Podcasts about AVM

Rebuilding Life After Stroke: Why You Can’t Go Back – And Why That’s the Point There’s a moment in stroke recovery that almost every survivor reaches. You look at the person you used to be. Your job, your relationships, your body, your identity, and you realise something that nobody prepared you for: you can’t get that person back. The question is what you do next. Greg Graham knows this moment intimately. An AVM (Arteriovenous Malformation), a rare tangle of blood vessels in the brain, changed the course of his life in an instant. What followed wasn’t just physical recovery. It was the hardest work of rebuilding everything from the ground up. What an AVM Stroke Takes From You An arteriovenous malformation stroke happens when a cluster of abnormal blood vessels ruptures in the brain. Unlike ischaemic strokes caused by a clot, AVM strokes involve bleeding into the brain. The consequences depend heavily on where the bleed occurs, and for Greg, the impact was severe. In the immediate aftermath, Greg found himself isolated. Six weeks of recovery largely alone. Relationships fractured under the weight of what had happened. The losses were not just physical; they were existential. The life he had built, piece by piece, was no longer available to him. “I’ve lost everything. I don’t see a way forward.” This is the thought that lives underneath so much of early stroke recovery. It’s not self-pity. It’s the honest reckoning that comes when the gap between who you were and who you now are becomes impossible to ignore. Why “Getting Back to Normal” Is the Wrong Goal The dominant narrative around stroke recovery in hospitals, in rehabilitation settings, in well-meaning conversations with family is built around return. Return to work. Return to independence. Return to your life. But for many survivors, this framing creates a wall they can never climb. The person they’re trying to return to doesn’t exist anymore. The brain has changed. The body has changed. The world has shifted in ways that can’t be reversed. Greg’s insight, hard-won through the kind of experience that can’t be faked, is that rebuilding life after a stroke isn’t about restoration. It’s about construction. Not returning to a previous blueprint, but laying new foundations with the materials you actually have. What Rebuilding Actually Looks Like Rebuilding after a stroke is rarely dramatic. It’s the accumulation of small decisions made under enormous pressure. It’s choosing to engage with rehabilitation when nothing in your body wants to cooperate. It’s finding a reason to get out of bed when the reasons that used to work have stopped working. For Greg, the path through began with a fundamental shift in framing. Instead of measuring recovery by what had been lost, he began to ask a different question: what is actually possible from here? That question is deceptively simple. But it’s the foundation on which real recovery is built. Because once you stop trying to recreate the past, you free up everything you have to build something new. The Identity Question Nobody Asks One of the least-discussed dimensions of stroke recovery is identity. Who are you now? Not in a philosophical sense, in a practical, daily, operational sense. If your work defined you, and stroke took your ability to do that work, who are you on a Tuesday morning? Greg’s experience speaks directly to this. The construction of a new identity after a stroke doesn’t happen overnight. It isn’t a single breakthrough moment. It’s a slow, deliberate process of discovering what you still are and what you’re becoming. This is why Greg Graham calls himself the AVM Superhero. Not because recovery was easy, but because naming what you’ve survived and choosing to carry it with you rather than hiding from it is itself a form of strength. Listen to the Full Conversation Episode 405 of the Recovery After Stroke podcast is available on all major platforms. Greg’s story is one that will resonate with anyone who has faced the impossible question of rebuilding when going back is not an option. You can also find more resources at Bill’s book, The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened, a practical guide to recovery and personal transformation written from lived experience. If this show has helped you on your recovery journey, you can support it at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. The post Greg Graham – AVM Superhero: How He Rebuilt Life After Losing Everything appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

On today's episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks to Paul Gigliotti, CEO of California MBA, to talk about how the association is working with the governor's office on a financing solution to rebuild homes affected by the wildfires. The two also discuss the appointment of Rohit Chopra to head the state's new Business and Consumer Services Agency. Related to this episode: Rohit Chopra to head California consumer services agency HousingWire | YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More info about HousingWire The Top 5: MBA urges rollback of mortgage rules as rates stay high FHA targets flipping rule repeal and AVM reforms Rocket Mortgage, Redfin launch homebuyer savings program Policies to Unlock Housing Supply and Boost Affordability Why a 2008 housing crash can't happen again To learn more about Total Expert click here. The HousingWire Daily podcast brings the full picture of the most compelling stories in the housing market reported across HousingWire. Each morning, listen to editor in chief Sarah Wheeler talk to leading industry voices and get a deeper look behind the scenes of the top mortgage and real estate.

What happens when your brain is a literal ticking time bomb and nobody tells you until it goes off? Meet Martin. At 16, he was just a normal kid until a rare brain malformation (AVM) ruptured, sending him into a month-long coma where he "tripped balls" to a Lil Wayne soundtrack provided by the ICU staff. But the rupture was only the beginning. After a grueling months long recovery he got hit with a second rupture, a brain infection, and a medical error so bad he was left with "Sunken Bone Flap Syndrome". A condition where atmospheric pressure literally pushed his scalp into his brain. It's a story about hitting rock bottom multiple times and finding the "gains" every single time you climb back out.Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

What happens when your brain is a literal ticking time bomb and nobody tells you until it goes off? Meet Martin. At 16, he was just a normal kid until a rare brain malformation (AVM) ruptured, sending him into a month-long coma where he "tripped balls" to a Lil Wayne soundtrack provided by the ICU staff. But the rupture was only the beginning. After a grueling months long recovery he got hit with a second rupture, a brain infection, and a medical error so bad he was left with "Sunken Bone Flap Syndrome". A condition where atmospheric pressure literally pushed his scalp into his brain. It's a story about hitting rock bottom multiple times and finding the "gains" every single time you climb back out.Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

