TBI: Talking Brain Injury with Brain Injury Association of Colorado

Is the U.S. healthcare system too 'cookie cutter' for TBI patients?

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:09:44 +0000

In this episode we talk with doctoral student Sam Martin. His research at University of Denver digs into traumatic brain injury and substance use, and how certain populations miss out on the help they need long before their recovery even begins.

On the cutting edge of 'regenerative health' with the founder of Vive Well

Phil Lindeman — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 23:13:16 +0000

Have you been swimming through brain fog? The founder and owner of Vive Well Health, Dr. Benjamin Busch, talks about his Colorado clinic's unique approach to brain health and wellness.

Open NOW is registration for the 2026 Brain Injury Conference! This year's topic is "Care Across The Ages," with a keynote addres and breakout sessions for professionals managing brain injury care for youth, adults and seniors. It's happening March 12, 2026. Get signed up now!

An overdose survivor shares his story addiction, recovery and TBI

Phil Lindeman — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 16:28:09 +0000

In this month's episode we follow Jack Storti on a harrowing yet inspiring journey. This onetime addict got clean, earned a degree, and now works with Denver County Courts, where he specializes in TBI and addiction management.

Brain Injury Association Colorado has free support for TBI survivors struggling with addiction. Reach out -- BIAC is here to help.

How a neuropsychologist learned to heed her own advice after a bike crash

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:14:10 +0000

Where will YOU be on Saturday Sept. 6? The Pikes Peak Challenge returns for its 40th year and we'd love to see you at 14,115 feet!

Registration is open for 3 hikes, including the classic challenge to the summit of Pikes Peak. Gather your friends and family, create a team, and raise money for the good work BIAC does across the state.

In this episode we talk with Catie Johnston-Brooks, a neuropsychologist at the Marcus Institute in Aurora Colorado. She gained new perspective on TBI recovery when a bike crash forced her to step back from work and focus on her brain.

Put hiking, climbing and rafting back on your summer to-do list with adaptive TBI camps

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:25:04 +0000

In this episode we talk with Darcy Epeneter, the horse-riding, outdoors-loving coordinator behind the scenes of BIAC's outreach programs. Come summertime that means outdoor adventures like adaptive rafting, climbing and hiking with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, plus crafting workshops and more all across the state.

Darcy's love for BIAC and this community shines through in everything she does. Learn more about summer programs and claim your spot online!

How a diet of turkey, rice and stubborn dedication can mend an injured brain

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 22 May 2025 19:07:08 +0000

In this episode we hear from Stephanie Zavilla, the director of sports performance at Winter Park Competition Center in Colorado. She skis, bikes and plays hard for a living. A tubing hill accident reset her brain -- and gave her new insight on injury, recovery and resilience.

TBI in today's military with U.S. Air Force veteran Kathleen Flarity of the Marcus Institute

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:06:00 +0000

In this episode host Phil Lindeman talks with retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general Kathleen Flarity, now leading the Marcus Institute for Brain Health at the University of Colorado.

Flarity and her team are debunking myths about concussion and brain injury in modern warfare, and using what they learn to help survivors across the globe.

Fighting for TBI rights with trial lawyer and survivor Keith Fuicelli

Phil Lindeman — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 22:18:04 +0000

In this episode we hear from Denver trial lawyer Keith Fuicelli, who is fighting for survivor rights in the courtroom.

As a TBI survivor, Keith brings a unique and empathic approach to the legal system, where he compassionately explains the "invisible injury" to jurors who have never experienced one -- but now know what it's like to step inside the head of a survivor.

'My alive day' on the Alaska Brain Bus

Phil Lindeman — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:31:09 +0000

Colorado native and world traveler Sarah Whitmer talks about her move to Alaska, a fateful road trip, and how her experience with TBI is opening new volunteer opportunities she never dreamed were possible.

How a car crash led one nurse practitioner to a career in TBI treatment

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:46:00 +0000

Kelly Tuttle was a career nurse practitioner when her life changed forever. For years after a car crash she struggled with fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Even as a professional she was frustrated by the healthcare system.

