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Making Headway

Eryn Martin and Alison House

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Making Headway is a podcast made for brain injury survivors by two friends who also happen to be brain injury survivors. Known as the "invisible disability", brain injuries can make survivors feel alone and isolated even though an estimated 1.5 million Americans are affected every year. You are not alone. Join hosts Eryn Martin (subarachnoid hemorrhage survivor) and Alison House (subarachnoid hemorrhage survivor) on their brain injury recovery journeys as they interview medical practitioners ...
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In this episode of the Making Headway podcast, hosts Alison and Eryn welcome Toni Hickman, an Emmy award-winning music artist and aneurysm survivor. Toni shares her inspiring journey of overcoming two brain aneurysms and a stroke, and how these experiences shaped her identity and music career. The conversation delves into themes of disability, the …
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In this episode of the Making Headway Podcast, hosts Alison and Eryn welcome back Nia Renee, who shares her journey through multiple brain surgeries and the impact of chronic illness on her relationships. Nia discusses her transition from being a brain injury survivor to a relationship coach, focusing on helping others navigate the complexities of …
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Women experience brain aneurysms at a higher rate than men. Are we alone in wondering what is behind this disparity? NO! This week, we welcome Rosalind Lai MD, a neurosurgeon performing research sponsored by a grant through The Bee Foundation. Dr. Lai and her team are trying to understand the role of the X chromosome in the development of cerebral …
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Join Cody Bryant, a brain injury survivor, as he shares his recovery journey, including his accident in Spain, challenges with care, and neuro rehab experience. Cody discusses the changes in his personality, relationships, and emotional regulation post-injury. He emphasizes self-care strategies like meditation and explores topics such as diet, supp…
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In this episode of the Making Headway Podcast, Eryn sits down with stroke survivor and advocate, Ralph Cortese, to dive deep into the critical questions every stroke survivor should be asking their healthcare team. From navigating the maze of medical care to understanding insurance and case management, Ralph shares his personal journey and expert i…
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Jim Scott, a traumatic brain injury survivor, shares his journey of recovery, detailing the physical and cognitive challenges, including memory loss and expressive aphasia. He also discusses the emotional hurdles of navigating relationships and disclosing his injury, maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor throughout. Jim talks about his…
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Join Alison and Tymiak Hawkins, a courageous brain hemorrhage survivor, as he opens up about his remarkable journey of recovery and personal transformation. After a life-altering stroke, Ty redefined his priorities and mindset, unlocking a deeper sense of purpose and potential. In this inspiring conversation, Ty shares how a strong support system, …
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In this episode of the Making Headway Podcast, host Eryn speaks with Bryce Daly, a stroke and aneurysm survivor who shares his incredible journey from being a promising student athlete to navigating the challenges of recovery and living with aphasia. Bryce recounts the traumatic experience of his stroke, the subsequent coma, and the long road to re…
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Have you had trouble sorting your mind out post brain injury? Does everything seem like it is floating around (maybe in there, maybe not) but just out of reach? Do you feel especially anxious and have trouble finding a place that you fit now? Join us in this episode as Dr. Kyla Pearce from LoveYourBrain explains the building blocks of their free pr…
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Summary In this episode of the Making Headway Podcast, Octavia Burrell shares her experience of dating after a brain injury. Octavia had a brain hemorrhage at the age of 24 and had to rebuild her life and career. She discusses the challenges of dating as a brain injury survivor and the importance of taking the time to heal and focus on personal gro…
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In this episode of the Making Headway podcast, Eryn and Alison welcome Erin Kreszl and Jaime Meltzer from The Bee Foundation, an organization dedicated to brain aneurysm prevention. Jaime shares her personal story of losing her sister to a brain aneurysm and how it propelled her into advocacy and support for others affected by similar tragedies. Th…
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Introduction Brain injury is uncharted territory for many, you included! Finding reliable help that, well, actually helps ,is daunting if not impossible to find. Eric Kubeka has been there. In his desperation to heal after a TBI he found functional medicine providers that actually helped his brain fog, memory issues, mental health challenges, etc. …
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Intro After brain injury, some of us are left with limbs and bodies that no longer function the way we are used to. Others have neurologic disorders that do something similar. One condition that does this is called dystonia. Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscles to spasm and contract resulting in abnormal postures, twisting, and repet…
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Introduction A small subset of hemorrhagic stroke survivors never find out what caused their bleeds. This is call perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although very rare, this episode has three survivors , Alison, Cheryl, and Eryn, who have found each other and have helped each through their recoveries. Having a community that have experience…
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After brain injury returning to your world can be daunting. You feel different, you are different so how do you rejoin your social circles or make new ones? In this episode Alison and Eryn talk about their experiences re-establishing social lives post brain injuries. They provide helpful insights and tips they have learned along the way that really…
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Intro Have you ever thought about how the doctors know what treatments to use to diagnose and treat your brain aneurysm? Research obviously creates this but where does the money come from? A major source of funding comes through public policy and the federal government. The Bee Foundation has a strong presence on Capitol Hill through their work wit…