AVM Burst in the Brain: A Recovery Story of Patience, Aphasia, and Finding Your Way Back Jennifer Tomscha was 39, driving her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter home from preschool, when an AVM burst in her brain. She felt a wash of dizziness first. Then her vision started collapsing on the right side. She pulled onto a narrow verge on the highway between Greytown and Carterton in New Zealand, tried to reach her husband, got no answer, and dialled 111 instead. When the dispatcher asked what was wrong, she said something she still can’t fully explain: “I think I’m having a stroke.” She didn’t know yet that she had two arteriovenous malformations in her left frontal lobe — one discrete, one diffuse. She didn’t know that within hours she’d be helicoptered to Wellington Hospital for an emergency craniotomy, or that the following Monday a neurosurgeon named Dr. Woon would spend thirty hours trying to remove both malformations from her brain. She just knew something was wrong, and that her daughter was in the back seat, and that she couldn’t keep driving. That moment — pulling over, self-diagnosing, refusing the urge to simply lie down and rest — may be the reason she’s alive. What happens when an AVM bursts in the brain An arteriovenous malformation is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels that connects arteries directly to veins, bypassing the capillary network that normally regulates blood flow. Most people with an AVM never know they have one. But when an AVM bursts in the brain, blood floods into surrounding tissue at high pressure, and the consequences are almost always severe: haemorrhagic stroke, seizures, sudden neurological deficits, and in many cases, death. Jennifer’s first surgery controlled the bleeding. The second, five days later, was supposed to remove both malformations. It didn’t go as planned. The surgical team discovered that blood flow to the first AVM was feeding the second one, causing the brain around it to swell. Dr. Woon had to make an impossible decision in the middle of the operation: let her die, or remove a portion of healthy brain tissue along with the malformation. He chose to keep her alive. The surgery took thirty hours. When it was finally over, he called her husband and said, “Well, you’ll be lucky if she talks.” The six weeks she can’t remember Jennifer has no memories of the first six weeks after her AVM burst. She was in a medically induced coma for the surgery, then in intensive care, then transferred to rehabilitation. Everything she knows about that period has been told to her by other people. When her memory started returning, she found herself in a rehabilitation ward in Masterton, using adult nappies, unable to sit up in bed. The front of her skull had been removed and wouldn’t be replaced for months. She wore a protective helmet whenever she walked. And yet — she insists — she felt fine. [Quote block — mid-article] “I kept saying, ‘I’m okay, I’m fine. You guys should just take it easy around me.’ But of course, I wasn’t really fine.” — Jennifer Tomscha The honest recognition of what had happened to her didn’t come for almost two years. It took that long for her brain to have enough capacity to think about her brain. The myth of the one-year recovery window Most stroke survivors are told, either directly or by implication, that the first year matters most. That after twelve months, improvements slow. That after two years, you’ve plateaued. Jennifer’s experience — and the experience of nearly every long-term survivor interviewed on this podcast — contradicts that narrative. Four years after her AVM burst, she is still discovering what recovery means. Her academic writing, once her profession as the Director of the Writing Program at NYU Shanghai, doesn’t flow the way it used to. She can’t recall songs from memory anymore, or sing the ones she used to sing. Her aphasia shows up most at night, when she’s tired. She still takes an afternoon nap most days. But she’s also finishing a PhD. She can read as well as she ever could. She’s speaking, articulately, in a podcast interview eighty minutes long. And the parts of recovery she thought had stopped improving are, quietly, still improving. What Jennifer wants other survivors to know Her advice, offered near the end of the conversation, is short and unsparing: “You can rest, and that’s okay. You can be as slow as you want to be, and that’s also okay. But don’t give up. Just keep going — at whatever pace feels right.” It’s a rejection of both the productivity culture that tells survivors to push harder and the clinical culture that tells them to accept their limits. Recovery, for Jennifer, isn’t a race against a deadline. It’s a long, patient process of finding out what comes back and learning to live fully with whatever doesn’t. Bill’s book and community If Jennifer’s story resonates with you, Bill Gasiamis’s book — The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened To — explores the same territory: the slow, unexpected, sometimes beautiful work of rebuilding a life after a brain event. Get the book here Readers who want to support the podcast and connect with the community of survivors it serves can do so at Patreon. Support on Patreon This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Jennifer Tomscha: An AVM Burst in Her Brain at 39, and the Four-Year Climb Back to Herself She self-diagnosed her own stroke while driving with her daughter. Four years on, she’s still discovering what recovery really means. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Background 10:00 Reflections on the Experience 18:00 Long-term Effects and Adaptations 26:45 Identity and Self-Perception Post-Stroke 38:48 The Long Game of Recovery 51:07 The Journey of Recovery 01:03:42 The Evolution of the Podcast Transcript: Introduction and Background: AVM Burst in the Brain Jennifer Tomscha (00:00) Dr. Woon was my neurosurgeon. And he just said, I’ll never do another surgery like that ever again. it was really long. And I think he definitely had made me worse. Like they had taken out. too much of my normal brain. when he called my husband after the surgery was over, Dr. Woon said like, well, you’ll be lucky if she talks. he was just so discouraged from how the AVM surgery went. when I finally talked to him on Zoom. was so you And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah, of course I can. He was like, will you show me? and I walked up and down the room and he was like laughing so hard at my being able to walk. He was like so enthusiastic about it. Bill Gasiamis (00:44) Welcome back everybody. I am Bill Gassiomas and my guest today is Jennifer Tomche. In March, 2022, Jennifer was 39 years old living in New Zealand, finishing the first year of a PhD program when something happened to her brain that changed everything. What followed was a medical emergency unlike anything I’ve heard described on this podcast and a recovery story that quietly dismantles one of the most damaging myths in stroke survivor community. That after a certain point, the window for improvement closes. Jennifer is four years out from what happened to her. She still takes an afternoon nap every day. She still notices the edges of what her brain can and can’t do. And she is also finishing a PhD, raising two children and speaking with a clarity and warmth that will stop you in your tracks. This is a conversation about what it actually means to play the long game and why might be the most important thing any survivor can do. Before we get into it, if this podcast has been part of your recovery journey, I’d love for you to check out my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened, at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And a genuine thank you to everyone supporting this work on Patreon. If you wanted to support the show, you can go to patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. really helps me keep the conversation going. Let’s get into it. Bill Gasiamis (02:12) Jennifer Tomscha welcome to the podcast. Jennifer Tomscha (02:14) Thank you. I’m glad to be here. Bill Gasiamis (02:17) It’s lovely to have a local with me. Usually all my guests are from the United States or Canada or the United Kingdom. You’re just a hop, skip and a jump away in New Zealand. Jennifer Tomscha (02:20) Yeah. Mm hmm. Yep. Yep. I’m American originally, but we moved here in 2020. So ⁓ we I’m grew up in Iowa. And then and then I after but we were living in Shanghai for us for almost seven years, my husband and I were living in Shanghai and I was teaching at New York University, Shanghai and then when COVID happened in China. Bill Gasiamis (02:35) Where are we from in America? Jennifer Tomscha (02:54) they told us to leave the country because it was where it started. So, and we had two kids, so my husband didn’t want to go back to the United States. And so my sister lives in New Zealand. So we moved here and then we just stayed here. mm-hmm. So, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (03:11) So in China, was it just a request? Was it a directive? What was the situation? Jennifer Tomscha (03:18) From New York University, they said if you weren’t a Chinese national citizen, they strongly urged us to leave because they just didn’t know how they were gonna manage it. everyone, mean, in China, they had had SARS in the early 2000s, so they had already had it. And so right away, everyone had their masks on. They were ready to… go and I was like, I want to get out of here. So we went to New Zealand and they also had a lockdown, but it was just for a month and then everyone could wander around because the virus was not here. we just stayed and I got into this PhD program. So that’s why we’re still in New Zealand. Bill Gasiamis (04:00) Wow. That kind of brings us to the first question I ask most people these days is what was life like before stroke? So there was a little bit of stuff going on. was, work in China. There was a bit of, ⁓ travel from the United States to China. was children, but daily life. What, what was that like before the stroke? Jennifer Tomscha (04:21) When I saw my stroke happened in March of 2022 and at that time I had been in my PhD program for about a year. And I was just finishing up my research proposal. And so I was doing that during the day and my kids were both at, I have an older son who was in second grade year two. And then I have a daughter who was in preschool. And so my days were I dropped them off at their schools and then I would work for a little while. And then I would. go and get them. So, and then they would come home and we would do all the other stuff in parenting. And my husband at that time was working at the library. So he had, he was at the libraries from nine to five every day. So he was at work. And that’s what, that’s what we were doing. Yeah. When I had my stroke. I was busy trying to finish up this research proposal. And then, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (05:14) 39 years old at the time as well. Jennifer Tomscha (05:16) Yes, was 39. Bill Gasiamis (05:18) any signs, any kind of inkling that something was not right. Jennifer Tomscha (05:23) I didn’t, weirdly, so I’m trying to think about, my whole life I’ve had this thing where if, especially at just certain points if I hit my, this is maybe nothing to do with anything, but if I hit my elbow or my wrist, then I would pass out. And sometimes I would have like a little seizure while I was passing out. So wasn’t just like a regular fainting, it was like a seizure. And I had some of those in high school and I actually went to the, hospital for those at one point and I think they didn’t know what that was and they just did an EEG. I don’t even think we had an MRI where I lived. So I didn’t really know and then that sort of passed. But I was feeling when I have a daily journal that I was writing and when I go back and read that daily journal, the whole, for a couple months ahead of time, I was like, I just feel kind of weird. I don’t feel great. I feel like a little bit sick and I don’t know what’s wrong with me. And at that time they were allowing COVID to enter New Zealand. They were putting it in. So I was like, I think I might have COVID, but I took a bunch of tests. They were all negative. And then my stroke happened on Tuesday, but the Friday before I was so sick. And then that weekend I was really sick too. And then I got, like, I kind of felt like I woke up, I felt really nauseous. And then I felt better on Monday and Tuesday. And Tuesday was when my stroke happened. So I think that was all, it was all, think, my body reacting to, I was probably bleeding in my head at that time or something. mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (06:57) I got it. And we’re to have to go back and talk about how it was that when you got hit on your, on your wrist and your elbow, how hard was the hit? Jennifer Tomscha (07:05) I don’t know. Not super hard, I just, I don’t know what, I actually don’t know, and maybe it’s nothing to do with it. You know, maybe it’s something else in my body that I am prone to fainting. But I don’t know, I don’t really know why that, and maybe it wasn’t anything like that. But I had one day when I was 16 and I passed out three times and that did seem kind of funny. And I went to the doctor and I passed out while I was at the doctor’s office. So they were like, there’s nothing wrong with you. So they put me to the hospital. They did the EG. stayed the night. And then they were like, there’s nothing wrong with you. So that was it. But I think if nowadays they probably would have done an MRI, maybe, and they would have seen that I had my AVM and my whole life would have been different because I wouldn’t have done all the stuff that I’ve done now. Like my mom was like, if we had known you had had an AVM, you would have gone to school. in Sioux City, you know, or we would have done something to keep you nearby because we would be worried about you. Instead, I was just like, doing whatever I wanted to, which is good. Bill Gasiamis (08:14) Laze, but that’s kind of good. But also I get the preventative thing. One of the, my former guests had a daughter who had an AVM and I think she was five when she passed away from a bleed in the brain because of an AVM. That’s horrific. And one of the, it’s actually worth listening to that episode and it’s worth me interrupting this right now to jump on and find that episode so that I can share it with people. And this particular lady has made it her life’s mission to raise money, get an MRI machine and do preventative scans for people in case they have an AVM or some other undiagnosed neurological condition. I think it’s Gina. Gina Keely. OK, it’s. And her ⁓ foundation is now called the Paige Keeley Foundation, it’s the most heartbreaking story. It’s episode 141 and I’ll have the link in the show notes and I’ll have it in the YouTube description. So for anyone listening, jump back and have a look at that. And also maybe even consider supporting the foundation because the story is heartbreaking and the efforts that this lady is going to ensure that this doesn’t happen to other people is just amazing. So. I wanted to, I raised that because I had a, in 2011, no, no, in 2010, about 18 months before my actual AVM bled, I had a really terrible negative episode, nauseous, room spinning, like all the signs of stroke, but completely missed the, completely missed Jennifer Tomscha (09:47) Mm. Bill Gasiamis (09:55) the AVM when I went and actually had an MRI. So yeah, I went to the hospital, gave them my, rundown of what was happening to me and they were so switched on and they got me in and they did all the tests, but they didn’t find anything because they didn’t know what they were looking for. And there was no obvious sign of bleeding. So they didn’t dig deeper. And I have a friend of mine who is a radiographer who actually did my MRIs Jennifer Tomscha (09:58) ⁓ really? Mm. Reflections on the Experience Bill Gasiamis (10:22) when I was in hospital being treated after my AVM burst in 2012. And he said to me, the preventative stuff is very difficult because if you don’t specifically know what you’re testing for, you don’t know how to set up the machine and how many slices that it needs to take and at what resolution. So that when you deliver that to the radiologist and they’re looking at it, can they see an AVM and then pass that on? Jennifer Tomscha (10:37) Mmm Bill Gasiamis (10:49) that information onto the neurologist. They might even miss it, even though they’re doing MRI. But what Jena is doing, it sounds like they’re specifically going after aneurysms, AVMs, other malformations, and therefore they have kind of this better opportunity to find it. So if somebody is considering getting a preventative scan of their brain, you have to be very specific. Jennifer Tomscha (10:53) Bye. Bill Gasiamis (11:14) with the team of doctors, radiographers, neurologists, as to what you want them to look for and make sure that they adjust the scan so that it’s fit for purpose. Jennifer Tomscha (11:25) That’s interesting. That’s really interesting. Bill Gasiamis (11:26) Yeah. So what was the day of the stroke like? Was it, you said you’re feeling better on that Tuesday. Jennifer Tomscha (11:34) Mm-hmm. I had a good day. I have like lots of notes from my research proposal and I went to pick up. I don’t know why I did it this way actually. I went, my daughter’s preschool is in our town, Greytown, and I went and picked up her first and then I went to get my son. His school is a Montessori school. It’s in one town north. And so I went and got her and we were driving in the car and when I turned onto the highway that connects Greytown and Carterton, I just felt like a wash of dizziness and I started losing sight, I think, in my right eye. And it’s seven kilometers from Graytown to Carterton. And right before we got into Carterton, I pulled over onto the side of the highway. I tried, so by that time I think I had lost most of the sight in my one, my right eye. And so it wasn’t very long actually. And so I tried to call my husband, he didn’t answer. And then I just called 111 and I was like, I don’t know why I was like, I think I’m having a stroke, but I don’t know why I even thought that actually. Do know what I mean? I just, was like, something is wrong with me. And so my daughter was fussing in the back and, I don’t really remember anything after that. I don’t remember the paramedics coming. I don’t remember talking to anyone. but so when they, I think the police came first and then Then the paramedics came and they said I was nauseous, but talking a little bit. But then they moved me into the ambulance and, I started, choking and, or something, and they had to intubate me in the ambulance. And then they took me in. I was helicoptered off to Wellington hospital. So. Bill Gasiamis (13:12) How did you feel about it? I know you did the right things. You nailed it. But how did you feel? What were you thinking? I was completely oblivious to the risk I was at or in. Jennifer Tomscha (13:14) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. I don’t know. just, let’s see, I think… I think when I was losing my vision, that was hard. I mean, I’m really lucky. There was a little ⁓ path on the side of the road right before you enter Carterton. So I pulled over there so I could still control the car. You know what I mean? I wasn’t so bad. And I could dial 111 on my phone. I could still think about those things. But it wasn’t very long after I dialed 111 and talked to those people that I’d that my memory is gone. So I think, I mean, I have spent a lot of time trying to like go back and figure out like, what was it? What could I have done early? know, like I was really lucky I was in the car, because honestly, because if I was at home, I might’ve like laid down and taken a nap and not called anybody actually, or called Dan and half have not answered. So then I could just see myself. Bill Gasiamis (14:14) you Jennifer Tomscha (14:22) It was actually really lucky that I was in the car with my daughter because it made me, I mean, I couldn’t keep driving very well. And so it made me pull over and it made me, I’d have to do something because I wasn’t in town. So I had to like figure out how I was going to manage the situation. And so I was really lucky actually that I was in the car and that I was in a public space where I was easy to find and like I could, so I felt like really lucky that all that happened. in that time period, but also that soul that my daughter was with me because it made me, I had this like parental responsibility that I had to, I couldn’t keep driving with her in the car. Like I just, I knew I had to do something and quickly. I feel like, I feel really lucky that that was the situation that I was in because I could see a different day where I didn’t go get the kids at that time. And I maybe would have tried to take a nap and it would have been totally different. So you know what I mean. Bill Gasiamis (15:19) It’s such a common thing for people to go, oh, I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll just go lay down and have a rest and see if I can just get over it, sleep through it or whatever. yeah. And then it just leads to even more and more trouble or problems. The fact that you said, I think I’m having a stroke, right? That is so cool and bizarre and amazing. Jennifer Tomscha (15:29) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. The guy was like, why? And I was like, well, I’m losing my sight. I was like, I mean, I don’t know how it was. I was like, why do you think you’re having a stroke? I was like, I don’t know. But there was something wrong. You know what I mean. Bill Gasiamis (15:52) Yeah, that’s such a good question for me. Why do you think I’m going to strike? I don’t know, but I just came up with it. What? That was enough though. Like that was such a response from you to say, I think I’m having a stroke. It’s very, very rare that people get there, but the fact that you got there kind of gave, gave them also like an understanding of how to attend the site and what to do. Jennifer Tomscha (16:01) Mm. Bill Gasiamis (16:18) And that saves time as well. That saves a ton of time. Jennifer Tomscha (16:21) Right. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (16:23) and gets them, even though you may have been wrong, right? Gets them looking in the direction because they’re already got that in their mind. And then, well, let’s look at that first and then let’s suss it out. She might be completely wrong. But I walked into the hospital after my, while I was having the third blade and said, I’m having a brain hemorrhage or something like that. And I was in the hospital upright, standing, looking normal and Jennifer Tomscha (16:27) Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s true. That’s ⁓ Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (16:51) They were looking at me like, okay, what are you on? This guy, this guy must be on something because it doesn’t look like he’s having a stroke. And then I had to try and convince them, but I wasn’t giving them my contact details. So they weren’t able to bring up my record. And all they were saying was just give us your name, give us your name. We’ll put it in the system. We’ll have a look. And eventually they got it out of me and, ⁓ and I was right. But yeah, such a good thing. Jennifer Tomscha (16:54) Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, uh-huh. no. Hmm. you Bill Gasiamis (17:21) I love those little bits and pieces that go well together because you often hear I often hear the bits and pieces that didn’t go well and and it turned out differently and how old was your daughter at the time? Yeah, wow. Jennifer Tomscha (17:30) Mm-hmm. She was three and a half. And so she was still in the backseat, know, backwards in her car seat. And then we stopped and she was like, why are we stopping or whatever in her three and a half year old voice? And I was like, I just had to make a couple of phone, you know, I don’t know what I said to her. And then I think when the police came, she was asleep. Like she fell asleep back in the car. then, and then. It’s just, I, I’ll, so then for the next six weeks I don’t have any memories of anything. So all, all of the information has been given to me by other people. But, so, yeah. Long-term Effects and Adaptations Bill Gasiamis (18:04) So was quite a large blade after all of that. Jennifer Tomscha (18:06) Yeah, it was large. They took me, so I flew in the helicopter from Masterton to Wellington and I think they, by then my sister had gotten to the hospital and they, yeah, I think they said, yeah, they did an emergency, is it craniac? Or what’s the? Bill Gasiamis (18:25) Craniotomy, Jennifer Tomscha (18:26) Yeah, they did an emergency cradionomy and they saw that I was bleeding. And then they saw that I had this large left frontal or frontal lobe AVM. So, and then they said that at that moment they couldn’t tackle that AVM. So they, controlled the bleeding and then they, and they left my skull out and then, yeah. And then, then they, they talked to the neurosurgeon and He, that was a Tuesday and he said, why don’t you, I was in a coma, just keep her in a medical coma. And then Monday they would do the, the, the surgery to get rid of the AVM. Bill Gasiamis (19:05) And then that surgery happened. Jennifer Tomscha (19:07) That happened and it was, had my, actually had two AVMs. One was really discreet and they could see all the endings of it. And the other one was diffuse. I don’t really understand it, but, the neurosurgeon said there was like parts of regular brain in and around the AVM. I don’t really understand how that happens, but, ⁓ so they started in the morning and they did, they got rid of the one AVM. They were taking it out. And then something about the blood vessels that had some of they had been putting blood into that AVM. They then started feeding into the other AVM. So then that AVM made my brain sort of swell where that AVM was. And so the neurosurgeons had to decide if, mean, basically it was like, let me die. because they couldn’t do anything about it, or they would get rid of that AVM and they would just take out the brain that was, the normal brain that was in the regular AVM. So they took, they decided not to let me die, thank goodness, and they decided to do that. so, but it was really long surgery, it was 30 hours, I think they just didn’t, yeah, it was really long. And… And I think Dr. Woon was my neurosurgeon. And he just said, when he went and sewed my head back together, he didn’t think I was listening, but I was in the other room and I could hear him after I had my skull put back in. And he was like, I’ll never do another surgery like that ever again. it was too, it was really long. And I think he definitely thought that he had made me worse. Like they had taken out. too much of my normal brain. when he called my husband after the surgery was over, like they didn’t call him. Dan, my husband was waiting for the whole 30 hours and they only called him one time at like 11 o’clock that night. And they were like, we’re finishing up. But then they had all this other stuff happen. So they didn’t actually call him again until noon the next day. And Dr. Woon said like, well, you’ll be lucky if she talks. Because we had to take out. he was just so discouraged from how the AVM surgery went. And so, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (21:24) Dr. Woon needs to give himself way more credit. Jennifer Tomscha (21:27) I know, I know, I also think that. I also think that, I mean, it’s, I mean, neurosurgeons, they’re, it’s amazing that you could, I’ve just, it’d be so weird if your job was to cut people up and go into their brains and try and fix something in that organ, which is so mysterious, do you know? Like, yeah, so. Bill Gasiamis (21:48) Wow. 30 hours. So he also is thinking in his career, he’s probably never going to come across another 30 hour surgery. Yeah. Well, only if it’s necessary to make somebody better, but yeah, we definitely want to avoid that if we can for every human on the planet and for Dr. Woon, but I just, I’m just completely in awe of these people. I bumped into my surgeon last year. Jennifer Tomscha (21:57) I hope not. mean, I hope, you know, yeah, I don’t think, yeah. Right. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (22:15) because I had another MRI, because I had another bout of headaches and all that kind of stuff. still, you know, it hasn’t ended. I still go through all these things. And I mean, I mean kind of, I get emotional when I’m around her and when I’m in the room with her. If she told me to jump off a cliff because there is something positive down there and I would do it. If she said, if she said punch a hole through that wall, I would do it. Like I would do whatever she said because Jennifer Tomscha (22:20) no. Yes. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (22:44) I just cannot get over the, know, when, you know, when you make a decision, some people, my phone is weird. I’ve never done this before, but you have a piece of fabric and it’s got some lines on it. And you know, if you cut it wrong, that you can’t use that piece of fabric for that pair of trousers anymore. You’ve got to use it for something else. Like that’s a pretty mild problem to happen. Like you cut wrong, you go in the wrong place. You pop that aside and. You’re useful. If you do that to a human, there’s no going back. And you’ve got to make that decision every single time you walk into the operating theater. And imagine his family. Like, I feel like we need to reach out to his family and say, is there anything we need to make up for? I know we had your husband for 30 hours, but like, how can we support your family now that he’s done that for my family? Jennifer Tomscha (23:40) Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (23:40) Do you know, like it’s so interesting that these people have been able to get to that level of capability. Jennifer Tomscha (23:49) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (23:50) with humans and helping people stay alive and be here with their family, be a mom, be a wife, be a daughter, be a member of the community. Jennifer Tomscha (23:51) Mm-hmm. Yep. Yep, exactly. It’s just, it’s amazing. It’s just so, and I’m so grateful to him and he had another neurosurgeon working with him and yeah, it did, I mean, yeah, it’s amazing. I always think though, I’m trying to think about like, did, why, if he cut out those parts of my brain, why weren’t they, why? I mean, I have some things I can’t do that I could do before. Like I can’t, this is so weird. I can’t recall songs very well and I can’t sing songs from memory, like at all. Like that part of my brain is done, which is fine, but I used to sing a lot. but I think because if the AVM is there when you’re in your, if it’s there when you’re in your mom’s womb, like if you’re, when you’re developing. It’s probable that my brain was like, there’s a little issue here in this brain. We’ll move some of the stuff away from, don’t you think that would be, yeah, because I just think like, I think where my AVMs were, my brain was like, we’re gonna move, we’re not gonna put stuff by those AVMs because yeah, because your brain is really adaptable. Like that’s one of the things that I’ve been reading since I had my stroke. Bill Gasiamis (24:59) Wow. Yeah, I’ve never thought about that. Why not? That makes sense, Jennifer. Because it’s… Yeah. Jennifer Tomscha (25:18) My mom’s like, your brain is so adaptable and flexible and it can do different things. You just have to try doing things, you know, and failing. Bill Gasiamis (25:26) And the blood flow is not right. So you imagine with blood flow not being right, then the brain’s not developing correctly in that spot anyway. And it’s just developing where there is blood flow. Jennifer Tomscha (25:37) Yes, exactly. Exactly. I just I feel like that makes sense to me. And that’s why if you’re the neurosurgeon, I mean, you really don’t know. Like Dr. Woon didn’t know what was there. But I just feel like maybe my brain when it was developing was like, well, this isn’t a good spot and this other spot isn’t a good spot. So we’ll just do everything in a different place. And the brain is really you can really do that. I think your brains are really plastic in the way that they can order themselves. And so I So it’s still all Dr. Woon. I’m just so grateful to him and everything that he did. Because honestly, I feel like I come from the States. I don’t know that a neurosurgeon, I just don’t know how long a neurosurgeon would have, they might be like, I’m done, I can’t do this anymore. I just don’t really know. It just all depends on the doctor and who sees you and everything. So I just felt so lucky to have been here. Bill Gasiamis (26:30) Imagine doing a 30 hour shift on any day for anything. Jennifer Tomscha (26:34) No. And the thing about neurosurgery is like you’re in, I mean you’re doing like, you’re in a microscope or whatever doing that little and you’re tying off a little blood vein and I don’t know, it’s nuts, it’s so nuts. mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (26:39) them. Identity and Self-Perception Post-Stroke Yeah. And they talk about, you know, how dangerous it is to drive when you’re off a take when you haven’t slept, when all those things. And these guys are going for 30 hours and they’re doing the most intricate, life altering surgery and it all goes perfectly well. So how wrapped was he when he realized how well it went. Jennifer Tomscha (27:09) I didn’t talk to him until June, so that was at the end of March. And then I was in the ICU for a while. then they moved me to Masterton and I did rehab. And then I went to this last clinic, this ABI, this brain clinic for people who had brain injuries. And that’s when I finally talked to him on Zoom. And he was like, so can you walk? And I was like, yeah, yeah, yeah, of course I can. He was like, will you show me? and I walked up and down the room and he was like laughing so hard at my being able to walk. He was like so enthusiastic about it. I was, you know, I mean, we can talk about this too. was, everyone was like, when I finally have my memory back, I was in Masterton and I was using a diaper. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t step in bed, but I remember being, actually, ⁓ I remember being like, I’m fine. I’m fine. Everyone is just fussing over me. But of course, they were right too. Do you know what I mean? But I was like, I’m okay. Everyone needs to just like, let me just relax around me. And everyone was like, everything I did, they would be like, you know, I couldn’t feed myself. And then, you know, there’s all this stuff. And I was like, I’m really okay. You guys should just. take, like, I’m fine. I kept saying that, like, I’m okay, I’m fine. You guys are all. But of course, I wasn’t really fine, but I felt like, Bill Gasiamis (28:36) It sounds like you weren’t physically there yet, but you were emotionally and mentally fine. Like it sounds like you were on the, you kind of knew that things were going to turn out or. Jennifer Tomscha (28:48) I think so. I think, or maybe, I always think like maybe you can only manage so much. like at that time I had my front part of my skull was gone because it had been taken out when they did both my surgeries. And so I had to wear like a rugby helmet or whatever when I walked. But otherwise I would sit in my room and it looked terrible. It’s just so terrible. but I just didn’t really recognize that. Like I didn’t, wasn’t, I couldn’t do all the things at once. So I think I was just thinking about like, and finally at the middle of May, my mom and sister, I still had my like long hair in the back and short in the front. So my sister was gonna cut the long hair in the back. And I saw myself in a mirror and I was like, that doesn’t look very good. You know, like I wasn’t, I don’t feel like I was totally aware. I wasn’t, my brain wasn’t. totally back in it. It’s a long time to recover and I feel like my brain only gave me, I don’t know, I felt like I couldn’t think about my own brain, maybe for like a year or something, really think about it in a second order way. Bill Gasiamis (29:59) allow yourself to kind of observe your state, your brain condition. Jennifer Tomscha (30:02) Yes. Yes, I think I was like, it was like that my it was like maybe in October of the next year, October of 2023, where I was like, Oh, I can think about my brain and what it is in a way that I couldn’t. Because I don’t know, you have to go through, you just have to relearn a lot of stuff. But I didn’t like I’m lucky, like, it didn’t affect my reading, so I could read right away. I’m not a very good writer, like, I don’t have good handwriting anyway, and my handwriting still maybe isn’t as good as it was before I had my stroke, but, yeah. I feel like, felt like, the actual healing was a longer process than I thought it was going to be, especially right when I first woke up, because I was like, I’m fine, but I wasn’t really fine, actually. Do you know what I mean? Bill Gasiamis (30:55) 100%, they can make doctors and neurosurgeons do a 30 hour surgery, find that part, fix it, ta-da-da-da-da, do all those things, but they can’t make a helmet for God’s sake look half decent after they’ve taken your skull out. Like as if it’s bad enough, have skull missing and then they put this terrible looking thing over your head. Jennifer Tomscha (31:11) No. It’s true. It’s true. It’s true. Yeah. Yeah. So, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (31:22) And I know for women like hair is a big deal and become. Jennifer Tomscha (31:27) It was really, I have always liked my hair and it was, I had short hair for about a year and a half maybe, you know, and I started growing out more and that was a little bit hard. I felt like that’s really vain, but I was like, man, I just did not like that short hair. Cause it’s not very, I don’t know. I just, wanted my old hair back. So I was lucky that it came back though. You know, everything, it’s not cancer. It’s a different thing. So you have a different, you know. Bill Gasiamis (31:51) I never would have told you that your hair didn’t look good, but my favorite hair is brunette curly hair. Yeah. My wife is a brunette naturally and she has curls in her hair and she straightens it all the time. I haven’t seen her brunette curly hair for 30 years. Jennifer Tomscha (31:57) Thank you. ⁓ yeah. no. Bill Gasiamis (32:13) I’m like, woman, that’s what I like. Like that’s my thing. you stop straightening your hair, but I can’t get it to stop. ⁓ Jennifer Tomscha (32:20) Yeah, that’s fine. Everyone has to do what they want with their hair and everything. you know, that’s something that one thing I think about my stroke is you just got to go live your life. Like you can’t and you’ve done that beautifully. You know what I mean? Like this podcast is amazing. it’s just like, you just got to go do what feels good for you at the time and what you want to do and just do it. and stop saying no, or you know what I mean. Bill Gasiamis (32:49) I’m trying. am. know exactly what you mean. One of the biggest things is identity is a big, big thing. And I don’t talk about me so much. I’ll talk about what happened to me, my stroke journey, but I don’t really give people a look behind the curtain. You know, sort of really understand what’s going on. This is just all a facade. And one of the challenges that I have is this painting company that I started 20 years ago was the main source of income. And it stopped abruptly seven years in when I became. Jennifer Tomscha (33:02) Hmm. Mm-hmm. Great. Bill Gasiamis (33:17) and it sort of still kept bubbling along. And then I got back to it in 2019 because my clients were still calling me and I was well enough after seven years of going through stroke and all the stuff of surgery, learning to walk again and all that. I was good enough to sort of get back into it. And of course in 2019, I only had six months and then we were in lockdown. And then in lockdown, we had two years of lockdown in Melbourne, and then I’m trying to keep that thing going again. And then there was this massive influx of work after lockdown because everyone’s going, I’ve been looking at these walls for two years. They look terrible. Let’s get them painted. They had spare money because they hadn’t spent anything for two years. And that was like, let’s do this and let’s do that. And there was this massive amount of work for about 18 months. And then that was done. It was gone. And it’s been a steady decline since as soon as Trump opened his mouth and did something in Iran and said what he said, and he plummeted like we’ve got no work. And I’m okay to have no work because I’ve been there before and we’ve managed our affairs so that we’re okay. But I can’t employ people right now at all. That’s gone. And getting people back and starting that again is going to be extremely difficult because the curve Jennifer Tomscha (34:27) Yeah. Mmm. Hmm. Bill Gasiamis (34:36) is not it’s not going to be a sharp dip and then it’s going to be a big spike of work and demand and all that kind of stuff. this podcast has been my saving grace every time I’ve needed to occupy myself with a project and make it so that I’m not thinking about me. The podcast was there. I did. I did an interview. It got me over the line. But now the biggest void that’s going to occur is not that I’m going to Jennifer Tomscha (34:47) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (35:05) potentially not have work in this field and after shut it down, which is gonna be fine if I do that, I’m okay with that. I’ll kind of pass it on to my younger son who’s looking to do some work in a similar space. I’ll give him the phone number and he’ll be able to take those types of inquiries and then he’ll do it on his own, like very small, the way I started at the beginning. And is that I’m gonna have all the time in the world. Jennifer Tomscha (35:23) Mm. Bill Gasiamis (35:29) on my hands to do the thing that I’ve been avoiding doing because I had this business that relied on me and the thing was to do public speaking. Right. And to actually do it the way that I’ve wanted to do it for more than a decade, which was to talk about the topics that I want to talk about, which no one’s talking about post-traumatic growth, overcoming trauma, how that’s applicable in organizations. Jennifer Tomscha (35:38) yeah, yeah, Mmm. Bill Gasiamis (35:56) how to treat people better in an organization so they have less mental health issues, so they have less physical issues, so they’re sick less, so they enjoy their work, so they’re not hating their life. And now I’m going to have all the time in the world to do it. And I’m shitting myself. That’s the biggest issue, right? So that’s a little bit of a look behind the curtain. I am loving this. This is an amazing thing. And I do remember when I first started it, I was concerned about what people would say about me. You’re going to sound dumb, Bill. You you’re not going to, you know, what authority do you have? All those kinds of things, they were coming up in my head. And then when I wrote the book, the same thing, I wrote my first book, The Unexpected Way That a Strike Became the Best Thing That Happened to Me. Everyone has said, don’t write that book. Don’t write that. Jennifer Tomscha (36:27) Mm. Bill Gasiamis (36:39) Don’t let that be your title. It’s bizarre, it’s weird, like it’s strange, it’s too long and all these things. So I did it. And of course, the first time I spoke about it on YouTube, one of the first comments was a negative comment on my YouTube channel. It’s like, ⁓ okay. My God, that’s a kick in the guts. Jennifer Tomscha (36:44) really? ⁓ yeah. Bill Gasiamis (37:03) So those little kicks in the guts that I’ve had along the way have been few and far between, but they’re the ones that seem to persist the most. And they stay in that part of your head, which says, you know, that public speaking gig, you’re probably going to do the first one and they’re going to say you were terrible. And then you’re to feel all sad at 52 about, you know, yourself and all these things. Jennifer Tomscha (37:15) Yeah. you Bill Gasiamis (37:29) how you’re going to overcome that emotionally and mentally and all this kind of stuff. It’s like, Bill, relax. You’re gonna have time to build your new career at 52. You’re gonna have time to do it. So that’s like, all right. I find myself getting pushed into a corner and only then responding with, all right, all right, I better step up again. I better do this again. Jennifer Tomscha (37:33) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (37:58) Very strange, re-imagining yourself and recreating yourself after stroke is a huge thing because you’re also doing it with a stroke brain. Whereas before I had no excuses, I was doing it still. Like the pattern is the same. The stroke brain part of it is an obstacle that I wish I didn’t have, but somehow this stroke brain part has made me do things I’ve never done before. Jennifer Tomscha (38:14) You The Long Game of Recovery Bill Gasiamis (38:27) a podcast, a book. You know, I was a tradie. I was like, I didn’t study. didn’t read. In my, by the time I got to the age of 37, honestly, Jennifer, I reckon I’d read maybe seven books. And they were about this criminal underworld figure in Melbourne who had this, who had this career and of being like really terrible and somehow. He was the thing that I was interested in reading about. Like that’s the only thing that captured my imagination. Everything else, everything else I picked up from listening to podcasts or watching shows on TV and that kind of stuff. So I wanna just, I wanna make people understand that the battles that you’re fighting, I’m fighting, it’s real. Like you’re not doing it alone. Everyone’s fighting this. How do I reimagine myself? Jennifer Tomscha (38:56) Bye! Bill Gasiamis (39:20) after stroke, you know, I don’t tell people I’m an author. Still, this book has been out for three years. I’ve had amazing reviews. I’ve had a couple of, you know, negative reviews and that’s okay. I’m not, I’m not an intellectual. I haven’t, I’ve never studied how to write literature, any of that stuff. And it’s sold about seven or 800 copies just through the podcast. Jennifer Tomscha (39:21) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That’s pretty good. That’s actually quite a bit, I feel like. It’s quite a bit, actually. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (39:47) I feel like to like I don’t promote it. I don’t tell anyone about it just in the podcast. And it’s like, I still don’t say I’ve authored a book. Nobody knows. Jennifer Tomscha (39:56) You should say it. mean, I do think the what are you going to do after you have a stroke? How are you going to do it? It’s all very strange and scary, I think. And like, yeah, I, I totally get your feeling about it. And it’s just really tricky to know what is the You know, for me, I feel like I was in middle of my PhD, so I took 22 months or 20 months off of doing the PhD just to rest. And then I went back in and it was, it is still, it was really hard. I like, wasn’t very good at figuring out how to write in the academic way. Which was my position. I was director of the writing program at NYU Shanghai. So I was like, that was my thing. And it was very hard to figure out how to return to do the critical work of my thesis. was just, it’s just, I don’t know, my brain just couldn’t figure out how to do it right. It was really interesting. was like, the sentences I was writing weren’t as good. They probably still aren’t as good. You know, like when I look at what I was writing before I had my stroke, which is part of my thesis, and then the stuff I wrote after my stroke, I feel like I can tell a little bit of a difference in the fluency of my writing, for sure. So, yeah. And I just, so… Yeah, I don’t know. It’s tricky. It’s tricky to figure out. But I was really lucky, actually. I think the PhD was helpful because… I could just go at it on my own time and I could just take however much time I needed. And I, I had a deadline. but it was good to just, it was actually like a really good place to start to work my brain again, to be like, okay, I have to, I’m going to write on this author and what she thinks about character. And I’m just going to, and I have these other texts that I’m interested in and I have to figure out how I’m going to. Represent them in my own work. And so it was really good to do all that. It was a good stepping stone for me I think actually to get back into it and to see What I could and couldn’t do very well, like I feel like I’m a really good reader. I’m a really good Critic and I’m not so good at ⁓ writing down what I think anymore as well So I’m just I really have to work on and I don’t know how you get it back like Bill Gasiamis (42:26) articulating Jennifer Tomscha (42:28) Yeah, articulating what I mean and yeah, I feel like I can’t, I can’t say things as artfully or as proficiently as I used to. So I don’t know, this woman who is getting her PhD at Vic too, she’s like, she studies how people learn to read. And she was like, if you’re having problems with academic writing, you should get a, and I still haven’t done this, you should get an academic book and you should listen to it because a lot of learning to read is listening to how sentences sound. She was like, so you should listen to an academic book and that will help you think about how those sentences work and how they’re maybe different from like, I write fiction. So fiction is one thing and then this is a different way of writing. So she said that was one thing that she thought I should do to help. develop my proficiency in academic writing, which was really interesting. So. Bill Gasiamis (43:25) Yeah, it’s a different approach. You know, it’s coming from the auditory, you know, system and therefore the auditory digital system. Therefore you go in and you you, you pick up nuances that you wouldn’t have known were there if you’ve never heard an academic speak or if you’ve never read an academic document in that way. So you might read it. Jennifer Tomscha (43:28) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (43:51) to get something out of it. Like, okay, what is this academic saying about this topic? But that’s not paying attention to the structure of how it’s written. That’s a different filter. Jennifer Tomscha (43:55) Mm-hmm. No, exactly. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Exactly. So I thought that was an interesting way to think about, like, how I could get better at that thing. That was, like, a really important thing for me. That, for some reason, it did just get a little bit, I don’t know, stunted? Or I don’t know what happened, you know? Or I just haven’t been in academia as much. So you know what I mean? So, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (44:17) Yeah. Yeah, 100%. The skill is not as refined or, or practiced as your other skills. So it’s not the thing that you’re the best at. and you’re getting better at it. The thing about it is also, may I add you’re only four years out from all the drama that you had with your brain. So there’s a lot of healing to happen that is going to improve. That’s going to get better and better. And in four or five years from now, you will have Jennifer Tomscha (44:29) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (44:49) turn the corner again, you’ll see that there’s more and more improvement. It’s really important for people to hear this, who are three, two, one, five, six years in, there’s still heaps of healing and recovery to come. So it’ll happen. Jennifer Tomscha (45:07) Yeah, that was something that my husband and I, in my first year after my stroke, he would be like, go to the gym. And he did. He, I went to the gym and I, had me lift weights and he wanted me to like exercise. And he was like, what are you doing to improve your mind and your body over this first year? And I was like, I’m, I’m again, I was like, I’m fine. I’m really fine. And, and, ⁓ he thought I wasn’t doing enough. Like he wanted me to just go at it with this intensity. I don’t know. was an, cause I was like, I am going at it with my own sort of intensity, but he wanted me to be more aggressive than I wanted to or something. You know what I mean? He wanted me to be like, he wanted to see me really working at it and like sweating or doing, you know what I mean? And I was like, I don’t wanna, I don’t know. Bill Gasiamis (45:59) He wanted it to be more masculine. Jennifer Tomscha (46:01) Yeah, I guess. And he’s not very masculine guy. I mean, he’s a masculine guy, but he’s like, he was just he just wanted to see me sweating it out or doing the really see my focus. And I just yeah. And that has been an issue because he’s like, yeah, he’s just like, are you going to work again? I was like, yes, I’ll work. I just don’t know what I’ll do. And I don’t know if I could do a full eight hour day right now. I still take a nap every day in the afternoon. So But yeah, it’s just, don’t, yeah, so. Bill Gasiamis (46:34) It’s easy for a caregiver to say that because they haven’t had a stroke. Thank God. Thank God. ⁓ Jennifer Tomscha (46:40) No, I know. Thank goodness. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Actually, I mean, I feel really bad for Dan and my mom and my sister. Like, it’s actually worse to be the caregiver in some ways because you just, you don’t go through it. So you, you don’t really know what it’s like. Bill Gasiamis (46:55) I and you, and if you’ve got an imagination, a wild imagination, you could turn it into something completely way worse than what it is. And if you’re ignorant, which most family members and caregivers are, let’s face it. And that’s okay. Then you do the other thing. You play it down and you assume she should be going harder than that or Jennifer Tomscha (47:11) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (47:19) If I was, if it was me, I’d be doing that. But your brain has actually been injured and in that space, perhaps where motivation is for some people. And there is no way that you can make that person more motivated by willing them on or telling them to go to the gym or whatever. That could actually be missing the motivation part. So there’s a whole bunch of things that caregivers and family members miss. And it’s for me, it’s when I’m surrounded, when, when the people that are around me are Jennifer Tomscha (47:33) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (47:46) ⁓ people who don’t want to engage deeply in those types of troubles, life and all that kind of stuff. they’re great people. They’re just like, emotionally they don’t go deep, right? They love it that there’s ambiguity around like what’s wrong with me. Cause they look at me, I look right. And then they just go, everything’s fine. He looks amazing. I feel better now. And when I’m around him, I can just talk about dumb stuff. Jennifer Tomscha (48:07) Mmm, yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (48:14) And we can talk about things that are not important and everything’s fine. And it’s kind of like head in the sand. It’s a, you know, one step, one emotional step removed from the actual goings on. And it kind of also helps me strangely enough, because then I don’t have to deal with their inability to handle actual life and the real things that are going on. Jennifer Tomscha (48:39) Mm. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (48:43) that can just be living in La La Land and I don’t have to deal with that level of complexity. So it’s kind of, they’re both situations are helping me in a way. Whereas at the beginning I was taking that negatively. The thing I do, the thing I would like to do is challenge caregivers to listen to the podcast, especially of the spouse who I’ve interviewed. Jennifer Tomscha (48:50) Yeah. Yeah, that’s true. Bill Gasiamis (49:09) You know, and then a couple more after that to get an insight so that they’re not guessing or second guessing or think they know better, et cetera. No doubt about it. they, know, they know some things about us that they can see that we’re not doing a pattern in behavior that we’re avoiding. Perhaps they know that part and all that type of thing. But we’ll say, we’re also dealing with a messed up brain. So have a bit of a kind of a Q Jennifer Tomscha (49:13) Hmm. Right, right. Bill Gasiamis (49:36) be curious about where that person’s coming from, not how you’re feeling about where they’re coming from. And that’s what family members and caregivers do. They make it about them. And I had to say a few times to people in my circles, like, it’s not about you. Jennifer Tomscha (49:43) Right. Ha Tomscha Tomscha! Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (49:56) It’s actually really about me. cannot walk and I can’t use my left hand. It’s not about you. Like I know you woke up with a numb leg one day because you slept on it wrong, but it’s not the same. Jennifer Tomscha (50:05) Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s funny. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (50:14) My wife was dragging my foot in the wheelchair. It had fallen off the, you know, the rest where your leg, your feet sit. It had fallen off and I hadn’t noticed. This is like day three or day four after brain surgery. And it was dragging underneath the footrest. And she noticed that the wheelchair wasn’t moving and she was shoving it until we realized. Jennifer Tomscha (50:22) higher. Bill Gasiamis (50:40) My foot was stuck underneath the rest and we had a laugh. that kind of like, that’s one of those, if those people were there and they saw that, they would realize like, it’s not about your numb leg when you slept on it weird one night. take your stuff and just, you know, park it for now. So it’s interesting. That’s kind of why I think I do this podcast. I think it’s for those Jennifer Tomscha (50:44) Yeah, yeah, Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. The Journey of Recovery Bill Gasiamis (51:08) people if they, I’ve never told them that they should jump on, but if they, for example, get curious one day and they want to know what it’s like to be in Bill’s head, pick one of the 400 episodes. Just have a listen. Jennifer Tomscha (51:09) Mmm. I have a question for you. you, this is something that, so you think you could just, you can keep improving from your stroke. There’s not like a deadline. There’s not like a couple of years or any. Bill Gasiamis (51:36) One of the things I learned from my wife and my brother, my brother is my biggest nemesis. You he’s older and he’s the most loving guy. He’s the most supportive guy, but he has a weird way of doing it. Just, you know, we’re different characters, right? So he just is a bit different in the way. one, one of the things my brother said was that I picked up, I reckon it was five, six years ago is he’s in it for the long game. Jennifer Tomscha (52:03) Hmm. Bill Gasiamis (52:04) When I was young, I had 20 jobs in 10 years. He said two jobs in 40 years or 30 in 30 years. So he just chips away, works away, works away, works away. This is an analogy, right? But also a true story. My wife started her, her, her master’s in psychology. She only started that a few years ago, but the whole. Jennifer Tomscha (52:08) Hmm. Hmm. Bill Gasiamis (52:28) journey to get to the Masters of Psych started in I think late 2011 or early 2011, about a year before I ended up in hospital. She is just now finishing the last part of her Masters degree and she found a job literally a week ago in her field two days a week. Jennifer Tomscha (52:35) Mm. Mmm. ⁓ Bill Gasiamis (52:56) to work as a provisional psychologist so that she can get the 1500 hours of work in the field before she actually gets her actual full psychology license. And I’m like, dude, I get it. So what you’re telling me is that if you just start and never stop, you’re gonna see some kind of progress. And I apply that to… Jennifer Tomscha (53:08) Right. That’s amazing. Mmm. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (53:27) stroke recovery. I know that people are dealing with far more deficits that perhaps you and I show visibly and that their hand may not specifically work the way that it always that they wanted it to work or that the way that it worked before. But that doesn’t mean the brain’s not continuously continuously healing that part of the brain might be gone. But as far as healing the parts around the brain that are still there, that’s continuing. Jennifer Tomscha (53:28) Uh-huh. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (53:58) And if, and, and one of the questions that I have for people is like, is what I’m doing supporting my recovery or is it hindering my recovery? Because I’ve met stroke survivors who have gone back to the smokes, who have gone back to alcohol. And if you’re doing things that are getting in the way of recovery, then you’re not allowing the brain to continuously do what it does best, which is overcome challenges, rewire. Jennifer Tomscha (54:05) Mmm. Bill Gasiamis (54:25) find new ways around, know, develop new neural pathways and adapt. And that’s kind of where I think it’s at adaption, right? And the great thing about understanding these days about neurodiversity and understanding what somebody with ADHD goes through is the one skill they’re really, really good at is adaption. Jennifer Tomscha (54:31) Mm-hmm. Mm, that’s interesting. Yeah, yeah. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (54:49) because and people with dyslexia. my God, like some of the biggest, most wealthy billionaires on the planet had dyslexia. Richard Branson is a classic example of that. Yeah. And they adapt. They find a way to somehow overcome the normal world and be weird in the way that they see letters and what letters do and how they move on a page and all that kind of stuff because their brain adapts and they can just continuously improve their adaption strategy. Jennifer Tomscha (54:57) really? didn’t know that. Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (55:17) to get to a point where no one knows that they have this condition. So that’s what I’m really passionate about. That’s why the podcast exists. I’ve interviewed in my 400 episodes, I’ve certainly interviewed stroke survivors who I’ve had improvement 10, 11, 12, 13 years post stroke, got a finger movement back. Yeah, got sensation back, something rewired. So yeah. Jennifer Tomscha (55:19) Right. Mm-hmm. really? That’s amazing. Yeah, becau

