Explore every episode of the podcast Megan Daubert Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1: The Night of Trauma | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:32:27 | |
Megan shares her family's journey following her husband's anoxic brain injury, detailing the events leading up to the accident, the emergency response, and the emotional aftermath. Through storytelling, she reflects on the challenges of coping with trauma, the importance of community support, and her personal healing process.
00:00 Introduction to the Journey 10:49 The Emergency Response 18:46 The Aftermath and Reflection 32:16 Outro
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| Trailer Episode | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:06:38 | |
Megan shares her personal journey following her husband's cardiac arrest and subsequent brain injury. She discusses the concept of ambiguous loss and grief, the purpose behind her podcast, and the importance of faith and community in navigating hardships. Megan aims to provide encouragement to others facing similar challenges, while also documenting her family's experiences for her children and husband. 00:00 Introduction to a Life-Changing Event 01:46 Understanding Ambiguous Loss and Grief 03:09 The Purpose Behind the Podcast 05:07 The Role of Faith and Community in Healing 06:02 Looking Ahead: The Journey to Come
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| Episode 4 - Initial Effects of Brain Damage | 06 May 2025 | 00:19:18 | |
In Episode 4 Megan recalls how Michael's cognitive recovery was a significant challenge as Michael struggles to recognize loved ones. | |||
| Episode 3 - Trial of Extubation, Psalm 23 | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:18:41 | |
Michael spent 10 days in the cardiac ICU. He finally got the brain MRI where damage was seen in the thalamus. We didn't know the full extent of the brain damage just yet. Extubation was successful so the next step was to seek out a long term rehab facility. Megan shares how vulnerable and exposed this time in the hospital felt. | |||
| Episode 2 - The Next 48 Hours in ICU | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:24:25 | |
In this episode, Megan shares her journey following her husband's cardiac arrest and subsequent health challenges. She recounts the emotional turmoil of informing her children, navigating the ICU experience, and the overwhelming weight of responsibility that fell on her shoulders. Megan reflects on the support from family and friends, the uncertainty of medical outcomes, and her search for hope and faith amidst trauma. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to a Life-Changing Event 00:36 The Cardiac Arrest Incident 02:37 Facing the Unknown: Telling the Kids 04:35 The Hospital Experience Begins 06:58 Transitioning to Higher Care 10:43 Hope Amidst Uncertainty 12:24 Navigating Trauma and Decisions 17:45 Confronting the Reality of Trauma 20:47 Finding Faith in the Darkness
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| Episode 5 - The Power of Presence in Times of Crisis | 13 May 2025 | 00:22:18 | |
Megan and her best friend, Rebekah Butterfield, discuss their journey through trauma, grief, and the importance of friendship and community support during difficult times. They reflect on their shared experiences of loss, the complexities of grief, and the beauty found in deep connections amidst suffering. Their dialogue emphasizes the significance of simply being present for one another and the power of community in healing. www.megandaubert.com | |||
| Episode 6 - The Flight to Atlanta | 20 May 2025 | 00:31:28 | |
Megan shares the story of the medial flight down to Atlanta and the initial arrival at Shepherd Center. This was another point of transition for her and Michael as they left behind the initial stage of emergency care and moved into the acute rehabilitation stage. | |||
| Episode 7 - But I don't want to be in the wilderness | 27 May 2025 | 00:22:54 | |
Megan shares about assessment day at the Shepherd Center and her struggle to process the loss of the man she knew. She shares about what the Lord told her through His Word that morning and encourages listeners to recognize the voice of the Lord in their own lives. | |||
| Episode 8 - 30 Second Memory Loop | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:26:38 | |
In this episode, Megan reflects on her initial observations of therapy, the overwhelming role of caregiving, and the profound love that emerges through adversity. We begin to see Michael's memory and awareness emerge but it's sitting at alarmingly low levels at this point in his recovery. | |||
| Episode 9 - Seeing the boys for the first time | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:30:06 | |
Michael's boys got to visit him in Atlanta and it was the first time they saw him since his accident. It was both beautiful and hard. Bringing some of home into the hospital helped Michael remember who he was but it also made the gap between "what was" and "what is" even wider. Megan shares some of her reflections on what was going on internally in her mind during these weeks. | |||
| Episode 10 - My Illusion of Control | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:26:45 | |
Megan shares more examples of Michael's memory deficits during therapy and reflects on the team-wide meeting where she learned more about what we might expect going forward in recovery. She describes the seemingly backwards act of letting go of control of a situation and what that is meant to produce in us. | |||
| Episode 11 - No Filter | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:26:32 | |
Megan shares some of the humor and moments of joy during their stay at Shepherds Center. She also reflects on the possibility of a silver lining from memory loss in terms of rebuilding the life and person who Michael was before his accident. | |||
| Episode 12 - The Role of Connections in Healing | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:35:45 | |
In this Episode Megan is joined by her friend, Jenny Collins, who was able to visit them at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Jenny shares her insight from her time there and speaks about the role "soul connections" seem to play in a person's healing. | |||
