Hope Survives | Brain Injury Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, yet it has never received distinct, individualized attention from the world’s largest health policy bodies. For years, TBI has been treated as a "footnote" in broader neurological discussions, but that is about to change.

In this episode, our host Cristabelle is joined by Paul Dubetz, whose lived experience with traumatic brain injury eventually led to working with a global coalition to bring a historic resolution before the World Health Organization (WHO). Paul also shares his story of survival after a catastrophic accident in Italy, and explains why reclassifying brain injury as a chronic condition is the key to unlocking global standards of care.

🌏 This conversation arrives at a pivotal moment as the 79th World Health Assembly convenes in Geneva, Switzerland, this May 2026. As the supreme decision-making body of the WHO, this Assembly has the power to approve programs and set the international health policies that will define the future of neurological care. Paul is part of leading a critical effort at a side event during the Assembly, where a panel of individuals with lived experience will advocate directly to member states to ensure that TBI is officially recognized as a chronic and notifiable condition on the world stage in 2027.

🧠 In this episode:

• Why the World Health Organization is the essential vehicle for setting international health policies for TBI.
• Paul’s personal account of a severe TBI and the advanced neurosurgeries that saved his life in Milan.
• Understanding how labeling TBI as a "chronic and notifiable condition" will allow member states to implement long-term surveillance and treatment.
• A glimpse into the legislative process behind the World Health Assembly and the target for adoption in 2027.

CONNECT

Follow @hopesurvives

Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Sponsor

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

1:53 Welcome with Cristabelle

6:34 Introducing Paul Dubetz

8:50 The Life Changing Accident

18:05 Effects of the TBI

22:32 Involvement with the World Health Organization

26:10 Resolution for TBI Recognition

32:58 Words of Hope

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Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Recovery after a brain injury can feel like solving a puzzle, uncovering the pieces and trying to put it all together. For many, dysautonomia is the missing piece of the puzzle that explains why symptoms like brain fog, lightheadedness, and extreme fatigue persist long after the initial impact.

In this episode, Cristabelle sits down with Dr. Ryan Harvey from The Functional Neurology Center to pull back the curtain on the autonomic nervous system and explain why a problem with the autonomic nervous system and blood flow might be the real reason you’re struggling to find stability. Dr. Harvey also shares his powerful personal journey from a child experiencing mysterious fainting episodes to becoming a lead clinician helping others navigate the same complex neurological dysfunctions.

🧠 In this episode:

• Understanding dysautonomia as a dysfunction in how your brain signals blood flow throughout the body.
• Neurogenic inflammation from a head injury can last much longer than typical body inflammation, often triggering autonomic issues.
• Identifying the wide range of symptoms of dysautonomia, from cold hands and feet to GI issues and exercise intolerance.
• Why simple positional changes, like standing up or showering, can become major hurdles for cerebral perfusion.
• Practical, controllable strategies for taking the next step forward.
• How to move from a state of overstimulation into a multimodal rehabilitation plan where life eventually becomes your therapy.

CONNECT

Follow @hopesurvives

Visit ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Join a support group at ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Sponsor

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:00 Welcome with Cristabelle

6:20 Introducing Dr. Harvey

11:40 Explaining Dysautonomia

15:50 POTS & Other Forms

18:20 What to Look Out For

20:50 Exercise Intolerance

23:18 Where to Start to Regulate Nervous System

27:07 Dysautonomia vs. Post-Injury Dysfunction

30:20 Words of Hope

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Disclaimer

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your physician for individualized care. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Have you ever wondered why the healing brain’s battery seems to drain so quickly, even after simple tasks? Today, we’re diving into the complex and often misunderstood topic of neuro fatigue after brain injury.

In this informative episode, host Cristabelle Braden welcomes back Dr. Jeremy Schmoe of the Functional Neurology Center to uncover the science behind this exhausting symptom. Dr. Schmoe explains exactly what happens when neurons become unstable and lack the oxygen, activation, and nutrition they need to communicate effectively. Listen as they distinguish the difference between general physical tiredness and true neurological fatigue, validating the "rollercoaster" of energy crashes that so many survivors experience. Tune in for practical strategies to identify your limits, advice for loved ones on spotting the physical signs of a crash, and a powerful reminder that there is always help and hope for improving your function.

🧠*FREE Downloadable Resource: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/understanding-neuro-fatigue

💙 *Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: www.hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:00 Introducing Dr. Schmoe

9:25 What is Neuro Fatigue?

15:10 Distinguishing Neuro Fatigue vs General Fatigue

17:30 Identify Neuro Fatigue & Strategies

20:45 Simple Practical Tools

28:30 What Families and Loved Ones Can Look For

30:20 Final Thoughts

32:30 Words of Hope

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

There is a trend to post highlights of the year on social media. But do you find that actually hard to do, or even see from others? Living with brain injury, it is easy to feel discouraged from setbacks, or a recovery timeline you had in mind, or comparing to the "old you" and grieving the life before, as well as coping with symptoms on a daily basis. Listen as Cristabelle discusses all of this, while also sharing some of her personal journey through TBI. 

Life is not a highlight reel. And that is okay. Let's talk about it!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

0:00 Intro

9:44 Life is Not a Highlight Reel

13:56 My First TBI

19:58 Feeling like a Failure

21:47 Improving Little by Little

23:47 Re-Injuries & Setbacks

26:39 Most Recent Concussion Setback

30:14 It Can Be Hard to Look Back

32:14 Celebrating Steps

35:31 Reasons for Discouragement

38:59 You Don’t Need a New Years Resolution

39:41 You Don’t Need Highlights

40:56 You are More

44:34 Different Ways to Reflect

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Lisa is a fighter, living with both an invisible injury (TBI) and physical disability. She was born with Spina Bifida and hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), contracted spinal meningitis as an infant, and has been an advocate for disabilities her entire life. Then, in 2011 she sustained a traumatic brain injury from an accident playing wheelchair basketball. 

