Living With TBI.

After 53 years of waiting, the New York Knicks are NBA champions — and for those of us living with a traumatic brain injury, a moment this big hits differently. In this solo episode, I'm talking about what the Knicks' championship meant to me personally, how the excitement, the crowds, and the emotional rollercoaster affected my TBI symptoms, and what I learned from simply letting myself feel joy.We spend so much of life with TBI in survival mode — managing symptoms, fighting through hard days, and bracing for the next setback. But the Knicks reminded me of something important: we have to take our wins. Absorb them. Sit in them. Let them fill us up. Whether it's a championship or a small personal victory, those moments matter — and we deserve to receive them fully.

This is a story about resilience, patience, and finding new paths forward when the old ones no longer work.

Reading has been challenging since my TBI.

It takes no effort to be kind and helpful.

I've noticed that more TBI survivors are beginning to share their stories on podcast.

I had to deal with a few issues during my trip to Spain. Thankfully I prevailed.

Having TBI means working harder to achieve simple task.

Going to the gym has been a great remedy for my TBI.

Our surroundings can add to our TBI disabilities. Do all you can to keep your head clear from them.

It's been a while.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holidays. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I had a tough time dealing with my mood swings. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

You just can't find a way to start something you'd like to do. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Nap time is back. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I continue to talk about the things I miss doing before my TBI. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I would like to hear from you. Let me know what you miss most since TBI. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Also, ever forget something and you panicked? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I will explain how a good community is helpful. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Sometimes pushing yourself isn't the best idea. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Those of us who live with TBI are always learning new ways to make adjustments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

A new MRI reinforces what I already knew. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

My time in the Philippines. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

This is the time of year when we get to see family members we haven't seen in a while. Those of us with TBI have a lot to think about before deciding if we can handle these events. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I don't have a theme for this episode, but I wanted to get things off my chest. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

We must learn to enjoy the small victories when we earn them. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Ever since my brain injury, I've had to learn how to live without some of my favorite activities. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I have been struggling to stay motivated. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

A friend of mine gave me advice that I would like to share with you. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

An update regarding my vision issue. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I lost vision on my left eye while driving. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I didn't include the voice message from Julie because I forgot to get her consent. I found this great Facebook page about TBI and other concussion related topics. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/164998687455984 . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I took a trip to Madrid and learned new things about my TBI. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

I talk about my new lifestyle change. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

The saying that music soothes the soul has never been more true. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

Here is a story about my experience with a neurologist that works for the insurance company. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jose-betancourt2/support

A lot has happened since my last episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I was evaluated by several doctors this week. The diagnosis I received was interesting. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I can't help but feel like I am a burden to my family and friends. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

My first flight since being injured was not a walk in the park. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I discovered my limits during a trip to Florida. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I have a story about a visit to a crowded restaurant. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I talk about my most recent visits with my cognitive therapist. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I've had an interesting holiday. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

A ruling will change how I live my life, going forward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

Ever since my TBI, I have had issues walking. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

#TBI has made driving at night a horrible experience. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I have discovered the importance of a daily routine. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

I'm recording this episode in the parking lot of the hospital that is doing my wife's surgery. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

- My wife is feeling better and is prepping for surgery to remove a tumor. - I am back to taking anti-anxiety medication - I am still fighting to get better. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

It's been 1 year and 10 months since my accident and I continue to deal with pain, and learning disabilities. The pain has gotten worse over the last month. I was declined benefits again, and I will explain why. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support

Lot's of new obstacles have made my recovery from TBI extremely challenging. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jose-betancourt2/support