On this powerful episode of Groove with Portia, I sit down with Tess Padmore—an incredible survivor, author, and innovator who has turned pain into purpose. Tess shares her journey of surviving a brain aneurysm that ruptured twice within just one month. From being misdiagnosed to navigating the harsh realities of long-term disability, Tess walks us through the mental and emotional toll of her recovery.
We talk about the grief that comes with identity loss—the version of you that no longer exists after trauma—and how Tess found her voice again through music, writing, and reinvention. She opens up about the breakdown of her marriage, the end of her career in education, and the moment she chose to fight for something more.
Tess did not just recover—she reimagined herself. She created her own line of soft, empowering headwear, published two children’s books, and is now working on a memoir and newsletter aimed at health literacy and patient advocacy. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the healing power of storytelling.
We also talk about her desire to speak with medical communities, highlighting the urgent need to include patient voices in how care is delivered. Whether you’ve faced medical trauma, grief, or unexpected life transitions, Tess's story will remind you that there is still something within you worth sharing—and someone out there waiting to hear it.
Connect with Tess: https://eggheadsoques.com/