This is an episode that is sure to inspire and encourage all who listen, as Lisa Pubantz eloquently shares her story of victory. She joins Cristabelle to discuss the tension between the invisible injury and the physical disability, how society treats people with disabilities, and how the TBI symptoms are often misunderstood.

0:00 Intro

6:13 Introducing Lisa’s Story

15:03 Wheelchair Basketball & Races

16:27 Adjusting after TBI

19:53 Surviving the Injury

22:14 Symptoms & Challenges

25:45 Visible vs. Invisible Disability

28:37 Misunderstood TBI Symptoms

31:38 Mental Health

34:49 How Others Treat People with Disabilities

42:58 Claiming Victory

46:28 Words of Hope

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Did you know that hormones can be affected by a brain injury? Hormonal imbalances can actually be a contributing factor to persistent symptoms, along with affecting sleep, stress response, and reproductive systems.

Today, Dr. Meaghan Kirschling is here to talk about some of these potential hormonal changes, and how it could potentially affect a brain injury survivor. We also including variables in age, differences between male and female, and sex drive.

NOTES

0:00 Intro

4:29 Introducing Dr. Meaghan

10:18 Brain Injury Affects Hormones

14:14 What if it goes untreated?

15:22 Stress Response

16:32 Hormones & Persistent Symptoms

17:25 Pituitary Gland

21:58 Cortisol & Adrenal Glands

25:28 Variables (Age, etc.)

27:59 Oxytocin, Emotional Connection

31:19 Male vs. Female Differences

34:59 Birth Control & Menstrual Cycle

37:38 Testosterone & Estrogen Balance

40:03 Sex Drive

43:47 Sleep & Melatonin

45:25 Recommendations

51:43 Words of Hope

Connect with Dr. Meaghan Kirschling: @drmeaghankirschling on instagram or through www.oneagorahealth.com

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

Emotions after brain injury can come in extremes - highs, lows, outbursts - or you can end up just feeling "blank" or nothing at all. Survivors also could have a hard time expressing their emotions and verbalizing it. Emotions also affect our identity, how we view ourselves, and directly impact our relationships. Today, Cristabelle leads us through all of this, sharing some personal examples along with encouragement for listeners.

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

"A brain injury is the only time that we ask the injured body part to regulate itself..." How do you handle emotions after brain injury? What are some ways to help? Let's talk about it!

Today Cristabelle is joined by Rebecca Quinn & Carly Endres from the North Dakota Brain Injury Network for a conversation about emotional dysregulation as it relates to brain injury. We cover some common "tells" including outbursts and overstimulation, the cognitive behavioral spiral, the importance of mindfulness, and encouragement for both caregivers and survivors.

Episode Info & Tip Sheet Download: https://hopeafterheadinjury.com/644/emotional-dysregulation-with-ndbin/

NOTES

0:00 Intro

2:21 Why this topic?

7:50 Introducing Rebecca & Carly

14:35 Emotions after Brain Injury

16:23 Cognitive Symptom Inventory Info

20:40 Emotional Dysregulation

26:20 “Tells” - Outbursts & Overstimulation

32:35 Cognitive Behavioral Spiral

34:06 Mindfulness

37:03 Giving Permission to Yourself

43:27 Healing is Physical and Emotional

49:55 Little Steps for Improvement

Connect with Rebecca & Carly through the North Dakota Brain Injury Network: https://www.ndbin.org/

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

How do you realistically implement medical recommendations into your lifestyle? Let's talk about it.

Today Cristabelle is joined by Marlene Rivera, CBIS, to learn about how to develop a balanced life post-injury. We discuss some of the barriers that people might encounter, and also strategies such as how to communicate with medical professionals, the importance of a routine, prioritizing, and community.

More Info on Re-Discover U: https://www.councilonbraininjury.com/rediscoveru

Cristabelle will be sharing on Monday December 6, join via zoom at the link above!

NOTES

0:00 Intro

1:46 Why this topic?

7:24 Introducing Marlene

10:12 Identifying Barriers

17:14 Communicating with Medical Professionals

18:59 How to Better Follow Through

21:44 Connection with Others

23:17 Examine your Season of Life

24:36 Schedule & Routine

33:05 Prioritizing

39:16 Perspective

45:14 Words of Hope

46:38 ReDiscoverU Info

Connect with Marlene through CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.

The Holidays are upon us - and that can be overwhelming for brain injury survivors! For the first shorter "minisode" (mini+episode!) of Season 2, Cristabelle will walk us through some strategies and practical tips to manage symptoms and get the most out of your holiday gatherings.

CONNECT

Find more resources, podcast episodes, & our monthly zoom support group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ | @hopesurvives

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: ⁠⁠councilonbraininjury.com⁠⁠

Brain Injury Bible Study: @braininjurybiblestudy | braininjurybiblestudy.com

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden | facebook.com/cristabellebraden | cristabellebraden.com

Email: cristabelle@hopeafterheadinjury.com

Thank you to Council on Brain Injury for supporting this podcast by providing a microphone as part of their grant program to the brain injury community. Check out the amazing work done by CoBI at: councilonbraininjury.com

This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.