So after 20 years in cardiology, and newfound love for advocacy, she swapped hearts for brains!

TBI and 'death anxiety' can't derail a zest for life in Colorado Springs

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:36:00 +0000

In this episode I talk with Danielle de Boer, of Colorado Springs, who loves to live life at high speed.

In 2013 Danielle was hit by a car while road cycling. She was told she had a mild TBI. Like many other survivors, she realized this was just the beginning of a long and often frustrating road, where the smallest bumps can feel like insurmountable roadblocks -- until you rediscover your zest for life.

Starting January 1, Brain Injury Alliance Colorado (BIAC) will be known as Brain Injury Association of Colorado, a new affiliate of the national Brain Injury Association of America. It's the same nonprofit with the same mission -- to help TBI survivors across Colorado -- only now with a different name.

On the trail with TBI: Why do you take the Pikes Peak Challenge?

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:49:27 +0000

The 2024 Pikes Peak Challenge brought 468 survivors, supporter and volunteers to America's Mountain for a hike up America's Mountain: 13 miles and 7600 vertical feet (that's nearly 1.5 miles straight into the sky!) to the summit at 14,115 feet.

Along the way your host Phil Lindeman talks with 15+ people to learn why they made the trip to Pikes Peak for traumatic brain injury support, recovery and awareness.

Team TBI Podcast raised close to $1800... but we can do better! Please support the cause. All money goes to BIAC programs across the state.

We want to thank EVERYONE who supported our hike!

- Erin Ellebracht

- Susi Devrient

- Monica Rasmussen

- Jules Bryant

- Joe Movick

- Ken Steele

- Flannery O'Neil

- Kate Forgach

- Vince Gerber

- Ann Marie Damian

- Edward Ramirez

- Evan Lindeman

- Lynne Wilson

- Marcia Proctor

- Cassie Mavencamp

- Corri Levine

- Vicki Skinner

- Jon Lindeman

- My parents Ed and Sharon Lindeman

- Andrea and Derek for a place to stay the night before our 4 a.m. wakeup call

'Brain injury is my superpower': Living again when your brain is wiped clean

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:39:48 +0000

This month I'm talking with Darius Woods, yet another victim of yet another car accident. A drunk driver sent Darius to the hospital for 6 months, where he spent time in two medically induced comas, and even forgot his daughter's birthday.

But he would not let injury keep him down.

Coming up on September 7 is the Pikes Peak Challenge! For the first time ever I will joining dozens of TBI survivors and supports on the legendary 14er. Help me raise $3,900 for the 39th edition of the Pikes Peak Challenge by donating to Team TBI Podcast!

The bloody brain: How a real-life horror story became a recovery memoir

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:56:03 +0000

In this episode I talk with career mathematics professor and published author Deb Brandon. She has lived with "the bloody brain" since 2007, when she was diagnosed with cavernous angiomas. This diagnosis and what came next inspired her memoir, "But My Brain Had Other Ideas."

We talk about Deb's condition, her memoir, and her evolving relationship with the bloody brain.

Pikes Peak Challenge: Sleet, sun and solidarity on America's Mountain

Phil Lindeman — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:53:00 +0000

BIAC's oldest and largest fundraiser, the Pikes Peak Challenge, returns to the slopes of America's Mountain on September 7 2024.

In this episode two BIAC VIPs talk about the challenge, how it has grown over the decades, and what it means to join the brain injury community on one of the nation's most iconic 14,000-foot peaks.

For the first time ever I will be joining the challenge! Help me raise $3,900 for the 39th edition of the Pikes Peak Challenge by donating to Team TBI Podcast!

Midnight seizures, a brain tumor and what comes next for a Denver survivor

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:25:48 +0000

In this episode I meet with my BIAC mentee, Calder. Almost exactly one year ago he suffered two seizures caused by a brain tumor. This past year, he says, has been strange. But he is making progress and learning to live with life after a TBI.

