2019-08-31

Ep 084 -- Small things Matter


This is what my stroke looks like on the MRI. Or rather, this is what it looked like while it was happening. See that white curved, bulge-y line on the just to the left of the black thing in the middle? That's it. At one end of the line is a blood clot that's not letting blood through. Since blood flow and other thick tissue blocks the signal, the white line indicates that there is nothing there.

An MRI showing a right MCA thrombolic CVA

The image is essentially looking up my brain from the bottom. If the monitor you're looking at was 3D, my feet would be coming out the back of your head and the top of my head would be behind the screen. My face is at the very top of the image, and the back of my head at the bottom.

That mean the clot is in the middle of the right side of my brain -- specifically my right middle cerebral artery (MCA).

The MCA is pipe that is about an 1/8 of an inch wide (3.25-3.5 mm for the non-Americans). That's about the thickness of 3 and a half dimes (about 35¢). It takes very little material to block such a small space for a few hours, and yet that's all it took to change the course of my life. To result in the 84 episodes of this show that now exist. To cost an insurance company $200,000. To put me in the hospital for a month.

All the good and bad that has come from my stroke is due to that incredibly small thing.

Because small things make a big difference.

An update

Back in Episode 77 (http://Strokecast.com/StarbucksAndJelly) I talked about my experience with the jelly containers at breakfast and how they were incompatible with one-handed use. I shared this story with the hospital.

After that, they made changes. I talked about it on Instagram:

 

 

I recently spoke at another support group and found out the person running it listened to that episode, raised it with the team there, and they've now made changes to jelly distribution.

Will new stroke survivors know the difference this makes? No. But I do. It's a small thing. And by sharing my story I now know that hundreds of survivors a year will be able to start their days with one less failure or challenge.

And those little things matter.

Little Robots in the Future

This story has been making the rounds on Twitter:

MIT engineers have developed a magnetically steerable, thread-like robot that can actively glide through narrow, winding pathways, such as the labrynthine vasculature of the brain.

In the future, this robotic thread may be paired with existing endovascular technologies, enabling doctors to remotely guide the robot through a patient’s brain vessels to quickly treat blockages and lesions, such as those that occur in aneurysms and stroke.

-- http://news.mit.edu/2019/robot-brain-blood-vessels-0828

This tiny, slippery, flexible robot has the potential to revolutionize mechanical thrombectomy (the surgery where doctors use a groin or wrist based catheter to drag a clot out of the brain). It can do less damage to the arteries and expose doctors to less radiation over the course of their careers.

Plus, you could have a robot with a laser on its head running around your brain! How cool and terrifying is that?

Links

Where do we go from here?


Here is the latest episode of The Strokecast

2019-08-28

Ep 128 -- From Quiet Girl to Empowering Leaders with Denise Ann Galloni


2-Minute Tip: Record Yourself and Watch it 3 Times

 

Recording yourself on video used to be hard. But that’s not the case anymore. Nearly everyone has a powerful video camera in their pocket. There’s no reason not to use this tool to make yourself a better speaker. Record a rehearsal or presentation, and then watch it back 3 times in 3 different ways.

 

First, close your eyes and just listen. Focus on pace, rhythm, and filler words (uhms, ahs, likes, etc.).

 

Second, turn the sound off and just watch the silent video. Look for physical pacing, repetitive gestures, and awkward motions.

 

Third, watch it as an audience member might and ask yourself, “Did I actually land my point? Do I feel inspired to do what I want my audience to do?

 

Post Tip Discussion: Meet Denise An Galloni

 

One thing I’ve seen over the past episodes is how childhood is not destiny. Some speakers started in grade school and couldn’t get enough stage time. Others were horrified early on, but were able to ultimately get past it and even learn to enjoy speaking.

 

Your approach to speaking as a child is not your destiny in life. Public speaking is a skill that can be acquired later in life. If you want to acquire it.

 

That’s how it was for Denise Ann Galloni.

