Shows
bindwavesThe Blood Brain Barrier ConundrumUntil only recently, treating Glioblastoma brain cancer with chemotherapy has not been achievable due to the blood brain barrier. In today’s Bindwaves episode, Dr. Michael Canney walks us through how Carthera developed a revolutionary method to deliver therapeutics to the brain utilizing an ultrasound system. It is well known that the survival rate for Glioblastoma is 1 to 2 years. Surgery tends to be the primary means to combat this horrible disease. To improve these odds, an ultrasound implant is placed in the brain after the surgeon removes the tumor. This implant, or mesh, contains an ultrasound transducer, which when ac...
2025-07-3127 min
bindwavesBehind the Sound: Meet Rick and Karl from BindwavesMeet key team members Rick and Karl and the Importance of Structure and Focus. Rick, the sound engineer, recounts his experience with a severe brain injury dating back to 2007, including the headaches that led to his diagnosis, surgery, and eventual rehabilitation. Karl, who handles episode descriptions, shares his story of surviving a stroke and his extensive rehabilitation journey. They discuss their roles in the podcast, the skills they've acquired, and the importance of providing compelling content for their listeners. Carrie and Brittany acknowledge the critical contributions of their team and invite listeners to subscribe, follow, and engage with 'bindwaves...
2025-01-2323 min
bindwavesCelebrate 100 Episodes of bindwaves!Listen as we celebrate our 100th episode for bindwaves this week! Today, we learn about the many accomplishments of the last two years at BIND, and introduce our new co-host, Brittany. The recap episode guest is Brian White, our executive director. Our members are proud of the money raised for our annual walk, North Texas Giving Day, golf tournament, and auction. We review the interest of starting a new clubhouse in Houston. In the last year, we have greatly increased our efficiency, attributed by members serving in various leadership roles. With Kezia stepping aside as a co-host, as she...
2024-10-2430 min
bindwavesA Path to Hope in the Brain Tumor CommunityHave you struggled to find your path in your brain injury journey? Courtney Watson is the Director of Programs & Development at Head for the Cure, a nonprofit that provides advice, stories, and resources, in collaboration with doctors, patients, and caregivers for every step of the brain tumor journey.Courtney shares her personal connection to the cause following her mother's glioblastoma diagnosis in 2016 and discusses the organization's efforts in raising funds for local organizations, clinical trials, and research. Head for the Cure offers many resources, e.g. support groups, treatment information, and the Rare...
2024-10-2227 min
bindwavesBaby Steps are Better than No Steps!Have you ever felt stuck when you were trying to work through something? Saul Enriquez, a teacher to our future nurses at Rio Grande Valley Nursing School, has over 26 years of experience in caring for people with a multitude of health issues. During his work providing critical care at ICUs, trauma units, and emergency departments, he's seen patients recover from extensive injuries. All of them had one thing in common: persistence. He now teaches future nurses to have patience with their patients. Even when facing tremendous obstacles, survivors found ways to make improvement, even if it seemed insignificant at t...
2024-08-2928 min
bindwavesYour Happiness Can Come From Your ChoicesWhile we don't always have choices in life, we always have a choice in how we react. Lori Vober, a stroke survivor, is a speaker and author who volunteers her time to help others. She encourages survivors to look for support from others, knowing that it is OK to not be OK! She learned about vulnerability by taking a positive approach to life and connecting with others. Lori reminds us that we can choose happiness and don't need to be perfect alone.Send us a textSupport the showYou can f...
2024-08-2229 min
bindwavesRoll with the Punches in LifeToday’s program is filled with opportunities and service. Our guest is Lori Vober, a young stroke survivor, an author, public speaker, and an adoptive mother. After a life of dependency, Lori shares her turnaround in her later years, and now helps others with emotional issues. She asks people with a brain injury to not ignore the grief that comes with recovery but take the time to breathe as it is a life-long journey. To learn more: https://lorivober.com/Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this epis...
2024-08-1527 min
bindwavesA Library is More Than Books!If you hadn't visited your library in the last 10 years, you might not recognize it. Yes, there are still plenty of books, but they have added heaps of services, many of which are especially helpful for those recovering from a brain injury. Kristen Lindscott and Bob Loftin who work for community partnership and engagement for the Plano Library talk about the recent changes that benefit our community. You may not know that many of the services are free to other areas outside of Plano: they offer programs with technology, work searches, language learning, bookmobile, virtual platforms, among others. Kristen an...
