Brain Wellness - the Podcast

205. Brain injury integrative health waiver with Scott Gravatt, DPT

Scott Gravatt is a board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy who is dedicated to helping individuals maximize their independence, mobility, and quality of life. A graduate of the Duke University School of Medicine, Scott completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2019. His academic training, paired with years of hands-on clinical experience, has shaped his comprehensive and compassionate approach to patient care. Before pursuing his doctorate, Scott worked for several years as a rehabilitation aide in the outpatient division of Craig Hospital, one of the nation’s leading facilities for spinal cord and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation. His time at Craig provided him with invaluable exposure to spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, allowing him to develop a deep respect for the resilience of patients and the impact of collaborative, patient-centered care. Scott’s passion for physical therapy is rooted in his personal life. In 1999, his mother sustained a C5/C6 quadriplegic spinal cord injury after diving into a swimming pool. Watching her navigate early rehabilitation and witnessing the dedication and skill of her physical therapists sparked Scott’s long-standing commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. This personal connection continues to guide his philosophy of care, emphasizing empathy, respect, and the belief that every patient deserves individualized treatment that supports their goals. Clinically, Scott has extensive experience across multiple specialty areas, including neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, wheelchair assessment and positioning, gait training, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy techniques. He is committed to staying current with evidence-based practices and tailors each treatment plan to reflect the unique abilities, needs, and aspirations of the person in front of him. Outside of the clinic, Scott enjoys staying active, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family. Above all, he remains inspired by the opportunity to help individuals regain confidence in their movement and pursue a fuller, more independent life. Find Scott at: https://chandacenter.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottgravatt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-gravatt-pt-dpt-4318803b/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

204. Concussion care packages & resources with Eliana Bloomfield

Meet Eliana Bloomfield, founder of Concussion Box. She is a Bay Area native whose passion for concussion care is deeply personal. After experiencing several concussions herself, Eliana became fascinated by the brain and the gaps in how concussions are understood, treated, and supported. She studied Neuroscience and Science and Technology Studies at Wesleyan University and has been an EMT since age 19. Combining her lived experience, scientific training, and frontline medical perspective, Eliana is dedicated to making concussion education and recovery more accessible, practical, and human. Find Eliana at: https://concussionbox.org/ Email: eliana@concussionbox.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcussionBoxInc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concussionbox/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concussion-box/ Or: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliana-bloomfield-75a76918a/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

203. Losing & finding yourself after brain injury with Eva Sifis

After creating herself anew a number of times through life, with brain injury and stage 4 cancer, Eva Sifis' experience of trauma has facilitated remarkable opportunity. She brings this and more to others in Australia's first and only peer developed and led training for those with Brain Injury or experience of trauma, 'By Accident'. Since 2024 Eva has coproduced the show – ‘A New You’. Leading conversations with the Neurodiverse, those who support them and the professionals and organizations giving them service, the intention is to demystify what still causes discomfort in many people – a way of thinking that may be different to the personal one. Once an international performer, her arts practice continues to this day as she brings her staunch belief in the voice of the peer to her producing work, with advocacy for the disabled experience becoming her reason for being. Find Eva at: https://www.byaccident.com.au/ Or: https://anewyou.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devavoom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_byaccident_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-sifis/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

202. Neuro-stabilization training for TBI & more with Dr. Thomas Mitchell

Dr. Thomas M. Mitchell, D.C., CCSP is Clinic Director at Chicago Institute for Health and Wellness, and has built a reputation around one core belief: results matter more than temporary relief. He speaks to athletes, active people, and high performers who are tired of chasing symptoms and want a clinician who asks a different question: why do some people get partial relief while others finally get lasting results? That results-first mindset is the thread running through his work, his writing, and his own athletic career. Dr. Mitchell has practiced functional medicine for over 20 years, holds a BS in Biology, a BS in Human Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic, Applied Kinesiology certification, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, and Functional Rehabilitation expertise. He brings kinesiology, chiropractic expertise, functional movement assessment, and clinical nutrition into one model designed to help people perform better, recover better, and build sustainable results over a lifetime. He also coined the phrase neuro-stabilization training and created training techniques around that concept, which gives him a distinct point of view for conversations about rehabilitation, performance, and why one-size-fits-all care often falls short. Dr. Mitchell has broken multiple national bench press records and has broken a world bench press record in the World Drug Free Power-lifting Association. That firsthand experience gives him real credibility with athletes, lifters, and high performers who want practical answers, not generic advice. He is also the author of The Mitchell Principle, which extends his practical, outcome-focused philosophy beyond the clinic and into a broader framework listeners can apply to training, recovery, and long-term health. At Chicago Institute for Health and Wellness, Dr. Mitchell leads a practice built around integrated and functional healthcare approaches. Find Dr. Mitchell at: https://chicagohealthandwellness.com/ Or: https://ceriummedical.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.ThomasMitchell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagohealthandwellness/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmitchelldc/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