Long-Term Effects of Brainstem Stroke: The Hidden Deficits No One Talks About Ty Hawkins was taking engagement photos with his wife the same day he was admitted to the ICU. That sentence alone captures something essential about brainstem stroke, and about the particular cruelty of its long-term effects. On the outside, Ty looked like a young man in love, celebrating a milestone. On the inside, his vision was blurring, his balance was failing, and one side of his face had begun to droop. By nightfall, he was in the hospital being told they had found a mass on his brain. That was June 2019. Ty was in his mid-twenties, working in sales at Verizon, playing competitive basketball, and building a life with the woman he was about to marry. The stroke caused by a bleed from a cavernous malformation in his brainstem carried a 25% survival rate. Of those who survived, only 10% made a significant recovery. Ty is now approaching year seven. He returned to work. He speaks publicly. He shares his story with a global audience that finds him through social media and reaches out to tell him he helped them keep going. And every single day, he still wakes up managing deficits that most people around him cannot see. What the Brainstem Controls — And Why Its Damage Lingers The brainstem is not a dramatic structure in the way the cortex is. It doesn't govern language, memory, or personality in ways that are immediately visible to an observer. What it governs is more fundamental: breathing, heart rate, digestion, balance, coordination, and the relay of sensory signals between the brain and the body. When a bleed occurs in the brainstem, as it did for Ty through a cavernous malformation, a cluster of abnormally formed blood vessels, the damage disrupts those foundational systems. The effects can be wide-ranging, deeply personal, and stubbornly persistent. They can also be almost entirely invisible to anyone who isn't living inside that body. For Ty, the long-term effects of his brainstem stroke include ataxia, double vision, gastroparesis, CRPS, and left-sided numbness and weakness. None of these are visible when he walks into a room. All of them shape his daily experience in ways that most people, including many in the medical system, never fully appreciate. Gastroparesis After Stroke: The Deficit Nobody Mentions Of all the long-term effects Ty lives with, gastroparesis is perhaps the least discussed in stroke recovery conversations and one of the most disruptive to daily life. Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties too slowly or incompletely, caused by disrupted communication between the brain and the vagus nerve. For Ty, this means the digestive signals that most people take for granted, hunger, fullness, and discomfort, are unreliable. He can eat three bites and feel as though he has finished a six-course meal. He can go hours without a hunger signal and needs to eat by clock rather than by sensation. When his nervous system is overwhelmed, his digestive system slows or stalls entirely. Gastroparesis after stroke is not a fringe experience. The brainstem governs the vagus nerve, which in turn governs gut motility. A brainstem stroke can interrupt that pathway in ways that create persistent digestive dysfunction, yet it rarely features in the standard conversations about stroke recovery. Survivors can spend years not understanding why their digestion is erratic, not connecting it back to the stroke, and not receiving targeted support. Ty found that movement and routine helped regulate his system. A morning sauna, regular exercise, and starting the day with warm tea and light fruit rather than a heavy meal gave his digestive system conditions in which it could function more predictably. These are not medical solutions, they are adaptive strategies built through seven years of learning his own body. CRPS and Ataxia: When the Nervous System Won't Stand Down “My daily pain level is a four or five. Someone not used to chronic pain would call it an eight or a nine.” — Ty Hawkins Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was misdiagnosed in Ty for several years as neuropathy. It presents as the brain becoming stuck in a fight-or-flight pain loop, sending persistent, amplified pain signals in response to stimuli that should not be painful at all. For Ty, this means clothing fabric can register as pain. Cold bed sheets can spike his discomfort through the roof. Water on his skin can hurt. Ataxia compounds this by disrupting muscle coordination when his nervous system becomes overwhelmed. His gait changes. His shoulder shakes when lifting overhead. Coordination that was once automatic, honed through years of competitive basketball, becomes unreliable when fatigue, overstimulation, or stress tips his nervous system past a threshold. Both conditions are neurological in origin. Both are invisible to the outside observer. Both require constant, conscious management. The Athletic Mindset as Recovery Infrastructure What gave Ty the internal architecture to manage all of this? He credits his coaches. Years of athletic training being pushed past comfort, being held to a standard of effort regardless of natural talent, learning that showing up and doing the work was non-negotiable, built in Ty a psychological framework that translated directly into rehabilitation. In the inpatient facility, he was wheeling himself to therapy sessions before the nurses came to collect him. After the first week, they stopped coming. They knew he would already be there. As the doctors noted during his rehabilitation: he was recovering faster than expected, and they attributed it directly to his athletic background. Not his talent. His work ethic. The Emotional Cost of Looking Fine Perhaps the most underappreciated long-term effect of Ty's brainstem stroke is the one least visible of all: the emotional toll of presenting as healthy while carrying a daily invisible burden. For years, Ty's type-A, athletic identity kept him moving forward, but it also kept him from fully acknowledging what he was carrying. It took until years three or four before he genuinely engaged with psychotherapy. Once he did, the progress he experienced was significant. He now starts every Monday with a therapy session. The shift that mattered most was learning to honour how he actually felt rather than how he wanted to feel. For male survivors in particular, the cultural conditioning to tough it out is deeply ingrained and actively harmful in the context of long-term stroke recovery. Emotional suppression does not make the load lighter. It makes it invisible to everyone, including the person carrying it. Recovery Has No Expiry Date Ty's most direct message to survivors is straightforward: don't limit your recovery to the first year. The brain does not set a deadline on neuroplasticity. He is approaching year seven and still noticing improvements. The triumph of this story is not that Ty is symptom-free. The triumph is that he has built a life of genuine meaning and contribution around an ongoing physical reality without pretending that reality doesn't exist. He's reached people on every continent with a message that is simple, honest, and badly needed: You can survive the statistics. You can carry the hidden weight. And you can keep getting better years after everyone else assumes the story is over. If you are navigating your own stroke recovery early or years in, Bill's book is a practical and honest companion for the journey: recoveryafterstroke.com/book And if the Recovery After Stroke community has been part of your path, consider supporting the show on Patreon: patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Ty Hawkins: Six Years After a Brainstem Stroke, Still Fighting the Battles You Can't See He survived a 25% chance brainstem stroke. Nearly 7 years on, Ty Hawkins reveals the hidden deficits that never made the headlines until now. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Highlights: 00:00 Introduction: Long-Term Effects of Brainstem Stroke 05:54 The Day of the Stroke 11:35 Hospital Experience and Diagnosis 15:44 Mindset and Recovery 21:46 Therapy and Rehabilitation 24:25 Long-Term Effects of Brainstem Stroke 32:58 The Importance of Exercise in Recovery 38:21 Living with CRPS: A Daily Challenge 50:29 Emotional Resilience and Mental Health 01:01:28 Lessons Learned: Recovery Insights for Stroke Survivors Transcript: Introduction: Long-Term Effects of Brainstem Stroke Ty Hawkins (00:00) as I’m sleep. have a dream and It’s just I’m in a dark place and I just hear a voice and it says do you trust me and? I said well Absolutely, it said okay. Well, we have to go and I immediately wake up and I tap my wife and I say hey we should go to the hospital now and Then I go to the hospital so by day I’m taking engagement photos and by night. I’m in ICU immediately taken to the for a CAT scan and chest x-rays. Bill Gasiamis (00:30) Before we get into today’s conversation, I wanna take a moment to acknowledge something that I think a lot of people in this community quietly live with. The feeling that your looks finished to everyone else, but you know the real story. You’re still managing things every single day that nobody around you can see. If that’s you, this episode is going to hit home. My guest today is Ty Hawkins. Ty had a brainstem stroke in June, 2019. caused by a cavernous malformation, a bleed that carries a 25 % survival rate. He made it, he went back to work, he plays basketball, he looks great, and he is still nearly seven years later managing gastroparesis, CRPS, ataxia, and daily chronic pain that he rates at four or five, which he says most people would call an eight or nine. This is a triumphant story, not because every deficit is gone, but because Ty built a life of purpose and meaning around the ones that stayed. We’ll get into all of that in just a moment. Now turn2.ai is your AI health sidekick that keeps you up to date with personalized stroke recovery information each week. There are literally over 800 new things published every week on stroke. Turn2 searches everything new from the past week and sends you what’s most relevant, research, patient discussions. expert comments, trials and events. You can try for free and get 10 % off by scanning the QR code on the screen or clicking the link in the description below. And if you haven’t picked up a copy of my book yet, it’s available now at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. And now let’s get into the conversation Ty. Bill Gasiamis (02:13) Ty Hawkins, welcome to the podcast. Ty Hawkins (02:15) Thank you for having me. Bill Gasiamis (02:17) Thank you for being here. This is the second time we’ve tried to connect and have you on the show. Last time, if I recall correctly, you won an award or you graduated from somewhere. Ty Hawkins (02:30) I believe I had one either had a speaking engagement or I won an award where I wasn’t able to attend our our interview Bill Gasiamis (02:42) Yeah, what was the award? Do you recall? Ty Hawkins (02:47) That was a few years back. I don’t really recall offhand. I know there was a lot going on with me mentally at that time too. So I don’t really recall what it was. drawing a blank right now on that one. Bill Gasiamis (03:01) Yeah, fair enough. I do remember it was at least 12, maybe 18 months ago that we tried to connect. But that’s cool that you’re here now, man. Thanks for reaching out again. I was just going to ask like, what was your life like before the stroke? What were you up to? What was your regular day like? Ty Hawkins (03:21) So for me what I was up to both prior to my stroke I was really locked in and focused on my career. So I graduated college or university in 2015 and I was well into my career with Verizon here in the States and So my my day-to-day look pretty much like work and I was spending a lot of time just playing basketball because I played in college. So I was trying to, you know, ⁓ still keep up with the athletic side of me while getting my career off the ground. Bill Gasiamis (04:01) What kind of work did you do for Verizon? Ty Hawkins (04:05) So his Verizon, was at that time while I’m still in sales currently, but at that time I had just started my sales role and immediate like right prior to I was a sales manager, prior immediately prior to my stroke. Bill Gasiamis (04:21) huh. What was it like the day of the stroke? Or actually just before you answer that question, was there any signs that you were unwell, that there was potentially something looming, you know, anything give it away before the stroke that now you think that was probably a sign? Ty Hawkins (04:40) Absolutely. So looking back and now having the education and the awareness of stroke, know I remember just having numbness in my left foot ⁓ that started and felt like a little pebble in my left shoe. And I would take my shoe off and shake it out and nothing came out. And I had no idea that it was actually like the feeling in my foot. and it started to move up my leg and eventually ⁓ from my foot up to my shin, actually I felt pins and needles ⁓ and my foot was actually numb and I experienced a lot of headaches ⁓ immediately prior to the stroke. So for weeks I was having, I would have little headaches that I just thought was stress related from work. Bill Gasiamis (05:38) to the, what you just explained about your foot. That’s exactly what happened to me. My left, my big left toe went numb and then my entire left leg went numb, but it took me a week to get to the hospital. By then my entire left side had gone numb. So how long was it before you decided to do something about your numb foot and shin? The Day of the Stroke Ty Hawkins (05:54) Mm-hmm. So ⁓ it may have been a few weeks, honestly. So I just pushed through and thought it was because of work and just stress related to work. it took about a week or so till it actually moved, till actually my leg went numb. And I remember one day vividly my wife tickled my foot, my feet, I was ticklish. And she went to tickle my, she tickled, tickle my feet and I jumped when she tickled the right foot but I didn’t budge at all when she tickled the left foot and so that was a sign I still pushed through and I went to play basketball and I took a shot that it was routine for me and I missed very bad and there were guys at the gym I thought I had vertigo maybe some something in her ear and the guys at the gym like hey man Something seems off with you. I want you to get checked out before we play again in a few weeks. And so I decided to make an appointment to see my neurologist or not neurologist, my primary care physician. And I went through a routine checkup and everything kind of cleared. And so I had a decision to make that I want to tell her what was going on with my body though my vitals were good. And so I told her and she ran some tests like poked poked my foot and just was touching my leg with different ⁓ textures and eyes open eyes closed and I can only I only knew that she was touching me if I could see her. So when I closed my eyes and she touched me, I didn’t I had no idea. And so she sent me to for MRI and before or not for MRI, she sent me to a neurologist. And the neurologist scheduled me for MRI for the next week and I was in the hospital the very next day. Bill Gasiamis (08:04) Wow, man. You had a brainstem stroke from a cavernous malformation. I had a stroke caused by a arteriovenous malformation, which is very similar kind of issue with the way that the blood vessels have formed. My one popped and then started to bleed like really, really slowly. It sounds like yours did something similar. So Ty Hawkins (08:17) AVM, correct? Bill Gasiamis (08:33) you’re going through this for a couple of weeks, you go and see the neurologist and the next day you’re in hospital, how dramatically did it escalate between the neurologist appointment and the next day? Ty Hawkins (08:44) ⁓ So it escalated very very fast so the next day I woke up and it was that my engagement photo shoot so what a day right and Bill Gasiamis (08:57) Wow. Ty Hawkins (08:58) I’ll go to the bank I take a five-minute drive from my house to the bank and what happened on my way back is just off I couldn’t explain what was going on I just had an all feeling so I told my wife I wasn’t able to drive to any of the other appointments that I had that day prior to our shoot and on the way to our photo shoot so things progress by minute by minute hour by hour So I started the day she noticed a facial droop and we had no ideas of the sign She looked at me. She said are you okay? Cuz your face and I looked in the mirror and it was it was slight but So didn’t really think much of it and I was excited for our shoot So I just pushed through and on our way the photo shoot location was at our University where we met and that’s about 40 minute drive from our house so as we’re progressing through the drive my vision starts to get blurry and I can’t I can barely make out the vehicles that are around us I can only make out the color and the color of the license plate so I know that something’s there but it’s so blurry that I can’t even couldn’t tell you what kind of what kind of vehicle it was we actually get to the location for the shoot I get out the car and I can barely stand upright so ⁓ I Remembered trying to move and I was just so all balance and and dizzy and We did the shoot somehow some some way I made it through the shoot and I remember changing my clothes and ⁓ As I look back now I went into the bathroom to change my clothes and I was alone and I could I kept Tilted to the right while was trying to put my clothes on and my shoes and as I think back I’m so lucky I’ll say I’m so blessed to have made it out of that bathroom you know I’m back to the group and We finished the shoot and I go we drop home So my wife says do you want to go to the hospital or I said no, I won’t go home and I just want to rest ⁓ so She goes and picks us up some food. I’m at home. I remember taking maybe two, three bites of the food and just feeling so nauseous. Like, man, I can’t even, I’m not even hungry anymore. And so I say, I’m gonna go and take a nap. If I wake up and I feel the same as I do now, we can go to the hospital. And this is where the story really gets. Hospital Experience and Diagnosis It’s going because in my dream or as I’m sleep. have a dream and It’s just I’m in a dark place and I just hear a voice and it says do you trust me and? I said well Absolutely, it said okay. Well, we have to go and I immediately wake up and I tap my wife and I say hey we should go to the hospital now and Then I go to the hospital so by day I’m taking engagement photos and by night. I’m in ICU immediately taken to the back with them saying whatever the stroke they felt that the stroke code was or what they call it in the hospital. And I was immediately taken back for a CAT scan and chest x-rays. Bill Gasiamis (12:31) Wow, man, that is a crazy story. ⁓ Firstly, how did the photos turn out? Ty Hawkins (12:39) photos they turned out good I would say in spite of the circumstances but if you look at the photos in as you know as well as we understand stroke you can look at my face and see the the facial droop in my top lip so as I’m trying to smile you my smile wasn’t wasn’t aligned it was it droops slightly so the right side of my face was impacted so I had a juke going to the right But I would say they turned out well despite the circumstances for what the circumstances were Bill Gasiamis (13:17) All things considered. Yeah. That is unbelievable. This dream like who now this is going to get trippy. I know like who was that in your dream that gave you that information. Ty Hawkins (13:30) So for me, at that time, I mean even now, I say it was God for me, speaking to me and letting me know that I needed to get to the hospital. And then at the hospital, when the doctor came in to give the news that they found what they thought was a mass on my brain, I remember hearing seeing a figure in the corner of my room and hearing that same voice say remember that I’m going to protect you and so from there you know I just tied it that that was God with me through through the stroke Bill Gasiamis (14:12) I love it that that was God with you, man. Why not? That is amazing. And that the person or that spirit or the being was in the room with you as well. Reassuring you. Wow. Ty Hawkins (14:22) Yes. Yeah, it was was crazy. remember so it’s time almost simultaneous the the doctor was coming in to give the news and he was The door was off-center to my left. So I see he he came in and The figure was in the corner to the right So as he comes in my wife is looking like he has bad he looks like he has a face of bad news so he mentions that there’s They found a mess and Simultaneously, heard me remember I’m going to protect you so as the doctor leaves I look at my wife and I say I don’t know how to explain this but I’m going to be okay and You know as destroyed as she was You know, that’s what I could say to her I couldn’t really explain it in that moment But I told her and ⁓ I knew that I was going to be fine Bill Gasiamis (15:25) Wow, man. So I had some moments when they gave me the news. I was at the hospital alone. It was probably 11 p.m. at night. It was a Saturday night. No, it was a Friday night. I’d sent my wife and the kids home because I didn’t want them to wait for hours and hours to find out the news, go home and rest and look after the kids. They were young teenagers, both of them at the time. And I was… Mindset and Recovery I got the news it was there’s a mass on your brain or a shadow on your brain that appeared in the scan. It could be a brain bleed. It could be a tumor and that tumor could be benign. It could be cancerous. That’s the way they broke the news. And I remember being kind of like, ⁓ okay, whatever. And I was so. I was so nonchalant about it. He says to me, do you have any questions? And I said, no, not at this stage. And I left it at that. And I basically just took the news, went to bed, had a bit of a sleep because the next morning I was going to wake my wife, her to come to hospital. I had to tell her the news and I did that. She came. And after I told her the look on her face was the first time that I kind of got a little bit scared. And then I had to ring. my client and tell my client I’m not coming into work today ⁓ because I’m in hospital and there’s something wrong with my brain I don’t know what it is and I start crying. But even through all of the drama, the three brain bleeds over two and a half years, brain surgery, walking, even through all of that and all the problems that it caused us, me, my family, my work, it never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t get through this or wouldn’t get over it or beyond it. Now I am still dealing with it. I still have a podcast that I have to do. because if I don’t do, I don’t get my therapy every week. But do you know, I’m moving through it, beyond it, overcoming it. I never believed for one moment that it would be the thing that stops me, defines me, even though I’ve had dark days, dark weeks, dark months, I always expected that it would shift and something would come out from the other side. I don’t know whether… ⁓ I would ⁓ allocate that to God or something else, but I truly deeply believe that like it was within me and maybe it was kind of God like type of experience, but I love how you’re in technically like the worst day of your life health wise, it could go one way or another and you’re just thinking I’m going to tell my wife everything is going to be fine and ⁓ We’ll just get through this. I think that is something that sort of set the foundation for how you were going to approach the whole entire recovery after that, this experience that you had. Ty Hawkins (18:40) Yes, I think that definitely set the tone. Having that experience and not… I never felt in danger. I knew that the journey, this process, wasn’t going to be easy. But I never felt that I was in danger. That my life was in jeopardy. the diagnosis and the statistics that show if you have a bleed in your brain stem that the percentage of survival is 25. So that’s one in four people that based on statistics that experience what I do one in four people survive. And then of those that do survive, they say that 10 % just make a significant recovery. And I never felt. that I was battling against those statistics each day that from the moment I got the news it was a cool calm collected call my mom, my brother and that’s what my wife did and you know I just tried to stay as composed as possible ⁓ because I never felt in danger and I didn’t want them to worry too much ⁓ you know I knew it was going to be be difficult because I went from One day running up and down the basketball court to being bedridden and barely could function. I couldn’t write. I lost the perception on size of writing. I couldn’t walk. ⁓ I forgot how to walk, though my body forgot how to walk. I could mentally think, hey, I want to take these steps and get up out of bed, but I needed help. So I spent a week in the hospital. I spent three weeks in an inpatient rehab facility. So as I mentioned It was the day of our engagement shoot so our wedding was set for three months later And that’s all I could really think about was I have to get ready for this wedding I have to get ready for our wedding. I have to get ready for our wedding. So every day I woke up ⁓ You know my athletic mind is up for the challenge ⁓ You know, God told me that I was going to be okay. And I knew that I had to show up and do the work when I was taught on the basketball court and just in life, you just have you show up and you, you, you battle back against adversity. And I decided that yes, like you, didn’t want this to define me. I didn’t feel that this was going to be the end of, of my life. ⁓ I knew that it was going to be a chapter that I would never forget, but I knew that I was up for the challenge. Therapy and Rehabilitation Bill Gasiamis (21:40) I love that athletic mindset, right? Your coach probably drilled you for years, know, like get up, get going, keep going, keep moving, push through, overcome, ⁓ try harder, you know, be more strategic, whatever, like the whole athletic mindset applied to stroke recovery. I reckon it’s such a massive, ⁓ like it’s such a massive benefit to have that going into a diversity, like recovering from a significant health. ⁓ situation because I know that there are players on the field who are not the best players but they are the most impactful because they do the most work and they get given labels like he’s a natural or ⁓ he’s gifted or stuff like that and it’s like dude I couldn’t I couldn’t walk straight when I was a young kid. The only reason why I appear gifted or natural is because I work all day every day. You classic Michael Jordan ⁓ kind of approach where Jordan talks about being ⁓ always training, always shooting hoops, always ⁓ on the basketball court more than anybody, even though he was Ty Hawkins (22:52) you Bill Gasiamis (23:00) Appearing to be kind of naturally gifted because of his body shape because of his athleticism because of his height But it meant nothing if he didn’t do the work every single day Ty Hawkins (23:12) Yes, yes, and even you know from a spiritual perspective There’s the saying that faith without works is is dead And so for me I had the faith and I knew that I needed that there was work work required of me I think even after ⁓ my experience of so as I mentioned I spent three weeks in the inpatient facility once I understood the magnitude and how much my Long-Term Effects of Brainstem Stroke mindset really helped me through. I reached out to a lot of my coaches and you don’t understand when you’re young how they’re, man they’re pushing me so hard, they’re pushing me so hard and I’m like well I’m glad that they pushed me this hard because because of that I felt prepared for the adversity that I faced in June of 2019 so you know I remember reaching out and just saying thank you for being as hard on me as you were because it helped me through this. Who would have known that years later that discipline that you were, that I thought as a young adult would, you know, thinking that you’re just being tough on me and it’s really building characters, building a mindset. And I grew to appreciate that as I started to reflect back on, you know, on my journey because a lot of the doctors said, You’re I feel that you’re recovering so fast because you were an athlete in I wasn’t just an athlete I worked hard my I took pride in like you said that Michael being in the gym and Just really working hard. It was one thing I said hey You might be better than me, but it’s one thing that you’re not gonna you might have more talent than me But you’re not going to outwork me and you know, that was my mindset Bill Gasiamis (25:03) Hmm. Ty Hawkins (25:06) with recovery, it’s every day. Once I understood what therapies that I would have to do. ⁓ So I remember in the inpatient facility, my first week there, the nurses would come clip my schedule to my wheelchair and they would come get me for therapy. After the first week, they would come clip my schedule to the wheelchair and they’d never, they wouldn’t come to get me because they knew that I was going to be wheeling myself down the hallway to get to whatever session, OT, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy that I knew what time I needed to be there and I was going to be there because I was determined to get better. Bill Gasiamis (25:52) I to ask for permission to walk back to the therapy room ⁓ on my own because they were afraid I was going to fall and it was fair enough because my left side wasn’t really working well after about two and a half, three weeks I was on my feet but I still was quite unstable and they said, look, we’re not gonna let you walk alone. We’ll come, but we won’t help you like we have been helping you. We’ll just watch you walk. I was like, yes, do that. I felt safe, but also I had the ability to just get myself there. They had handrails down the hallway and everything that I could hold onto. But of course I went near them, tried not to hold on, held on when I needed to. I did everything I could to be on my feet on my own so I can get the brain getting used to being on this weird left side of my body, which is numb, tingly. and not receiving information that the foot was on the ground. Like the brain wasn’t being told your foot’s on the ground, man, you know, like step or tension muscle or do the stride or whatever. So I remember going through that and I remember complaining because I was spending too much time in my bed. And I was like, guys, like, what am I doing here? This is boring. And I need to get into a session. I need to do something. And they were, well, You know, we have to have lunch and we have to have other things that we attend to after I write reports on you and all that kind of stuff. You can’t be eight hours a day just in the gym or in the therapy room or whatever. And I’m like, ⁓ okay. I didn’t realize there was other technical things that happened in the background that wasn’t that was related to me, but not the as part of the physical stuff. So in, so instead what I did is I Ty Hawkins (27:38) Thanks, Ted. physical, yes. Bill Gasiamis (27:49) imagined myself exercising, I imagined myself walking, I imagined what it would look like when I was on my feet, etc. Because it rewires the same part of your brain as if you’re actually doing it. So I thought, right, if you’re not going to be with me, ⁓ taking me for the actual therapy, I’m going to imagine myself doing the therapy. Ty Hawkins (28:11) No, I was the same so For me, I didn’t so I couldn’t really Walk in the big the first the first week I spent a lot of a lot of the duration of my three weeks I spent in the in a wheelchair there, but I was able to in The first week I needed a lot of help moving from the bed to the wheelchair But after a while I could get myself out of bed into the wheelchair, will to therapy. That’s why they didn’t come because I wasn’t necessarily walking. But when I did walk, I would have a walker and they would use, somebody would be with me. And I was the same way. I’m like, man, I’m in bed a lot. I’m only in therapy for an hour and a half each session. neural fatigue really, could appreciate my breaks because I was so, that hour took a lot out of me. But as my body reacclimated to the workload that it was receiving, ⁓ I was able to stay awake a lot better and my mom would then take me outside to do extra things. We would play toss for my hand. ⁓ She would toss the tennis ball. It would help me walk outside a little bit. Bill Gasiamis (29:11) Yeah, same. Ty Hawkins (29:37) But just, you would help, RMOF would help as much as they could for me to get extra, ⁓ some extra time and extra movement in outside of just the hour and a half that I was in the therapy session. Bill Gasiamis (29:52) Yeah, I love that. My parents came along as well. said to my wife and everyone came past and I spent time outside with them, you know, having some time in the sun, a meal, a coffee, something like that. That was really helpful. I think you and I also both benefited from the fact that the bleeds, although really serious, were not catastrophic bleeds and we had a lot of time to react. to our situation that we found ourselves in. I took seven days, you took weeks. And I think that was just pure, utter luck that the bleed was a little small enough to start impacting us in a very small way that we thought was not significant and not at risk of our health. And also we both benefit from looking like we haven’t had a stroke. No one can tell that you would have or I’ve had a stroke, but you are. Ty Hawkins (30:23) Please hit. Yes. Bill Gasiamis (30:47) also still though like me living with deficits right and you’ve got a few of them let me just read out the list you’ve got left-sided numbness and tingling which i have and weakness which i have but you’ve also got ⁓ a taxia which you’ll tell me about in a minute double vision ⁓ you’re going to also tell me about gastroparesis and crps so for someone that is so upbeat Ty Hawkins (30:51) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (31:16) looks like you do ⁓ like you haven’t had a strike, etc. You are experiencing some ongoing deficits years out. So first, tell me a little bit about a taxia. What’s that? Ty Hawkins (31:24) Yes. So ataxia is, impacts the muscle coordination. So when my nervous system gets overwhelmed, it almost scrambles my coordination. So sometimes it’ll impact my gait specifically. It really like impacts. Again my left side so I was impacted in the brain stem right side of face left side of body So it impacts a lot of and I’m left side dominant. So as I’m trying to lift weights or play basketball ⁓ I’ll have a I’ll feel what someone miscoordinated and so my coordination isn’t ⁓ Isn’t smooth once I get overwhelmed or My nervous system isn’t sending the signals properly then it impacts my running so then ⁓ doesn’t send the signals for all the muscles to fire in the proper chain and then it impacts Yeah, like my shoulder so we’re trying to like lift things overhead ⁓ then it’ll get shaky ⁓ But yeah, it’s pretty much just a lack of coordination for like to simplify things The Importance of Exercise in Recovery Bill Gasiamis (32:52) Okay, cool. Interesting. So I have a very minor version of that. My left side, probably not as coordinated as my right side anyway, because I’m right side dominant. But now my left side is just a little bit out, you know, and when I get tired, my balance goes off. And ⁓ I find myself leaning in one direction. I lean into the doorway, you know, when I’m really tired, getting out of bed in the morning, I need to make sure that my foot is on the ground so I don’t lose my balance. that kind of stuff. So tell me about gastroparesis. That’s one I haven’t come across a lot. Ty Hawkins (33:27) So, ⁓ just from having the brain stem is in control ⁓ of a lot of your, not basic functions, but your essential functions. So breathing, heart rate, digestion. So what gastroparesis is, is there’s ⁓ a lack of communication between my brain and the vagus nerve. which will then lead to my digestive system either pausing or moving slow, moving a lot more slowly. And so what that can lead to is a lot of stomach discomfort where I can have three bites of food and feel like I had a six or six course meal. ⁓ you know, and then when that system isn’t functioning properly, it leads to issues with like my skin and things like that. But Gastroparesis from my understanding is just either like a slowdown or paralysis of your digestive system. Bill Gasiamis (34:33) I hear you. Unexpected, ⁓ unexpected side effect of a stroke, right? People hear stroke, they, they know it’s associated to the head, but gastrointestinal issues become a massive problem for some people after stroke because the two are linked. And, you know, you can heal your brain by healing your gut. And when I say heal your brain, you can improve how it functions by healing your gut. ⁓ And like if you stop eating the standard American diet, standard Australian diet, same thing. If you stop eating that, you improve the gut conditions and that improves your brain, but also your other organs. But here you’ve got like a neurological disconnect sometimes when you’re overwhelmed by the vagus nerve that stops the standard basic functioning of your gut digestion. Like I imagine Ty Hawkins (35:29) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (35:31) you have a meal and it takes longer to digest or and therefore it causes discomfort therefore you are you avoiding food because of that? Ty Hawkins (35:41) Some days some days ⁓ You know and that it this one really my wife it’s you need to have you need to eat you need to have your meals and Like I’m not really hungry. It’s ⁓ is a lot of times I’m confused because I have such a discomfort in my stomach that I don’t know if I’m full or if is discomfort from you know, just just everything neurologically So I’ll have to try and guess like hey ⁓ Am I am I fool what did I eat yesterday? What did I have today already? So some days I found myself avoiding food Just because I think that if I do I’ll give my system time to either catch up or slow down ⁓ So simply put I do as I’m thinking about it. I do avoid foods at times Bill Gasiamis (36:35) Hmm. Yeah, it makes sense that you would. And I met a guy many years ago, we’re talking about maybe 10 years ago, who had a similar thing to you, but a little more dramatic in that he didn’t get hunger messages at all. So he had to eat only when other people were eating as a reminder that it’s time to eat. if he didn’t do that, he wouldn’t ever get the message that you have to eat. You haven’t eaten for four days or five days. Ty Hawkins (37:15) I’ll get you know I think that sometimes that that may happen where I’m just not getting the signal and but I’m aware that hey I know I need to eat I’m aware that maybe it’s been a day or I have a workout coming up that I know I need to eat for and sometimes it can just be I can have a banana and It feels like I had a full a steak dinner with potatoes and a vegetable and like wow just from a banana and a glass of water and then some days my appetite is normal where I think once I find you know my routine I found a routine of sitting in a sauna and working out and ⁓ eating regimen so in the morning I would have I’ll have a cup of warm tea Living with CRPS: A Daily Challenge And if I’m not overly hungry or have a gym session, I’ll just have some fruit like a fruit salad and I’ll feel light and my digestive system appreciates that. And then ⁓ my body responds well to the heat. So I’ll try to sit in the sauna or exercise to get myself to sweat. And that seems to help my systems kind of stay in syncing and rhythm. So when I do that, my appetite is pretty normal, but when I find myself either overwhelmed, just neurologically or from the stresses of the day, then systems just start to go out of whack. Bill Gasiamis (38:55) I hear you. Exercise is so important. Like doesn’t matter what condition you’re in after stroke, you got to find a way to move your body as much as possible. And it causes so many positive cascades in your body that you, the bang for buck by exercising that your brain and body gets, it’s just unmeasurable. You cannot measure it. It’s so, so important. ⁓ And I love that you experienced direct benefits that you’re aware of. when you exercise. Ty Hawkins (39:27) Yes, and that’s that’s the physical benefits and it’s also been very Beneficial mentally to mentally emotionally because a lot of people don’t Really when you hear a stroke and you think a recovery is just hey the physical recovery and hey you look great tie and like I Do look great, but internally some days I don’t and mentally some days I don’t but I know that When I get, when I go to the gym and I work out, my mood is, it’s night and day when I don’t and when I do. And so I committed to, ⁓ working out as much, even if it’s just going outside for a in the neighborhood, getting outside, fresh air, it’s, have to move my body because if I don’t, that’s when things, you know, physically, mentally, and emotionally just start to break down. Bill Gasiamis (40:23) Yeah, we are meant to be moving. We’re moving creatures, you we’re meant to be moving, not sitting down too much, you know, driving desk work, all that kind of stuff is not normal. And we’re to be doing the, the physical version of getting somewhere like walking somewhere or, you know, running or, riding a bike. And if you can’t get on a bike, get a one of those sit down three wheeler bikes. If you need a walker, walk with a walker. you know, whatever the situation is, find a way around it because exercising is hard, not exercising is hard, but like far harder. Ty Hawkins (41:11) Yes, yes, I just I made a video about that and I posted it Maybe two days ago about the gym and I woke up I was a little tired and I still got up and I went to the gym and after I said that same thing that Though I got the hard work done. The work was hard, but not moving is hard too. It may not be immediately hard but it’s hard on your body not moving it adds up over time and ⁓ it’s what kept me I think not I think I know it’s what kept me the movement that I did early on paid off you know the doctors every session it was a lot of movement ⁓ and even now I’m just conscious of I may reach in the cabinet to get a cup but I’m You know extending my arm more more than the one time to get the cup because that’s that’s therapy You know a lot of people have this ⁓ Miss conception that therapy is just that one hour in the therapy environment I try to find everything to be therapy Reaching for a cup reaching for a plate eating ⁓ You know the steps that I take around the house ⁓ even just dancing you know I’m not I don’t have the, I have a little rhythm, but I’m not the best dancer, but music and moving my body just as I feel was something that was very, you know, beneficial for me. And it took me back to think when we were children and we’re kids, we just have these, what we think as adults is random movements. We’re folding ourselves like pretzels and spinning in circles. And it’s like, hey, this is what, body is meant to be freely moving and we kind of lose track of that once we get to work or school sit at a desk for eight hours sit in a vehicle for long long drives and you know so on and so forth then we forget that we take for granted you know moving the ability to move our bodies until you know our bodies show us like hey you know this is the repercussions sometimes of you not moving your body. Bill Gasiamis (43:34) I love that. That’s a beautiful way to wrap that up is by saying the repercussions of not moving your body. It’s exactly what it is. They occur. Your hips get tight, your joints change in their ability to handle stress. Your bones get ⁓ thinner. You know, like so many things change in a negative way. You got to move even if you’re doing a real, you know, if you have a real challenging stroke experience and stroke. ⁓ deficits, you just got to move as much as you can. I love I love that ⁓ that approach. So you also are now dealing with CRPS. Now I’ve heard of that before, but describe that and what it’s like for you. Ty Hawkins (44:18) ⁓ So it was misdiagnosed for some years as just neuropathy Which is the numbness and tingling on my left side? So if I if you were to look at me and draw a straight line down My right side feels What do you know the ⁓ normal person would feel you know? ⁓ It’s just freely flowing it feels normal right and my left side is just You know, constant daily pain. You know, I feel something, ⁓ whether it’s in, you know, my leg, my arm, ⁓ you know, ⁓ it can be even having clothes on like this jacket right now is sending signals to my brain that ⁓ my arm is in pain and I’m not in pain clearly, but my brain is sending signals that me having this jacket on this material brushing up against my arm. ⁓ It’s painful water hitting my skin painful and my paint but That you know depending on the temperature you know if they’re cool at the bed sheets are cold of Pain level rises through the roof. ⁓ Yeah, it hurts But you know a lot of you know my mindset Bill Gasiamis (45:23) What about the big shades? What about big shades? Yeah. Ty Hawkins (45:44) I don’t know. just I don’t complain about it and it’s like hey, you know, this is what I have to deal with So it’s constant like times. I feel it deep within my abdomen. I’ll feel it in my shoulder ⁓ You know, but CRPS it attacks ⁓ It’s essentially your brain just signaling that it is your brain stuck in a fight-or-flight cycle and it’s constantly Signaling that there’s some it’s a threat or some kind of pain is happening. So From putting the sneaker on, it’s really been attacking, as of lately, my left ankle and my left foot. certain shoes, I can feel the pain deep in the bones in my foot. And then sometimes I’ll just feel like ⁓ a very deep ache in my shoulder. Or if the temperature gets cold enough, it’ll feel like somebody’s just grabbing, know, just has a hold on my rib cage. and ⁓ you know so that’s Lightly to put CRPS what I think for me because I’m so used to the pain now is that my I always say daily I have a pain level of ⁓ four four to five where somebody that’s not used to chronic pain would say it’s eight or a nine and ⁓ Some days it’s frustrating Some days it’s tiring, know, the sensation varies. It’s a numbness and tingling to a deep bone-jarring ache to almost a burning sensation at times, like depending on how much I’m moving. Like, so if I were to move with this jacket right now, as I move my arm, then there’s a deep pain in my tricep and then a very deep pain from the wrist to my fingertips. And sometimes it’ll make me, like people, I’ll stand and I’ll just be squeezing my hands and people may think that I’m just, you know, just holding my hands, but I’m trying to let my body know that it’s okay. So I’m, you know, massaging or rubbing and ⁓ sometimes that helps or sometimes I just have to, you know, take a nap or close off other sensors to calm the brain down. Bill Gasiamis (48:11) my wife gets in trouble when she touches my left hand and she’s being gentle. If she’s being gentle, it’s like, dude, do not do that. She’s like, what do you mean? I’m being gentle. being rough. Don’t just be gentle with it. It hurts too much. It’s hurting now. And I’m in an enclosed room with no wind, no anything, but my left arm feels like it’s cold. Ty Hawkins (48:16) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (48:38) freezing while my right side is perfectly fine. You know, it’s a very mild, beautiful day outside. ⁓ the wind, when I go outside, if I’m wearing shorts and a t-shirt, the wind makes it hurt. And if I go to the beach, I have to wear, ⁓ what we call runners, trainers, joggers in the water because the little pebbles of sand, they feel like they’re, I just stepped on like a thousand pins. Ty Hawkins (49:01) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (49:07) or something, it’s just ridiculous. And then I sleep on my left side so that I can, like you do with your hand, you just squeeze it to just let it know like it’s okay. I sleep on my left side so the sheets don’t rub on my left side and I don’t get woken up by my sheets in the middle of the night. That’s how I kind of get around it. And I would say that my pain is around a three to a four, mostly. Ty Hawkins (49:08) you Go. Emotional Resilience and Mental Health Bill Gasiamis (49:37) kind of closer to a three. And when we go for a long walk, sometimes I’ll go for a long walk with my wife. If we’re visiting a city that we’ve never been to before, we love to see the city on foot the whole time. And we might be walking for four, five, six hours through the whole day after, you know, stopping for a coffee or something to eat or whatever. And my left side will be going, we are not doing this anymore. We’re completely done. And I will have to have a conversation in my head with my left side and say, you’re coming along for the ride because you are overreacting. The right side is perfectly fine, which means that I haven’t done anything to hurt my body. haven’t over exerted ourselves. So you’re just overreacting. Be quiet and let’s get on with it. And believe it or not, man, that works. That quietens things down. and then we just get on with the job of walking and seeing what we need to see. Ty Hawkins (50:38) Yes, yes, so the two things my wife, ⁓ so she likes to pick at my skin sometimes whether she sees a little pimple or something and I’m like, please not today. It’s days that I can tolerate it, but it’s days where, and in the beginning she didn’t understand. I didn’t either and I’m like, am I just overreacting? I’m like, no, this really hurts. And so as I started to understand my diagnosis, I explained it to her and she’s been. Bill Gasiamis (50:49) you Ty Hawkins (51:07) you know more aware and I’ll let her know if it’s like hey I’m fine today it’s good so you’re good to go and two I remember ⁓ she loves Disney so we went to Disney World for her birthday and that’s a lot of walking a lot of people so ⁓ and when I get overstimulated then sometimes I get a little irritable So we’re walking and then, you know, I’m like, have to control my emotions. And then like you have a conversation with myself, like, Hey, my right side is not tired at all. My right side, we can go, we can go. And I’m like, Hey, we are, ⁓ we are okay. We’re, we are totally fine. This is a walk in the park. It’s a lot of people. Yes, but we are okay. We are safe and I wouldn’t do, I let my body know it’s nothing that I’m not putting you in any harm’s way. We’re just walking. And we may have to slow the pace down a little bit. But then as I get back in rhythm, then I found myself, okay, we’re back. We’re back to speed. And I really think that, like you say, it’s you having that mindset and then telling yourself. So day two in Disney, day one, I didn’t know what to expect. But day two is like, hey, we’re having this pep talk before we even go outside. We’re not, we’re cooperating today. We’re going for a walk and it’s going to be a long day. So. let’s go and as long as I have comfortable shoes and I think you know and I walk take breaks and able to sit down at times and you know my body then it’s like starts to trust in a lot that he’s going to take care of me so you know I have those conversations too in those same experiences. Bill Gasiamis (52:58) I relate to that so much, man. I get stuck. You know that feeling that you get in your hand? I get it in the ball of my left foot. It just becomes really, really tight. Like it feels, it doesn’t close up or anything, but it becomes really, really tight. And I can’t do anything to… undo it, you know, so I’ve got to like sit there, massage it, massage it, just try and get the tendons and all of that stuff to move into work. That’s kind of like the only way that I can, that I can get through it, but I have to get regular massages. get a massage every once every about 10 days on my left side to loosen everything up. Otherwise it just puts my right side out as well, because then it starts impacting the other side of my body. Ty Hawkins (53:35) Mm-hmm. Yeah, because you start to overcompensate. Yeah, I do the same while I start going for those kind of weird here’s movement, movement recovery. So I do a lot of things to move my body stretch recovery and things like that. I actually have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to do that. Bill Gasiamis (53:45) Hmm. Yeah, it’s so important. ⁓ Little, little things that kind of help you get through the next 10 days or two weeks or whatever it is, make such a difference if you can make it to a massage or if you can get your body look at that. It really helps. I find it helps me mentally more than anything because it eases all of those ⁓ discomforts and then my brain can just feel a little bit relaxed, you know, for a few days. Ty Hawkins (54:20) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (54:28) four days, 10 days, whatever it is, you whatever I get out of it. ⁓ And some days I feel like, man, need to see that. I need to see somebody right now. And I can’t get an appointment, but then by the time I get to the next day, it’s settled. Ty Hawkins (54:38) Mm-hmm. Yes. Bill Gasiamis (54:45) So sometimes the cycle requires me to just sort of stop, rest and not push through and just allow it to settle down. Ty Hawkins (54:54) No, yeah, I definitely think that allowing some days for the body to just rest and you know kind of catch up and recover does does the brain and body very well? ⁓ You know, I think I know for myself I was so Engulfed in I have to do something every day every day and keep my body moving that I wasn’t allowing it to rest in I remember even on the basketball court, had a day off from practice. it’s, I have to allow my body time to rest and also my brain. you know, when we’re constantly thinking how can I improve, that’s actually putting, you know, some stress on our brain. ⁓ You know, that I started to learn to try to limit and just say, hey, I’m taking a day off. I don’t even want to. think about what I may have to do. I just want to be here in the moment. I just want to enjoy a movie today or just spend time with the family and not think about anything recovery related. Bill Gasiamis (56:00) Yeah, it’s so important to you. You need time out, man. I hear you. ⁓ So you’re you’re being a few through a few tests and you’ve had some challenges to overcome. You’ve made it through your generally very positive, upbeat, glass half full kind of guy. But there probably was some dark times and difficult moments. How did you? Like how did you deal with them? How do you kind of navigate when it gets really tough and challenging emotionally and mentally? Ty Hawkins (56:34) Before I used to just try to keep myself busy at first not realizing that that was almost making it worse in a sense because I was never dealing with the emotion of What I experienced I never allowed myself allowed myself to fully understand and feel it until recently and so recently I started Started talk therapy psychotherapy. ⁓ that’s been tremendous. And then also just really taking time to reflect, I’ll do yoga, I’ll meditate, and you know, I’ll just get more vulnerable about my story I share with people, and I think that allows me to make it through just being honest with myself. I think that the type A athletic mind that I have, it was like, hey, you’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine, you’re okay, and I never allowed myself to say, you’re not okay. Once I did I think that was when I started to see more progress because I was honoring how I truly felt versus how I wanted to feel And it was hey some days I told my just recently maybe maybe two days ago. So my mom, know was it was a rough day and I was like hey this sucks mom and She was like, know, yes you you have to honor and it’s okay to say that that it It does suck, but know it’s you show gratitude that you’re still alive to experience have the experience of life But understand you know you have to honor how you feel in the moment, and it’s for me. I’m able to Shift quicker out of those moments now because it’s like hey I honor it this sucks may have a little cry then immediately after it better then have a little laugh and like hey, okay, you know so I just Understand that there’s the range of emotions in its waves. So instead of going against the tide I just roll with the waves these days and you know is if I’m sad I just sit with it in the moment I talk to whoever I need to talk to and you know, let them know hey today is a bit harder of a day rather than you’re okay. You’re okay. You’re strong and I eliminated that ego and just honored how I feel because I think especially as men, we’re we’re taught to, you know, just tough it out, get up and dust it off. And it’s like, hey, we’re human at the end of the day and we all have So I think it’s better to honor your emotions. You know, we all have them for a reason, ⁓ you know, so it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel sad, you know, and work through that and you’ll eventually, hopefully we’ll see happiness, enjoy on the other side. Bill Gasiamis (59:30) Yeah, there is always a, what’s it like a reward on the other side of the hard time. Like you might not know when you’re going through the hard time, but it always leads to a positive outcome on the other side. You just got to give a time to get there. You know, got to just go through the ride and I’m similar to you talk therapy, man. Well, what a difference that’s made in my life. It just is so tremendous that you find somebody by the way, who you like to go and talk to. ⁓ So you might have to try a couple of different therapists, but like it is next level. You go there, you could talk about anything you want. Nobody’s judging you. You know, don’t have to share that with your loved ones. You can just be yourself and a different version of yourself in that room. that again, it just takes more weight off your shoulders. It creates more lightness. So I’m fully behind that. Ty Hawkins (1:00:26) Yes, yes, it’s been, it’s made a tremendous difference for me and I see, you know, this is, moving into year seven and early on I refused to go to therapy and, ⁓ you know, I think it wasn’t, it wasn’t until year three or four that I really decided to see, really dig in and understand therapy and realize that, it’s not just, I talk about the stroke less and less now. and just about life. It helps me every Monday. It’s a great start to my week. Bill Gasiamis (1:01:03) Man amazing start to your week. Well done. I love it that it’s every Monday Your where are you doing this recording from now, where are you? Lessons Learned: Recovery Insights for Stroke Survivors Ty Hawkins (1:01:14) Actually, I’m actually at work. ⁓ so I was able to return to work. ⁓ Fortunately, so I’m back with with Verizon ⁓ You know Emma in my sales role, so I was able to return to my career and In addition to my career being able to speak and do things like that. But currently I’m at work We’re getting ready to close up shop soon But they gave me the time because they they are very accommodating and understanding how important this is to me and they support me here on my journey. Bill Gasiamis (1:01:48) Wow. This episode is not sponsored by Verizon, but thank you Verizon for allowing this to happen, man. Yeah. We love it. All right. I really appreciate that. ⁓ sounds like the stroke incident has shaped your life in a meaningful way. Ty Hawkins (1:02:08) Yes, yes it has. would say I was a very selfish person before and I don’t mean that like ⁓ in a bad context. was I just thought about myself and my goals and not how my life could impact others. And after the stroke, just being, you know, given this story and seeing how I had no idea that me sharing that I had a stroke and My recovery would lead to a social media following and people looking to me for, you know, hope and inspiration that it was like, wow, you know, I’m actually am somebody that can impact. now it’s, you know, I live to help others. That’s why I continue to share almost seven years later and stay in touch with, with people and help try to provide resources that, you know, You know, just be a resource for people that go through this or loved ones, you know, to anybody who goes through this or any adversity, just to show, my story is a testament that, you know, adversity does hit, but you can make it through. You know, it starts with a mindset and a great community. And, you know, I’m very proud of my story and, know, where I am now and the person that I have become despite, you know, that unfortunate circumstance and event. Bill Gasiamis (1:03:37) Yeah, I’m with you, man. I love what you said about like, how you you’re impacting, you know, you’re aware of how you can impact people, we impact people all the time, negative, positive, whatever it is all the time, you may as well focus the needle towards positive. If you become aware of it, you know, it’s way better. You get much more reward than just being about yourself. I mean, what a Ty Hawkins (1:03:54) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (1:04:03) And I was the same, like we all kind of start there. You know, it’s about how do I succeed? How do I make the next dollar? How do I do this? How do I do that? And then at some point you shift. And for me, the catalyst was the strokes for you. It seems like it was the same thing. And the reward that I never thought I would get from shifting the needle towards helping other people has been way, way greater than anything I ever ⁓ focused on before. because it’s more of a global reward. It’s less of a focused, narrow reward, which is, know, money, car, house, you know, vacation. It’s now. a feedback loop from other people and I get messages on the podcast every single day on YouTube, emails, people going this episode really has made a difference to my life or I loved hearing that story from that person, know, the comments make it so worth doing. It is amazing. Ty Hawkins (1:05:03) Yes, yes, yeah, for me the message is hey, you know, your story helped me make it through or it helps me you serve as the inspiration and I don’t do it for that but it just helps. You know, it’s just good, a good feeling knowing that, you know, this isn’t in vain and that I’m able to impact people, especially in places that I’ve never