2024-08-0827 min
bindwavesWe All Need a Little Help SometimesThink about a brain injury as a family event. Both the survivor and their family need resources and support to find their new normal. Our guest, Karol Falci, a neuro case manager for Baylor Scott and White in Frisco, is a brain injury survivor herself. Her background began in acute short-term care but is currently part of the day neuro team. She explains the difference between a case manager and a social worker. Karol’s greatest need is more resources - there often aren't enough for her to do her job. She urges patients to be persistent in recovery an...
2024-07-2527 min
bindwavesHow Do You Survive as a Caregiver?Being positive and fighting goes a long way! Listen to John Hoffman tell an inspirational story about his wife, Judy’s battle with an inoperable brain tumor and how she lives a full life now. His story tells us how they chose to go to Oregon to do an experimental treatment. Judy is a hero: not only did she win her battle with cancer, she went on to help found Grey Matters, a nonprofit organization to help those fighting brain tumors. Rather than thinking that she would die in vain, she and her husband live to help others.Se...
2024-07-1830 min
bindwavesAre You Financially Prepared For Life After a Brain Injury?Let’s face it: life after brain injury is expensive. From loss of employment to additional medical bills, building a relationship with a trusted professional is key to planning your future.Lori Vejii, a financial planner from Edward Jones, shares tips and tricks for a successful financial planning session after a brain injury. She advises us on ways to keep our credit scores healthy, identify unforeseen expenses, and how to plan for our life goals. She also encourages survivors and their families to talk with non-profit agencies who can proactively help. Having a trusted financial advis...
2024-07-1124 min
bindwavesDo You Know Your Credit Score? And, do you know how to build your credit score? After a brain injury, in addition to being faced with additional medical costs, many survivors must relearn how to manage their finances. In today's episode with Lori Vejil, financial planner at Edward Jones, will give you a starting point. She will tell you how to create a budget beginning with your goals in life. Building a relationship with your financial advisor is key; they will be your coach, reviewing your progress every year. A financial plan is like a brain injury, each one is unique and different.
2024-06-2725 min
bindwavesThe Heart of CaregivingIn this episode, Mike Stedham, an ordained minister and professional counselor with over 40 years of experience, shares his experiences leading a support group for TBI caregivers and emphasizes the importance of communication, realistic expectations, and self-care. He shares the significance of humor, and the value of peer support in the TBI recovery journey. The discussion highlights the services provided by Hope After Brain Injury, an organization dedicated to helping TBI survivors and their families.Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop eve...
2024-06-2031 min
bindwavesFinding Community After Brain InjuryIn this episode, Rick Yates discusses his experience with brain injury, the support group he helped to establish in 2004 and the benefits of being part of such a community. Rick describes the support group's impact on his recovery, including improved communication skills, a sense of purpose, and coping with depression. He highlights the importance of community and encourages others with brain injuries to join support groups, emphasizing the shared understanding and comfort it provides. The episode touches on the importance of community engagement and how to get involved with support groups like the one at UT Southwestern in Frisco.
2024-06-1317 min
bindwavesCoping Skills are for EveryoneWe know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, conditioning the brain for deep sleep, and exercising daily. It is important to not feel that they must be brave for others. Willa will explain the ABCDE approach that she uses for counseling and other sources to receive help, such as professional as...
2024-06-0630 min
bindwavesTime is the Best CureWe know it is easier said than done. In Part Two, Willa talks about emotions after a brain injury from her experience as a neuropsychologist and assistant professor at UTSouthwestern. Many survivors have a negative outlook for their future, but Willa asks them to focus on what they can control, utilizing coping skills: including writing a journal, conditioning the brain for deep sleep, and exercising daily. It is important to not feel that they must be brave for others. Willa will explain the ABCDE approach that she uses for counseling and other sources to receive help, such as professional as...
2024-05-3029 min
bindwavesYou Need to Understand that Life is DifferentAfter a stroke, look for ways to be happy! That is the advice from Silas Allen, who survived a stroke and is a reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram covering educational news for Tarrant County. He found several tools to assist in writing for work, e.g. GoogleDocs, Otter.ai, etc. Silas felt mentally challenged with fatigue, relearning how to drive, coping with demands from others, and resuming his work in a choir. As an optimist, Silas still believes that he will continue to recover, and always looks for positive reasons to never give up.S...
2024-05-2326 min
bindwavesStrengthening Your Spiritual HealthAfter brain injury, have you ever felt that you may need help in maintaining or strengthening your spiritual life? Talking with somebody like Chaplain Johnny Taylor may be the help you need. He has helped many with that process throughout his 28 year career as a chaplain and continues till this day as he now serves at UT Southwestern Hospital.Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. 🎙️ Do you want to support...