 

Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is I don’t know which half

John Wannamaker

Bio

 

Voted the quietest girl in her senior class, Denise Galloni started to come out of her shell and find her voice as a young adult. Today her mission is to help others find their voices and become better communicators through her company, DG Training Solutions Inc., which was founded in 2014.

 

In fact, Denise has delivered more than 500 presentations across the United States and Internationally. She is a Toastmasters award winner. Denise was inspired by so many women who helped her make her business more successful in 2017, she expanded her reach to help women live their dreams by creating, producing and hosting an award-winning TV show called Empowering Women. 

 

n 2018, she was a nominee for the Inspiring Lives Magazine International Empowerment Award.  Denise’s show Empowering Women was a 2018 nominee in the categories for Best Talk Show and Best Series for The Greater Pittsburgh Community Media Awards.

 

5-Tips for Better Training videos

 

  1. Keep them short. Folks don’t want to watch a 40-minute video. You may feel you need that much time to cover all the material, but if folks don’t retain it, does it really matter if you covered it all? 4, 10-minute videos will always be better than 1, 40-minute video .
  2. Don’t talk to the whole audience. Your learner is probably watching it by themselves. Address them as an individual.
  3. Make sure your message is clear and concise. Plan that message before you start anything else. That simple message should be supported by the rest of your content.
  4. Edit tightly. If you have any question about whether something belong in the video, cut it.
  5. Keep the bottom line up front. Get to the point first. This way your learners have the full context for everything else they are about to hear. Plus, they can enjoy the instant gratification you are offering.

 

Links

 

 

Call To Action

 

2-Minute Talk Tips is the public speaking podcast that help you become a more effective speaker in as little as 2 minutes a week.


Check out this episode!

2019-08-25

Ep 083 -- Identity Loss after Stroke with Dr. Debra Myerson


I first encountered Dr. Debra Meyerson, Ph.D, through Twitter. She has written a book about stroke and the loss of a sense of identity that follows it. More than a memoir, it tells her story as she navigates the new, post-stroke world, and the stories of a couple dozen other survivors and how their reaction mirror or differ from hers.

[caption id="attachment_851" align="alignright" width="166"]A light brown stuffed bear sits on a blue couch reading a book. Production Assistant Oatmeal reads through Identity Theft.[/caption]

She wrote the book because in her experience, not enough rehab facilities and hospitals adequately prepare survivors for the changing sense of self they are likely to encounter, especially as they face the real world with new disabilities.

She sent me a copy of the book, and I'm happy to feature her and husband/caregiver Steve Zuckerman in this week's episode.

Bio

(From https://www.identitytheftbook.org/about-deb-meyerson)

Debra Meyerson headshot"My name is Debra Meyerson"

It took me two years to re-learn that sentence!

In 2010, when I was a professor at Stanford, I suffered a severe stroke. I lost all movement of my right arm and leg; even worse, I lost all ability to communicate.

Cover of Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves after StrokeWhile I won my struggle to survive, much of my identity – as a Stanford professor, a speaker and writer, an athlete, a mother and a wife – was taken from me. My mind was working but I was trapped inside a broken body, unable to do what I used to do. And maybe even worse, I couldn't tell anyone what I was experiencing.

With hard work and a lot of help I regained enough mobility to again be independent, and have recovered some ability to speak. But I have come to accept that I will never again have all the capabilities I once had.

I'm still slowly recovering more of my abilities and am continuing to rebuild my identities. I've found few resources to help with the emotional piece of this journey, and have heard the same from many of my fellow survivors. That's why I wrote "Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves after Stroke (May 2019)."

Cover of Tempered RadicalsAs a professor, I studied and taught about how small, everyday actions can disrupt what’s normal, chip away at the status quo, and create positive change. That work led me to write Tempered Radicals, first published in 2001. ​Now, in a very different context, I live by the message I previously taught. With small, deliberate efforts, and a lot of conscious choices, I continue my slow recovery, discover more about myself, and shape my new identities.