| Episode 13 - Emotions Start Catching Up | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:22:00 | |
A week of visitors leads to an outside (life after rehab) perspective beginning to form in Megan's mind. Her daughter joins them in Atlanta and they both witness some hard changes in Michael. The fear of the future can seem too heavy at times. | |||
| Episode 14 - A Treasure in My Dark | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:16:08 | |
Episode 14 - Megan passes on encouragement from Katherine Wolf's book "Treasures in the Dark" after a special moment with Katherine in her hometown of Atlanta. Check out this link to recommended readings on my Amazon Storefront. | |||
| Episode 15 - When Your Friend Is a DPT | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:35:52 | |
Episode 15 - Megan chats with Anthony Gregoria, a long time friend of theirs, who just so happens to be a Physical Therapist and got to see Michael's recovery at many different stages. Anthony is a perfect example of how when passion and purpose intersect God will use you in big and small ways to change lives. | |||
| Episode 17 - Coming Home | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:24:00 | |
Episode 17 - Megan reflects on the ending of their time at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. They flew back home to re-enter life in their new normal, which Megan acknowledges isn't anywhere near normal. | |||
| Episode 16 - Changes and More Changes | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:15:54 | |
Episode 16 - Megan shares some of the ways they had to prepare for coming home from the Shepherd Center and reflects on the emotional struggle it was and still is. | |||
| Episode 18 - First Week Home | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:25:23 | |
In this episode, Megan shares her emotional journey as she recounts the first week home after Michael's rehabilitation. She reflects on the challenges of adjusting to their new reality, the joy of reconnecting with family, and the overwhelming nature of medical appointments. | |||
| Episode 19 - The Overprotective Wife | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:23:34 | |
In this episode, Megan shares stories on what life at home is like and illustrates the complexities of brain injury healing. She talks about how she is able to keep going, recognizing there is purpose in these trials. | |||
| Episode 20 - The Recycling Obsession | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:26:50 | |
Megan shares examples of what living with memory loss is like for Michael and the family. She goes into a little deeper detail of the tension she felt at home with the grief and joy. Will the brain heal in a way that he remembers all the parts of life that made up who he was? Or will healing be like starting over again as a new person? | |||
| Episode 21 - Meant to Lament | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:24:27 | |
Megan shares some of the load she was carrying last summer when everyone was finally back home together. Even the small burdens felt big during this transition season. Megan takes a moment to try and explain why lament is a crucial part of the healing process but we so often get it wrong. | |||
| Episode 22 - Can't Shake It Off | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:21:06 | |
Megan shares about finding a new brain injury doctor in Richmond, VA. | |||
| Episode 24 - Battling the Comparison Game | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:24:17 | |
Megan highlights the summer trips they took last year and talks about the feelings and new challenges it brought up for her while living in close proximity to people in "normal" relationships. | |||
| Episode 23 - The Last Email Michael Sent | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:15:57 | |
In this episode, Megan recalls the last email Michael sent to the whole family just hours before his accident and the impact it had on the family. Megan also begins to touch on the grief her kids were experiencing. | |||
| Another Death | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:34:24 | |
"The dream that didn't happen is as much of a loss as losing the one that did." from page 5 of "As Long As You Need" by J.S. Park. | |||
| Episode 26 - Limitations and New Mercies | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:21:14 | |
Megan shares about the frustration she felt as time continued and limitations were everywhere. From brain injury deficits to tennis lessons to missing papers to parenting, nothing seemed to be easy. Megan also shares a vision or word of encouragement from a friend at her church. | |||
| Episode 25 - Managing Anger and Finding Hope | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:29:51 | |
Megan shares about Michael's experience with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and shares some personal stories of when things got really tough behind closed doors. | |||
| The Body Holds Memory, Healing Prayer, One Year Mark | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:28:12 | |
Megan shares about the one year anniversary of Michael's accident and what unexpectedly happened. She discusses the mystery of healing prayer and how to hold it in tension when the miracles don't seem to happen. Book she mentions: The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton | |||
| I'm Not Ready for Any of This | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:23:00 | |
Megan shares about the day she decided to say yes to a new career and then moments later met the man that saved Michael's life on the soccer field. | |||
| Total Failure or Goal Realization | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:19:29 | |
Megan shares about the self betrayal she felt towards her own expectations and experiences. She tells us what her time capsule goals for 2024 were and how they lined up pretty well with what played out. Book mentioned in episode: Katherine Wolf's Treasures in the Dark https://amzn.to/4pgPALx | |||
| Is This a Blue Christmas? | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:18:45 | |