2024-05-1626 min
bindwavesBrain Injuries Don’t Take a Day OffEveryday is a challenge after a brain injury! Welcome bindwaves co-hosts Carrie & Kezia as they discuss common obstacles faced by brain injury survivors. The limitations each survivor faces vary due to the affected area. It is highly unlikely that two survivors would face the exact same challenges, e.g. relearning swallowing, speaking, walking, bathing, dressing, etc. Every brain injury is different. Every recovery is different.Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. ...
2024-05-0926 min
bindwavesNot Everyone Should be Driving After a Brain InjuryThere are reasons why the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may deny your request to resume driving. Listen to Christine Nelson who is a licensed rehab specialist and a manager at PATE. Several reasons why a person may not pass a driving test are memory lapses, anger issues, spatial issues between cars, and the failure to execute certain strategies. Patients are encouraged to make use of any modifications such as turn signals, change of pedals, adjust mirrors for up and down movements. PATE has a driving rehabilitation program to encourage brain injury survivors to confirm if they can get bac...
2024-05-0218 min
bindwavesDriving Again is Not EasyThere is no substitute for real-life driving! Our guest today is Alice Petranek, an Occupational Therapist, who works at Rehab Without walls. She is a founding member of BIN board of Directors. She believes that resume driving is a set of sense skills in perception, vision, and coordination… all at the same time. Alice is clear that safety is the most important factor, especially when unseen injuries play a role. She takes a teamwork approach with her staff members so that her clients, brain injury survivors, receive a well-rounded experience. Send us a textS...
2024-04-2526 min
bindwavesGetting Back on the Road… Safely!Be patient and take time to get your confidence back to drive. Welcome back Mr. Brandon Higgs, co-owner of H & T Driver Rehabilitation, which is a driving-specific occupational therapy business. They do clinical testing and behind-the-wheel evaluations designed to give survivors an idea if it would be safe to return to driving. They can do all of this from their office or meet you at your own home!Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to...
2024-04-1825 min
bindwavesWho Decides When It Is Time to Resume Driving?There is no right answer to this question, but Brandon Higgs will shed light on some of the issues in today’s program. He is a co-owner of H&T Driver Rehabilitation Specialists and is certified for comprehensive rehabilitation services (CRS). Brandon believes that occupational therapists are well suited to contribute to the decision to regain the independence to drive. They can help brain injury survivors decide to take the road and written tests to ensure their safety for others and avoid liability. In this episode, he explores various tools to accommodate drivers on a case-by-case basis and helps them...
2024-04-1124 min
bindwavesDrive Well, Not for Yourself, but for Your FamilyListen to Chris B, who advises listeners to go slow when restarting driving after a brain injury. Chris is a member of BIND and volunteers at Heritage Farms in Plano. He has a supportive family, who encouraged him to start driving. Chris remembers the feeling of waking up and recognizing that his hands worked properly so that he could drive. It took 18 months for him to resume driving and to learn how to use his other foot for braking and accelerating. His primary doctors urged him to keep his driving license and continue to keep his awareness while working to r...
2024-04-0425 min
bindwavesRe-Release: What Happens Next After Brain InjuryAs we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “What happens Next After Brain Injury” with Bernard, a great example of willingness to relearn even with all the the frustrations. You will be hearing about his insights after first waking up and finding out that he had a brain injury and realising recovery is ongoing. And the relief he had after finding the community of supprt of BIND to continue his recovery process.Send us a te...
2024-03-2819 min
bindwavesRe-Release: Independence is KeyAs we dive into Brain Injury Awareness Month, we're Re-releasing the most watched and listened-to episodes, packed with a highlight of hope, inspiration, and resilience. On today's episode, we are re-releasing “Independence is Key” with Livia, a great example of determination and independence in the face of difficulties. You will be hearing her earliest challenges because of the brain injury to her latest triumphs. Stay tuned! 💚Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. ...
2024-03-2119 min
bindwavesRe-Release: No Limits to TherapyIn honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month we are re-releasing our most popular episodes. On this episode, we talked with Amber Richarson who is an Occupational therapist and Community Relations Manager with Pate & Rehab without walls. We discuss all the many different options for brain injury rehabilitation therapy such as within a hospital, outpatient facility, or in the home along with community involvement. 💚Send us a textSupport the showYou can find this episode’s transcript here.New episodes drop every other Thursday everywhere you listen to podcasts. 🎙️ Do you wan...
2024-03-1419 min