201. Living your why with Claudette Milner

Christian featured speaker, award winning author and empowerment coach, Claudette Milner Find Claudette at: www.claudettemilner.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claudettemilnerauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claudettemilner3/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@claudette.milner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudette-milner-5771071b/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

200. Vestibular training through spinning with Sheila Thelen

Sheila Thelen, President of Vestibular Training Services and Master Rated Figure Skating Coach, applies world class vestibular training tools (patent pending) to show how spinning affects the vestibular system and can improve the brain’s ability to balance and the cognitive processes. Find Sheila at: www.spinyourbrain.com Email: Sheila@SpinTheBrain.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VestibularTrainingServices Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vestibulartrainingservices/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thelenvts/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

199. Raising NFL sons & concussion/CTE risk with Lee Schwartz

Lee Schwartz is a speaker, author, advocate and proud father of two NFL sons, Geoffrey and Mitchell. In his inspiring book, Raising Giants, Lee shared the real-life story of how love, discipline and vision shaped his sons into elite athletes—and grounded men. Lee sits on the West Coast Advisory Board of the Concussion & CTE Foundation. Founded in 2007, the Foundation has been deeply committed to researching and studying the cause of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) with the goal of it one day—hopefully sooner than later—being diagnosed in the living (currently only diagnosable post-mortem) leading to prevention, treatment or even a cure. Find Lee at: www.raisinggiantsbook.com Foundation Helpline: https://concussionandcte.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576356579694 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raising_giants_book/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-schwartz-2b45717/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

198. TBI community supports in Nebraska with Peggy Reisher

Peggy Reisher, MSW is the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Nebraska, where she has led the organization since 2013. With more than 30 years of experience in brain injury, Peggy is a passionate advocate dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with brain injury and their families through education, advocacy, support, and systems change. She has helped develop innovative initiatives in resource facilitation, juvenile justice, domestic violence, and public policy, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of America. Peggy is a nationally recognized speaker who enjoys helping professionals better understand the often-hidden effects of brain injury and practical strategies for improving outcomes. Find Peggy/BIANE at: https://biane.org/ Email: info@biane.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrainInjuryNebraska Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bianebraska/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brain-injury-alliance-of-nebraska/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

197. How stress affects TBI recovery

Mandi Swanson is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with experience in healthcare since 1999. She is a four-time Top Nurse Practitioner award winner, received the Faculty Excellence award in her previous role of nursing professor, has been on the review committee for several nursing textbooks, was the recipient of the Women of Armor Personal Growth award for 2023, was listed in Marquis Who’s Who in 2024, and was the recipient of the Elinor D. Hands Award from the MN Brain Injury Alliance in 2025. In 2022, Mandi began her own podcast called Brain Wellness – the Podcast, initially covering a multitude of topics related to brain health and wellness and transitioning toward mostly brain injury topics since 2024, and has been a guest on multiple other podcasts. She has also presented at numerous local, regional, and state conferences. Additionally, she is an invited speaker for both national and global conferences in 2026.In 2023, Mandi was in a car accident and experienced a traumatic brain injury. She has merged knowledge gained from personal experience with her healthcare education to provide a unique brand of concussion care in her current practice as a brain injury Nurse Practitioner at Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. She is an Ambassador for the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, an elected Board Member for the MN Brain Injury Alliance, and Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America.Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

196. Montana TBI resources & personal story with April Ildvad

April Ildvad is a licensed mental health therapist in Montana and Minnesota, she is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the American Brain Injury Association, a board member of the Montana Brain Injury Alliance and the Governor's TBI Advisory board. She is also a 27 year brain injury survivor. Find April at: Email: mountainviewtherapy.aci@gmail.com BIA Montana: 406-541-6442 BIA Montana Helpline: 800-241-6442 Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

