Kessler Foundation Podcasts

Latest Episodes:

Practical Strategies for TBI Recovery Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Brainwaves TBI newsletter explores recovery journeys for traumatic brain injury survivors. In this podcast of a recent article, we hear Darcy’s remarkable story of overcoming TBI after a devastating car accident. Despite sustaining a brain bleed, collapsed lung, and memory loss, Darcy shifted her mindset from focusing on limitations to possibilities. Darcy shares a five-step method to rebuild life, including the importance of surrender, perseverance, and specifically asking for help. The podcast also discusses practical tools like using timers, calendars, and working during peak alertness. There is also an introduction to the Rutgers Synapse program, which supports survivors and caregivers through peer connections. Articles 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:41 - Taking ‘STEPS’ to Overcome Adversity 03:35 - Five “STEPS” to help overcome adversity after traumatic brain injury 04:31 - There’s No Place Like Home 07:15 - "A Smart Start to Life at Home" 08:00 - RU Ready for a New Brain Injury Resource? 09:50 - Episode wrap-up For more information: READ this TBI Brainwaves newsletter, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/brainwaves-fall-2025-taking-steps-overcome-adversity LISTEN to past Brainwaves audio newsletters, https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/brainwaves-audio-newsletter LEARN MORE—TBI Facts Sheets from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center, https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith , Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (March 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

Thinking Outside the Box for TBI care with Mandi Dickey Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Mandy Dickey, a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience, shares her profound journey through traumatic brain injury and recovery. Her story reveals how standard tests missed visual issues that caused headaches and how unconventional treatments like photobiomodulation and neurofeedback helped improve brain function. Supported by leading organizations, this episode provides hope and guidance for anyone facing brain injury challenges. Learn more about Mandi Dickey, https://biausa.org/brain-injury/community/speakers-bureau/mandi-dickey Learn more about Kessler Foundation’s TBI research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-traumatic-brain-injury-research View the slides: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/Spring%202026%20TBI%20Brainstorm%20-Dickey.pdf Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join a research study TODAY and help transform lives. Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

Achieving Your Goals - Pathways to Success Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, scientists at Kessler Foundation share how promising research is opening new pathways for individuals living with spinal cord injury and changing the landscape of recovery. This podcast is from the second event in our three-part Spinal Cord Injury Community Event Series, held on November 14, 2025. Kessler Foundation’s SCI research addresses mobility, pain and spasticity management, prevention of secondary complications, and addresses systemic challenges such as employment barriers and caregiver well-being. Recovery is about more than movement—it’s about reclaiming independence, managing health challenges, and improving quality of life for individuals and their caregivers. In this podcast, Drs. Steven Kirshblum, Ghaith Androwis, Gail Forrest, Einat Engel-Haber, and Trevor Dyson-Hudson, share their expertise on exciting advancements in spinal cord injury research. ===================================================================================== Kessler Foundation Investigator: Jeanne Zanca, PhD, MPT, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Jeanne-Zanca Steven Kirshblum, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/steven-kirshblum-md Ghaith J. Androwis, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Ghaith%20Androwis Gail Forrest, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Gail%20Forrest Einat Engel-Haber, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/einat-engel-haber-md Trevor Dyson-Hudson, MD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/aboutus/Trevor%20Dyson-Hudson ===================================================================================== EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research: Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join LISTEN to all the series podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/spinal-cord-injury-research RESOURCE links: https://kesslerfoundation.org/join scitrialsfinder.net ===================================================================================== LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?   Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates. This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in November 2025. ===================================================================================== Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

What’s next in TBI Research: Innovation, Collaboration, and Impact at Kessler Foundation Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, this recorded webinar highlights how Kessler Foundation advances traumatic brain injury research through collaboration across disciplines. Led by Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, Director of the Centers for Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Research, the discussion features insights from Brian M. Sandroff, PhD and Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD. Together, they explore how cross‑functional collaboration—spanning research, neuroscience, neuropsychology, and beyond—drives innovation and accelerates progress in TBI research. Viewers gain a behind‑the‑scenes look at how ideas move from investigation to real‑world impact at Kessler Foundation, and how collaborative science helps improve outcomes for individuals affected by brain injury. Whether you are a researcher, clinician, student, advocate, or community member, this timely conversation offers valuable perspective on the future of TBI research and the power of working together to advance discovery. In this webinar: 00:00 - Welcome - Shelby Neilsen 01:49 - Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD 22:29 - Brian M. Sandroff, PhD 36:34 - Silvana Lopes Costa, PhD 45:00 - Q&A 53:00 - Wrap-up Learn more about Kessler Foundation’s TBI research at: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/traumatic-brain-injury To Join a Study or Learn More Ways to Get Involved visit: https://kesslerfoundation.org/ways-get-involved Read the transcript: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-03/RLS%20-%20What%E2%80%99s%20next%20in%20TBI%20Research-Transcript.pdf View the slides: https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2026-03/RLS%20-%20What%E2%80%99s%20next%20in%20TBI%20Research%20Webinar-Slides.pdf