Hand in Hand Show

The Hand in Hand show is another stroke related podcast that's been around for a while.

Cam, the host, is one of the survivors featured in Debra's book. She talks about navigating the challenging world of finances and disability payments.

Last year, Debra was a guest on Cam's show. You can hear that interview here:

 

And because this is simultaneously a large and a small community, I was also a guest on Cam's show earlier this year. You can hear that conversation here:

 

Ischemic Stroke Without a Clot

One of the interesting science-y thing about Debra's stroke, is that apparently there was no clot.

There are 2 types of strokes that we generally talk about: a hemorrhagic stroke which results from a bleed in the brain and an ischemic stroke which result from a clot in the brain.

But ischemic doesn't actually mean "clot." It refers to a lack of oxygen and glucose getting to the cells. Ischemia can result in cell death because the cells starve. Ischemia and cell death is usually the result of a clot blocking blood flow to part of the brain, which is why we usually treat those terms as synonymous.

In Debra's case, she had a vertebral artery dissection. That means the lining inside one of the arteries in the back of her head was damaged. In many cases, this allows clots to form, which break off and float further into the brain where they cause a stroke. In this case, though, the damage was such that the lining of the artery itself flapped over and blocked blood from getting through. This appears to have resulted in TIAs (transient ischemic attacks) in the months leading up to her stroke.

This is one more reason why if you experience stroke like symptoms or other weird neurological stuff, it's imperative to seek medical treatment ASAP, even if the symptoms go away.

Anecdotally, many of the young, athletic ischemic stroke survivors I've spoken with got their strokes from a vertebral artery dissection. A sharp blow or sudden twist in the neck can damage those arteries and result in a stroke months or years later.

Again, anecdotally, I've also heard a number of stories about folks having a stroke from a vertebral artery dissection due to a neck adjustment by a chiropractor. I understand many chiropractors use a different technique now, but be very cautious about letting anyone adjust your neck. The risk just isn't worth it.

Ischemia is an interesting thing and isn't always bad either. Dr. Nirav Shah talked to us about Remote Ischemic Conditioning back in episode 55: http://Strokecast.com/RIC.

What are you working on?

At the top of the page on this website, you see links to other stroke podcasts and Facebook groups. I'd love to expand/improve those lists.

If you have a stroke-related:

  • Podcast
  • Book
  • YouTube channel
  • Vlog
  • Blog
  • Virtual support group
  • Real life support group
  • Movie
  • ..other project

I want to know about it and maybe feature it on the show or this website.

Just fill out this form: http://Strokecast.com/MyProject and we can further support this community.

Let me know if you have any questions: bill@Strokecast.com

Hack of the Week

Debra has found tremendous freedom in her Hickies.Hickies alternative laces

Hickies are an alternative to shoe laces that allow folks to secure their shoes with one hand or even to turn traditional lace up athletic shoes into slip-on/slip-off shoes.

They can be a great alternative to Velcro shoe closures because, quite frankly, the selection of good-looking Velcro based sneakers is pretty slim.

You can learn more about Hickies here: https://www.hickies.com

Links

Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves after Stroke https://www.identitytheftbook.org/
Buy the Physical, Kindle, or Audio book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Theft-Rediscovering-Ourselves-Stroke/dp/1449496318/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
Stroke Forward  -- Debra and Steve's Non-Profit Http://strokefwd.org
Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work https://www.amazon.com/Tempered-Radicals-People-Difference-Inspire/dp/0875849059/ref=sr_1_2
Tempered Radicals: How Everyday Leaders Inspire Change at Work https://www.amazon.com/Tempered-Radicals-Everyday-Leaders-Inspire/dp/1591393256/ref=sr_1_3
Rocking the Boat: How Tempered Radicals Effect Change Without Making Trouble https://www.amazon.com/Rocking-Boat-Tempered-Radicals-Without/dp/1422121380/ref=sr_1_1
Debra on Twitter https://twitter.com/identity_stroke
Debra on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/identityandstrokebook/
Debra on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-meyerson-identityandstroke/
Debra on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/identityandstroke
Debra on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9xxw1RyUaHX55vXkuuo8w/videos
Debra on Good Reads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/516811.Debra_Meyerson?from_search=true
Debra on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debra-e-meyerson
Identity Theft on Net Galley https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/161798
Debra on the Hand In Hand Show https://www.handinhandshow.com/2017/12/02/episode-47-debra-meryerson-rebuilding-identity-one-step-time/
Bill on the Hand in Hand Show https://www.handinhandshow.com/2018/06/03/episode-73-bill-monroe-stokecast/
Hickies alternative laces https://www.hickies.com/
Submit Your Project http://Strokecast.com/MyProject