Die Fritzbox von AVM gehört zu den beliebtesten WLAN-Routern auf dem Markt. Besonders die Fritzbox 7530 AX wird gerne gekauft, weil sie die günstigere Version der Fritzbox 7590 AX ist. Aktuell hat Amazon den Preis deutlich gesenkt.

Wie präzise sind automatisierte Bewertungsmodelle wirklich? In IMMOblick Folge 37 diskutieren Peter Ache und Robert Krägenbring mit Prof. Dr. Christian Müller-Kett die Qualität, Treffsicherheit und Transparenz datenbasierter Immobilienbewertung. Im Fokus stehen Machine Learning, AVM, kleine Stichproben und Kennzahlen wie der RMSE. Was sagen diese Metriken über die Verlässlichkeit eines Verkehrswerts aus – und wie geht man professionell mit Unsicherheiten um? Eine kompakte, praxisnahe Folge für alle, die Immobilienbewertung fundiert verstehen und statistisch einordnen möchten.

Biz mi mekânları şekillendiririz yoksa mekânlar mı bizi? Mekânların ruhumuzda bıraktığı etkiler neler? Bu soruların cevaplarını arayacağımız 111 Hz'in bu bölümünde, çeşitli filozof ve mimarların kapısını çalarak onlarla evlerin, Avm'lerin, parlamentoların ve hastanelerin üzerine düşüneceğiz. Mekânların bizim için ifade ettiği gizli anlamları, zihnimizi manipüle etmek için hesaplanmış mimari teknikleri konuşacağız. Sunan: Barış Özcan Hazırlayan: Kadir Biçici Ses Tasarım ve Kurgu: Metin Bozkurt Yapımcı: Podbee Media Tüm bölümler ve daha fazlası için ⁠⁠⁠podbeemedia.com⁠⁠⁠'u ziyaret et! ----- Podbee Sunar ------- Bu podcast reklam içermektedir.

