would rather spend my life alone""It's worth cutting out the shit""I married someone that has protected me""You deserve to feel that""You have to prioritize...

Women experience brain aneurysms at a higher rate than men. Are we alone in wondering what is behind this disparity? NO! This week, we welcome Rosalind Lai MD, a neurosurgeon performing research sponsored by a grant through The Bee Foundation. Dr. Lai and her team are trying to understand the role of the X chromosome in the development of cerebral aneurysms. Understanding this linkage could lead to the discovery of genetic markers for cerebral aneurysms and give insight into the gender differences we see in this condition. The hope would be that eventually we can test for genetic markers and provide treatments that turn down the expression of these genes which would lead to the prevention of brain aneurysms. Join Eryn, Alison, Rosalind and Erin Kreszl of The Bee Foundation (TBF) as we discuss TBF’s fourth pillar—research. Listen to learn more about brain aneurysms and this exciting research project!KeywordsThe Bee Foundation, brain aneurysm, research, gender differences, genetics, prevention, awareness, support, advocacyTakeaways·     The Bee Foundation supports research, advocacy, awareness, and support for brain aneurysm prevention.·     Brain aneurysms can be asymptomatic until they rupture, making awareness crucial.·     Women are at a higher risk for developing brain aneurysms compared to men.·     This research is focused on understanding the genetic and hormonal factors that contribute to aneurysm risk in women.·     The Bee Foundation has funded over $600,000 in research grants over the past 11 years.·     Genetic research aims to identify specific genes that may increase aneurysm risk.·     Understanding the role of the X chromosome could provide insights into gender differences in aneurysm development.·     Lifestyle factors like smoking and hypertension also play a significant role in aneurysm risk.·     The complexity of aneurysm development makes it a challenging area for research and prevention.·     Community support and engagement are vital for advancing research and awareness efforts.Sound Bites"We have four main program areas that we support.""What is an aneurysm?""We want to find these targets.""Aneurysm is a multi risk factor disease."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Bee Foundation and Its Mission03:11 Understanding Brain Aneurysms06:10 Research Focus: Gender Differences in Aneurysms09:50 The Role of Genetics in Aneurysm Development19:30 Future Directions in Aneurysm Research26:38 Engagement and Support from the CommunityReach out toThe Bee Foundation https://www.thebeefoundation.org/ Email: [email protected], call 716-218-1000Eryn on IG @eryn_makingheadwaypodcastAlison on IG @alison_maknigheadwayodcastMHP on IG @makingheadwaypodcast Go to our website www.makingheadwaypodcast.com for full show notes and...

Join Cody Bryant, a brain injury survivor, as he shares his recovery journey, including his accident in Spain, challenges with care, and neuro rehab experience. Cody discusses the changes in his personality, relationships, and emotional regulation post-injury. He emphasizes self-care strategies like meditation and explores topics such as diet, supplements, TMS, physical therapy, and navigating the healthcare system. Cody and Eryn also highlight the importance of community support and vulnerability in the healing process.Keywordsbrain injury, recovery, challenges, care, personality changes, relationships, emotional dysregulation, self-care, meditation, brain injury, rehabilitation, diet, nutrition, supplements, grounding, transcranial magnetic stimulation, TMS, physical therapy, healthcare system, community, vulnerabilityTakeaways·     Brain injury survivors often face challenges in receiving proper care, especially when abroad.·     Personality changes and emotional dysregulation are common after a brain injury, and it can be difficult for loved ones to adjust to these changes.·     Self-care is crucial for brain injury survivors, and finding strategies like meditation can help manage the effects of the injury.·     Social engagement can be draining for brain injury survivors, and it's important to find a balance between pushing oneself and avoiding brain fatigue.·     Diet and nutrition play a significant role in brain injury recovery, but healthcare professionals often overlook this aspect.·     Supplements and grounding techniques can also support brain injury recovery.·     Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may improve social stamina and have positive effects on depression and PTSD.·     Neuro IFRAH is a systematic approach to physical therapy that can help regain motor function after a brain injury.·     The healthcare system often fails to recognize the long-term nature of brain injury recovery and the need for ongoing support.·     Sharing experiences and being part of a supportive community can provide motivation and a sense of purpose in the recovery journey.Sound Bites"I thought everyone was trying to kill me and I thought they were trying to steal my genetics.""I was ripping out my IV and catheter constantly.""People closest to me basically had to grieve the person I used to be.""I started reading that book and that was kind of my initial start of recognizing that nutrition played a big role in recovery.""I do like a urine test every morning to make sure I'm in ketosis.""I wear this helmet that puts these electromagnetic waves through my brain for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour every day."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Apology for Guest Absence01:07 Guest Introduction: Cody Bryant01:39 Cody's Accident in Spain and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury03:42 Challenges in Receiving Proper Care05:18 Fear and Delirium in the ICU08:35 Transfer to Neuro Rehab and Limited Stay10:08 Difficulties in Recognizing Brain Injury11:49 Struggling with Identity and Personality Changes14:29 Impact on Relationships and Grieving the Old Self17:39 Emotional Dysregulation and Mood Swings19:23 Navigating Relationships and Understanding Triggers21:23 Using Meditation as a Reset and Self-Care Strategy23:25 Balancing Pushing Oneself and Avoiding Brain Fatigue26:52 The Role of Diet and Nutrition29:29 Supplements and Grounding...