In this episode of Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury, host Melaney Grenz welcomes Jonathan Boland, a former elite athlete whose dreams of NFL stardom were derailed by multiple concussions. Jonathan shares his journey from early football success to the devastating realization that his brain injury made continuing impossible. Struggling with identity loss, he turned to self-medication, leading to a series of mistakes that resulted in a prison sentence. While incarcerated, he found purpose through faith, fitness, and mentorship, eventually earning a second chance at life. Now a certified strength and conditioning specialist, Jonathan is dedicated to helping others overcome adversity and educating young athletes about the dangers of concussions. Through his business, Breath of Life Training LLC, he empowers individuals to rebuild their strength—both physically and mentally. His story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope for a brighter future.

Join us for CBIRT's first Podcast in the "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" series!

We kick start the series by speaking with Tim Siegel about his book, "Fight Like Luke: Transforming Grief Into Love, Strength, and Faith." and his journey navigating through the world of brain injury after his son's injury in 2015.

His journey led him to create a nonprofit organization called, "Team Luck Hope For Minds Supporting Kids After Brain Injury."

https://www.teamlukehopeforminds.org/

Tim and Luke have been featured on podcasts, interviews, and other media platforms such as the NFL Countdown.

In episode five, Deb Harper, President of the Alamo Head Injury Association in San Antonio, shares her remarkable journey from tragedy to advocacy after her husband, Dan, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a 2016 car accident. Deb describes the profound changes in her family’s life, highlighting the challenges of navigating a hidden disability and the initial lack of support services. She found solace and strength in support groups, which became her lifeline as she adjusted to living with “a new person.” Now as the President and Chair, Community Outreach Committee at the Alamo Head Injury Association, Deb contributes to the facilitation of the monthly support groups and organization of the annual Brain Injury Symposium, offering survivors and caregivers a sense of community, resources, and hope. Her message to listeners emphasizes resilience, understanding, and the power of connection in overcoming life-altering challenges. This inspiring episode underscores the importance of advocacy, awareness, and support in the brain injury community.