In today's episode, I chat with Serrin a graphic designer from Byron Bayabout her extraordinary pregnancy journey involving a life-threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM). What began as severe headaches that were initially dismissed as normal pregnancy symptoms escalated into a major brain haemorrhage at 22 weeks. Serrin takes us through her weeks in ICU at Gold Coast University Hospital, living in Airbnbs throughout her pregnancy due to medical restrictions, and ultimately welcoming her daughter Bobby via caesarean at 38 weeks. She also shares her challenging recovery journey, including a second brain bleed following post-birth surgery when Bobby was six months old. This is a powerful story of medical complexity, community support, and finding strength through vulnerability - with important lessons about trusting your instincts and advocating for proper care when something doesn't feel right during pregnancy.Proudly brought to you by iL Tutto.To celebrate the release of iL Tutto's newest award-winning Frankie Electric Recliner, listeners of Australian Birth Stories can enjoy an exclusive 20% off the iL Tutto Trend Collection for a limited time. iL Tutto creates beautifully designed nursery furniture that supports parents through every stage, from those first days at home to life beyond the nursery. Their ever-growing premium Trend Collection brings together thoughtfully designed, sustainable timber cots and chests, alongside award-winning nursing chairs, including the much-loved Frankie and Louie in Teddy-Fleece and Corduroy. And now, iL Tutto has welcomed the newest addition to the collection, the award-winning Frankie Chair in Soft Teddy-Fleece, available in two stylish, trend-led colours designed to elevate your nursery and live beautifully in your home long after the baby years. To celebrate, enjoy 20% off iL Tutto's Trend Collection for a limited time.Simply use the code ABS20 at iltutto.com.au. This offer ends 25 March, 2026.Conditions apply.iL Tutto, designed for comfort, made to last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We just held a special Saturday edition of Note Night in America, diving headfirst into a massive tape of 3,067 distressed mortgages. Yes, you read that right – three thousand opportunities across 49 states (and zero in New York, yay!). If you're ready to get past the "no dumb questions" and onto making some serious money, this recap is your golden ticket. We're talking NPLs, REOs, Subject-Tos, and everything in between – all designed to turn that distressed data into dollars.Here's your no-nonsense guide to pumping up your private capital:The Motherlode: 3,067 Distressed Notes Unpacked: Discover the raw data, fresh from December 31st, covering 49 states (and DC!) with top markets like Florida ("God's waiting room"), Texas, Georgia, and California. This isn't your grandma's list – it's ripe for picking!Decoding Default: From 90 Days to 7 Years: We dissected the default spectrum: 597+ notes are 12+ months behind (some a mind-boggling 7 years!), alongside thousands more in the 3-6 month and 90-day default buckets. Each stage unlocks different strategic plays for savvy investors.Navigating Legal Labyrinths: Gain insight into the loans' legal statuses, with 350 in bankruptcy, 2,247 in loss mitigation, 661 already in foreclosure, and a surprising 149 already flagged as REOs – these details are crucial for your due diligence.Your 4-Pronged Attack Strategy: Learn Scott's battle-tested approaches:NPLs: Buying 6+ month defaulted notes at deep discounts and reperforming them.Foreclosure: Taking back assets for equity if borrowers won't play ball (especially in fast states like Texas!).REOs: Directly targeting the 149 pre-foreclosed properties for quick flips or rentals.Subject-To/Wraps: Focusing on 90-day defaults for homeowner negotiations.Pricing Secrets & Due Diligence Drill: Get the formulas for making competitive offers: ~80% of Legal Balance for equity deals, ~65% of Fair Market Value for negative equity, and ~70% of AVM for REOs. Plus, crucial tips on factoring in taxes, foreclosure costs ($10k estimate!), and state-specific timelines.This isn't just theory, folks; it's a deep dive into actionable data with clear strategies to capitalize on the distressed real estate market in 2026. Remember, bids are due by Wednesday at noon, so there's no time to be a "wallflower" or making "lowball offers" that "homie don't play that." Don't miss out on turning these distressed notes into serious profit. Go out, take some action, and we'll see you at the top! Watch the Original Video HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join Note Night in America community today:WeCloseNotes.comScott Carson FacebookScott Carson TwitterScott Carson LinkedInNote Night in America YouTubeNote Night in America VimeoScott Carson InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest

Fritz! Box, the router with the great name deployed in Europe, always had a great story for me when it came to really owning a product line and the impact it has on end-users. In this episode, I chat with my friend Eric Van Uden of Fritz! (formerly AVM) about how customers view their Internet service, the retail router market, and what we love about being bridges between the worlds of technology and commerce.

Bir şey almak istiyoruz ama seçenekler arasında kaybolup çıkıyoruz. Bu bölümde alışverişte karar yorgunluğunu, AVM'lerle artan seçenekleri ve “uzmanından almak” gibi işleri kolaylaştıran bir yöntemi konuşuyoruz. Daha az seçenekle daha rahat karar vermek mümkün mü, birlikte bakıyoruz. Interactive Transcript and Vocab Helper Support Easy Turkish and get interactive transcripts and live vocabulary for all our episodes: easyturkish.fm/membership Transcript Intro Emin: [0:15] Herkese merhaba. Easy Turkish Podcast'in yeni bölümüne hepiniz hoş geldiniz. Ben Emin. Bugünkü bölümümüzde Ömer'le beraberiz. Nasılsın Ömer? Ömer: [0:24] İyiyim Emin. Teşekkür ederim. Sen nasılsın? Emin: [0:26] Ben de iyiyim. Teşekkür ederim. Nasıl gidiyor? Ömer: [0:29] Çok şükür. Her şey yolunda. Bir yaramazlık yok. Senden ne haber? Emin: [0:32] Ben de aynı şekilde. Rutin aynı şekilde devam ediyor. Bu bile başlı başına bir şükür sebebi aslında. O yüzden şikâyetçi değilim. Ömer: [0:40] Aynen öyle. Emin: [0:40] Evet, son zamanlarda birkaç yaşadığım olumsuz tecrübeden dolayı seninle bir fikrimi paylaştım "Bunu bir podcast bölümü haline getirelim." diye. Sen de tamam dedin. Seçenek fazlalığı Ömer: [0:50] Benzer bir problemi yaşadığım için. Emin: [0:52] Evet, bunu eminim ki herkes yaşıyordur. Bir şey satın alırken seçenek çokluğu beni çok yormaya başladı. Sen de hissediyor musun bunu? Ömer: [1:01] Kesinlikle, kesinlikle. Seçeneğin azlığının vermiş olduğu rahatlık bambaşka bir şey. Emin: [1:06] Evet, bununla nasıl başa çıkacağız artık bilmiyorum. Mesela evime hava temizleyicisi almak istedim. Çünkü bebeğim var üç buçuk aylık. Hani bir faydası olur diye... Çünkü çok fazla hava kalitesinden memnun değilim, bulunduğum yerin. O yüzden alayım dedim. Ya inanılmaz çok seçenek var. İnanılmaz çok. Ya belki beş yüz tane farklı, marka ve model kombinasyonundan bahsediyorum, seçenek var. Ya ben nasıl seçeceğim bunlar arasından ya? Ömer: [1:35] Gerçekten çok zor oluyor bu karar. Sanki hani seçeceğimiz "tek iyi" de, diğerleri de "kötü" gibi bir algımız oluyor. Sende de oluyor mu bilmiyorum... Hani "İçlerinden doğruyu bulmalıyım." şeyi oluyor. Emin: [1:49] Evet evet. En büyük yanılgı bu olabilir mi acaba ya? Support Easy Turkish and get interactive transcripts and live vocabulary for all our episodes: easyturkish.fm/membership

We just held our first Note Night in America webinar of the year, diving headfirst into a massive tape of 4,200 distressed mortgages. Yes, you read that right – 4,200 opportunities across 49 states (and zero in New York, yay!). If you're ready to get past the "no dumb questions" and onto making some serious money, this recap is your golden ticket. We're talking NPLs, REOs, Subject-Tos, and everything in between – all designed to turn that distressed data into dollars.Here's your no-nonsense guide to pumping up your private capital:The Motherlode: 4,200 Distressed Notes Unpacked: Discover the raw data, fresh from December 31st, covering 49 states (and DC!) with top markets like Florida ("God's waiting room"), Texas, Georgia, and California. This isn't your grandma's list – it's ripe for picking!Decoding Default: From 90 Days to 7 Years: We dissected the default spectrum: 597+ notes are 12+ months behind (some a mind-boggling 7 years!), alongside thousands more in the 3-6 month and 90-day default buckets. Each stage unlocks different strategic plays for savvy investors.Navigating Legal Labyrinths: Gain insight into the loans' legal statuses, with 350 in bankruptcy, 2,247 in loss mitigation, 661 already in foreclosure, and a surprising 149 already flagged as REOs – these details are crucial for your due diligence.Your 4-Pronged Attack Strategy: Learn Scott's battle-tested approaches:NPLs: Buying 6+ month defaulted notes at deep discounts and reperforming them.Foreclosure: Taking back assets for equity if borrowers won't play ball (especially in fast states like Texas!).REOs: Directly targeting the 149 pre-foreclosed properties for quick flips or rentals.Subject-To/Wraps: Focusing on 90-day defaults for homeowner negotiations.Pricing Secrets & Due Diligence Drill: Get the formulas for making competitive offers: ~80% of Legal Balance for equity deals, ~65% of Fair Market Value for negative equity, and ~70% of AVM for REOs. Plus, crucial tips on factoring in taxes, foreclosure costs ($10k estimate!), and state-specific timelines.This isn't just theory, folks; it's a deep dive into actionable data with clear strategies to capitalize on the distressed real estate market in 2026. Remember, bids are due by Wednesday at noon, so there's no time to be a "wallflower" or making "lowball offers" that "homie don't play that." Don't miss out on turning these distressed notes into serious profit. Go out, take some action, and we'll see you at the top! Watch the Original Video HERE!Take a Look at The List HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join Note Night in America community today:WeCloseNotes.comScott Carson FacebookScott Carson TwitterScott Carson LinkedInNote Night in America YouTubeNote Night in America VimeoScott Carson InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest

Actor and comedian T.J. Miller explains why a traumatic brain injury is his improvisational "cheat code"—and how a 2010 surgery for an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his right frontal lobe fueled a career of manic chaos. Miller discusses the "invisible disability" of brain surgery and the high-stakes gamble of a 10% fatality rate. Along the way: a tour of city mottos, from the low-bar honesty of Toledo to the bizarre promise that Auburn, Washington is "more than you imagined." Plus, a look at the "Bulgarian" financial ecosystem of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where a three-bedroom house costs $485 a month. Produced by Corey Wara Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠

Foot Drop Solutions After Stroke Without an AFO: Ken Kerns' “New Way to Walk” (Plus Aphasia Recovery After a 10-Day Coma) Ken Kerns didn't just wake up from a stroke. He woke up from a 10-day medically induced coma after an AVM brain hemorrhage, facing a reality that would shake anyone's identity: right-side paralysis, aphasia, and the exhausting work of rebuilding everyday life from scratch. And then, because stroke recovery loves a twist, one of the nurses kept calling him Frank. That moment might sound funny now, but in the early days of brain injury, it landed like a true identity crisis. Ken would later turn that experience into a book title: Anything But Frank—and into a bigger message that matters for every survivor and caregiver: recovery isn't one problem to solve. It's dozens. And you solve them one by one. This episode covers the full story (AVM, coma, aphasia, purpose). But it also includes something many survivors are actively searching for: foot drop solutions after stroke without an AFO—specifically, a practical tool Ken found that helped reduce falls and made walking feel more natural again. The day everything changed: an AVM hemorrhage at home Ken's stroke happened early in the COVID era, when work had shifted home and hospitals were under intense strain. He was preparing for a meeting when he went to the bathroom and collapsed. His wife, Carrie, couldn't open the door—he'd fallen behind it. She called emergency services. Ken has no memory of those moments. Like many survivors, he had to rebuild the story from what others told him. What followed was terrifying uncertainty. A neurosurgeon reviewed imaging and initially feared a tumor (Ken had a history of kidney cancer years earlier). Carrie was allowed into the emergency room to say goodbye because it wasn't clear Ken would survive surgery. But in surgery, the cause became clear: an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The surgeon removed it, and Ken was placed into a medically induced coma for 10 days. Aphasia: when your brain is fast… and your mouth won't cooperate When Ken woke, his deficits were immediate and brutal: Paralyzed on the right side Unable to speak Had to relearn swallowing Severe aphasia that improved over time One of the most honest parts of Ken's story is how confusing aphasia can feel from the inside. Ken described it like this: his cognition is there, answers are forming—yet the “path” to speech is obstructed. “My brain works much faster than my mouth.” “There used to be a direct path… and now that path is worn… covered by weeds.” That metaphor matters because it reframes aphasia as a communication access issue—not a lack of intelligence. Ken found a major turning point through a Minnesota-based communication group: Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MNCAN). Practicing weekly conversations (with support from a speech-language pathologist) rebuilt something more than words. It rebuilt confidence. He went from relying on Carrie to order food or check in at airports… to speaking up again in real-world settings. And eventually, he didn't just participate—he stepped into leadership and became president of the board. If you're living with aphasia, this is one of the most powerful “hidden wins” in recovery: you don't have to wait until speech is perfect to start practicing in the world. “Anything But Frank”: identity, emotion, and meaning after stroke In the hospital, a nurse repeatedly called Ken “Frank.” It sounds like a paperwork mistake—but for someone fresh out of coma, it triggered fear and confusion: Did I die? Am I someone else? Who will I FaceTime? When the iPad finally turned around and he saw Carrie, he cried—not from sadness, but relief. Later, Ken's siblings did what siblings do: they turned the story into a running joke. They called him Frank. Ken's response became a line that carried him forward: Call me anything but Frank. That phrase became the title of his book and a symbol of what recovery often is: reclaiming identity while your body and brain renegotiate who you are. Ken also spoke candidly about emotional recovery. In rehab, he felt intense anger—then shifted into a daily question that gave him structure: “Guide my day. Show me the purpose.” Whether you share Ken's faith or not, the takeaway is universal: When recovery feels chaotic, survivors need a meaningful frame to keep going. Foot drop solutions after stroke without an AFO: the “new way to walk” Ken found Foot drop is one of those stroke problems that seems “small” until it isn't. It can quietly steal independence through trips, falls, and fear—especially on stairs, uneven ground, and (in Ken's case) Minnesota snow and ice. Ken described classic foot drop challenges: Difficulty lifting the foot Frequent falls Trouble on the stairs Reduced confidence walking He used an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO), which helped. But later, he discovered a product that—for him—became a workable AFO alternative: Cadence shoes. Ken's experience was specific and practical: The shoe design helped his foot glide during the swing phase Then grip when the weight shifted forward He reported no falls since wearing them He said he no longer needed his AFO He felt stair descent improved because the shoe gripped rather than sliding off the step This is crucial: this isn't “one weird trick.” It's a tool that matched Ken's exact pattern of movement, environment, and needs. If you're exploring foot drop solutions, here's the smart way to use Ken's story: Treat tools as experiments, not guarantees Trial safely (with your physio/OT if possible) Test on the surfaces that actually challenge you (stairs, carpet edges, outdoor paths) Measure results: falls, near-falls, fatigue, confidence, walking speed Ken also used another independence tool: a left-foot accelerator to return to driving while his right ankle remained immobile. That's a reminder that “walking recovery” isn't only rehab—it's also smart adaptation. What to take from Ken's story (even if your stroke was different) Ken's recovery wasn't a straight line. It was many small wins, stacked over time. If you're in the thick of it, consider this simple plan: Name the real problem (not “I'm broken,” but “I trip when my foot drags.”) Practice communication in community (groups like MNCAN show what's possible) Choose tools that reduce risk today (falls steal momentum) Rehearse what matters (Ken practiced speeches until they were automatic) Protect your inputs (Ken avoids depressing “poison” media that drains recovery energy) And if you're a caregiver: the biggest gift is often helping your person keep experimenting—without pressure, without shame, and without rushing the timeline. Keep going with the full episode Ken's “new way to walk” is a valuable segment—but the whole episode is the real promise: AVM stroke recovery, aphasia progress, identity rebuilding, and the meaning that can emerge after trauma. If you want more stories like this (and practical tools survivors are actually using), you can also check out Bill's book and support the podcast here: Book: The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened Patreon This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Ken Kerns: 10-Day Coma, AVM Stroke Recovery, Aphasia Progress & Walking Confidence Ken woke from a 10-day coma after an AVM stroke, unable to speak or move his right side, then rebuilt his voice and his walking confidence for life. Book – Anything but Frank: A Journey of Healing, Patience, and Rediscovery Archway Publishing Amazon (U.S.) Amazon (Australia Additional Resources: Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) Cadense Adaptive Shoes The Transcript Will Be Available Soon… The post Ken Kerns: 10-Day Coma, AVM Stroke Recovery, Aphasia Progress & Walking Confidence appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

Today we are discussion advancements in treatment of vascular disease of the brain. Name some of these conditions and how they present themselves: Aneurysms: can be incidentally found or present with headache or subarachnoid hemorrhage; AVM's and AVF's usually present with seizures, hemorrhages, or focal deficits.

That is wild — and honestly a sign of where mortgage tech is heading fast.A three-hour closing versus three days used to be unheard of. What likely made it possible:

When hope is tied only to a desired outcome, disappointment becomes inevitable. Katherine Wolf knows this truth more personally than most. At just 26, with a newborn in her arms and a lifetime ahead of her, she suffered a massive and unexpected stroke that changed everything.Today, through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit ministry Hope Heals, Katherine invites others into a deeper, sturdier hope—one that can withstand even the darkest valleys.On today's show, she joins us to share her journey: how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God's goodness, and even her family's finances.A Life Forever ChangedIn 2008, without warning or symptoms, Katherine experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke caused by a congenital condition she never knew she had—an arterial venous malformation (AVM). Overnight, she went from fully able-bodied to fighting for her life.A 16-hour surgery saved her, but her new reality included significant impairments. Today, she uses a wheelchair, has facial paralysis, reduced function in her right hand, and additional physical limitations. Still, she radiates joy and purpose.“I did live—and I'm doing great,” she says with her trademark resilience.Katherine describes the stroke as the moment “the pebble hit the metal”—a collision between everything she had learned about Jesus and the hardest chapter of her life.Years of Scripture, sermons, prayer, and discipleship prepared her for a moment she never imagined. “This is no longer a drill,” she remembers telling herself. Her long walk with Christ, though imperfect, had built a foundation strong enough to stand when everything else fell apart.In her memoir Hope Heals, she writes that suffering is not the end of the story—but the beginning of a new one. Christian hope does not deny pain; it declares that pain will not have the final word.Katherine's more recent book, Treasures in the Dark, draws from Isaiah 45:3—God's promise to give “hidden treasure” in the shadows of our lives so we might know Him more deeply.“If we must walk through darkness—and we all do at some point—why not gather the treasure God has placed there?” she asks. In other words, don't waste your pain. Let God use it to form you, deepen you, and show you His faithfulness in ways comfort never could.Hope Heals: A Ministry Born from SufferingOne of the greatest treasures to emerge from Katherine's hardship is Hope Heals, the nonprofit she and her husband, Jay, founded.Hope Heals CampTheir flagship outreach is a fully scholarship-supported summer camp for families affected by disability. Guests experience rest, community, and the love of Christ through what Katherine calls “inter-ability community”—people with and without disabilities sharing life together.Volunteers and families leave forever changed. The joy is contagious.Mend Coffee ShopIn Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, Hope Heals also operates Mend, a universally accessible coffee shop that employs people with disabilities and creates a space where everyone belongs.Katherine describes both initiatives as “glorious,” a word she uses often—and always with delight.The Financial Realities of SufferingMedical crises don't just affect the body; they often reshape a family's finances. Katherine knows this firsthand.When disability or sudden illness enters a story, she notes, “the finances can be ravaged.” Many families drain savings, take on debt, or scramble to fund treatments and therapies.But Katherine also speaks about “invisible wheelchairs”—the unseen burdens that hold people back. Financial instability, she says, can be one of the most crippling.Her encouragement? Everyone carries some kind of hardship. You are not alone. God gives us community and wisdom so we don't walk these valleys in isolation.For Katherine, surrender has become a central theme of her spiritual life, including how she views money.“Surrender is relief,” she says. “It's not God binding us up—it's letting Him take the wheel.”This posture doesn't magically erase financial challenges, but it reframes them. It anchors us in trust rather than fear. And it reminds us that provision comes from God, not our own strength.Hope for Anyone Facing UncertaintyKatherine's story speaks to those walking through overwhelming medical challenges—but her final encouragement reaches everyone, regardless of circumstances.Trusting God means you don't have to live afraid of what may happen next.Your circumstances may feel anything but okay, but when Christ lives in you, the deepest good in your life is already secure.“The good things of God,” she says, “are not external—they're inside of you when you know Him.”That truth allows us to face uncertainty with confidence, surrender our financial fears, and discover a hope that holds—no matter the storm.Learn MoreTo explore Katherine's ministry or support her work, visit HopeHeals.com.If you're near Atlanta, stop by Mend coffee shop in Buckhead—a place of belonging, beauty, and community. Katherine will also be speaking at the upcoming Kingdom Advisors Conference, where thousands of financial professionals gather to grow in biblical wisdom and stewardship. Learn more at RedeemingMoney.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I invested based on the advice of a family friend who said it was guaranteed, but I lost $15,000. I'm single, I don't have much, and I was expecting this investment to return about $25,000. Now I'm just praying I'll have enough for rent next month. I'm calling to ask how I can recover from something like this.I have some real estate properties I want to leave to my children, and I've heard that putting them in a trust can help avoid capital gains. Do I need a trust for that? And should I also have a will?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Hope Heals | Hope Heals Camp | Mend Coffee & GoodsHope Heals: 
A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine and Jay WolfTreasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf with Alex WolfWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients Recovery: Jonathan's Journey Through Chaos and Renewal When the clock struck midnight on January 1st, 2021, most people were celebrating a fresh start. Jonathan, at just 35 years old, was unknowingly entering the most challenging chapter of his life. His speech had begun to slur, his head pulsed with pain he couldn't explain, and within hours he was rushed to the hospital during the height of COVID restrictions. That moment was the dividing line between the life he once knew and the life he would rebuild from the ground up. This is a story about what hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery really looks like, the kind that forces you to confront who you used to be and decide who you're going to become next. Before the Stroke — A Life Built on Momentum Before everything changed, Jonathan was thriving. He worked in food science — a field he loved, filled with global imports, inspections, and ensuring food safety for the public. He enjoyed hiking, biking, dinners with friends, and a vibrant social life in the city. He'd finally built independence, moved into his own space, and was exploring a new relationship. His life had rhythm, structure, forward motion. But as many survivors later recognize, stroke doesn't appear at a convenient time. It arrives abruptly, often when everything seems stable. And for people seeking to understand hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery, this contrast before and after becomes a core part of the journey. When the Body Sends Signals In the days before the stroke, something felt off. Jonathan experienced intense migraines, stronger and stranger than anything he'd felt before. But like so many young survivors, he didn't recognize them as warning signs. Then, on New Year’s Eve, his speech began to fall apart. Words wouldn't line up. Sounds emerged out of order. His girlfriend noticed instantly: something was horribly wrong. In minutes, Jonathan went from preparing to welcome the new year to being rushed through hospital doors under strict pandemic protocols. He had no idea this day would reshape him forever. Early symptoms often become the first chapter of hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery, because they reveal how quickly life can break open. The Diagnosis No One Expects at 35 Doctors discovered an AVM — an arteriovenous malformation on the left side of Jonathan's brain. It had ruptured, causing a hemorrhagic stroke. The bleed had stopped on its own and even drained naturally, something his neurologists called miraculous. Still, the damage was significant: His speech was severely impaired His mobility weakened His memory disrupted His emotional world destabilised He heard the words “hemorrhagic stroke” and “AVM rupture,” but they didn't make sense at the time. Many survivors describe this moment as surreal, as if the diagnosis is happening to someone else. “When your own words disappear, your whole identity feels like it's gone with them.” Recovery in Isolation — A Stroke During COVID After only seven days in the hospital, Jonathan was sent home in a wheelchair. There were no open rehabilitation centres, no inpatient programs, and no in-person speech therapy available. Therapists arrived at his family home wearing full PPE, “like a movie scene.” Everything felt unreal. Occupational therapy Physiotherapy Cognitive rehabilitation Speech therapy (virtual for an entire year) Social work support Nutrition guidance All delivered at home, all while the world was shut down. This is the reality for many navigating hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery during unpredictable times: healing becomes a collaboration between professionals, family, and faith. Losing Everything — And Feeling All of It The physical deficits were challenging, but the emotional costs cut deepest. Jonathan lost: His job His independence His ability to drive His long-term relationship His financial stability His sense of identity Anger, sadness, frustration, and confusion were constant companions. These emotional injuries rarely show up on scans, but they shape recovery just as strongly as the physical ones. And like many survivors, he wondered: Who am I now? Will I ever get myself back? This is where recovery becomes something deeper than rehab. It becomes a reorientation of the self. The Turning Point — Gratitude and Mindset Shift One of the most powerful moments in Jonathan's story came when he realized he could walk again. And speak again. And see his family. And simply breathe. He realized: I am still here. I have another chance. Gratitude is rarely the first emotion during a stroke recovery. But eventually, it becomes one of the most transformative. Mindset is one of the greatest predictors of hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery, not because positivity fixes everything, but because a resilient mindset helps survivors keep trying even when the path is uncertain. I've been there myself. When I experienced my strokes, I knew instantly that certain habits and patterns in my life had to change. Not because anyone told me to, but because something inside me shifted. You begin to recognize what no longer serves you. And you begin to aim your life differently. Faith, Identity, and Rebuilding From the Inside Out For Jonathan, faith became a compass. He studied scripture. He leaned into prayer. He found community in his church and mentorship in his pastor. Whether someone practices religion or not, the principle is universal: Recovery requires trust — in yourself, in the process, in the possibility of your future. Faith, in its many forms, becomes a stabilizing force in chaos. From Survivor to Guide — Serving Others Through His Pain As Jonathan regained strength, he realized he wanted to give back. He became a volunteer with: March of Dimes Canada Heart & Stroke Canada He now supports survivors aged 20–80 in both English and Spanish, one of the most unique and powerful aspects of his journey. The moment a survivor steps into service, their recovery deepens. Helping others expands meaning, connection, and purpose. I saw this in my own journey when I became a stroke advocate and launched this podcast. Jonathan discovered a simple truth: Helping others helps you heal too. Visit: recoveryafterstroke.com/book patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke Building a New Life — Marriage, Mentorship, and Hope In 2024, against all expectations, Jonathan got married. He started his own mentorship initiative for survivors, still volunteers across Canada, and continues to rebuild his life with clarity and gratitude. His story is less about “getting back to normal” and more about discovering a new, purposeful version of himself. What Jonathan Teaches Us About Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients Recovery Recovery is not linear. Identity gets rebuilt, not restored. You don't need to do this alone. Emotional healing is just as real as physical healing. Gratitude can shift your entire experience. Community accelerates recovery. Most importantly, your life didn't end with your stroke — a new one began. A Young Man's Fight Back: Jonathan's Hemorrhagic Stroke Story A young survivor's journey shows what hemorrhagic stroke patients recovery can look like — courage, faith, and rebuilding life step by step. Instagram Youtube Facebook TikTok Website Support The Recovery After Stroke Podcast on Patreon Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Jonathan’s Journey 01:31 Life Before the Stroke 05:41 The Day of the Stroke 14:02 Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients Recovery 23:05 Emotional Challenges Post-Stroke 31:38 Overcoming Bad Habits and Health Challenges 37:38 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 45:31 The Role of Faith in Recovery 55:32 Understanding Suffering and Connection to God 01:01:01 Building Community and Fellowship 01:05:31 Future Goals and New Beginnings Transcript: Introduction to Jonathan’s Journey Bill Gasiamis (00:00) Today’s episode is one that really stayed with me long after we finished recording. You’re going to meet Jonathan, a young stroke survivor whose life changed in a moment he never expected. And what makes this conversation so powerful isn’t just what happened to him, but how he tried to make sense of it, rebuild from it, and eventually find direction again. I won’t give away the details. That’s Jonathan’s story to tell. But I will say this. If you’ve ever struggled with the fear, uncertainty, or emotional weight that comes after a stroke, You may hear something in this journey that feels uncomfortably familiar and surprisingly reassuring. Now, before we get into it, I want to mention something quickly. Everything you hear, the interviews, the hosting, the editing, exists because listeners like you keep this going. When you visit patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke, you’re supporting my goal of recording a thousand episodes so no stroke survivor ever has to feel like they’re navigating this alone. And if you’re looking for something you can lean on, throughout your recovery or while supporting someone you love, my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened is available at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. It’s the resource I wish I had had when I was trying to find my way. All right, let’s dive into my conversation with Jonathan now. Jonathan Arevalo, welcome to the podcast. Jonathan Arevalo (01:23) Yes, hi there Bill. Bill Gasiamis (01:26) Jonathan, tell me a little bit about what life was like before the stroke. Life Before the Stroke Jonathan Arevalo (01:31) Well, life before stroke at 35 years old was good. It was really good. I had the opportunity to travel a lot and also I worked for a company related in foods. And it was something that I had a passion for since I studied that in university when it came to studying chemistry. biology and also food sciences. And during that time is what led prior to my stroke, which was in January 1st, 2021. Bill Gasiamis (02:14) So you did, ⁓ you worked in food sciences. What kind of work did that involve? What does a food scientist do? Jonathan Arevalo (02:24) So for that type of job, worked as ⁓ specifically, it was QA coordinator, which I was in charge of all food products that come from all over the world into Canada, where I had to do audit checks, inspections, and make sure that every single fruits and vegetables had to meet the requirements, which are government requirements, and also meeting specifications. for the safety, the safety before it goes out to the public. Bill Gasiamis (02:57) Wow. Was that a government job? Jonathan Arevalo (03:00) It was not a government job. It was more of a food company that is known all over North America. Bill Gasiamis (03:11) So just a very popular food importer for example that brings different products in and you’ve got to check them and inspect them So what do you do you opening boxes and looking literally at the food before? ⁓ gets the tick Jonathan Arevalo (03:26) Yes. So before anything gets accepted, ⁓ I receive C of As, which are certificate of analysis that come from different countries. And I need to go through all of those to make sure it meets government regulations and at the same time for the health and safety. So all of that, ⁓ I had to make sure both reading it and as well physically inspecting myself. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (04:01) I understood. What about home life? What was that like? How were you? Where were you living? Who were you living with? Jonathan Arevalo (04:08) Yes. So when it came to that, I was living in the city and I was living with ⁓ an ex-girlfriend who I was during that time. And what it was, it was a different change in life where I started to adjust a new relationship. And at the same time, I was adjusting in building my independence outside from home. and starting like my own life differently. But everything went well until things started to change when it came to relationships and also work and also other things that came along with it over time. Bill Gasiamis (04:58) What did you do for downtime? Do you have some hobbies or are there some things that you enjoy doing after work or on the weekend? Jonathan Arevalo (05:07) Yes, yes. Usually, ⁓ would mostly hang out with friends, go out to meet up with friends to different places. We’d go out for dinner, out in the city. And also, I was very active, so we would go to different trails to do hiking. ⁓ Or also biking, like riding the bike and all that. So different activities like that to stay active. The Day of the Stroke Bill Gasiamis (05:41) Do you remember the day of the stroke? did you start noticing something going wrong? What happened on that particular day? What was different about that day? Jonathan Arevalo (05:52) Yes, well leading to the stroke, was more during Christmas time. So in ⁓ this exact same time in December, where it was leading to my stroke that I started to get certain signs of, I wasn’t too sure what it was though, because I was getting some headaches and something very intense that I never had before, which are migraines. And that was leading prior to the stroke and starting the new year. so then pretty much like on the 31st, leading to January the 1st, was the moment that I had my stroke. And then my ex-girlfriend who I was with during that time, which is already almost five years, ⁓ she noticed that my speech was, was, was going off. I had a lot of slurs in my words. I was getting like very intense headaches and it just didn’t seem normal. So she started to question and ask me questions that didn’t, didn’t make sense. So she automatically ended up calling emergency and I got rushed, ⁓ through emergency to, the hospital. starting the new year. Bill Gasiamis (07:22) Well, so first of January 2021, was it? Jonathan Arevalo (07:27) Yes, January 1st, 2021. Correct. Bill Gasiamis (07:30) Wow, man. First day of the new year, straight into hospital. Jonathan Arevalo (07:34) straight to the hospital, but not only straight to the hospital, but it was also during the time of COVID. And so that made it even more complicated because in the hospital, there was different cases going on at the same time. And whether it’s doctors, nurses, or different people entering and going out, ⁓ there was Bill Gasiamis (07:42) Uh-huh. Jonathan Arevalo (08:04) a lot of restrictions that was going on that certain people weren’t allowed to go in unless it was an emergency purposes. And also I had to wear a mask and all that because they weren’t sure whether I had COVID or it was something else. Bill Gasiamis (08:26) So do you, is this a story that you remember or somebody has told you about what happened that day? Because sometimes people hear the story from others, but they don’t remember going through it or what they were thinking or what they were feeling. What were you thinking or feeling during this whole thing with the strange migraine and then being taken to the hospital? Jonathan Arevalo (08:49) Yeah, for me, I slightly remember since I had ⁓ very, very like, like vague ⁓ scenarios that I was ⁓ that I still remember. But there’s other occasions that I don’t remember anymore. Like I lost a lot of that memory during that period of time because it happened so quickly that that it was also a first time experiencing having a stroke. But I do remember like certain scenarios of being picked up from paramedics and then being rushed to the hospital. And then from there, not that much what happened afterwards, are certain things that I’ve forgotten or it’s hard to remember. Bill Gasiamis (09:46) Yeah, so you’re in the hospital. Do you understand when they tell you that we’ve discovered that you’ve had a hemorrhagic stroke? Like, are you aware of that? Or is it just noise? What’s it like to be told that you ever had a bleed on the brain? Jonathan Arevalo (10:04) Yeah, I find it that it’s very hard to understand that because I didn’t know what a stroke was in that time. And not only a stroke in general, but also the type of stroke that I had, which was a hemorrhagic stroke. But not only was it hemorrhagic stroke, it was as like the couple of days passed by, I was also transferred to another hospital since the hospital where I was at, didn’t have the adequate ⁓ neurologist and specialist for stroke. So I believe it was on the third day or something like that. I was taken to another hospital where they do have specialists, neurologists and all that related to stroke. So they took my case because it was something very important. And at the same time, they didn’t understand how I survived it as well because it wasn’t just a stroke on the left side of my brain. They found that it was an AVM. So it’s called anterior venous malformation, which could be caused from childbirth. As you get older, it could start to develop where you really don’t know because it’s internal. So what triggered it was an aneurysm that made it rupture. Bill Gasiamis (11:43) We’ll be back to Jonathan’s story in just a moment. wanna pause for a second and ask you something important. Why do you listen to this podcast? For many people, it’s because they finally hear someone who understands what they’re going through or because they learn something that helps them feel less alone in their recovery. And here’s the part most listeners never think about. This show only stays alive because of people like you help it keep it going. There’s no big company funding it, no medical organization covering the costs. It’s just me, a fellow survivor doing everything I can to make sure these episodes exist for the next person who wakes up after a stroke and has no idea what happens next. When you support the podcast, you’re making sure these conversations stay online. You’re helping cover hosting and production fees, and you’re making it possible for new survivors months or even years from now to find hope when they need it most. Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients Recovery Some people think my support won’t make a difference, but that’s a misunderstanding. Every single contribution is what keeps this podcast available for free to the people who need it most. And if you want to go even deeper on your recovery, you can also grab a copy of my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. Yeah, I know all about arteriovenous malformations. That’s why I’m… talking to you on this podcast because I had one of those in my head on the right side, near the cerebellum and it bled for the first time in November, in February 2012 was the first time my one bled. ⁓ But ⁓ I had numbness on my left side, the entire left side for a whole week before I went to the hospital. And then when they scanned my head, they said, we found a… a shadow on your brain. The shadow on my brain is the white part on the brain scan on the MRI that reveals the bleed and the bleed. The bleed was caused by this blood vessel, faulty blood vessel that they called an AVM that burst and then created a lot of trouble, right? And then the whole journey begins and then it’s just, you know, starting out. So, with mine, eventually they removed it from my head with brain surgery. How did they rectify the bleed in your brain? What did they do to stop it bleeding? Jonathan Arevalo (14:15) Well, it didn’t, it stopped on its own actually. ⁓ Bill Gasiamis (14:19) Sometimes they do that. I was told that sometimes they stop on their own and they don’t have to take any further action. But with mine, it bled another two times and they had to have brain surgery. But with yours, luckily, it stopped bleeding on its own. Jonathan Arevalo (14:34) Yes, Bill. So in reality, it was a miracle. It was a miracle behind it because it stopped the bleeding, but it also drained the bleeding that was inside. So it was like a drainage on its own. And that’s the miracle itself. And the doctors had a team of 10 in the hospital trying to monitor me. and see exactly how did it happen and at a young age and someone that’s healthy and doesn’t have a history of being in the hospital or anything such as that. So that was the miracle itself. So the neurologist ended up ⁓ with their team. They ended up having, I had an angiogram. And the angiogram was done through the side of the groin that goes up to your head, which they tried to ⁓ detect exactly the AVM. And that’s how they were able to find only one specific one that ruptured. Bill Gasiamis (15:53) Yeah, I had the same procedure through the groin and ⁓ they put the the contrast into the brain and then they take photos of that and it shows exactly where it’s bleeding. And that’s an interesting experience because you’re awake the whole time and they go past your heart and they go up into through your neck and then they go into your brain. Jonathan Arevalo (16:11) Yes. Yes, it is. was like an experience that it’s hard to explain, but I felt like electricity in my body. And I don’t know why I felt electricity in my body, but I felt like shocks in my brain or like fireworks. And I was thinking, what’s happening? Bill Gasiamis (16:19) Pretty crazy. Fireworks. Jonathan Arevalo (16:47) But the hardest part, Bill, was the fact that I had lot of difficulties in speaking. So words wouldn’t come out. For me, was like I tried to explain myself through, I don’t know how to say it, emotion. So like facial, facial expression, kind of like when you feel in pain or something like that, or you’re trying to say things. So I had a lot of difficulty for that period of time. And also, since it happened on the left side of my brain, on the opposite side from arm to leg, I had ⁓ difficulty with my mobility. And also with my memory, my memory was affected. ⁓ about a percentage amount. it was very hard ⁓ my first year. It was very difficult. Bill Gasiamis (17:59) I was 37 when I had mine and you were 35. Jonathan Arevalo (18:04) 35. Bill Gasiamis (18:07) Yeah, very young, very young age and then a lot of challenges. So who was supporting you when you were at hospital? Was it your girlfriend at the time and other family members or nobody able to come because of the lockdowns? Jonathan Arevalo (18:21) Yes. So because of the lockdowns and all that, the only person that I had the permission ⁓ for that support was my sister, my older sister. So she ⁓ would be the only one that just by phone, so not in person, because ⁓ my family lived two hours away from the city. And since they live very far away, ⁓ ⁓ My sister was the only one that had communication with the doctors, with the nurses and any specialist when it came to my case. Bill Gasiamis (19:02) Wow. After surgery, after you woke up from hospital, the first seven days, you said the better week you’re in ⁓ that situation. Jonathan Arevalo (19:17) Yes, for a week. ⁓ so they ended up not doing anything. I’m not too sure why. And they let me go home. Bill Gasiamis (19:29) Wow, so they had drained the blood already out of your head and then just sent you home Jonathan Arevalo (19:35) They sent me home on a wheelchair. So what happened was that I ended up getting picked up by my sister and I didn’t go back to where I was currently living in the city. Instead, I went back to the countryside with my parents who ended up becoming my caregivers. Bill Gasiamis (19:59) So you had a, they sent you home in a wheelchair. Did that mean you couldn’t walk when you were sent home? Jonathan Arevalo (20:08) I could walk a bit, but not too well. Bill Gasiamis (20:12) So there was no rehabilitation option, you didn’t get rehabilitated, they didn’t give you occupational therapy or anything? Jonathan Arevalo (20:19) They did that at home as well. Because of COVID, I ended up receiving rehabilitation at home. ⁓ When it came to walking, speaking, understanding, cognitive, and social worker, and nutritionist, all of those types of therapists, ⁓ they had to dress up in a suit as if… As if they’re going to see someone who’s with a virus or something. So it was like watching a movie. Bill Gasiamis (20:55) Wow Yeah, pretty crazy times. So you did get rehabilitation. They did ⁓ support you with therapy for speech and all that kind of stuff. ⁓ How long did all of those therapies last? Was it? Jonathan Arevalo (21:16) Yes, that lasted for seven months. Bill Gasiamis (21:20) Wow man, all at home. Jonathan Arevalo (21:23) all at home, ⁓ in person, and also virtually the way we’re doing right now. Bill Gasiamis (21:29) Yeah, was it virtually for speech therapy? Jonathan Arevalo (21:34) Yes, virtually it lasted longer than seven months for speech therapy. It lasted a year. Bill Gasiamis (21:40) Wow, Yeah, that that’s kind of cool that even though they were going through a really difficult time in Canada, with lockdowns with all the stuff that ⁓ happened because of COVID that you still got access to all of the necessary tools to help you overcome what it was that you went home with. Jonathan Arevalo (22:02) Yes, yes, I’m very thankful. I’m very thankful that I received the support that I needed and also the support of my caregivers, my parents and my older sister, because mainly my older sister was the one that was on top of everything. So that way I may receive everything the moment that I got released from the hospital. she ended up getting everything that I needed, so that way I get that support automatically right away, over the time, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (22:40) Wow, that’s excellent. So, however, now you’re living in different circumstances under lockdown, very difficult to access all these things, like things are seriously have gone wrong for you, know, quote unquote, in your health journey, okay? What is it like dealing with the emotional side of that? Emotional Challenges Post-Stroke Jonathan Arevalo (23:05) Very difficult. I was very angry. I was very frustrated. I was very upset. I was confused. Those are the different emotions that I felt. And I believe that many other stroke survivors would feel the same way. Because I find it that whenever something has been taken away from you, then it hurts a lot. And it hurts you a lot because it’s kind of like not being yourself anymore. So you have something that’s been taken away from you. And so I did lose quite a lot. I lost my job. I lost the ability to drive. So I had to sell my car. And I also ⁓ lost that relationship that I was in. that relationship ended. And I also wasn’t earning any money as well. So the only caregivers were my parents. had to live with them again. And for the past four years of recovery, which I’m still in that recovery stage of stroke, but I’ve improved a lot though. I’ve improved a lot and which I’m very, very thankful. And that just goes based on just having faith. And that’s where I started to change my life. I started to change my life the moment I started to change my mindset, the way I think. And because the moment I started to change the way I think, it was the moment that I was just much more grateful for even though I lost everything. I was simply grateful to be alive. And that was much, much more meaningful than everything that I had. Bill Gasiamis (25:08) than being grateful for a car, for example. Jonathan Arevalo (25:11) Being much grateful for having the second opportunity to live when possibly I wouldn’t be here telling my story. Bill Gasiamis (25:20) Yeah, I totally get that. I went through a similar experience, know, gratitude. Even if you’re not able to come up with something that’s as meaningful as I’m grateful to be alive, like maybe you’re grateful because, I don’t know, there’s a roof over your head or, I don’t know, somebody said something nice to you or whatever. Like you can be grateful about many things, but- being grateful to be alive. Well, that was an easy one for me as well. I totally get it. That’s what I went through. And I had another opportunity to make things right, to support ⁓ myself in a different way, to think in a different way, have it, to try different things and experience things that I’d never experienced before. What, what was the thing that kind of made you feel grateful to be alive? I know that Do you know what I mean? There’s a layer beneath that. is, I’m alive, okay, but what does that mean that you’re grateful to be alive? I get it, but there’s more to that. Jonathan Arevalo (26:33) Yes, of course. Yes. I’m grateful for being alive because I have a second opportunity to change my life to something even better when it comes to helping others, when it comes to being a difference from our old self. Sometimes we don’t get a second opportunity to reflect, but I had… four years, and it’s going to be almost five years, of the opportunity to reflect, of being thankful for, as you said, a place to live, for having my parents, for having my sister, and for having other loved ones that were there praying for me so that way I may live and not die. And at the same time, ⁓ Just being able to walk, to see, to speak, to understand. I was able to regain all of that that was lost. those were the reasons why I was grateful for. Bill Gasiamis (27:48) Yeah, your, ⁓ so your mindset and who you were and how you acted and how you behaved. Like, are you a very different person than the person beforehand? Like, what were the issues with your mindset? What were the issues with the way that you turned up in the world that you needed to tweak to be a better version of yourself back then? Now, I say that because many stroke survivors will say, I want to go back to how things were before stroke. And I’m like, I didn’t want to do that. Like, that’s not a good place to go. You’re smiling. So I’m imagining that you think a similar way. Jonathan Arevalo (28:30) Yes, agree with you, Bill. I find it that sometimes we don’t change our old habits, let’s say. Sometimes we carry habits or cycles in our life that we think it’s good, but in reality, it’s not something good that actually ⁓ represents us. or does good for others or even for ourselves. So myself, I can say that I had everything that I wanted and I had the opportunity to do pretty much everything that I wanted. But at the same time, I wasn’t completely happy. And at the same time, we carry certain bad habits because we think according to society, where society will will accept you based on the things and the patterns that you follow society. When it comes to doing certain bad habits that you think that’s good, but in reality, it’s not really good because you’re actually hurting and damaging who? Yourself. Which is something internally, both mentally, physically, and emotionally. But over time, When you start to reflect on your old habits that weren’t completely fulfilling or bringing that happiness or that peace or that joy, then in reality, it’s nothing good. It’s only for the moment. And sometimes we keep on rushing and doing things for the moment to get that pleasure. But that pleasure only lasts for a moment. So I had to change. And this recovery over these almost five years was a recovery not to just change myself, but to change the way I think, the way I speak and the way I act, because it’s a full connection. And that full connection is the reason why now what I’m currently doing is helping other people, other stroke survivors and other people with disability and also mental health, because we find it that each day The world is getting worse, not better, but worse. Why? Because we live in a broken world. And the fact that we live in a broken world is a reason why there’s many, many men and women that are looking for pleasure, but for the moment. And that’s something that I had to learn for myself the hard way. Even though I wasn’t in drugs, even though I wasn’t an alcoholic, even though I wasn’t doing harm to people, but I would still have bad vices or certain things that still didn’t make me happy. So that’s the main reason why. Overcoming Bad Habits and Health Challenges Bill Gasiamis (31:38) Yeah, it’s exactly my experience as well. Like I had some bad vices that were not ideal. They seemed minor, but the behavior, the habit behind it was not minor. It was major because it was there for many, many years. And if it continued to go on, wouldn’t be helping in a positive way. It wouldn’t be achieving a positive outcome. will be achieving something that my head thought was a good idea at the time, but not really something that is meaningful, purposeful, useful in life. Smoking was one of those things I used to smoke. And people, often I had a friend of mine who would say that that thing will kill you if you keep doing it. And I was like, yeah, don’t worry about it. That’s a problem for Bill in the future. It’s not a problem for Bill today. However, Bill of the future had a bloody brain and… a brain AVM bleed in his head. that became a 37. Really, that became a problem for Bill. Now. And I was smoking from about the age of 13, something like that, on and off. And my friend was telling me that from probably the age of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. It didn’t take a lot of years to get to 37 and then be experiencing you know, negative impact of a health situation. And I realized that I’ve got to make some massive changes. And obviously, to me at least, it was the most obvious thing that I have to give up smoking. Also alcohol, even though I wasn’t an alcoholic, I had to stop drinking alcohol. And now I very, very rarely drink alcohol. Even 13, 14 years past the first bleed, I very rarely have an alcoholic drink. ⁓ So it’s amazing what came to my mind. I immediately knew the things that I had to change. No one had to tell me, ⁓ well, since you’re ⁓ having a stroke, since you can’t walk properly yet, since your left arm doesn’t work correctly, why don’t you think about fixing this, changing that, doing this, doing that? No one had to tell me. Inside of me, instinctively, I knew what I was doing that was not supporting me, was not supporting my mission in life and my goal in life. And it was the easiest thing to change. ⁓ I did receive some help though. I didn’t do it alone, right? So I had a counselor, I had a coach, a life coach. ⁓ I sought out the wisdom of people that were older than me, smarter than me, know, been on the planet longer than me whatever. And I did it together with other people, not just on my own, because change is not very easy, especially when you remove an old habit and then you have to replace it with something. Initially, replacing it with something feels a bit strange and you don’t know if it’s the right thing that you’ve replaced it with and how that’s going to look like in six months or 12 months. So that’s what I found was that in order to help me find the right things to replace the things that needed to be left behind. I needed to seek the support of other people, counselors, coaches, et cetera. Did you have some support in that part of your recovery so that you can kind of make sense of all the changes that were happening in your body, in your emotions and in your life? Jonathan Arevalo (35:15) Yes. So I ended up joining a nonprofit organization here in Canada called March of Dimes. And March of Dimes provides support for stroke survivors, people with disability, and they have peer support. And it’s a form of counseling with other stroke survivors. And they do this within all of Canada. And also through Heart and Stroke as well, which is another nonprofit organization, Heart and Stroke. So both of them, would do this virtually where I would seek support to talk to someone based on what I’m going through, my thoughts, my emotions, and also telling my story. And from that moment, I said to myself, I want to do the same. I want to give back to the community and to other survivors. So I ended up becoming a volunteer. And for the past three years, I’ve been a volunteer at ⁓ March of Dimes and also Heart and Stroke, where I ended up becoming an advocate. for both nonprofit organizations. And you can also see me on their website on both of them where it tells my story, but also the fact that I volunteer helping out people from the ages of 20 to the ages of 80 years old in two languages now. So I do it in English and Spanish. And it feels really, really good. It really does. Bill Gasiamis (37:09) Yeah, we have very similar stories and journeys. So I went and connected with the Stroke Foundation here in Australia and then provided became an advocate so that we can raise awareness about stroke and then started doing some speaking on their behalf at different organizations. And and like you said, like it gives you a lot of purpose and meaning. It makes what happened to you worthwhile. You know, it’s a very important part of, well, why did this happen to me? I don’t know. You could come up with a lot of negative reasons why something bad happened to you, but what am I going to do about this? And how can I transform this in a way that can help other people? Well, that is a better question to ask. And then volunteering is the best way to do that. I volunteered probably from 2013 through to about 2019. Finding Purpose Through Volunteering For about six years I volunteered. And at the same time I was running the podcast, I started the podcast in 2015. ⁓ And it was just ⁓ meeting other people who had understood me as well in those communities. That was fantastic. Being able to connect with people like that and feeling like, you know, this person really understands what happened to me because it happened to them in a different way, but they have a similar kind of recovery. And… we are aligned in our mission to support others and make a difference and not to make it just about us because that’s a really difficult thing to ⁓ do is you you become anxious and depressed when you just make it about yourself so making it about other people’s stops that thinking pattern ⁓ and I just love the journey that you’re on because you’re very early on in the journey and I can see it’s going to continue ⁓ to be that kind of meaning making journey. I found that I said that I discovered my purpose after the stroke. Now you would have thought that somebody who was married had two children, had plenty of purpose in their life, plenty of meaning. Why do I exist for my children? To support them, to teach them, to make them great men, to ⁓ give them the opportunities in the world, in the community, except They move out of home eventually, and then they become independent. And then your purpose and meaning has to shift. It cannot just be about them. You can include them in your purpose and meaning because you love them, they’re your children, et cetera, in my case. But, you know, they don’t need me now to be the guy that shows them the way of the world and… educate them and prepare them and all that kind of stuff. They are doing it on their own. When they do need me, they come for five minutes or 10 minutes. We have a conversation and they’re done. So it’s important to shift that energy that I had as a parent to other people who need support in the early days of their experience when they have a negative health experience so that we can help guide them through that adversity and overcome and then maybe grow and be a better version of themselves in a few years down the track. Jonathan Arevalo (40:41) Yes, I think that it’s important to be a good example, a good leader, whether it’s at home or everywhere we go. We always need to be a good testimony. And the way I’ve learned that is also through my dad, which he taught me at a young age to be to be a man of righteousness, where he shows a good example through his good actions, but not only through words, but through actions, right? Because sometimes we may speak and say a lot of things, but we don’t live it. But when you live it, it makes a huge difference. And whenever we show those examples, whether it’s… to anyone, any family members, strangers, or anything like that. We need to be like that everywhere we go. And that’s something that I’ve learned a lot, that we need to be a good example to anyone. Bill Gasiamis (41:47) Yeah, I imagine that in the last five years you would have had some setbacks as well. What was the hardest challenge to overcome, do you think, for you? Was it physically or was it emotionally? Jonathan Arevalo (41:59) ⁓ I think it was more emotionally than physically. But it’s something that I was able to work on because even myself, ended up seeking support. And not only through these nonprofit organizations, but also within the church. So I ended up going to church and I had one of the pastors being my mentor ⁓ for a year and a half, and he ended up helping me out a lot. And it was a big amount of support that I received also from my dad and my mom and my sister. So I always had ⁓ a close family support. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (42:54) Yeah, the church is very common in people’s recovery. You hear a lot about people reconnecting with their church or even if they were still connected with their church, getting supported and having people turn up, ⁓ provide food, provide counseling, provide encouragement, all sorts of things. ⁓ And it sounds like it’s a fantastic community. And then you also hear from people who had ⁓ non-church type of. communities who come forward, support them and give them ⁓ the things that they need to kind of get them settled and in some kind of routine where they can continue recovery in their own way. ⁓ But there would have also been hard times, right? Where, because most people, and on my podcast, we talk about all the amazing things that stroke survivors do and they overcome, et cetera, but there’s also a… really, really hard times. I went through what I would call rock bottom moments, found myself in the abyss. Did you find yourself there at all? Had you experienced kind of that really down negative part of stroke ⁓ in your mental state and your emotional state as well? Jonathan Arevalo (44:09) Yes, ⁓ within the first year. So the first year was everything like I mentioned earlier about feeling angry, frustrated, ⁓ sad and all that. The first year was the hardest part of ⁓ just not knowing what to do. And the only support was ⁓ through my parents that helped me a lot to kind of take away those negative thoughts. And also getting into the church where I had support with the pastor. And then myself just changing my mindset where I had to start looking more into, more to God because I find it that without God we’re nothing. And based on my faith, that’s what gave me the strength, the encouragement, and the joy that was taken away the moment I had my stroke. So my faith in God was what gave me the strength and gave me the encouragement to move on forward. The Role of Faith in Recovery Bill Gasiamis (45:31) Let’s talk about faith for a moment because people may not believe in God. Some people may not believe in God, a God, their God, whatever. faith on its own as a experience is something that we, if we practice, ⁓ is really supportive of recovery. So faith in ourselves, faith in the medical system, faith in any situation where We have to put our kind of our life in the hands of other people. That’s what we’re practicing for people who don’t have faith in God or who don’t have a God or don’t believe in God. You still have to practice faith and you practice faith every single day. ⁓ I wanna go and receive one of my medications. You have to have faith in the medication that is going to work for you and it’s going to actually do the job. that it’s meant to do. Keep your blood pressure down, for example. I’m on blood pressure medication. ⁓ When I drive my car, I have to have faith that the other person is gonna stay on their side of the road and they’re not gonna come on my side of the road. And you know, 99.999 times out of 100, that’s exactly what happens. know, ⁓ when I have, when I’m driving the car, once again, I have to have faith that the lights that I stop at are going to, in fact, when it’s red on my side, it’s going to be green on the other side. And at some point it’s going to switch and it’s going to go green on my side and it will definitely go red on the other side so that we don’t collide. You know, there’s faith. We practice faith all the time throughout our day, throughout our whole life without even really knowing it and without needing to practice faith in a religious way. ⁓ And that’s what I’ve kind of got out of my whole, my whole journey is I didn’t find God so much in that I see God differently these days. I kind of believe that God is me. I am God, God is within me. So when I request a solution, if I use the word God in the sentence, God guide me to find the answer to this difficult question, what I’m actually doing is I’m having an internal conversation with myself. And I’m asking myself, my unconscious self to guide me to find the answer in this particular way. And that way I can combine God, the non-religious version of God, we’ll call it spirit or our creator or whatever you want to call it. And I can embody that and then make it part of me. And then in the right context, I can access the wisdom of God, the creator, nature, whoever, and I can be guided instinctively to follow my gut to an answer. And then if I go down a particular path that was not that way, and I find the wrong path, I can redirect, go back in, redirect and go again. So I became I suppose more, maybe the word is spiritual, it’s probably not the right word, but it’s how I kind of practice my, what you might call connection to God and faith. That’s how I practice it. How does that sound to you? Jonathan Arevalo (49:08) Yes, for me, it’s having faith is believing without seeing. And whenever you build a relationship with God is the moment that you start to learn who God is. And when you read God’s Word, God’s Word teaches us about His promises. His promises that He has for each one of His children, which God created, heaven and earth and everything that we see. And the fact that we breathe and and all that, that’s God who does that. there was this, the other day I was reading and it’s ⁓ in the Bible in the book of Isaiah, who’s a prophet. And it was based on the story of a king and the king is his name is Hezekiah. And Hezekiah had an illness, but not only that, it said, actually, can I read it in? in a second. So it says in his book that It says in Isaiah 38, it says, In those days, Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah, son of Amoz, went to him and said, What is what the Lord says? Put your house in order, because you are going to die. You will not recover. Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes. And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah. Go and tell Hezekiah, this is what the Lord, the God of your father, David, says. I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add 15 years to your life and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Azariah. I will defend this city. This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised.” So when I read that, I said, wow, how amazing God is that not only does he give promises to either kings and all of that during 2000 years ago in history and how God is still faithful to each one of us. Why? Because each one of us have a purpose and because God has created us with purpose is the reason why his love and mercy is so great. And that’s why I’m thankful for it I know that God is faithful and because his faithfulness He’s given me a second opportunity to live. Bill Gasiamis (52:16) Yeah. So you you take your Bible everywhere now. Jonathan Arevalo (52:21) I take his word everywhere in my heart and I find it that his word is real and is truthful because without God’s word, there’s no life. Bill Gasiamis (52:28) Yeah. So what about before stroke? Were you somebody that knew the scripture? Were you somebody that ⁓ had that type of connection to the word? Jonathan Arevalo (52:47) I didn’t have that connection as much as I have it now. Bill Gasiamis (52:51) Yeah. That’s cool. Jonathan Arevalo (52:53) And that goes based on like we spoke earlier about having a relationship. It’s not really following a religion. It’s knowing that there’s something greater than us. That’s the difference. Bill Gasiamis (53:05) Yeah. I agree with that. Jonathan Arevalo (53:09) And when we know that there’s something greater than us, then we can see that things change. But only things change only if we change ourselves in the inside. Because remember, this world that we live in, as I said earlier, we live in a broken world, right? A broken world where we find a lot of chaos and a lot of things going on. But without that love, without that peace, without that joy, that can only come. through the creator, which is God. And that’s the only way that you can actually be molded to the righteous man of who God has created in us. But we just need to know how to find that. And that way is through His word. His word teaches us that. And the moment that we apply that to our lives, day by day, the same way like with our health, our sickness, our weakness, our insecurities, How can we change that? We can only change it the moment that we apply it into our lives, little by little. And through that is the moment that we can see transformation and a step of moving forward and also breakthrough. Breakthrough is only done through changing our old selves. Because our old self is very hard to break, because we still carry that. Understanding Suffering and Connection to God Bill Gasiamis (54:35) Yeah, I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. Some people will be listening and going, well, if God is so good, why did God do this to me? You know, some people are far more injured because of stroke than you or I, even though your injuries and mine are all valid. There’s people who won’t walk again. There’s people who lose their memory, who can’t remember anymore. There’s people who cannot get their speech back. There’s people who’s… left arm, right leg won’t work again, then there’s people who will pass away. And then some of those people find that they’ve been harshly treated by God, by their maker, their creator. How do you talk to people like that to make them feel like it’s not personal? God, your creator, your maker has not gone after you and ⁓ is not punishing you. Like what do you say to people who lose connection with spirit, with God, with their creator? Jonathan Arevalo (55:40) Yeah, well, what I can say is that that God is so merciful, right? And because God is so merciful and through His love, we see in God’s Word that He died for us in the cross for our sins and is due to sin that we go through all these challenges. And that’s the connection through a broken world that we live in. is because everything comes from sin. And sometimes it’s hard to say, why is this happening to me? Or why am I not getting better? Well, everything goes back to sin. And because until we kind of, until we accept Jesus Christ, but not only accept Jesus Christ, but at the same time, God allows certain things that we have to go through. We have to go through certain challenges or obstacles, right? But it’s really hard to say. I find it. Maybe to answer that question. Bill Gasiamis (56:47) Yeah. I actually don’t mind the word sin when you use the word sin, because I’ve recently discovered ⁓ some people’s meaning of the word sin is to take that an incorrect aim to aim in the wrong direction. And I really relate to that. So when I sin, I don’t kind of see it as a, ⁓ you good, me bad. Like, do you know, don’t, I don’t sort of see that type of thing. It’s just aiming in the wrong direction. For example, previously my life was led by my head. It was my head that was telling me this sounds like a good idea. Yeah, we should have three cars. We should have the biggest house possible. We should do all of that. My head was guiding my life, whereas now my head is supporting my heart to guide my life. That’s why the podcast exists, because the podcast is not about what my head thinks is a good idea. Because if my head thought it was a good idea, this podcast should be making a shitload of money and it’s not making a ton of money. That’s why I request support from Patreon. That’s why I wrote a book to make a little bit of money so that I can ⁓ cover the costs of recording, editing, uploading, hosting a podcast. Like that’s the reason why it needs to make money, but it doesn’t need to make hundreds of thousands or millions and millions of dollars. My head in the old days would be going, dude. Don’t ever do 400 episodes of stroke survivors podcast. I’m not interested in that. And I, and I would be going, okay, what do I need to do? And my head would be going, you need to 24 hours a day, seven days a week and make as much money as you can. So you can have all the things that we’re told by the marketing companies that you need to have. I see that as a sin. Do you understand? That is the wrong aim. I’ve taken aim. dude and I’m putting all my energy into the wrong things. Whereas now I’ve taken aim and adjusted and now I think I’m aiming in the right direction. It’s about purpose, meaning, connecting with other people, helping other people, supporting other people. I’m no longer sinning in that particular way. That’s the literal description of the word sin. So it’s really important that I learned that because if I didn’t learn that I would be taking when I hear the word sin as a me bad, everyone else good. And that’s definitely not what it is. And that’s what I think the, the bleeding in my brain helped me adjust the aim, redirect where I was heading in my life, who was important, why they were important to me. ⁓ and, and my community is not a church. but I’m creating my own community on this podcast, know, 400 interviews, people who reach out from you all around the world. It’s the same kind of community, giving community as a church community is. We support each other, we help each other, we give people information, we connect other people with ⁓ doctors and conditions and solutions. So it’s like, yeah, that’s what I was lacking. I was lacking community. Jonathan Arevalo (1:00:01) community. Bill Gasiamis (1:00:02) I was lacking people who understood me and who were similarly aligned to me. You know, I was connecting with people who were sinning in their own way because their direction was all wrong and we were finding each other and we were making life harder for ourselves by being all in our heads and not connected to our body and our heart, right? Jonathan Arevalo (1:00:23) Yeah, that’s right. Bill Gasiamis (1:00:25) That’s kind of my religious journey without connecting it to a religion or to a religious chapter or to a church in a particular location. But I still feel like it’s a religious journey, you know? Jonathan Arevalo (1:00:39) Yes, like the moment that you build fellowship as we’re doing right now, we’re sharing our stories and we’re sharing our journey as stroke survivors. And through this story is what shows which is what shows purpose and also can leave an impact to others, survivors. Because if we don’t show a difference and if we don’t help support other people, then what purpose do we have on this earth? Right? We’re here to help one another and to be different in a good way. Building Community and Fellowship Because every single time we’re always going to be going through different challenges. Whether it’s negative thoughts or everything that we see on TV. Because every single time that we’re looking at the news is always bad news, So all those negative thoughts are something that we are affected day by day. And the only way that we’re able to overcome those negative thoughts is by putting ourselves surrounded in other things. Other things that can help us strengthen our mind, our body, and emotions. But that’s something that takes day by day. Bill Gasiamis (1:02:14) Yeah, I love it. I love your journey. I love how similar we are in our path, even though we talk about it in a slightly different way. ⁓ Leading a good example is something that was very important to me. I want to be a good example for my kids. In my book, ⁓ the dedication says to all the stroke survivors who are dealing with the aftermath of stroke. and despite it all are seeking transformation and growth. And that’s the first part of the dedication. And the second part of the dedication says to my family, I hope that that I have set a good example. I mean, my only goal, my only goal is to set a good example, to show them when adversity comes, how you can respond. There’s a Jonathan Arevalo (1:02:59) Thank Bill Gasiamis (1:03:10) I think there’s a way to respond that’s wrong. And then there’s many ways to respond that are right. There’s a one, there’s unfortunately, you know, responding by going back to the way that you were before, think is the wrong way to respond. then finding a new path forward, taking aim and choosing the wrong direction, sinning, and then readjusting, and then going again in another direction, I believe. like is the example that we need to set for other people just so that my kids can see in the future when they go through a tough time, they go, I think I remember one way that my dad did it that might be supportive of my recovery down the path and see, okay, this is what dad did. I don’t need to do what dad did, but this is kind of how he thought about that and how he approached that. That’s really. what I was sitting out to achieve. And I think I’ve achieved that and I feel really good about that, you know. Jonathan Arevalo (1:04:17) Yeah, no, I think that’s excellent, Bill. I’m glad that you were able to create a podcast. And ⁓ thank you for this opportunity because I never thought I’d be able to share my story. And as well for the fact that your sharing was called, ⁓ that you created a book to tell about your stroke survival. And I think that that’s going to impact many, many, many other survivors. They’re going through difficult times and I think that’s amazing. Bill Gasiamis (1:04:52) Yeah, thank you. A lot of people have bought it. I think there’s at least 600 copies being sold at this stage. And that’s not a lot. It’s not a million copies, but ⁓ it was never about the number. It was just about having it available just so that people can come across it if they need to and ⁓ read it and just see a different perspective of how you can approach your recovery. ⁓ You can get the book at recoveryafterstroke.com/book for anyone that’s watching and listening. So as we kind of get to the end of this interview, tell me what’s next for you. What’s on the to-do list? What goals do you have that you want to achieve? Future Goals and New Beginnings Jonathan Arevalo (1:05:31) Yes, well, what I’ve been able to achieve ⁓ was that I ended up getting married this year. Thank you. It wasn’t something expected because I thought maybe it’s not going to be possible to meet someone based on my condition and everything, but… Everything changed. And so I got married on April 11th of this year. So I’m now married. And the other thing that I started this year was besides the volunteering, I also created ⁓ my own like small business when it comes to mentorship to help other people, which are people that are either stroke survivors. People with disability and also mental health. And I created my website on that to help a lot of people. And it’s ⁓ non-profit at the moment, which is donation-based. And I’m still helping in the community. I still volunteer. And I still ⁓ help out in the church and many other places. So those are the things that I’m still currently doing. Bill Gasiamis (1:07:02) Fantastic, man. So the website, we will have the links to all of the different social media and your website, et cetera, for people to follow if they want to connect with you. ⁓ The journey that you’re on, you’re calling it the 20, the project 21. Jonathan Arevalo (1:07:28) Yes. The reason I called it Project 21, because this journey that I’m going through is like a form of a project. And everything started in 2021. So that’s why I decided to pick something unique and different and call it Project 21. Bill Gasiamis (1:07:51) Yeah, fantastic, Jonathan. I really appreciate our conversation. Thank you for reaching out and joining me on the podcast. I love the work that you’re doing and will continue to do. There’s many, many years ahead of you of doing fantastic work and I look forward to keeping in touch and finding out how your journey unfolds. Jonathan Arevalo (1:08:14) Yes, thank you, Bill. I appreciate it. Bill Gasiamis (1:08:17) Well, thanks so much for listening to this episode of the Recovery After Stroke podcast. And thank you to Jonathan for sharing a story that takes a lot of courage to revisit. One thing I hope you take from this conversation is that recovery is never just physical. It’s emotional, it’s messy, it’s confusing, but it is also an opportunity to rediscover who you can become. Jonathan’s journey shows that healing doesn’t always look like we expect. And sometimes the smaller steps forward end up becoming the most meaningful ones. If this episode helped you feel understood or gave you something to think about on your recovery path, remember to visit patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. Some people believe their support won’t make a difference, but that’s an assumption that simply isn’t true. Every contribution helps me continue producing these episodes, keep them online and moving toward my goal of recording a thousand conversations. So no stroke survivor ever has to feel like they’re going through this alone. And if you haven’t already, you can also order my book, The Unexpected Way That a Stroke Became the Best Thing That Happened at recoveryafterstroke.com/book. Many listeners expect it to be just my personal story, but it’s actually something much more useful. It’s the guide I wish existed when I was confused, overwhelmed, and trying to figure out how to rebuild my life after stroke. Thank you again for being here, for listening, and for supporting the work in whatever way you can. You’re not alone in this. and I’ll see you on the next episode. Importantly, we present many podcasts designed to give you an insight and understanding into the experiences of other individuals. Opinions and treatment protocols discussed during any podcast are the individual’s own experience and we do not necessarily share the same opinion nor do we recommend any treatment protocol discussed. All content on this website and any linked blog, podcast or video material controlled this website or content is created and produced for informational purposes only and is largely based on the personal experience of Bill Gassiamus. The content is intended to complement your medical treatment and support healing. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health advice. The information is general and may not be suitable for your personal injuries, circumstances or health objectives. Do not use our content as a standalone resource to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease for therapeutic purposes or as a subst