Where do we go from here?

Strokecast is the stroke podcast where a Gen X stroke survivor explores rehab, recovery, the frontiers of neuroscience and one-handed banana peeling by helping stroke survivors, caregivers, medical providers and stroke industry affiliates connect and share their stories.


Here is the latest episode of The Strokecast

2019-08-21

Ep 127 -- Magic, Happiness, and Dark Chocolate with Matt Fore


2-Minute Tip: Don’t waste you first 10 seconds

 

When you go out on that stage you are a blank slate with the audience . They don’t know you. They’re not bored with you — yet. Now is when you have the best chance to grab their attention and interest.

 

So plan it out. Don’t leave your opening 10 seconds to chance or peter it away on, “How is everyone doing today?”

 

Tell a story. Tease the content. Surprise them. Comfort them. Or get right down to valuable business. But whatever you decide to do, make it deliberate and within your control.

 

Post Tip Discussion: Meet Magician, Speaker, and Coach Matt Fore

 

Matt Fore’s career has really been full of adventure. From proudly showcasing magic in high school, to jumping on last minute cruises as a performer, to coaching entertainers hoping to grow their own businesses, he’s got stories to fill 10 episodes.

 

What jumped out about him in this conversation is the humbleness with which he presents himself. There’s no over-the-top bragging here. It’s just a lot of simple practical advice and moments that had me laughing throughout the episode.

 

Bio

 

Matt Fore stands next to a tree

Matt Fore is a Humorist, Writer, Speaker and Comedy Magician who routinely serves as the main stage performer for Corporate, Association and Faith based events around the country as he has for more than twenty-four years. 

 

He has performed for Carnival Cruise Lines, The Magic Castle in Hollywood and has appeared on several national TV Shows including The Crook & Chase Show on TNN, Fox Sports and Swan’s Place on Odyssey. Matt is a contributor to Success.com, Entrepreneur.com and is the author of two books, “The Five Essential Elements – A Simplified Road to Success,” and his very popular comedy devotional “The Truth Shall Make You Laugh.” He is a lecturer among his peers in the areas of entertainment, sleight of hand magic and effective marketing.

 

He lives in Johnson City TN with his author wife Jo Ann. They have three or four kids. He is not sure because he spends much of his time on the road. 

 

Minnie Pearl

 

Matt’s early efforts at speaking in grade school were centered around Minnie Pearl. But what if you don’t know who Minnie Pearl is? Well, that’s why God and Google gave us YouTube

 

 

Introverts vs Extroverts

 

Matt describes himself as an introvert. Many speakers do. Personally, I go back and forth between the two poles so I guess I’m more of an ambivert.

 

A lot of people assume introvert means shy so how can an introvert be comfortable on stage?

 

Because the concept of an introvert is more nuanced than that. Generally, introverts lose energy engaging with other individuals and recharge in more quiet, individualistic activities. Extroverts are just the opposite. They soak up energy from the people around them. They thrive on personal engagement with other people.

 

Public speaking at first glance seems optimized for extroverts since you’re in a room with dozens or hundreds or thousands of people.