195. A snowboarder with TBI saving brains with Kelsey Boyer

Kelsey Boyer is a brain health advocate, former professional snowboarder, and the founder and Executive Director of Save A Brain, a nonprofit dedicated to concussion and traumatic brain injury prevention, education, and awareness. After a traumatic brain injury ended her professional snowboarding career, Kelsey made it her mission to help others better understand, protect, and care for their brains. Today, she speaks around the country, develops educational programs for schools and communities, partners with healthcare organizations and brands to expand brain injury awareness, and creates resources that make brain health more accessible to people of all ages. Through Save A Brain, Kelsey has helped donate thousands of helmets, reached hundreds of thousands of people through education and advocacy, and continues to build a movement that empowers people to prioritize brain health before and after injury. Her mission is simple: to help create a world where brain health is valued just as much as physical health—because we only get one brain, and it makes us who we are. Find Kelsy at: https://saveabraininc.com/ Email: contact@saveabraininc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-boyer-4a4077138/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyboyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saveabrain/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

194. Introducing 'Concussion Help' & my tools (solo episode)

Mandi Dickey is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with experience in healthcare since 1999. She is a four-time Top Nurse Practitioner award winner, received the Faculty Excellence award in her previous role of nursing professor, has been on the review committee for several nursing textbooks, was the recipient of the Women of Armor Personal Growth award for 2023, was listed in Marquis Who’s Who in 2024, and was the recipient of the Elinor D. Hands Award from the MN Brain Injury Alliance in 2025. In 2022, Mandi began her own podcast called Brain Wellness – the Podcast, initially covering a multitude of topics related to brain health and wellness and transitioning toward mostly brain injury topics since 2024, and has been a guest on multiple other podcasts. She has also presented at numerous local, regional, and state conferences. Additionally, she is an invited speaker for both national and global conferences in 2026.In 2023, Mandi was in a car accident and experienced a traumatic brain injury. She has merged knowledge gained from personal experience with her healthcare education to provide a unique brand of concussion care in her current practice as a brain injury Nurse Practitioner at Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. She is an Ambassador for the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, an elected Board Member for the MN Brain Injury Alliance, and Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America. Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

193. Brain injury & self determination with Dr. Amy Coopersmith

Dr. Amy Coopersmith, OTD, OTR/L, MA Ed, FAOTA is an internationally recognized occupational therapist, educator, researcher, speaker, and children's author who has dedicated more than 30 years to helping youth become confident, capable, and self-determined. Dr. Coopersmith's groundbreaking research and published scholarly work focus on self-determination—the ability to make choices, solve problems, set goals, and believe in yourself. She is the founder of Self Determined Kids, creator of the Captain Me educational program and the Self-Determination Strategies Toolkit, and author of the award-winning children's book I'm Stuck. Through her engaging presentations, practical resources, and passion for empowering youth, parents, educators, and therapists, Dr. Coopersmith is changing the way we think about helping individuals move from dependence to independence. Find Amy at: https://www.selfdeterminedkids.com/ Email: amycoopersmithotd@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramycoopersmith/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfdeterminedkids/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAmyCoopersmith TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@captainmekids Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

192. AVM & Stroke survivor story with Kristin McKenzie

Kristin McKenzie is an AVM and stroke survivor, former scare actor and video director working every day to recover from a life altering incident and bring awareness to aneurysm & stroke symptoms to save others from a condition that almost ended her life in 2024. Find Kristin at: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinstrong24 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckenzii/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristinwillis?mibextid=wwXIfr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krwillis/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

191. How ADHD & TBI affect high performers with Dr. Saara Haapanen

Dr. Saara Haapanen is a performance psychologist, keynote speaker, executive performance coach, and founder of Performance is Haapanen. With a PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology, a background as an international-level athlete, and more than 26 years of coaching experience, she helps high-achieving humans improve motivation, energy, focus, and follow-through without burning themselves out. Her work blends performance science, wellness, motivation, ADHD-informed strategies, and real-life behavior change. She has worked with executives, physicians, entrepreneurs, educators, athletes, and organizations across the U.S., Canada, and Finland, including Denver Public Schools, Jefferson County Public Schools, UCHealth, Correctional Health Partners, the American Heart Association, and the Salvation Army. Dr. Saara served two terms on the Colorado Governor’s Council for Active and Healthy Lifestyles and has been featured in Forbes Health, Shape, Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, and other national media. Her mission is to help people work with their brains and bodies, not against them, so life and work feel less chaotic and more energizing. Find Dr. Saara at: https://drsaara.com/ Or https://performanceishaapanen.com/ Or https://www.moveatworkchallenge.com/ Free resource: https://www.moveatworkchallenge.com/NDbundle Email: saara@performanceishaapanen.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr_saara_haapanen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saara.haapanen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsaarahaapanen/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