•⁠ ⁠‘பாரத் மாதா கி ஜே' என்ற முழக்கத்துடன் தடுப்புகளைத் தள்ளிவிட்டு முருகன் கோயிலுக்குள் நுழைந்த கும்பல்?•⁠ ⁠நீதிபதி ஜி.ஆர் சுவாமிநாதன் உத்தரவும்... திருப்பரங்குன்றத்தில் ஏற்பட்ட பரப்பும்!•⁠ ⁠“கலவரம் செய்ய நினைப்பவர்களை அரசு இரும்புக் கரம் கொண்டு அடக்க வேண்டும்” -செல்வப்பெருந்தகை•⁠ ⁠"நீதிபதி ஜி.ஆர்.சுவாமிநாதன் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு வன்மையான கண்டனத்துக்குரியது" - சண்முகம்•⁠ ⁠``நீதிபதி ஜி.ஆர்.சுவாமிநாதன் மீது நடவடிக்கை தேவை!'' - திருமாவளவன்•⁠ ⁠பா.ஜ.க தலைவர்கள் சொல்வதென்ன?•⁠ ⁠திருப்பரங்குன்றம் விவகாரம்: தமிழ்நாடு அரசின் மேல்முறையீட்டு மனு தள்ளுபடி?•⁠ ⁠DMK-விடம் அதிக தொகுதிகள் கேட்கும் காங்கிரஸ்? •⁠ ⁠"தமிழ்நாடு அரசியல் நகர்வுகள் குறித்து விவாதித்தோம்" - ஓபிஎஸ் டெல்லி சந்திப்புகளின் பின்னணி?•⁠ ⁠கேரள உள்ளாட்சித் தேர்தலில் போட்டியிடும் அதிமுக - பொறுப்பாளர்கள் நியமனம்•⁠ ⁠தேர்தல் ஆணையத்தை கண்டித்து ராமதாஸ் தரப்பினர் இன்று ஆர்ப்பாட்டம்•⁠ ⁠சின்னம் முடக்கப்படும் - தேர்தல் ஆணையம் தெரிவிப்பு!•⁠ ⁠டித்வா புயல்: கனமழையால் கடும் பாதிப்பைச் சந்தித்த வடசென்னை!•⁠ ⁠அரசுமுறைப் பயணமாக இன்று இந்தியா வருகிறார் ரஷ்ய அதிபர் புதின்!•⁠ ⁠UP: புதின் படத்துக்கு பொட்டு வைத்து பூஜை செய்த BJP-யினர்.•⁠ ⁠ஐரோப்பிய நாடுகளுடன் போரிட தயார் - புதின்.•⁠ ⁠தமிழக விவசாயிகளின் இயற்கை வேளாண்மை வியப்பளிக்கிறது - மோடி.•⁠ ⁠Fake News க்கு எதிராக நடவடிக்கை - அமைச்சர் அஸ்வினி வைஷ்ணவ்•⁠ ⁠டெல்லி காற்று மாசு... நாடாளுமன்ற வளாகத்தில் காங்கிரஸ் போராட்டம்!•⁠ ⁠Sanchar Saathi கட்டாய இன்ஸ்டால் உத்தரவை வாபஸ் பெற்ற மத்திய அரசு; இதற்கு `மக்கள் நம்பிக்கை' காரணமா? •⁠ ⁠AVM: `குடும்பப் படங்களுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுத்தவர்' - ஏவிஎம் சரவணன் காலமானார்.

This Listing Bits episode is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview Greg Robertson sits down with industry veteran Amy Gorce of REdistribute to clarify what REdistribute actually does, how it differs from display-focused data platforms, and why MLSs should care about the exploding gray-market use of MLS data. Amy breaks down the institutional-buyer use cases, explains how gray-market pipelines emerged, and outlines why MLS participation directly impacts valuation accuracy, AVMs, risk modeling, and overall market health. Key Takeaways  • REdistribute is not a display vendor. Their data is used solely for institutional-grade analytics, AVMs, risk modeling, and portfolio management—never for consumer-facing listing display.    • Owned by MLSs, built for MLSs. The operating agreement limits eligible purchasers and prevents MLSs or brokers from using the data for competitive display products.    • The gray market is real and accelerating. Companies scrape, partner with brokers, or purchase unclear data sources to fuel AVMs and risk tools—often without MLS compensation. REdistribute is actively converting gray-market users.    • AI is making the problem bigger. Scraping tools, automated ingestion, and LLM training pipelines are proliferating. REdistribute is building an MCP server to support AI-specific use cases in a controlled and compliant way.    • Coverage, not demand, is the bottleneck. Institutional buyers are ready, but MLS participation is still below critical mass (~55–60% coverage). More MLSs joining closes the gap and increases revenue potential.    • Economics vary by use case. AVM licensing generates significantly higher value than simple match-and-append use cases—creating real opportunities for meaningful revenue distribution back to MLSs and brokers.    • Joining is simple. MLSs sign a license agreement and can be onboarded in roughly two weeks, with quarterly revenue distributions.   Links  • The Market Value of Listing Data—and the Cost of the Grey Market - White Paper Contact Amy Gorce Allison Duggins Sponsors Trackxi - Real Estate's #1 Deal Tracking Software Giant Steps Job Board – Where ORE gets hired Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios  

1. FHA Streamline RefinancePurpose:Simplify refinancing for homeowners who already have an FHA loan — lowering their rate or switching from an ARM to a fixed rate with minimal paperwork and cost.Key Features:No income verification usually requiredNo appraisal required in most cases (uses the original home value)Limited credit check — just to confirm good payment historyMust benefit financially (lower rate, lower payment, or move to a more stable loan)Basic Rules:You must already have an FHA-insured loanNo late payments in the past 12 monthsAt least 6 months must have passed since your current FHA loan was openedThe refinance must result in a “net tangible benefit” — meaning it improves your financial situationAppraisal Waiver:Most FHA Streamlines don't require an appraisal at all — it's based on the original value when the loan was made.

Key PointsDeborah's symptoms began in 2013 with weakness in her legs and lower extremities, initially misdiagnosed by her family doctor who recommended exercise and weight loss for two years.A CAT scan revealed the AVM was located in the very pit of Deborah's spinal cord inside the cord itself, requiring immediate hospitalization due to risk of catastrophic paralysis.Deborah underwent her first eight and a half hour neurosurgery while positioned face-down with electrodes monitoring her body, but the surgeon was unable to remove all the problematic veins.Following the incomplete first surgery, Deborah was told she would need additional operations and that her condition would worsen without further intervention.After four years of deterioration, Deborah underwent a second eight-hour operation at Johns Hopkins where surgeons successfully removed the remaining vein.Prescription medications including opioids, tramadol, oxycodone, gabapentin, and baclofen provided minimal pain relief while causing significant side effects and dependency.Megan Hall, working in film in Los Angeles, began researching cannabis health benefits as an alternative to help her mother avoid opioid dependency and early death.Al Marenton of My Fit Life offered to help Deborah after meeting Megan at a cannabis event in 2016, creating a CBD-dominant RSO with no THC to avoid medical benefit complications.Initial CBD usage was inconsistent due to Deborah's concerns about saving the product, until Megan and Al established a regular dosing regimen.Deborah successfully discontinued tramadol while continuing CBD treatment, experiencing complete elimination of her thoracic back pain and improved mobility including riding a three-wheel bike.Medical professionals initially discouraged CBD use due to insurance and testing concerns, but Deborah's pain management doctor recently expressed approval of her CBD-only pain management approach.Deborah now lives independently using only CBD for pain management, drives, and uses a walker for mobility assistance while remaining completely free of opioid medications. Visit our website: CannabisHealthRadio.comFind high-quality cannabis and CBD + get free consultations at MyFitLife.net/cannabishealthDiscover products and get expert advice from Swan ApothecaryFollow us on Facebook.Follow us on Instagram.Find us on Rumble.Keep your privacy! Buy NixT420 Odor Remover Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com We're on Twitter @WTAL_Podcast You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via hello@llarn.com   Episode Links: Your Past Does Not Define You or Your Future - Skilled at Life No One Works Harder Than a Woman Who Doesn't Like Asking for Help - luminate-group.co.uk Why Women Don't Ask For Help - Thrive Global Why Do Women Find it Hard to Ask For Help? The Cognitive Dimension of Household Labor - Allison Daminger, 2019 Some Theories on Why Men Don't Do as Many Household Tasks - The Atlantic These Chores Don't Count? On Men's Hidden “Second Shift” - Life of Dad Men may not ‘perceive' domestic tasks as needing doing in the same way as women, philosophers argue | University of Cambridge It's a total myth that women are better at keeping track of household chores | Allison Daminger | The Guardian No, Men Don't Suck at Doing Laundry or Other Housework ‘Because They're Men' | by Katie Jgln | The Noösphere | Medium Women, why is it so hard to say NO? – Angie Greaves Why Women Have a Hard Time Saying No | Psychology Today United Kingdom Gender differences on household chores entrenched from childhood The Second Shift - Wikipedia Finding Balance: A Woman's Guide to Juggling Work, Life, and Laughter American Time Use Survey Summary - 2024 A01 Results The Shriver Report What It Means to Be a Woman Juggling Motherhood, Wifehood, and Career Aspirations | by Ally Garofalo How Women Can Navigate Multiple Roles in Today's World | SSI SCHAEFER Women Are Sharing The Unfair Expectations Society Places On Them That People Refuse To Talk About, And As A Fellow Woman, I Feel Seen, Heard, And Understood The Challenges of Being A Woman: Social Roles and Expectations - Avery Lane Gender-based Social Expectations for Women Expectation's As Mothers – Peace Together The hidden load: How 'thinking of everything' holds mums back Losing a Parent | Coping after the Death of a Parent Alder Hey Children's Hospital - Wikipedia Women Still Handle Main Household Tasks in U.S.   This week's guests:  With over 15 years in Learning & Development, Gemma Wells  currently works as an eLearning Solutions Manager. Her life outside work involves raising three children, and she's faced the complexities of supporting her daughter through a ruptured AVM. Community is important to Gemma, she's the Media Officer and Under 13s Team Manager for her eldest daughter's rugby club. LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-wells- Website  https://www.dayonetech.com/   Tanya Gallagher is the founder and Managing Director of Limitless Leadership. With over 20 years' experience in learning and development, she brings deep expertise in the development of scalable development initiatives. Tanya is known for her collaborative approach, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to quality and ethical practice. She leads the delivery of client work across the business, ensuring every partnership is built on trust and excellence. Having worked with both global and local organisations, Tanya is passionate about empowering leaders and shaping high-impact learning experiences that drive real results. LinkedIn Tanya Gallagher | LinkedIn Limitless Leadership Limited: Overview | LinkedIn  Website Limitless Leadership   Engilla Loo is a mother of two, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Envia, a startup built to lighten the mental load of parenting. With over 15 years of product management experience across multiple industries, she brings deep expertise in building thoughtful, user-centred solutions. Engilla created Envia to help parents stay organised, reduce stress, and reclaim their time. LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/engilla-l-401b2a127/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/106679774/ Website https://www.enviatogether.com/

    Army neurosurgeon LTC Ryan Morton, MD, takes us on an extraordinary journey through his military medicine career, sharing insights and personal stories that shaped his path. From the influence of his father's military service and choosing the ROTC HPSP route to fund his education at Notre Dame, to his pivotal decision to pursue neurosurgery over cardiology, Dr. Morton's narrative is both inspiring and enlightening. His experiences in building a neuro-neurosurgery program and witnessing the advancements in trauma and stroke care over the past decade provide a unique perspective on both the challenges and triumphs in military medicine.     Discover the groundbreaking work at Brooke Army Medical Center, where Dr. Morton played a key role in expanding stroke care capabilities and performed the center's first thrombectomies. His dedication to maintaining his skills through moonlighting and exploring endovascular techniques for battlefield applications underscores the complexity of military neurosurgery. One particularly impactful case involving an active-duty pilot with a large arterial venous malformation highlights the crucial balance between medical risks and personal aspirations, offering a poignant look at the decision-making processes in such high-stakes scenarios.      As Dr. Morton reflects on his training at major trauma centers like Harborview, which ignited his passion for trauma care, he also shares his vision for the future of Army military neurosurgery. Emphasizing mission readiness and comprehensive training for neurosurgeons, he highlights the importance of partnerships between military and civilian centers. With excitement about enhanced stroke care capabilities and a hopeful outlook on the evolving landscape of neurosurgery, Dr. Morton provides valuable insights into how experience and high-quality studies will continue to shape the field.   Chapters: (00:04) Military Neurosurgery (11:11) Endovascular Neurosurgery in Military Medicine (20:28) Traumatic Brain Injury Management Overview (33:54) Evolution of Military Neurosurgery   Chapter Summaries: (00:04) Military Neurosurgery     Army neurosurgeon Dr. Ryan Morton shares his journey and experiences in building a neuro-neurosurgery program, inspired by his military upbringing and chance encounter with neurosurgery during medical school.   (11:11) Endovascular Neurosurgery in Military Medicine    Expanding stroke care at Brook Army Medical Center, performing first thrombectomies, potential for endovascular neurosurgery on battlefield, and operating on complex AVM case.   (20:28) Traumatic Brain Injury Management Overview    Neurosurgery's critical role in trauma care, prioritizing cases based on severity, collaboration with trauma teams, and criteria for operative intervention.   (33:54) Evolution of Military Neurosurgery    Military neurosurgery's evolution, trauma care training, role in combat zones, and potential for enhanced stroke care.   Take Home Messages: Pathway to Military Medicine: The journey into military medicine can be deeply influenced by personal experiences and family backgrounds. Choosing pathways like the ROTC, HPSP route can provide valuable opportunities to fund education while also serving one's country.   Advancements in Military Neurosurgery: Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in military neurosurgery, particularly in the fields of trauma and stroke care. Building specialized programs within military medical centers is crucial for keeping up with these developments.   Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The successful management of traumatic brain injuries and other complex neurosurgical cases often requires close collaboration between neurosurgeons and trauma teams. This synergy allows for effective handling of polytrauma patients and simultaneous surgical interventions.   Endovascular Techniques in Combat Zones: The potential application of endovascular neurosurgery techniques on the battlefield offers promising possibilities for managing traumatic injuries. Maintaining and expanding stroke care capabilities within military medical centers is vital for both civilian and military patient outcomes.   Future Vision for Military Neurosurgery: Ensuring mission readiness and comprehensive training for neurosurgeons is essential for the future of military medicine. Strengthening partnerships between military and civilian centers, as well as leveraging the reserves, can help maintain high standards of care and enhance neurosurgical capabilities in combat zones.   Episode Keywords: Military neurosurgery, Army neurosurgeon, Dr. Ryan Morton, stroke care, trauma care, Brooke Army Medical Center, thrombectomies, endovascular techniques, battlefield medicine, military-civilian partnerships, ROTC, HPSP, Notre Dame, interventional neurosurgery, traumatic brain injury, Harborview, Madigan, combat zones, mission readiness, pioneering stroke care, medical advancements, neurosurgical excellence, WarDocs podcast   Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #Neurosurgery #ArmyNeurosurgeon #StrokeCare #TraumaCare #EndovascularSurgery #BrookeArmyMedicalCenter #CombatMedicine #MedicalInnovation #WarDocsPodcast     Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Anna Bicker, heise-online-Chefredakteur Dr. Volker Zota und Malte Kirchner sprechen in dieser Ausgabe der #heiseshow unter anderem über folgende Themen: - DSL forever: Digitalminister will Kupferleitung nicht so schnell aufgeben – Digitalminister Wildberger sieht noch Potenzial in der DSL-Technologie über Kupferleitungen. Er will die bestehende Infrastruktur trotz des Ausbaus von Glasfaser weiter nutzen. Ist DSL wirklich noch zeitgemäß für Deutschlands digitale Zukunft? Und wie passt das zur Gigabit-Strategie der Bundesregierung? - Offen für alles? OpenAI veröffentlicht erste offene Modelle seit GPT-2 – Nach Jahren geschlossener Entwicklung macht OpenAI einen überraschenden Schritt und veröffentlicht wieder Open-Source-Modelle. Das Unternehmen, das mit ChatGPT den KI-Boom anheizte, kehrt zu seinen Wurzeln zurück. Was steckt hinter dieser strategischen Wendung? Können die neuen offenen Modelle mit den proprietären Versionen mithalten? Und welche Auswirkungen hat das auf den KI-Markt? - Out of the box: AVM benennt sich in Fritz um – Der Berliner Router-Hersteller AVM gibt seinen traditionellen Namen auf und firmiert künftig als Fritz. Die Fritzbox-Produktlinie wird damit zum Unternehmensnamen. Warum dieser radikale Schritt nach Jahrzehnten als AVM? Welche Vorteile erhofft sich das Unternehmen von der Umbenennung? Und was bedeutet das für die Markenidentität im umkämpften Netzwerk-Markt? Außerdem wieder mit dabei: ein Nerd-Geburtstag, das WTF der Woche und knifflige Quizfragen.