 

In reality, though, you aren’t in a personal engagement with all those people. You are on stage doing your own thing. You’re working to engage all those people at once and, while it’s important to think about those people and the value you are there to deliver, it’s ultimately a solo activity. It’s you and the concept of the audience. It’s an individual approach. You can leave all your energy on stage to land your message and succeed.

 

It’s a heck of a lot easier than schmoozing at the networking party later.

 

Let People Help

 

After and before an event, people may want to help you out. If you’ve been doing this a while, you may not need that help. In fact it may slow you down and throw off your entire routine. Or you may want to not burden those folks. Let them help, anyway. Prepare ahead of time some tasks you can ask folks to do when the offer assistance.

 

You’re doing them a favor.

 

Them offering to help you is how they are trying to forge a connection or a relationship with you. Most of us aren’t “famous” in the traditional world, but in the context of a speaking event, the speaker is a star. For some people this will be their brush with fame for the day, and they’ll be thrilled to talk about the part they played in your day in the years to come.

 

Accepting help also validates that they have value. That they can contribute even in some small way.

 

And that’s a simple thing you can do to leave an even more positive feeling with your audience.

 

Links

 

Entertainment Marketing Academy

https://www.entertainersmarketingacademy.com/

Matt Fore Entertainment

https://www.mattfore.com/

Matt’s books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Fore/e/B01F4LY17W

Matt at Success.com

https://www.success.com/author/matt-fore/

Matt at the Huffington Post

https://www.huffpost.com/author/matt-fore

Matt on Entrepreneur.com

https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/matt-fore

Victoria Mavis on 2-Minute Talk Tips

http://2minutetalktips.com/magic

 

Call To Action

 

  • Visit MattFore.Com to learn more about Matt and his projects, or check out the Entertainer’s Marketing Academy to learn how you can book more gigs.
  • Subscribe to 2-Minute Talk Tips in your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode
  • Don’t get best…get better.

Check out this episode!

2019-08-17

Episode 082 -- A New Job and a New Drug


This week is a solo episode.

I have a new job! Plus, I just tried Dysport for tone and spasticity for the first time. And...what does stroke prevention have to do with sales? I talk about all of that in this week's episode.

New Drug

I've just had my first round of Dysport to treat tone and spasticity in my arm and hand. I talked about tone in greater detail in one of my early episode. It's gotten better since then but I still have a way to go.

I'd been getting Botox in the past. It takes a couple weeks to have an effect and lasts for about 3 months.

Dysport is another implementation of the botulinum neurotoxin. It lasts for four months and the dosage is lower than it is with Botox. In my experience, it appears to kick in faster as well. I noticed results days later instead of weeks. So far, it seems to be a winner.

New Job

I just started a new full-time job as a contractor with Microsoft News Labs. My role is to help folks in the journalism community use Microsoft products to do their jobs more efficiently so they can focus on the work of journalism.

I'm excited. I was initially concerned that it might tax my energy level too much, but what is actually happening is that I seem to have more energy. I'm not wasting spoons on hustling to find my next paycheck. I think this routine may pay other dividends in my recovery, too.

New Approach

We talk about stroke prevention as an important thing to prevent strokes, but we don't often talk about why you want to prevent a stroke.

In sales, it's more important to focus on the benefits a product gives a particular customer, rather than the features the product has. It has to be all about the customer for a salesperson to be effective.

If we apply that logic to the stroke prevention message then it becomes less about preventing a stroke and more about preserving your ability to walk. Or talk. Or make decisions. Or use two hand to do anything. Or control all your bodily functions.

Ultimately who cares if we have a clot or bleed in our brains? That's not what we care about. What we actually care about is the impact that clot or bleed has on our day-to-day lives.

Hack of the Week

This week's hack comes from Dr. Carol-Anne Nelson at Destination Rehab.

Put your bar of soap on a glove or mitt when you shower. This way, you won't drop it. You may even be able to use your affected arm to bathe, aiding in recovery. And the texture may make scrubbing easier so give it a try.

