And Then It Hit Me Podcast

In this week’s episode, I interview Dianna Fong-Lee.  She wears two hats: one as an occupational therapist and the other as the Program Co-ordinator of the Occupational Therapy Assistant/Physiotherapy Assistant (OTA/PTA) at Conestoga College. She worked as an occupational therapist in a clinic for ten years across patients lifespan during her time there. Her main focus was on assistive technology and helping people with communication difficulties. Over the past twenty-five years she’s worked as an educator.  I’ve also had the honour of being one of her students. Her mission has been to educate the youth of tomorrow about lowering the stigma around disabilities, which has also been a big passion of mine. I love her message and I think you will too.

In this week's episode, I interview McKay Thompson. She shares her story about having to deal with chronic pain and different health problems since the age of 7 which was recently was diagnosed as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)/ Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). On top of that she has been In more than one manipulative relationship which resulted in her seeking professional counselling. Due to all this she suffers from severe PTSD and depression, but is thankful to finally be receiving some answers to the endless testing and doctors appointments.  She is incredibly strong and such an inspiration. She is proof that there is hope for all sufferers with chronic pain and PTSD.

On this week’s episode, I am interviewing Ryan Klassen. Ryan is no stranger to dealing with trauma and setbacks. Since the early age of 7 where he was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, then at the ages 9-11 fought through cancer and then was in a severe car accident at the age of 27. Despite his short physical recovery the mental recovery from his brain injury is something ongoing that he learning to deal with. He talks about the importance of having a good support system during recovery and how helpful he has found the community resources available.  

In this week's episode, I interview Laura Nordfelt. Laura is a caregiver to her husband who 9 years ago was in a motor cycle accident. This left him with many broken bones on the right side of his body and a very serious Traumatic Brain Injury. Before the accident they were a couple who worked hard, but played even harder, enjoying adventure and a lot of travel. After the accident the biggest challenge was adjusting to their new way of life. In the podcast Laura touches base on the biggest challenges of being a care giver, the importance of selfcare and how to cope with a loved one experiencing a life changing accident.

In this week's episode, I interview Jessy Munch who two years ago was in a serious dirt bike accident.  This left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), diffuse axonal injury (DAI) and very lucky to be alive. She has also been sober since February 26, 2017.  She is learning to effectively conserve her energy and choosing which activities to participate in.  Her positive attitude, bubbly personality and determination is an inspiration to me and this makes her a great example to all in the midst of recovery. 

In this week's episode, I talk to Sierra Badgley who has grown up with, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, then in 2015 she was in a severe dirt bike accident. She now suffers from Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) which contributes to her anxiety and depression, but despite all of this she does not let this stop her.  She is an ambassador for Anxiety Canada and is currently working on her diploma for, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)/Physiotherapy Assistant (PTAA) program. 

In this week's episode, I speak to Ackel Cupid a Transformation Coach from Toronto who discusses his serious accident he had 13 years ago just 6 months after moving to Canada from the Caribbean. His real passion was soccer and he dreamed of one day becoming a huge soccer star, but that was all derailed after he was hit as a pedestrian. He talks about the many obstacles and change of mindset he had to overcome during his recovery.  But his main motivation was getting back to his "love in life" soccer.

In this week's episode, I discuss why I've been gone for such an extended period of time and what is to come!

In this week's episode, Frances-Rose interviews Nick Francis, a fighter in the ring and a true fighter in this place called life. Nick hardly survived a tragic accident at only 16 years old but fought with everything he had in him. As he enters adulthood, he now shares his incredible journey as a motivational speaker, boxer and gentleman. 

In this week's episode, Frances-Rose interviews Dr. Bernard Ogbiti, Father, Husband, CEO of Strange Fitness and COO of SafeCare Wellness. Dr. Ogbiti is an established and well-rounded medical professional based in Toronto, passionate about the medical, physical and mental wellness of his community and beyond. He talks about what drives his passion and the importance of seeking medical and mental care when needed - he is a patient himself and shares the benefits of having the support he needs. Listen to Dr. Ogbiti's incredible journey!

In this week's episode, Frances-Rose interviews Bryan St. Louis, Father, Husband, Pastor, Fitness Enthusiast and Survivor from the passing of his first-born baby. While Bryan and his wife encountered much pain and heartache, they survived this traumatic experience and overcame the obstacles that were thrown at them. With much faith in their future, they grew closer together and gave birth to their second new-born baby boy. Tune in to hear about this inspiring family.

In today's episode, Frances-Rose interviews Stephen Bianchin, a 25-year old Author, Motivational Speaker and inspiring Survivor who speaks to us about holding on to hope in the face of adversity. Steve experienced a serious car accident, which placed him in a coma with life threatening injuries. He was diagnosed with a catastrophic brain injury, and his parents were told that he had little hope of surviving the injuries. When Steve regained consciousness from his coma, he could not talk, sit, walk, read, write, give a thumbs up or even remember his life and family. The Doctors diagnosed Steve with Permanent Vegetative State, however, his mother, Louisa Bianchin, refused to believe it and held on to the day of his full recovery. Steve's healing journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks and successes.  