190. Reviewing updates from Concussion in Sports with Dr. Steven Broglio

Dr. Steven Broglio has investigated concussion and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) for more than three decades, holding faculty positions at the University of Michigan in the School of Kinesiology, along with joint appointments in Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Following his doctoral studies at the University of Georgia, Dr. Broglio established his research portfolio focused on the acute and persistent consequences of head trauma in athletes and military personnel. He currently holds multiple administrative roles, including the Associate Dean of Graduate Affairs for the School of Kinesiology and the Founding Director of the Michigan Concussion Center. In his directorial capacity, he heads collaborative, multi-disciplinary science aimed at advancing fundamental understanding in concussion prevention, accurate diagnosis, and optimal management strategies. His academic record is underscored by his status as a Fellow of multiple professional organizations (i.e., American College of Sports Medicine, National Academy of Kinesiology, and National Athletic Trainers Association), and he currently serves as the President of the international Concussion in Sport Group. Find Steve at: https://concussion.umich.edu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/umichconcussion/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/um-concussion-center/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-broglio/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

189. A Systems View from a Personal TBI Experience with Wendy Lurrie

Wendy Lurrie is a former Chief Marketing Officer, growth and strategy executive, and the creator of Rupture: The World of BestGuessistan, a platform exploring what happens when systems fail—especially the human ones we rely on most. After a traumatic brain injury disrupted her ability to function in the ways she once could, Wendy began documenting the invisible, structural changes that follow rupture: shifts in cognition, perception, identity, and control. Her work draws from both lived experience and decades spent leading organizations, building brands, and navigating complex systems under pressure. She focuses on the gap between what looks normal from the outside and what no longer works underneath—particularly the failure of language, systems, and culture to accurately describe life after disruption. She is also the author of PANIC with Credentials: How Systems Survive by Making Failure Personal, which launched as the #1 new release in Organizational Design on Amazon. Find Wendy at: https://www.bestguessistan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582849029381 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestguessistan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendylurrie Substack: https://bestguessistan.substack.com/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Dry_Midnight_6742/ Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

188. Memoirs of a book-worthy TBI recovery with Lee Carlson

Lee Carlson is an author, journalist, and Zen practitioner whose acclaimed memoir Passage to Nirvana chronicles his recovery from traumatic brain injury using writing, sailing, and Zen. A former magazine editor and documentary producer, his work has appeared in Outside, the Los Angeles Times, and multiple Time Inc. publications. A longtime student of Peter Matthiessen, Carlson’s current book explores their relationship and Matthiessen’s legacy. He currently lives in Western New York. Find Lee at: https://leecarlson.life/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeeCarlsonAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecarlsonauthor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeeCarlsonAuthor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LeeCarlsonNirvana/ X: https://x.com/LCarlson_author Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

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187. ABCs of Concussion - Letter S

Mandi Dickey is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner with experience in healthcare since 1999. She is a four-time Top Nurse Practitioner award winner, received the Faculty Excellence award in her previous role of nursing professor, has been on the review committee for several nursing textbooks, was the recipient of the Women of Armor Personal Growth award for 2023, was listed in Marquis Who’s Who in 2024, and was the recipient of the Elinor D. Hands Award from the MN Brain Injury Alliance in 2025. In 2022, Mandi began her own podcast called Brain Wellness – the Podcast, initially covering a multitude of topics related to brain health and wellness and transitioning toward mostly brain injury topics since 2024, and has been a guest on multiple other podcasts. She has also presented at numerous local, regional, and state conferences. Additionally, she is an invited speaker for both national and global conferences in 2026.In 2023, Mandi was in a car accident and experienced a traumatic brain injury. She has merged knowledge gained from personal experience with her healthcare education to provide a unique brand of concussion care in her current practice as a brain injury Nurse Practitioner at Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. She is an Ambassador for the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, an elected Board Member for the MN Brain Injury Alliance, and Certified Brain Injury Specialist through the Brain Injury Association of America.Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

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186. Mother's Day TBI real talk with my middle child, Hayden

My middle child, Hayden, and I talk about real life frustrations and tips for moms with TBI and keeping up relationships with kids during recovery. Find more about Brain Wellness at: https://brainwellnesssolutions.com/ Support the show with Buy me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brainwellnessnp

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