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Intro So you had the big bad thing happen... and now you have a brain injury. You’re in every form of rehab doing the work to build yourself. An often overlooked part of brain injury recovery is finding others who have been there. Connecting with those who have lived experience helps lessen the feelings of isolation that come when your brain is no …
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The third in our brain aneurysm awareness month series does not disappoint! Gia Patel a teenage survivor of a brain aneurysm rupture comes on to talk about her experience and how she transformed it into an educational campaign supporting accurate diagnosis of childhood aneurysms. She also gives advice on storytelling, highlighting its importance fo…
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Summary In this conversation, Tawnie, an aneurysm survivor, shares her experience of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. She discusses the symptoms she experienced leading up to her aneurysm rupture and the challenges she faced in getting proper medical attention. Tawnie emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and the need for better aw…
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Welcome to brain aneurysm awareness month! For the month of September, Making Headway Podcast and the The Bee Foundation have partnered to provide a month of episodes exploring resources for brain aneurysm survivors and caregivers. We will also be featuring more great survivor stories and advice. Today’s episode speaks with Erin Kreszel and Christi…
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Introduction This is the episode we have been searching for! We highly recommend it for anyone struggling to get the recovery results they hope for post brain injury. In today’s episode, Aaron Cloutier, Doctor of Chiropractics and Anna Blash an Upledger trained craniosacral therapist, massage therapist, and somatoemotional release expert guide us o…
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Did you know, 10% of people in the US under the age of 45 experience having a stroke? In this episode, Alison and Eryn interview of childhood survivor of AVM rupture, Andrew Penarubia. Andrew is the one and only intern for Making Headway Podcast. His claim to fame didn’t start there though. Since being left with only one fully functioning hand he h…
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Feeling isolated after your diagnosis? Finding your tribe is life altering and tremendously helpful in facilitating your treatment and recovery from brain surgery and bleeds. TAAF is The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, a foundation focused on supporting brain bleed survivors, grieving families, caregivers, and research. In this episode, Eryn interview…
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Summary Did you know there are more than 5.3 million individuals in the U.S who are living with a permanent brain injury-related disability? That's 1 in every 60 people. In today's episode, Eryn updates everyone on where she has been and how she has been doing over the past few years. She shares with us her struggle with depression, the impact of C…
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Intro Welcome Back! Season Three is starting strong with a kick ass survivor and our new co-host Alison House. In today's episode, both Alison and Eryn go over their experiences as well as the many obstacles they face as stroke survivors. They share their experiences on how standing firm in their faith, showing gratitude, and spending time in natur…
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Summary Season 3 of the Making Headway podcast is about to begin!! Fun things are in store as there is a new co-host joining Eryn. Welcome Alison House! Both Eryn and Alison are brain injury survivors and nurses, bringing a unique perspective to the show. They will continue to interview brain injury survivors who have achieved amazing things in the…
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Our last episode of the podcast is definitely not the least! We’ve heard from so many of our listeners and have personally experienced just how much brain injuries can affect our mental health. From overstimulation to irritability; emotionality to anxiety; impulsiveness to depression; brain injuries really change how our minds work! In this episode…
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Are you looking for community post brain injury? Are you trying to develop and become the new you? Do you need support? Look no further than Heal the Brain. Heal the Brain is a non profit offering active, virtual experiences that empower survivors with practical resources and social support. Through their workshops, Heal the Brain connects brain in…
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Recovering from post concussion symptoms? Then we don’t need to tell you how challenging that can be. Melissa Biscardi, osteopath and registered nurse joins us from the Rehab Lab to talk about recovery. In her practice, she focuses on treating concussion through movement, vestibular training, nutrition, and mental health. Listen to learn about trea…
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After your brain injury, have you felt scarred by the medical community? Do you feel yourself pulling away from others, having intrusive thoughts, avoiding medical appointments, having increased anxiety about your health, or having trouble focusing on your appointments? You may be experiencing Medical PTSD. In today’s episode we have Emily Parks wh…
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At Making Headway Podcast, we love to talk with people about different tools in their recovery toolbox. In today’s episode, we talk with TBI survivor Adrian Treadway. She shares her experience with using CBD as a recovery aide. Adrian has found CBD assists with pain, sleep, focus, and mental clarity. Learn tips from Adrian, the CBD connoisseur, on …
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Did you think you had heard of all the different types of therapy by now? We just discovered one more– craniosacral therapy! Craniosacral works with the body’s innate ability to self correct to homeostasis. It is a tool of consciousness helping you connect with your energy and your body’s ability to heal. Amy Mercury’s role as a craniosacral therap…
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Recovering from a brain injury is a physically and emotionally trying time. Addressing both your physical and mental health helps you get the most out of your therapy. Dr. Nidhi Shah, physical therapist fromYour Movement Specialist knows this all too well. In this week’s episode, Nidhi gives us tips to ground ourselves, strategies for better sleep,…