In this week's episode, Lindsay interviews Dalton Laino and Will Nicholson, two recently graduated physiotherapist in Canada. They share their experience’s thus far from being students working in placements through school and now working as physiotherapist’s at the clinic. They speak about the importance for survivors of trauma to advocate for themselves and find the best possible team to work with to help them meet their goals. Dalton and Will on top of their busy work schedules have an amazing podcast called, ‘The MVMT PT Coffeecast.’ Check them out on Instagram and Facebook @themvmtpts !!!

In this week's episode, Frances-Rose speaks to Isaac Levy, a functional strengthening and conditioning coach, and Founder of Strolf 2.0. Strolf is well-known to celebrities, NHL, NBA, PGA, and LPG professional athletes. Strolf is a private boutique fitness and wellness studio catering to discerning fitness enthusiasts seeking to achieve higher levels of personal vitality.Whether your goal is to get in shape and stay in shape, to lose weight and improve nutrition, or to end chronic pain – Strolf is for you. Strolf’s elite team of fitness and medical professionals are committed to client physical excellence by improving strength and endurance, stability and flexibility, balance, symmetry, alignment and nutrition through individualized programs designed to achieve the goals of each specific individual. 

In this week's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose speak to Michelle Wolfe. Michelle speaks to us about her experience as a caregiver while she was growing up and how it influenced her decision to start a career in health and wellness.  She speaks about how she balances work and life with her busy schedule.  She is the founder of Muv Forward podcast, which she recently started as another way to give back and help more people. 

In this week's episode, Frances-Rose interviews Leslyn and John, her closest friends from childhood and the first two individuals to arrive at the hospital on the night of the accident. The accident has taken a toll on the natural dynamic of their friendship - they took months apart to reconcile and connect on the challenges they all faced throughout Frances-Rose's recovery. 

In this week's episode, Lindsay speaks to her sister, Amy who was one of her caregivers during her recovery.  Amy speaks about the challenges of being a caregiver and how its important it is to take care of yourself first in order to be able to help out someone else.  She also speaks about how challenging it was to see your own family member going through such a recovery and the many ups and downs there were along the way. 

In this week's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose introduce their Emotional Support Animals (ESA), Bella and Twizzler. An ESA is a companion animal that is intended to provide some benefit for a person disabled by a mental health condition or emotional disorder. Lindsay and Frances-Rose speak the benefits of having an ESA. 

In today's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose continue the conversation with Holly Kidder. In this episode, she speaks about the importance and stigma around the disabled. She also offers some advice to other Caregivers and mothers of children who've experienced trauma, like her sweet son Chase. 

In today's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose speak to Holly Kidder. Holly is a Caregiver to her now 19 year old son, Chase.  In this episode, she speaks about how the accident has changed her plans for the future and put a lot of uncertainty around what is next. She speaks about how she is accepting her new "norm." She also speaks about the importance of celebrating the small achievements along her sons road to recovery. 

In today's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose speak to Lindsay's friend from Elementary School Meredith de Ruiter.  Meredith speaks about her struggle with anxiety and how she has learned to cope.  Meredith is an Elementary School teacher and speaks about the importance of making mental health a positive topic of discussion amongst students and teachers.  We talk about how the word 'disability' could be changed to the word 'diagnosis' in hopes that this helps students be the best that they can be! 

In today's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose have an open discussion about mental health. They discuss how mental health had an impact on their recovery and how it persists today. Listen up and hear how they deal with it on a daily basis. 

In this week's episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose have a candid conversation with Shawna Simons.  Shawna, Frances-Rose's dearest friend and acting caregiver, comes to us all the way from Kingston, Jamaica. She talks about the struggles of being remote during Frances-Rose's recovery and what she's learned from this experience.  

In this episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose interview Lea Arlington, a victim of a car accident, based in New Jersey.  She is a hard working single mom of three children who talks about the struggles of rehabilitation, juggling insurance/financial obstacles and accepting her new 'norm'!

In this episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose interview Carlo Balagasay, Co-Founder of Strength-N-U (SNU) with a black belt in martial arts and formerly an engineer by trade. SNU is Frances-Rose's rehab clinic, and Carlo talks about what inspired him to build SNU from the ground up! He also speaks to the difference between clinics and finding the right fit for you.

In this episode, Lindsay and Frances-Rose interview their very first guests, Karina Romano and Evan Romano.  Karina gave birth to an incredible survivor, Evan, at only 25 weeks! Listen to Evan's difficult journey as he approaches his fourth birthday in coming weeks!

In this episode, Frances-Rose Sotto, Co-Founder of And Then It Hit Me (ATIHM), shares her story about her Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) on May 31, 2016. She speaks about the her journey to recovery and how it has impacted her mental health. Celebrate every little win and every milestone - recovery takes patience and everything you've got! 

In this episode, Lindsay Sproat, Co-Founder of And Then It Hit Me (ATIHM), shares her story about her Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) on November 3rd, 2015, and speaks about the wild roller coaster ride it's been. While she is still on this road to recovery, she emphasizes that we should not take anything in life for granted because you never know what's going to hit you next!