Links

Where do we go from here?

 

Strokecast is the stroke podcast where a Gen X stroke survivor explores rehab, recovery, the frontiers of neuroscience and one-handed banana peeling by helping stroke survivors, caregivers, medical providers and stroke industry affiliates connect and share their stories.


Here is the latest episode of The Strokecast

2019-08-14

Episode 126 -- Take Action with Candice Bakx-Friesen


2-Minute Tip: Take Action

 

The most important thing you can do as a speaker is to speak. Get one or two takes ready to go and then just focus on filling your calendar. Do whatever you can to book yourself solid. Get that stage time so you can get better.

 

Post Tip Discussion: Meet Candice Bakx-Friesen

 

Candice Bakx Friesen is essential the Nike of Canadian Real Estate. She embodies the idea of just do it. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear her advise several times to say yes and then figure it out when an opportunity presents itself.

 

While this may not be the best advice for neurosurgeons, it does work pretty well for speakers. Figure out your message, focus on that and deliver value to your audience.

 

I really like her approach to doing new things — just do it, and try not to get in your own way.

 

I also like that she emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience. In real estate of course we all know that the 3 most important things are location, location, and location

 

Before speaking to an audience Candice looks into the local real estate market. It’s not hard; there are plenty of resources available. Then she can deliver a custom talk that makes her local audience feel valued.

 

You can do that with most of your audiences, too. Do some research on what your audience is concerned about and mention their concerns. Talk to them about their problem specifically. They will feel that much more connected to you.

 

Bio

 

Candice is passionate about helping people reach their financial dreams. Candice has been a real estate investor since 2001. She is also the founder of Investor Smarts Global Network and Driven By Results, and a coaching partner within the Truly Invested Real Estate Club. Candice’s candid approach to business and affinity for getting past the fluff and getting to the root of each challenge for her clients so that they get a lot done, has led to her becoming a highly sought after coach within the finance and real estate industries.

 

Candice has had the opportunity to speak at many events, and enjoys sharing and teaching others.

 

Some events she has spoken at include: Toronto Real Estate Investors Forum (Toronto, ON), Truly Invested Real Estate Group (Winnipeg, MB), Group Facilitator at the Conversation Event (Texas, USA), Durham REI Club (Toronto, ON), RENTS Bootcamp Event (Kamloops, BC), Prairie RE Forum (Regina, SK), Judge for TEDx (Flowermound, Texas, USA), Shine Again Event (Steinbach, MB)

 

Coaching

 

There are many qualities and skills that go into being an excellent professional coach – integrity, in-depth knowledge, marketing savvy, effective negotiation skills and a high-quality professional network, all of which are hallmarks of how Candice works.

 

“Client first” philosophy has always been her approach and it requires Candice to continually improve her skills and ways of doing business. This means keeping herself accessible, being a good listener as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to her client’s needs.

 

Links

 

 

Call To Action

 

2-Minute Talk Tips is the public speaking podcast that help you become a more effective speaker in as little as 2 minutes a week.


Check out this episode!

2019-08-10

Episode 081 -- Neuropsychology with Dr. Karen Sullivan


What is #NeuroPsychology? And what do the fewer than 1,000 board-certified #Neuropsychologist in the US do for #StrokeSurvivors? I talk about that and more with author of the Interactive Stroke Recovery Guide, Dr. Karen Sullivan.

I think Dr. Sullivan and I first connected through Instagram. Her colorful graphics and logos really pop.

Dr. Karen D. Sullivan launched a series of Facebook Live videos aimed at helping stroke and brain injury survivors understand their situation better. From there she went on to write a book, the Interactive Stroke Recovery Guide. She sent me a copy to read before our conversation.

Unlike many stroke books, this is more of a work book. It's meant to be written in. It lets survivors keep track of the details of their strokes, their goals for recovery, their symptoms, etc. It's meant to be cut up, with reminders for motivation and thank you cards to give out. This is no pristine library book.

