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.

Join us for a special episode of The Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury Podcast. Host Melaney Grenz will be speaking with Ben Utecht, former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, about his book "Counting the Days While My Mind Slips Away: A Story of Perseverance and Hope."

In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey, discussing the impact of brain injuries sustained during his NFL career, how they have shaped his life, and the importance of raising awareness about brain health. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and hope.

Don't miss this important conversation!

Listen to the newest episode of the Lived Experiences Podcast!

Join Melaney Grenz as she meets with Dr. Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD., to discuss her work on brain injury and what started her journey.

Patricia Kay Reyna, EdD received her doctorate in Education, Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, her MA in Entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University, and her MA in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her research interests include catastrophically injured law enforcement officers in the US including those with traumatic brain injury, prevalence of traumatic brain injury among law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and other first responders in the US, first responder suicide, and suicide prevention mediators including hope. Kay’s research interests also focus on interventions for caregivers providing care for persons with traumatic brain injury. She has a special interest in caregivers providing care for injured law enforcement officers, an unserved population of caregivers in the United States, and on caregiver hope. Kay has professional experience through non-profits focusing on injured law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and veterans and their caregivers. She is an ordained minister, certified Health Care Life Coach, and a Certified Spiritual Christian Counselor. Additionally, Kay serves as a dissertation chair and content expert for doctoral learners and is an Adjunct Professor. Her background includes a wide variety of education, non-profit, health care, caregiving, and ministry experience.

Listen, learn, and be inspired!

“Please help us protect the tiniest and most vulnerable among us…”~ Melaney Grenz

Join us on this important journey of awareness and action.

Welcome to the latest episode of CBIRT's "Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injury" podcast series! In this compelling new installment, we're thrilled to feature Bonnie Armstrong, Executive Director, and Felicia Hernandez, Director of Prevention Education & Social Media at The Shaken Baby Alliance, a dynamic nonprofit based in Fort Worth, Texas.

In this episode, we dive deep into the impactful mission of The Shaken Baby Alliance, which is dedicated to supporting victim families, preventing child and elder abuse, and advocating for justice. Discover the origins of this incredible organization and learn about the ongoing efforts they’re making to effect real change in communities across Texas and beyond.

Tune in as our host, Melaney Grenz, engages with Bonnie and Felicia to uncover the powerful stories and initiatives behind The Shaken Baby Alliance. This episode promises valuable insights into their crucial work and the difference they’re making every day.

To learn more about The Shaken Baby Alliance, visit shakenbaby.org

From webinar to podcast, this episode features pediatric neuropsychologist Gerard Gioia, Ph.D., discussing the critical role of schools in managing student concussions. He explains that concussions are a "software injury," affecting the brain's neurometabolic function without visible signs, making proper assessment and support essential. While most students recover within four weeks, some require longer, emphasizing the need for a structured, individualized approach to their return to school.

Dr. Gioia highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and educators to assess symptoms and provide targeted academic supports. He introduces assessment tools like CLAS and PACE, which evaluate academic challenges and self-efficacy, and STAMP, a framework for guiding interventions. These tools help ensure students receive the right accommodations to aid recovery without unnecessary restrictions.

A key takeaway is the need for schools to establish concussion management teams that monitor student progress, adjust supports over time, and maintain open communication with families and medical providers. By implementing a systematic approach, schools can better facilitate students' recovery and reintegration into academics. Tune in to learn how educators and healthcare professionals can work together to support students recovering from concussions.

Adapted from a live webinar, in this podcast we hear from Stanley Herring, M.D, a leading expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, to discuss the complexities of sports concussions and the broader impact of physical activity on youth health. With over 40 years of experience and a clinical professorship at the University of Washington, Dr. Herring brings valuable insights into balancing concussion safety with the need for regular physical activity.

While concussions are a serious concern, Dr. Herring stresses that the greater long-term health risk for young people is physical inactivity. He cautions against excessive restrictions on sports participation, emphasizing the physical, mental, and academic benefits of staying active. Proper concussion management, he explains, requires a collaborative approach involving athletic trainers, medical professionals, educators, and families to ensure safe recovery and return to play.

Dr. Herring also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in accessing concussion care, highlighting the need for better resources and school-based concussion management teams. His discussion underscores the importance of striking a balance between protecting young athletes and fostering an active, healthy lifestyle. Tune in to learn more about the latest approaches to concussion care and the critical role of physical activity in youth development.