Author, Brain Injury Survivor Anessa Arehart

In our wrap up conversation with Anessa, we continue our discussion of how she found healing in nature and photography. Anessa is such a joy to speak with and her energy and words are inspiring. Be sure to visit https://innerpeacepress.com/products/learning-to-lean-on-myself

Author, brain injury survivor Anessa Arehart

When Author Anessa Arehart was faced with a traumatic brain injury, She found peace and healing through her walks with nature and finding her own quiet place to heal and reflect. Her short-term memory was an unwanted friend who robbed her of those special moments in nature. Using her camera, she would capture her walks in digital photography to relive later. You will see that Anessa has a great personality and such a welcoming spirit. This is part one of our two-part Series with her. If you would like to get her book entitled finding everyday magic, a journey of hope and healing through nature. Visit: https://innerpeacepress.com/products/finding-everyday-magic

Perfect resource for Dementia, Alzheimer’s or any patient with a neurological issue.

Barb shares with us the inspiration behind her book This is my name, and I want to write it down before I forget it. This book is one where you become the author. It provides a detailed road map that will assist caregivers to help you when you can no longer remember things, even as specific as how your morning routines go. I encourage you to listen to this podcast, this is not something that is specific to any one person. This is a great thing to fill out even if you don't have a brain injury. God forbid any of us deal with such issues as brain injuries, stroke, Alzheimer's or Dementia. But it is so comforting to know should the day come you need it, it's ready at your fingertips. Barbs book can be purchased at https://innerpeacepress.com/products/this-is-my-name The book her husband wrote is at this link. Poems, Written and Painted – Inner Peace Press

Discussion about Misophonia

Rob and Ashley 

In the final part of our one-year anniversary, we discuss the topic of Misophonia. This is a condition that many people have that makes some sounds unbearable to listen to. Sometimes it can even be things others can't even hear but you.

The Anniversary Show

This is our first of many milestones to come. We celebrated our 1st podcast anniversary by thanking all of our subscribers. I surprised Ashley with a parody of the Twelve days of Christmas, which I titled the Twelve days of Brain-mas. The song is meant to show that even though people with brain injuries deal with several symptoms. We can still laugh and show the world we are more than our injuries. We are warriors fighting a battle, and we are determined to win.

Ashley gave us an update on the health of her sweet cat Angel, who has been having health issues and of course with those issues comes mounting medical bills. We have never asked our audience for any monetary donations in the past, and we do not intend to make a habit of it. We let everyone know that if they have the ability to throw a few dollars towards Angels bills, they can do so through our buy me a coffee link, or to visit Ashley’s go fund me account. Fundraiser by Ashley Miller : Help us with Angel’s extensive medical needs

Our official topic for the anniversary show was for misophonia. Misophonia in simple terms is a condition that many of us have regarding noises. Does the sound of someone blowing their nose send you into a state of panic? Perhaps it might be the sound of people chewing, for me the faint sounds of a ticking analog clock will raise my anxiety. This is just one of many things that could cause someone with a brain injury to become easily distracted, nervous, anxious, and the list goes on. What might not be noticeable to someone without a brain injury, can send someone with one in a tailspin. I felt that Ashley hit the nail on the head with this topic as we were entering the holidays at the time of filming this episode. What a perfect way to give a heads up to our viewers to take extra special care of themselves during this time. It was also a great reminder to those without any neuro deficits to be mindful of what’s going on so that they can be proactive and prepared to help their loved one when they get stuck in the fight or flight mode.

I hope you find this blog beneficial, and I welcome any suggestions you may have to make this something that can be a useful tool for survivors. This is the first of many to come. I will be going back and archiving all of the episodes on this page. I felt this would make it very handy to have a quick reference to show topics that you may want to share with others.

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Part 2 two

Hurricane Helene Survivor Keith “Krusher” and Stroke Survivor

Keith or as his friends call him “Krusher” was in the path of Hurricane Helene.  Unable to do any of the clean up because his stroke has left him incapable of doing any of it himself.  Months later he is still in need of having someone come to remove uprooted trees from his yard.  He also has trees that could fall on his home at any time.  Krusher would appreciate any financial assistance, or if you live near him and know how to operate a chain saw.  He could use your help in getting his property back in order as well as making his home a safe place by removing the trees that could take his home with the next strong wind.

Aneurysm Survivor Laura Leach

Today we are joined by a long-time friend of mine, Laura Leach.  Laura was home one evening and started getting sick.  She knew something was wrong immediately.  Her son was quick on his feet to notify his dad that something was wrong.  The quick thinking of her son Elijah and Husband Rick getting her to the hospital as quickly as possible made all the difference in the world.  Laura still isn’t where she was prior to her aneurysm, but thanks God every day that she is still alive to enjoy life.  Her story is one of faith, determination and resilience.  

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

We are joined by Melanie Whetzel from JAN to tell us about all the resources available to traumatic brain injury survivors.  JAN can help make accommodations to make it possible for you to continue doing your job after you have suffered a traumatic brain injury.  This is a free service available to everyone, and it is not limited to just brain injury survivors.  Anyone who has a disability can take advantage of this free service.  If you would like more information, visit  https://askjan.org/

Survivor Turned Educator

Dawn Corbelli is no stranger to life rewired; Dawn was one of our earliest interviews when we started the podcast.  Today we had her back to catch up as well as talk about the wonderful things she is doing to help spread brain injury awareness.  Dawn and her daughter Veronica were both in a near fatal auto accident. They have taken all the knowledge they have obtained about brain injuries as well as life experience to local schools to teach students about the long-lasting effects of brain injuries. 

We shared a few clips of Dawn and Veronica teaching in the public schools, and we also shared a few laughs along the way. I also want to mention that Dawn is an author herself.  Dawn is the person who on our first meeting encouraged me to begin writing my book.  If you are interested in purchasing a copy of her book, it can be purchased almost anywhere books are sold.  Look for “A miracle a day, one day at a time” by Dawn Corbelli.

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Part two

Janet Schoen Life coach and author

Janet, who is a brain injury survivor, shares her story how she got her brain injury.  You will learn in this two-part series how she overcame every obstacle that her brain injury threw at her.  She is now a life and mindset coach, and she has cowritten 2 best-selling books.

Our discussion went deep with faith 

Part One

Part Two