Empowerment and Healing Through Recovery after TBI Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of BrainWaves, hear the powerful story of Craig Philips who overcame a brain injury sustained in childhood to find purpose and hope. Learn practical tips on acceptance and recovery. Discover how simple home changes can boost safety and independence. Understand the importance of balance and where to find free resources. Finally, explore the science behind music therapy and its role in healing the brain. This episode is brought to you by the Northern New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury Model System and Kessler Foundation. Articles 00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:00:45 - Finding Second Chances 00:03:48 - The Road to Empowerment 00:04:46 - Change Your Space to Change Your Life 00:07:06 - Safety in Balance 00:08:05 - Music as Medicine 00:09:22 - Musical Approach to Treatment 00:010:02 - Episode Wrap Up For more information: READ this TBI Brainwaves newsletter (https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/brainwaves-spring-2026-finding-second-chances) LISTEN to past Brainwaves audio newsletters: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/brainwaves-audio-newsletter LEARN MORE—TBI Facts Sheets from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center msktc.org/tbi/factsheets PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith , Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (March 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

Meant for More with Karen Olson: Living Fully and Finding Purpose After Spinal Cord Injury Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Karen Olson shares her deeply personal journey, marked by early tragedy and perseverance. Following a fall that resulted in spinal cord injury, her life became significantly more challenging, requiring her to adapt to new physical and emotional realities. These challenges built on earlier hardship, including the loss of her mother to suicide at age twelve, which had already shaped her resilience and compassion for others. Despite these obstacles, Karen found ways to move forward. With determination, a positive outlook, and specialized therapy, she rebuilt her life. She learned to paint with her non-dominant hand and completed her book, Meant for More, a reflection of resilience and renewed purpose. LEARN MORE about Karen, https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH: https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-spinal-cord-injury-research EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury LEARN MORE about the Northern New Jersey Spinal Cord Injury System (NNJSCIS), https://kesslerfoundation.org/northern-nj-sci-model-system PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith , Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (March 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

How Your Neighborhood Can Affect Life After Spinal Cord Injury Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we explore Kessler Foundation’s latest research revealing how neighborhood economic status, physical environment, and access to healthcare influence quality of life after spinal cord injury. Discover how these environmental factors affect health, independence, and participation. Learn why this matters for improving rehabilitation and community support for people with disabilities. READ the full study, Development of Composite Measures of Neighborhood Economic Factors for Use in Spinal Cord Injury Outcomes Studies: A Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database Study (2024), pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39151747/ LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/amanda-botticello-phd-mph LEARN about our Outcomes and Assessment research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/center-outcomes-and-assessment-research READ all our Real-Life Science summaries, https://kesslerfoundation.org/newsletter/real-life-science LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries, soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science EXPLORE our spinal cord injury research, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/spinal-cord-injury PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org//join-our-research-studies?field_research_categories_target_id[302]=302 Production Notes This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith , Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation (March 2026). Accessibility Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

Exploring Breakthroughs in Brain Injury Recovery Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Karen Nolan, associate director in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering at Kessler Foundation, sat down with Heather Rose of Radio Free Roanoke for a powerful conversation on her work in traumatic brain injury research and her role as a professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. LEARN more about Kessler Foundation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us Make a Gift, https://kesslerfoundation.org/?form=GiveKessler Used with permission: @radiofreeroanoke

Kessler Foundation Highlights Innovations in rehabilitation Research Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Michele Pignatello, Chief Development Officer and Vice President, Development and Communications at Kessler Foundation, spoke to Radio LoRa Switzerland about our work to improve quality of life for people with disabilities through discovery, innovation, demonstration, application, and dissemination. LEARN more about Kessler Foundation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us Make a Gift, https://kesslerfoundation.org/?form=GiveKessler Used with permission: Radio LoRa Switzerland www.facebook.com/LoRa97.5 www.instagram.com/radiolora97.5

Who Benefits Most from Brain Training and Exercise in Progressive MS Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

People with progressive multiple sclerosis often experience slowed cognitive processing speed. Researchers from Kessler Foundation analyzed data from the international CogEx trial, involving over 300 participants using brain training and exercise over 12 weeks. They found that improvement in cognitive speed varied, with better memory and higher pre-symptom IQ predicting greater gains. Factors like age, gender, or disability status did not affect outcomes. These findings highlight the need for personalized rehabilitation tailored to individuals’ cognitive profiles, moving beyond one-size-fits-all treatments. ===================================================================================== Kessler Foundation Investigators: Lead: Brian Sandroff, PhD https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/brian-m-sandroff-phd ===================================================================================== READ this journal article: “Correlates of Processing Speed Change With Combined Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exercise in Progressive MS: Secondary Analysis of the CogEx Trial,” was published in Neurorehabilitation & Neural Repair (2025), https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15459683251331586 PARTICIPATE: Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join-our-research-studies LISTEN to more Real-Life Science Summaries: https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science This Real-Life Science summary is part of our series that translates peer-reviewed research into practical, real-world understanding. ===================================================================================== LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates. This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Sr. Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in December 2025. ===================================================================================== Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

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