TBI: Talking Brain Injury with Brain Injury Association of Colorado

This is TBI: Talking Brain Injury, a monthly health and wellness podcast from Brain Injury Association of Colorado. Host Phil Lindeman talks with TBI survivors and their supporters from across the state, sharing stories of recovery, adversity and life with the invisible injury. Learn more about Brain Injury Association of Colorado and support the good work done statewide: https://biacolorado.org/

On the cutting edge of 'regenerative health' with the founder of Vive Well

Have you been swimming through brain fog? The founder and owner of Vive Well Health, Dr. Benjamin Busch, talks about his Colorado clinic's unique approach to brain health and wellness. Open NOW is registration for the 2026 Brain Injury Conference! This year's topic is "Care Across The Ages," with a keynote addres and breakout sessions for professionals managing brain injury care for youth, adults and seniors. It's happening March 12, 2026. Get signed up now!

10-27
46:11

An overdose survivor shares his story addiction, recovery and TBI

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

09-19
37:40

How a neuropsychologist learned to heed her own advice after a bike crash

Where will YOU be on Saturday Sept. 6? The Pikes Peak Challenge returns for its 40th year and we'd love to see you at 14,115 feet! Registration is open for 3 hikes, including the classic challenge to the summit of Pikes Peak. Gather your friends and family, create a team, and raise money for the good work BIAC does across the state. In this episode we talk with Catie Johnston-Brooks, a neuropsychologist at the Marcus Institute in Aurora Colorado. She gained new perspective on TBI recovery when a bike crash forced her to step back from work and focus on her brain.

07-29
33:13

Put hiking, climbing and rafting back on your summer to-do list with adaptive TBI camps

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

06-19
25:38

How a diet of turkey, rice and stubborn dedication can mend an injured brain

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

05-22
36:00

TBI in today's military with U.S. Air Force veteran Kathleen Flarity of the Marcus Institute

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

04-22
53:25

Fighting for TBI rights with trial lawyer and survivor Keith Fuicelli

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

03-17
35:41

'My alive day' on the Alaska Brain Bus

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

02-19
50:01

How a car crash led one nurse practitioner to a career in TBI treatment

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

12-17
46:21

TBI and 'death anxiety' can't derail a zest for life in Colorado Springs

In this episode I talk with Danielle de Boer, of Colorado Springs, who loves to live life at high speed. In 2013 Danielle was hit by a car while road cycling. She was told she had a mild TBI. Like many other survivors, she realized this was just the beginning of a long and often frustrating road, where the smallest bumps can feel like insurmountable roadblocks -- until you rediscover your zest for life. Starting January 1, Brain Injury Alliance Colorado (BIAC) will be known as Brain Injury Association of Colorado, a new affiliate of the national Brain Injury Association of America. It's the same nonprofit with the same mission -- to help TBI survivors across Colorado -- only now with a different name.

11-19
56:25

On the trail with TBI: Why do you take the Pikes Peak Challenge?

The 2024 Pikes Peak Challenge brought 468 survivors, supporter and volunteers to America's Mountain for a hike up America's Mountain: 13 miles and 7600 vertical feet (that's nearly 1.5 miles straight into the sky!) to the summit at 14,115 feet. Along the way your host Phil Lindeman talks with 15+ people to learn why they made the trip to Pikes Peak for traumatic brain injury support, recovery and awareness. Team TBI Podcast raised close to $1800... but we can do better! Please support the cause. All money goes to BIAC programs across the state. We want to thank EVERYONE who supported our hike! - Erin Ellebracht - Susi Devrient - Monica Rasmussen - Jules Bryant - Joe Movick - Ken Steele - Flannery O'Neil - Kate Forgach - Vince Gerber - Ann Marie Damian - Edward Ramirez - Evan Lindeman - Lynne Wilson - Marcia Proctor - Cassie Mavencamp - Corri Levine - Vicki Skinner - Jon Lindeman - My parents Ed and Sharon Lindeman - Andrea and Derek for a place to stay the night before our 4 a.m. wakeup call  

09-24
35:01

'Brain injury is my superpower': Living again when your brain is wiped clean

This month I'm talking with Darius Woods, yet another victim of yet another car accident. A drunk driver sent Darius to the hospital for 6 months, where he spent time in two medically induced comas, and even forgot his daughter's birthday. But he would not let injury keep him down. Coming up on September 7 is the Pikes Peak Challenge! For the first time ever I will joining dozens of TBI survivors and supports on the legendary 14er. Help me raise $3,900 for the 39th edition of the Pikes Peak Challenge by donating to Team TBI Podcast!

08-22
36:21

The bloody brain: How a real-life horror story became a recovery memoir

In this episode I talk with career mathematics professor and published author Deb Brandon. She has lived with "the bloody brain" since 2007, when she was diagnosed with cavernous angiomas. This diagnosis and what came next inspired her memoir, "But My Brain Had Other Ideas." We talk about Deb's condition, her memoir, and her evolving relationship with the bloody brain. Coming up on September 7 is the Pikes Peak Challenge! For the first time ever I will joining dozens of TBI survivors and supports on the legendary 14er. Help me raise $3,900 for the 39th edition of the Pikes Peak Challenge by donating to Team TBI Podcast!

07-23
01:06:04

Pikes Peak Challenge: Sleet, sun and solidarity on America's Mountain

BIAC's oldest and largest fundraiser, the Pikes Peak Challenge, returns to the slopes of America's Mountain on September 7 2024. In this episode two BIAC VIPs talk about the challenge, how it has grown over the decades, and what it means to join the brain injury community on one of the nation's most iconic 14,000-foot peaks. For the first time ever I will be joining the challenge! Help me raise $3,900 for the 39th edition of the Pikes Peak Challenge by donating to Team TBI Podcast!

07-07
24:53

Midnight seizures, a brain tumor and what comes next for a Denver survivor

In this episode I meet with my BIAC mentee, Calder. Almost exactly one year ago he suffered two seizures caused by a brain tumor. This past year, he says, has been strange. But he is making progress and learning to live with life after a TBI.   ===== Coming to Manitou Springs on Sept. 7 2024 is the annual Pikes Peak Challenge! Hike to the top of "America's Mountain," travel 13 miles to and from Barr Camp, or compete at the in-town 2-mile Manitou Walk. All money raised goes back to BIAC!

06-20
01:21:26

Living with the 'ticking time bomb' of a brain tumor at 23 years old

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

05-21
39:20

Stellar life moments with returning guests Jules and Adam

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

04-24
37:23

Right place, right time for stroke survivor and nonprofit leader Flannery O'Neil

Public health professional Flannery O'Neil suffered a stroke at 34 years old. She never saw it coming, but today she's almost grateful it happened. Now, as a nonprofit leader, she wants to make sure other young stroke victims have the same loving support she found during her recovery. It's the power of an "advocacy network" and it can make all the difference. Have you suffered a stroke? Join Flannery's virtual support group, Young and Young At Heart, or visit her nonprofit, Stroke Onward.   ======  Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

03-20
30:55

True 'grit,' and what it means to perservere when TBI trauma knocks you flat

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

02-19
24:50

'TBI was the best thing that ever happened to me' with Laura Renner

"My TBI was the best thing that ever happened to me." Laura Renner knows those words are controversial. She tells us how a seemingly minor slip and fall led to emergency surgery, years of recovery, and eventually, deep healing from years of trauma not even related to her TBI. Check out Laura's book! "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You." And her podcast! "Healing #NoFilter" ======  Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

01-23
54:03

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