Megan shares her honest feelings on the holidays post brain injury recovery. It's been said that holidays can bring out the loneliest, hardest and deepest of feelings and that may be true after all. But we are not without hope! | |||
| 40 Years | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:21:49 | |
There was a time when we weren't certain if Michael would ever have another birthday. Thirty-nine years seemed too unfinished. When November rolled around we were all ready to celebrate Michael big time. Well actually, every body but Megan. Megan shares how grief impacted her desire to celebrate in a normal way. | |||
| Ugly Birds | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:22:38 | |
Megan shares about Mike's exit from therapy as well as a trick her counselor taught her of how to manage other people's griefs and emotions. Megan also shares what she learned from her time at an event with Rita Springer. | |||
| Midnight Thoughts | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:17:54 | |
Megan shares about the trouble she had sleeping and how her subconscious would overwhelm her thoughts at night. She reflects on her dislike of "endings" and how the Lord is transforming her approach to them. | |||
| First Interview After the Brain Injury | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:36:03 | |
Michael - the man himself - joins Megan on the podcast to say hello and chat a little bit about how he is doing. If you know what you are looking for in his responses and recovery journey, you will find some of this fascinating to watch. Join the community of Megan Daubert Podcast on Instagram or YouTube and sign up for the emails to get the newest episodes and details about what is coming next! | |||
| Therapy in the ICU - Interview with Michael's Acute Care DPT, Steelie Szycher | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:39:43 | |
Megan has the privilege of sitting down with the very first physical therapist that treated Michael during his stay in the ICU. Steelie Szycher received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Shenandoah University and landed a dream job working in acute care at Norfolk General Hospital. Steelie served as an educator and mentor for ICU across the Sentara system for many years. She oversees an ICU champion team at Norfolk General which encompasses over 80 beds. Steelie's heart for her patients is evident in everything she does and was one of the most memorable things that stuck out to Megan as she watched Steelie work with Michael in the early days. | |||
| 2nd Wedding Anniversary After Brain Injury - In Sickness and In Health | 26 May 2026 | 00:18:31 | |
Megan shares the memory of their wedding anniversary dinner date and how it was another perfect mix of joy and sorrow. | |||
| Healing through Heartache - A window into our son's grief journey | 19 May 2026 | 00:20:56 | |
Megan shares a heartfelt story about her son's emotional journey following his father's brain injury, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and faith in coping with grief. | |||
| Sarah Benibo: Seeing lament as a vital connection to God | 12 May 2026 | 00:44:44 | |
Were we created with longings that could only be filled by one being? Were we designed to experience a deep need daily? Sorrow and grief may actually be a gift that leads us deeper into communion with Jesus. When we truly pause to consider the idea of lament, our eyes are opened to a beautiful process of restoring deep connection with our Creator. Sarah Benibo is a musician, worship leader, a graduate of Perkins School of Theology at SMU, and a gifted communicator of the gospel. You are in for a treat! Find Sarah Benibo here: Here is a closer look at the lament graphics Sarah talks us through in this episode: Instagram post Megan's website: | |||
| Deeper look at a beautiful poem written by my daughter after the first year of dad's brain injury | 05 May 2026 | 00:24:52 | |
My daughter wrote this poem for her 7th grade english class and it completely took me by surprise. It's the perfect glimpse into her grieving and healing mind. She artistically explains a lot of the feelings circulating in our hearts. Enjoy this treasure. | |||
| What No One Could Have Prepared Me For: Invisible Loneliness | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:19:27 | |
Brain injuries leave survivors and their families with many invisible struggles. There is no way to be prepared for them. Most people don't even know how to start talking about the struggles or when and where to even bring them up. Loneliness in the middle of ambiguous loss is confusing to sort out but it can be very real. Megan talks about the survival technique of compartmentalizing and when working through your grief and finding closure becomes necessary. | |||
| Lacey Jervis shares about dysregulation of the nervous system & the ultimate trauma informed Healer | 21 Apr 2026 | 01:01:21 | |
Lacey Jervis is a Christ-Centered Somatic Practitioner with an emphasis on helping women heal from trauma through understanding how our nervous systems were created. She is a wealth of knowledge and uses her platform to encourage, educate and point others towards true healing. Megan and Lacey talk about the physiology of fear, the power of time, and how a reshaping of your understanding of God is essential to your healing. Check out Lacey Jervis: (she's the best to follow!) | |||
| Brain injury and going out to eat, managing daily needs and how much we still need people | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:23:46 | |
Megan shares the realities of some of the little things you might not think of after life with a brain injury. Going out to eat was something we loved doing as a family before the accident, so of course doing it now would be different and involve a little bit of grief. Friends and family and people in general continue to be the backbone of our sanity as a family. | |||
| Still struggling with feeling alone, but there is evidence that He is working behind the scenes | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:16:33 | |
We're back for more! Megan returns to talk about their story but also shares the vision of what else is in store for us this season. | |||