Bio

Dr. Karen Sullivan headshot in front of treesKaren D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, is the creator of the I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN program. She is one of only 24 providers in North Carolina who is Board Certified in Clinical Neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Sullivan founded a private practice called Pinehurst Neuropsychology Brain & Memory Clinic in November 2013.

Prior to establishing her practice, Dr. Sullivan was an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department. She received her doctoral degree at Boston University in 2009 and completed her internship and post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at the VA Boston Healthcare System through Harvard Medical School and the Boston University School of Medicine in 2010.

Dr. Sullivan has extensive training in clinical issues unique to older adults. Prior to her formal education, she worked as caregiver, nursing assistant, therapeutic companion, activities director and co-director of an adult day health program.

Competition with Strokecast? Nonsense!

If you want to learn more about Dr. Sullivan's fascinating and nontraditional childhood and Bon Jovi connection, listen to episode 65 of the NeuroNerds podcast. You may remember the NeuroNerds from episode 65 of this show when I talked with Joe Borges.

And this brings up another important point -- don't be afraid to tell your story, just because you think everybody has already told there's.

Joe and his cohost Lauren started the NeuroNerds podcast a couple weeks after a I started Strokecast, though we didn't know it at the time.

But we're not competitors -- we're all colleagues and Brain Buddies. Each show is different and brings something different to the community.

The interview that Joe did with Dr. Sullivan is fantastic -- and it's very different than the conversation you just heard between me and Dr. Sullivan. Joe and I have both interviewed Sarah, Tamsen, and Angie -- the Three Stromies -- about their efforts to share stories and bring value to the stroke survivor community. And those conversation are all different.

Christine Lee and Ted Baxter have both written stroke memoirs and been guests on the show. Those books and conversations are all different. And they're different from the books by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor or Allison Shapiro. And they're different from the books and stories you'll hear about in the coming weeks.

If you want to tell your story, don't think there are already too many stroke podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels, or books. None of them have you -- your unique perspective and your unique history. Go out and do it. And if you do, let me know! I want to check it out and share it with the audience.

Hack of the Week

Visualize the things you want to do.

The brain splits up functions into different parts. Even if one part is damaged, the other parts of the chain still work, so don't let them off the hook. If you can't move your arm yet, visualize moving it. Imagine lifting your arm. Close your eyes and imagine your fingers opening and closing. Do this a lot.

What your doing is allowing the working parts of the brain to send data to, through, and around the damaged parts of the brain. This can help new connections grow and help restore function.

One reason our therapists move our limbs, or that we use eStim as part of rehab is to send signals back to the brain about how to move.

If you combine moving the limbs with visualization, it's like building the transcontinental railroad in the US in the 19th century. One team starts in the east and builds west; the other team starts in the west and builds east. Eventually the teams met up and build the connection that transformed the western United States, and celebrated by driving a golden spike into the tracks.

That's where recovery happens.

Links

Dr. Sullivan's ICFYB Website

https://www.icfyb.com/

ICFYB (I Care For Your Brain) on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/icareforyourbrain/

Interactive Stroke Recovery Guide on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/BRAIN-Stroke-Recovery-Guide-Interactive/dp/1733220704/ref=sr_1_1

ICFYB on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ICareForYourBrain/

ICFYB on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGXSvK4ZARrlLn5x_c7kz-g

ICFYB on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-care-for-your-brain-with-dr-sullivan/

Dr. Sullivan on Twitter

https://twitter.com/drkdsullivan

Dr. Sullivan on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-d-sullivan-ph-d-abpp-8ab136a3/

Carrie Frye on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-frye-210b3548/

ABPP -- American Board of Professional Psychology

https://www.abpp.org/

Neuropsychology Overview

https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/neuro

Find a Board Certified Neuropsychologist

https://theaacn.org/directory/

Whitney Morean on Strokecast

http://Strokecast.com/Whitney

Paul Sanders on Strokecast

http://Strokecast.com/Paul

Some Facebook Stroke Groups

Http://Strokecast.com/Facebook

NeuroNerds Talks with Dr. Sullivan

https://www.theneuronerds.com/episodes/ep-65

Joe Borges on Strokecast

http://Strokecast.com/NeuroNerd

Stromies on Strokecast

http://Strokecast.com/Stromies

Stromies on NeuroNerds

https://www.theneuronerds.com/episodes/the-three-stromies-interview

Bill on Instagram

http://Strokecast.com/Instagram

Where do we go from here?