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Coming to Manitou Springs on Sept. 7 2024 is the annual Pikes Peak Challenge! Hike to the top of "America's Mountain," travel 13 miles to and from Barr Camp, or compete at the in-town 2-mile Manitou Walk. All money raised goes back to BIAC!

Living with the 'ticking time bomb' of a brain tumor at 23 years old

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 21 May 2024 23:51:38 +0000

In this episode we hear from Erin, a TBI survivor who suffered a brain tumor at 23 years old. She calls its her "ticking time bomb" -- but today, 20 years later, she has learned to live without fear.

Learn more about BIAC and register for summer events like the Pikes Peak Challenge on September 7, 2024!

Stellar life moments with returning guests Jules and Adam

Phil Lindeman — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 00:28:03 +0000

In this episode, for the first time, I welcome a pair of returning guests, Jules and Adam.

Before now Jules and Adam did not know each other, but all three of us quickly bonded by sharing "stellar life moments." Brain injury recovery is fluid. But community? That is our bedrock.

Follow Jules on Instagram!

Read Adam on Amazon!

Learn more about BIAC and register for summer events: Cathleen's Cause Golf Tournament and the Pikes Peak Challenge.

Right place, right time for stroke survivor and nonprofit leader Flannery O'Neil

Phil Lindeman — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 22:32:20 +0000

Public health professional Flannery O'Neil suffered a stroke at 34 years old. She never saw it coming, but today she's almost grateful it happened.

Now, as a nonprofit leader, she wants to make sure other young stroke victims have the same loving support she found during her recovery. It's the power of an "advocacy network" and it can make all the difference.

Have you suffered a stroke? Join Flannery's virtual support group, Young and Young At Heart, or visit her nonprofit, Stroke Onward.

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Are you a brain injury survivor? Do you know someone who is? We want to hear from you! Contact Brain Injury Alliance Colorado for the opportunity to be featured on TBI: Talking Brain Injury podcast.

True 'grit,' and what it means to perservere when TBI trauma knocks you flat

Phil Lindeman — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:29:00 +0000

In this episode we talk with Daniel Gaspodarek, a mental health professional using a personal history of TBI to help clients confront all variety of trauma, from injury to divorce and cancer.

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'TBI was the best thing that ever happened to me' with Laura Renner

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:11:00 +0000

"My TBI was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Laura Renner knows those words are controversial. She tells us how a seemingly minor slip and fall led to emergency surgery, years of recovery, and eventually, deep healing from years of trauma not even related to her TBI.

Check out Laura's book! "No, I'm Not Fine. Thank You."

And her podcast! "Healing #NoFilter"

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'Like a horror movie': TBI through the eyes of a parent

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:11:00 +0000

Every traumatic brain injury claims more than one victim. In this episode we hear from Paul and Erica, a father and mother who battled emotion, insurance and even the pandemic when their son, Dylan, suffered a debilitating longboard accident. This is an episoide you can't miss if you have a loved one recovering from TBI.

Read more about Paul and Erica's journey in their book, "Be At My Side: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Traumatic Brain Injury."

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How to take risks and thrive, even after a TBI

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:01:00 +0000

Zach Ramirez has always been a thrill seeker. An adrenaline junkie. Maybe even a little bit reckless. These traits led to the accident that changed his life, but today they give him the courage and motivation to thrive with a brain injury.

Follow Zach's adventure NOW on his YouTube channel!

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Decades after TBI, Pueblo behavioral health pro refuses to live life in the rearview

Phil Lindeman — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:03:18 +0000

LeAnn Sanchez has lived with TBI longer than she has lived without it. In 1993 she was thrown from a car, but she refused to let it destroy her life.

Today she is a behavioral health professional, helping youth and adults overcome their person barriers.

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PTSD and TBI: Learning to forgive when someone else is to blame for your injury

Phil Lindeman — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:33:54 +0000

Jenica Miller was fast asleep when a friend nodded off at the wheel, and her life changed forever.

Jenica talks about life before and after a car accident, and the long (but necessary) process of learning to let go of regret.

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