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Boom! You have a brain injury. Life as you knew it is forever changed. Your brain injury is a time of rebirth; a time to become something greater. Kyle Mengelkamp of Stroke of Genius joins us in this episode to talk about our potential. He introduces the concepts of resilience, mentorship, perseverance, vulnerability, and curiosity for all your lif…
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Struggling with debilitating headaches? Have migraines taken over your life? There is hope beyond medications or elimination diets! Fasting has the potential to decrease brain fog, increase alertness, repair neurons, improve gut health, eliminate headaches and more. Today, Susannah Juteau MSc, CLT, RD talks with us about the benefits of therapeutic…
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Managing emotions can stump anybody. The ante is upped post injury since trouble regulating our emotions is a common side effect of brain injury. Elle Gargano and Eryn talk about their struggles and lessons learned through their experiences with emotional dysregulation. They get into it all; the anxiety, the ‘tantrums,’ trauma responses, and panic …
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Depression is so real for many of us post injury. It robs us of feeling joy and part of life. It takes tremendous courage and strength to persevere and feel your sense of worth again. In today’s survivor story, Brooke talks about how he was able to reinvent himself post injury all while dealing with depression. He has used his experience to increas…
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Struggling to feel energized and well post brain injury? Are you finding that you process and think differently? Michelle Rusk of Coastal Speech Therapy and Wellness addresses all of these things through providing speech therapy with a wellness coach’s touch. Not only can she address apraxia, aphasia, cognitive and executive function issues, but he…
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Are you looking for ways to increase your brain health but are unsure of where to start? In this week’s episode of Making Headway Podcast, Heather Van Tassel from Neuro Fit for Life joins us to talk about the 4 pillars of brain health and concussion recovery. Her approach to coaching people back to wellness post injury includes mindset, nutrition, …
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The last in our series on relationships is definitely not the least! This week we talk with Felice LaZae and Joe Borges from the NeuroNerds podcast. They share the wisdom they have gained that came out of the trauma. From gaining perspective on priorities to reprogramming old ways of being that no longer work for you, Joe and Felice touch on it all…
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The second in our series on relationships; Ryan and Anna Teal come on to share their journey. Ryan suffered a stroke that caused apraxia and aphasia. He and Anna have worked together as a couple to establish new communication patterns and roles within their relationship. They are a shining example of how a willingness to flexibly support each other…
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February. The month of commercialized love aka Valentines Day. While buying chocolates and teddy bears is a questionable way to show you love someone; it is a good reminder that we need to show support and be vocal about appreciating those who love us, especially those who have stood by us in our worst moments. Brain injury is a unique circumstance…
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What can we say about Michael Shutt?? His kindness and compassion shine through in this heartwarming interview. Michael is a three-time, over-achieving stroke victim. He used his experience to write one of the most powerful depictions of stroke and what it is like to recover from one that I have ever heard. His one man show, A Lesson in Swimming, i…
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What should you look for in a good rehab therapist? How do you find a good neuro recovery clinic? This episode is a must listen for therapists and patients! Today, Marabeth and Danielle from Expanded Practice explain their ideals surrounding good therapy. Positive mindset in both the patient and the therapist forms the basis of successful therapeut…
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This. Episode. It has hit more glitches than any other one! Sound quality and late posting aside, this is one of our best! It’s a metaphor for how life is. Rewarding experiences oftentimes require the most work. It is these hard times that end up giving us the most value; as brain injury survivors we understand this all too well! Sara Tucker Howe i…
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A first ever solo episode! Join Eryn as she delves into all the skills that have helped her post brain injury. Listen to learn more about pacing, the value of a broad support team, monopolizing on your new ‘slower’ brain, and for some awesome pod, book, and movie recommendations. You won’t want to miss this one. It’s all that and a bag of tricks! (…
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We’re BAAAAAACCCKKK! And better than ever! Check out Season 2, episode 40 to find out what Mariah and Eryn have been up to and where the show is headed in 2022. Also, tune in for some great, hard-earned advice on how to help yourself and others dealing with brain injury along with what to look for in a healthcare provider. These lessons have come h…
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Have you had trouble describing what you are experiencing post brain injury? Is it hard for you to connect what makes symptoms better or worse? Felicia and Allie know first hand how hard it is to gain self-awareness, understand your new self, communicate your experience with others, and get the help you need. Their own personal journeys with brain …
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In a world where being fast and pushing through exhaustion is everything, the slow down after a brain injury is especially jarring. Hannah Halvorsen, professional ski racer on the US Cross Country Ski Team, joins us to share what brain injury has taught her. Take a listen to our talk on how awareness, acceptance, appreciation, kindness, support, an…
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We survivors understand the world in a different way. We have found that the worst of times shape you in a fundamental way like nothing else can. The silver linings are plentiful. Building a life after injury that holds these new perspectives in the forefront takes courage and an openness to become something new. Elle Gargano has taken her experien…
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