Anna Bicker, heise-online-Chefredakteur Dr. Volker Zota und Malte Kirchner sprechen in dieser Ausgabe der #heiseshow unter anderem über folgende Themen: - DSL forever: Digitalminister will Kupferleitung nicht so schnell aufgeben – Digitalminister Wildberger sieht noch Potenzial in der DSL-Technologie über Kupferleitungen. Er will die bestehende Infrastruktur trotz des Ausbaus von Glasfaser weiter nutzen. Ist DSL wirklich noch zeitgemäß für Deutschlands digitale Zukunft? Und wie passt das zur Gigabit-Strategie der Bundesregierung? - Offen für alles? OpenAI veröffentlicht erste offene Modelle seit GPT-2 – Nach Jahren geschlossener Entwicklung macht OpenAI einen überraschenden Schritt und veröffentlicht wieder Open-Source-Modelle. Das Unternehmen, das mit ChatGPT den KI-Boom anheizte, kehrt zu seinen Wurzeln zurück. Was steckt hinter dieser strategischen Wendung? Können die neuen offenen Modelle mit den proprietären Versionen mithalten? Und welche Auswirkungen hat das auf den KI-Markt? - Out of the box: AVM benennt sich in Fritz um – Der Berliner Router-Hersteller AVM gibt seinen traditionellen Namen auf und firmiert künftig als Fritz. Die Fritzbox-Produktlinie wird damit zum Unternehmensnamen. Warum dieser radikale Schritt nach Jahrzehnten als AVM? Welche Vorteile erhofft sich das Unternehmen von der Umbenennung? Und was bedeutet das für die Markenidentität im umkämpften Netzwerk-Markt? Außerdem wieder mit dabei: ein Nerd-Geburtstag, das WTF der Woche und knifflige Quizfragen.

After a peaceful, scheduled Cesarean for breech presentation, Erika knew she wanted a VBAC—even before becoming pregnant again. When red flags appeared with her original provider, she switched to a supportive OB who stayed steady even when Erika had doubts. Erika prepared deeply with The VBAC Link Podcast episodes, blogs, pelvic floor PT, chiropractic care, and a skilled doula. Her healing VBAC brought immediate skin-to-skin, a dreamy uninterrupted gold hour, and ultimately helped detect a rare condition of AVM that saved her baby's life. Needed Website: Code VBAC20 for 20% OffCoterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Drake White's Comeback Story: Stroke, Faith, and Giant Bucks | 100% Wild Podcast ep. 435 Country music artist Drake White joins Matt and Tim on this week's 100% Wild Podcast to share one of the most incredible comeback stories we've ever heard. After suffering a near-fatal stroke, Drake opens up about his journey of healing, his connection to the outdoors, and how chasing a big Illinois buck helped bring him back to life—literally. Tune in for a powerful conversation about faith, resilience, and the primal drive that keeps us going. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Matt's new farm and working in the heat 01:20 – Introducing guest Drake White 02:30 – Hunting Illinois with Spencer Brown 06:00 – Drake's first Illinois buck and cold front story 08:30 – The moment that changed Drake's life: a medical crisis 13:00 – Living and performing with a brain AVM 19:00 – Suffering a stroke, a divine encounter, and recovery 26:00 – Learning to walk again and regaining independence 32:00 – The power of purpose through a single trail cam photo 36:00 – Healing through the outdoors and Catch-A-Dream stories 41:00 – Rediscovering faith, creation, and true recreation 45:00 – Drake's new documentary “To The Sky” and premiere date 50:00 – What the outdoors teaches us about life, healing, and God 55:00 – Final thoughts on purpose, hunting, and spiritual clarity Join the Rack Pack Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/share/g/n73gskJT7BfB2Ngc/ Get ahead of your Game with DeerCast available on iOS and Android devices App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deercast/id1425879996 Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.druryoutdoors.deercast.app Don't forget to stock up for your next hunt! 1st Phorm has you covered! Protein Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/protein-sticks-15ct?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Level-1 Bars: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar-15ct?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Energy Drinks: https://1stphorm.com/products/1st-phorm-energy?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydration-sticks?a_aid=DruryOutdoors Send us a voice message on Speakpipe! https://www.speakpipe.com/100PercentWild?fbclid=IwY2xjawHG5cpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHS-OqetdhlMV6LGrV5KfUBO7fjYcduyut_LzgxrQnEgBbe_vPXGCMgF1Sw_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw For exciting updates on what's happening on the field and off, follow us on social Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OfficialDruryOutdoors Instagram: @DruryOutdoors Twitter: @DruryOutdoors Be sure to check out http://www.druryoutdoors.com for more information, hunts, and more! Music provided by Epidemic Sound http://player.epidemicsound.com/

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, stroke survivor, and bestselling author of My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living. With over 27 million views, her TED Talk is one of the most viewed of all time. In this conversation, we explore: — How a left hemisphere stroke radically shifted Jill's view of identity — What it means to live from a “whole brain” perspective and Dr. Taylor revolutionary model of the four “characters” we all have within us — Why our sense of self is just one “character” of four and how learning to recognize and integrate these characters can help us make better decisions, improve our relationships, and access deeper states of inner peace. — How the “BRAIN huddle” can transform inner conflict into calm clarity. And more. To explore Dr. Taylor's work, visit https://drjilltaylor.com or check out her books My Stroke of Insight and Whole Brain Living. — Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroscientist. In 1996 she experienced a severe hemorrhage (AVM) in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery, spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and is still routinely the #1 book in the category Stroke in the Amazon marketplace. Dr. Jill is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations and not-for-profit organizations about the beauty of our human brain. She focuses on how we can activate the power of our neuroplasticity to not only recover from neurological trauma, but how we can purposely choose to live a more flexible, resilient, and satisfying life. In 2008 Dr. Jill gave the first TED talk that ever went viral on the Internet, which now has well over 27.5 million views. Also in 2008, Dr. Jill was chosen as one of Time magazine's “100 Most Influential People in the World” and was the premiere guest on Oprah Winfrey's “Soul Series” webcast. Her new book, Whole Brain Living – the Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life is a #1 release on Amazon in categories ranging from Neuroscience to Nervous System Diseases and Stroke. --- Interview Links: — Dr Taylor's website: https://drjilltaylor.com — Dr Taylor's book: https://amzn.to/43EiPA1

There is a common scenario for those Accounts Payable or Vendor teams that can do bank account ownership validations when setting up or changing vendor data: many vendors have legitimate reasons why their bank account holder names do not match their legal name.  So, how are you supposed to know whether this is legitimate or fraudulent?Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to prevent fraudulent payments, regulatory fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 116+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:   AVM: 3-Step Vendor Setup and Maintenance Framework to Avoid Fraud, Fines and Bad Vendor Data: https://youtu.be/prvHJ6_Rf58 D&B Business Directory:  https://www.dnb.com OpenCorporates:  https://opencorporates.com/ SEC > EDGAR Database: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/search/#/entityName=USERFUL%2520CORPORATION State Registration Sites:   Vendor Process Training Center > Resource Library Customized Vendor Validations Session: https://debrarrichardson.com/vendor-validation-sessionVendor Process Training Center - https://training.debrarrichardson.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com

Phoebe Lyman is an abdominal manual therapist, preconception coach, and founder of Casc Tonics, a wellness brand focused on reviving digestive bitters. Based in Los Angeles, she specializes in Mercier Therapy and Visceral Manipulation—two hands-on modalities for healing what she calls the “gut-fertility continuum.” Phoebe's work emphasizes rewilding over biohacking, body sovereignty over outsourcing, and conscious conception for societal and personal healing. Her podcast, Conscious Conception, challenges mainstream fertility narratives and centers body literacy, ancestral health, and radical self-trust.   In this episode we chat about:  The gut fertility continuum IVF and “unexplained” infertility WTF is abdominal visceral massage How to find someone who knows what they are doing Men your health impacts your unborn kiddo Self abandonment postpartum Why does AVM work? Who needs AVM? Vitamin D and perimenopause are not fads yo Are we gaslighting ourselves?? WTF. If you're interested in digestive bitters, check out Daily Bitter + save 10% with code EMPOWERED!  Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Learn more about working with Phoebe Follow Phoebe on IG  Conscious Conception Podcast

Send us a text if you want to be on the Podcast & explain why!IG: Stroke_riser21 The boundary between certified and qualified trainers becomes starkly apparent when working with clients who have complex medical conditions. Through the journey of Jimmy, a stroke survivor with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), we examine the critical approach qualified trainers must take when designing rehabilitation programs.Jimmy's story is particularly powerful—once a Division I baseball player throwing 90+ mph fastballs, he experienced a hemorrhagic stroke during exercise when his "ticking time bomb" AVM ruptured. After emergency brain surgery and months of therapy, Jimmy faced the mental challenge of rebuilding his identity before even beginning serious physical rehabilitation.What sets qualified trainers apart is their approach to medical collaboration. Before designing Jimmy's program, I connected with both his physician and our team physical therapist, establishing clear communication channels and demonstrating anatomical knowledge that overcame the common stigma about personal trainers being merely "appearance-focused" without substantive expertise. This interdisciplinary approach created a safe framework for Jimmy's program, focusing on intensity management due to seizure risk while implementing strategic movement patterns.The program incorporated bilateral squats biased toward his stronger right side (potentially creating a crossover effect to strengthen his affected left side), grip training for his left hand which remained claw-like due to muscle tone issues, and carefully monitored rest periods. The most emotional breakthrough came when Jimmy, with proper supervision, successfully transitioned from standing to floor and back again—bringing tears to his eyes as he said, "The most important thing people need with stroke is hope, and what that did right there gives me hope."This experience highlights why proper training for special populations demands comprehensive understanding of anatomy, criticWant to ask us a question? Email email info@showupfitness.com with the subject line PODCAST QUESTION to get your question answered live on the show! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showupfitnessinternship/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@showupfitnessinternshipWebsite: https://www.showupfitness.com/Become a Personal Trainer Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/How-Become-Personal-Trainer-Successful/dp/B08WS992F8Show Up Fitness Internship & CPT: https://online.showupfitness.com/pages/online-show-up?utm_term=show%20up%20fitnessNASM study guide: ...

From musician to stroke survivor, Lorenzo Price shares his powerful AVM of the brain recovery story and how he rebuilt life after loss. The post A Tattoo Artist's Life Turned Upside Down by AVM – Lorenzo's Stroke Survival Story appeared first on Recovery After Stroke.

The April 2025 replay showcases five compelling physician-as-patient stories. The episode begins with Dr. Franzi Herpich sharing her personal experience of suffering a stroke. It then transitions into a two-part series on arteriovenous malformation, featuring stories from Dr. Joe Sirven and Dr. Amy Hessler. The fourth episode highlights Dr. Eric Seachrist's journey with multiple sclerosis. In the final episode, Dr. Andrea Lendaris discusses her experience with Usher syndrome type 2A and her ongoing battle with acute and chronic health challenges.  Podcast links: Physician as Patient - Stroke  Physicians as Patients Series - Arteriovenous Malformation - Part 1 Physicians as Patients Series - Arteriovenous Malformation - Part 2  Physician as Patient Series - Multiple Sclerosis  Physicians as Patients Series - Inclusivity of Physicians with Disabilities  April 2022 Recall: Physician as Patient  Disclosures can be found at Neurology.org.

Unlocking the Power of Data in Mortgage Lending | FinTech Hunting Podcast with Richard LombardiIn this episode of FinTech Hunting, host Michael Hammond sits down with Richard Lombardi, EVP of Property Data Solutions & Data Strategy at ICE Mortgage Technology, to explore how data is transforming the mortgage industry.

Sinpaş Gayrımenkul Yatırım Ortaklığı'nın Kızılbük Koyu'nda yapmak istediği, içinde dev bir AVM ve devre mülklerin de olduğu tesis, yapı ve iskân ruhsatı iptal edilmesine rağmen sürüyor. Projenin durdurulması için uzun yıllardır mücadele eden Kent Politikaları Derneği Genel Sekreteri Halime Şaman, bölgede doğaya verilen zararın yanı sıra hukuk ihlalleri olduğuna da dikkat çekerek, inşaatın durdurulması için Marmaris Kaymakamlığı ile Muğla Valiliği'ni göreve çağırıyor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I added two recommendations for vendor validations to add to your vendor setup and maintenance process.  See which ones they are and where to validate.   Keep listening. Check out my website www.debrarrichardson.com if you need help implementing authentication techniques, internal controls, and best practices to prevent fraudulent payments, regulatory fines or bad vendor data. Check out the Vendor Process Training Center for 116+ hours of weekly live and on-demand training for the Vendor team. Links mentioned in the podcast + other helpful resources:    AVM 3-Step Vendor Setup & Maintenance Process eGuide:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/course/eguideWhich State Registered: OpenCorporates: https://www.opencorporates.com   Secretary of State Validation: Vendor Process Training Center - Resource Library - https://training.debrarrichardson.com/resourcesPEP Validation: TINCheck: https://www.tincheck.comCustomized Fraud Training:  https://training.debrarrichardson.com/customized-fraud-training Free Live and On-Demand Webinars: https://training.debrarrichardson.com/webinarsVendor Master File Clean-Up:  https://www.debrarrichardson.com/cleanupYouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqeoffeQu3pSXMV8fUIGNiw More Podcasts/Blogs/Webinars www.debrarrichardson.comMore ideas?  Email me at debra@debrarrichardson.com Music Credit:  www.purple-planet.com  

Some weapons used by the U.S. military are so powerful they can pose a threat to the people who fire them. Today, we meet two Marines, William Wilcox and Michael Lozano, who spent years firing missiles and rockets, then developed the same rare brain condition: arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. The condition sends high pressure blood from a tangle of abnormal blood vessels directly into fragile veins, which can leak or burst. Most AVMs are caused by genetic changes that affect the growth of blood vessels, so the connection between weapon blasts and AVM isn't always immediately clear. But NPR's brain correspondent Jon Hamilton reports that recent research suggests that blast waves can alter genes in the brain — and that the evidence is even stronger for less extreme blood vessel changes.Have questions or story ideas? Let us know by emailing shortwave@npr.org!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The concepts of death and rebirth aren't ones that most people may be intimately familiar with, but this week's guest on The Unbeatable Mind, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor certainly is. A Harvard trained neuroscientist, Dr. Jill discusses her traumatic brain hemorrhage that silenced her left brain's functioning, catapulting her into a state of right-brain consciousness.     Exploring the intricate dance between the right and left brain hemispheres, ego, individuality and the collective human experience, Jill dives into the principles of what she calls “whole brain living”, sharing her unique perspective on balancing four distinct characters within us—-each rooted in different brain capacities.    Shedding light on the transformative potential of embracing one's duality, managing ego, and achieving a state of contextual awareness, Dr. Jill highlights important topics that not only hold to power to heal individuals, but revolutionize society.    Key Takeaways: Jill Bolte Taylor's Stroke: Listen to Jill recount her experience with having a major hemorrhagic stroke at the age of 37 and her eight year recovery process.  Right Vs. Left Brain Hemispheres: Learn about the difference between the present moment focus of the right brain versus the individual perception of the left.  Whole Brain Living: Learn about how Jill categorizes the brain into “four character” groups—and how she negotiates time between characters for a balanced life.  Ego and Consciousness: Discover the role of ego in establishing individuality, language, and time perception.   Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroscientist. In 1996 she experienced a severe hemorrhage (AVM) in the left hemisphere of her brain causing her to lose the ability to walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Her memoir, My Stroke of Insight, documenting her experience with stroke and eight-year recovery, spent 63 weeks on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and is still routinely the #1 book in the category Stroke in the Amazon marketplace.   Dr. Jill is a dynamic teacher and public speaker who loves educating all age groups, academic levels, as well as corporations and not-for-profit organizations about the beauty of our human brain. She focuses on how we can activate the power of our neuroplasticity to not only recover from neurological trauma, but how we can purposely choose to live a more flexible, resilient, and satisfying life. Dr. Jill's Links:  Website: https://www.drjilltaylor.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-bolte-taylor-723870218/   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DrJillBolteTaylor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillboltetaylor  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfUhV_xjrJLPiLZSlTRNvg   Sponsors: Momentous: If you're interested in making a true investment in your health, why not join the best in human performance and be part of the change in raising the bar on supplements. Just go to LiveMomentous.com and use code DIVINE for 20% off your new routine today. Indeed: Change the way you hire with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit from Indeed when you go to Indeed.com/DIVINE and tell them where you heard about them.

D. Scott Murphy, CEO and founder of D.S. Murphy and Associates, joins host Carol Morgan for this week's Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. Murphy discusses the residential appraisal process in this podcast segment and how it factors into today's housing climate. How is the current state of the housing market affecting appraisals? When the volume of homes for sale dropped in recent years, appraisers took a hit. Appraisers build their opinions off recent sales, meaning they look at data from comparable properties sold in the last few months. The drop in sales has left them struggling to get that data for homebuyers. “There is no rule as to how far back I go, but the rule of thumb is three to six months,” said Murphy. “So, if I don't have good recent comparable properties, it makes my job a lot more challenging.” Increasing interest rates also factor in the sales cost of properties, sometimes creating a price tag higher than the appraised value. Since the early 2000s, the volume of homes sold has steadily decreased over time as interest rates rose. “The better analogy is that we had our foot on the accelerator, and it was pressed to the floor, then we took our foot off the accelerator,” said Murphy. “And we've just kind of coasted and slowed down a little bit. So that's how the market's gone.” However, federal rates lowered significantly this year, sparking homebuying activity across the country. Murphy emphasized that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement also factors into home prices especially when homes are listed above appraisal value. It has caused discussion about commission structures and transparency among all parties involved in a real estate transaction. Many sellers are following a traditional standard and include the buyer's agent commission in the sales price. However, when buyers refuse to pay the commission or the buyer pays their agent directly, it can cause problems. How can appraisers use the latest technology to improve the appraisal process? The most common technology in the housing market today is automated valuation models (AVM). Heard of Zillow and Redfin Estimate? Those are both widely used AVM algorithms. Murphy said that even though these algorithms are not always high or low, they are always wrong because they don't consider the unique qualities of your home. That's the human touch that D.S. Murphy and Associates is proud to provide. Murphy said, “Particularly in the Atlanta area, Zillow is working off public record data, which is notoriously incorrect.” What resources are available for current and up-and-coming appraisers? Appraisal Institute offers worldwide services for appraisers and boasts high-quality courses taught by exceptional instructors. Anyone can sign up for classes, but appraisers should take note since many classes are required for continuing education. A two-year college degree, preferably in finance or real estate, is required for residential appraiser roles. Then, you must complete 90 hours of qualifying education through the Appraisal Institute to obtain a registered trainee's license. After that, 110 hours of classwork and two years of mentorship qualify you for a residential appraiser license. Tune in to the full interview above to learn more about residential appraisal. For more about D.S. Murphy and Associates, visit www.DSMurphy.com. More information about Appraisal Institute can be found at www.AppraisalInstitute.org. About D.S. Murphy and Associates D.S. Murphy and Associates is the largest appraisal and inspection firm in the Southeast, serving homeowners, agents and lenders with 30 years of experience. In addition to its regular services, the firm also offers courses for appraisers, Realtors and the public that provide key information about the appraisal process, both residential and commercial. Podcast Thanks Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter,

Send the show a text message!In this episode of The Space Between Podcast, host Renae Lipsmeyer shares Part 2 of a 2-part episode with Brad Rabinowitz.Part 2 shares the continuation into Brad's personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the healing power of music and marijuana. Brad shares his viewpoints on the fragility of life, the importance of finding joy in music, and the challenges of navigating health issues, including a surprising brain diagnosis. Brad shares his profound journey of living with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in his brain, detailing the emotional and physical challenges he faced after his diagnosis. He discusses the medical procedures he underwent, his refusal of pain medication, and the unique experience of being awake during a cerebral angiogram. Brad reflects on the anxiety of living with a potentially life-threatening condition, the importance of embracing life experiences, and the freedom he found in accepting his situation.  Support the show

Actor/comedian T.J. Miller forgets this is his third time on the Bonfire and explains that he has a brain injury. He tells the guys about his phone conversation with Ryan Reynolds today. Jay lets him in on the "Piven Point System" that rewards anyone in the room who contributes positively to the show. Videographer Paco admits to an embarrassing way of climaxing. Friends and employees of 900 Pound Gorilla are hanging out in the background. *To hear the full show to go www.siriusxm.com/bonfire to learn more FOLLOW THE CREW ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @thebonfiresxm @louisjohnson @christinemevans @bigjayoakerson @robertkellylive @louwitzkee @jjbwolfSubscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to new episodes ad-free and a whole week early.

Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text messageIn a pretty telling move, Google is pushing a business version of NotebookLM out to the wild. And now the viral 'Deep Dive' Audio Overviews in NotebookLM are customizable. Is this going to change how your company does knowledge work? We go over the breaking updates from NotebookLM and tell you how you should be taking advantage. Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletterMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion: Ask Jordan questions on NotebookLMUpcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:1. Google's NotebookLM Features2. Existing AI Platforms vs NotebookLM3. Demo of NotebookLM4. NotebookLM Audio Overview5. Future of NotebookLMTimestamps:01:50 Daily AI News04:50 What's new in NotebookLM09:49 Various media can be uploaded; AI is unavoidable.12:47 AI podcast hosts create overviews from documents.15:33 Google AI controls podcast host content creation.20:20 Notebook LM showcased AI's power more than ChatGPT.24:07 ChatGPT's meteoric rise overshadows competitors' strategies.24:56 Notebook LM excels at data-centric language models.30:11 Grounded AI model excels with custom data.33:17 Name your sources; information on project manager.35:35 Default podcast might have mixed, unclear content.38:44 AI-generated transcript included inaccuracies about AVM.42:52 New feature: structured deep dive audio outline.46:34 Podcasts are increasing; expect more spam content.47:41 Completed second podcast; intro/project managers/cribbage.51:57 AI enables personalized learning with customizable data.53:50 Listen, take notes, create, chat, and learn.Keywords:Google's Notebook LM, AI models, Google Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, accuracy, user data management, privacy, free AI tools, user retention, company data integration, Jordan Wilson, cribbage for project managers, Notebook LM interface, source information, AI trust and transparency issues, user-uploaded data, audio overview generation within Notebook LM, potential for mobile app, Notebook LM for Business, AI for personalized learning, AI limitations, audience engagement, AI-generated podcasts, project management, historical background of cribbage, humor in AI-generated content, custom instructions for AI, proliferation of AI-generated podcasts, OpenAI News. Get more out of ChatGPT by learning our PPP method in this live, interactive and free training! Sign up now: https://youreverydayai.com/ppp-registration/

IntroSo 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 longer your buddy. In this episode Maddi Niebanck and Tawnie Romero-Golic discuss the power connection has had in their recoveries. We all challenge you to reach out and find a brain injury buddy(ies). It could be the thing that makes the most difference in your mental health post injury!SummaryMaddi and Tawny share their experiences as stroke survivors and advocates in the brain injury community. Maddi discusses her journey with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and the decision to undergo brain surgery. She shares the challenges she faced during her recovery, including paralysis and the need for extensive rehabilitation. Tawny emphasizes the importance of putting in the work and the power of community in the healing process. Both Maddi and Tawnie highlight the role of their Instagram Live show in connecting with other survivors and offering support and hope. Tawnie and Maddi discuss their motivations for advocacy and raising awareness about brain injuries. They emphasize the importance of connecting with others who have had similar experiences and the power of sharing stories. They also highlight the role of organizations like TAAF in providing resources and support. The conversation explores the transformative nature of advocacy and the need for community in the recovery process. Tawnie and Maddi provide their contact information for those seeking support and connection.Keywordsstroke, brain injury, arteriovenous malformation, brain surgery, rehabilitation, paralysis, community, support, hope, advocacy, awareness, brain injury, community, support, resourcesTakeaways· The importance of seeking connection and learning from others who have had similar experiences· The power of putting in the work and being proactive in one's recovery· The role of community in providing support and hope· The challenges and triumphs of navigating life after a stroke· Advocacy is driven by the desire to prevent others from experiencing the same challenges and misdiagnoses· Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can provide support and help in finding the right words to describe one's own journey· Working with organizations like TAF can offer additional resources and support for brain injury survivors· Sharing stories and experiences helps to combat the isolation and loneliness often associated with brain injuries· Building a community of support and connection is crucial in the recovery processSound Bites"I had an AVM rupture... I was very much against that.""I'm not just gonna wake up one day and be better, which is what I was thinking. Like I am gonna have to put in the work.""It was like seeking connection and learning from others who have had something similar go on.""I want to raise awareness because I don't want anyone else to go misdiagnosed""We're not alone. That's the big learning, I think, from all of this”"We're stronger together"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:14 Journey with Arteriovenous Malformation and Brain Surgery11:28 Putting in the Work: The...

This week we delve into the world of the single ventricle when we speak with Dr. David Hoganson, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School about a recent work he co-published with investigators from Boston Children's Hospital on computational fluid dynamic modeling in the planning of the Fontan operation. Single ventricle heterotaxy patients with interrupted IVC are at enhanced risk for the development of pulmonary AVM's due to flow maldistribution to the pulmonary arteries from the hepatic veins in a Fontan. Can a computational fluid dynamic model predict which operative approach would result in the most balanced hepatic venous flow distribution? Can this reduce the incidence of pulmonary AVM's? How well did the models predict the actual pulmonary flow measured after surgery on CMR? Who beyond the heterotaxy patient might benefit from this approach? Dr. Hoganson offers us a peek into the world of personalized surgery in this week's exciting episode.         DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.101057