  • Check out Dr. Karen Sullivan's Facebook live videos and the Interactive Stroke Recovery Guide, and follow her on Instagram
  • Have you talked with a neuropsychologist as part of your recovery? It might be a good idea to look for one in your area and see if the support is right for you.
  • Share this episode with 3 people you know or on your own social media platform by giving them the link http://Strokecast.com/Karen.
  • Don't get best…get better.

 

 


Here is the latest episode of The Strokecast

2019-08-06

Episode 125 -- Storytelling in History Class with Joel Hawbaker


2-Minute Tip: Greet Audience Members Early

 

As much as practical, if you have time before your speech, meet some members of your audience. Greet them as they come in and sit down. This accomplishes a couple things.

 

First, it’s the start of a relationship with a new person. For part of your audience, you will no longer be just that person on the stage. Instead you will be that person they were just chatting with who is now on the stage. As you build that relationship, you are building trust.

 

Second, it gives you some familiar faces you can look for when you are on the stage. This encourages you to engage in more eye contact, and it gives you some people you can specifically look for.

 

As a bonus, it can even help with speaker nerves by distracting in that period before your talk.

 

Post Tip Discussion: Meet Joel Hawbaker

 

Joel Hawbaker has fully embraced the storytelling aspect of speaking. And why wouldn’t he? Telling stories is how civilizations have shared their histories, their lessons, and their faiths for millennia.

 

It’s how religions today share the lessons and directives of their prophets and marketing departments around the world grow their profits. And it’s how you can make history compelling and memorable for the toughest audience in existence — school kids.

 

Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less

CS Lewis

 

I also like Joel’s thoughts on the importance of humility for not just a speaker and teacher, but for any expert. There’s an importance in going back to basics and working on fundamentals. Success requires a strong foundation, and not thinking you’re too good to work on the basics.

 

Even an experienced speaker needs to think through their content, do the prep work, and practice.

 

This focus on humility and going back to basics is an important that can help us connect with more audiences. They’re the best way to celebrate the hero of our talks — the message.

 

Bio

 

Joel W. Hawbaker is a professional speaker, an author, and a high school teacher and soccer coach in Alabama where he lives with his wife, his two daughters, and their two rescue dogs. Joel has a degree in History from Covenant College, and he also spent time studying Medieval Civilizations at New College, Oxford, in the UK. In his professional speaking, Joel focuses on the topics of blended family life, leadership, and education. His goal is to help people form better relationships through a combination of confidence and humility. In addition to his books on leadership, he is currently working on a book about blended family life.

 

Writing the Book

 

Joel talked about his approach to writing his book. He worked on his outlines in the evening, and he filled them out while driving to work. This can be a great approach, assuming you can do it safely. This is a great job for a dedicated digital recorder. For a task like this, the small, cheap ones are probably fine.

 

This is an approach that can work because editing is easier than creating. Once Joel had his recordings done, he could turn them into transcripts and then edit them into a book.  Even with that, it still took him a year to write, “Inverted Leadership.”

 

But he did it.

 

On Strokecast, I talked with true crime author Paul Sanders. He finished his latest book a week before he had his stroke. That stroke robbed him (at least for now) of his ability to write books.

 

So don’t wait. Get that book written now. Joel found a way to write it during his commute. How can you find a way to write yours?

 

Links

 

Joel’s Website

https://reallifeleading.com/

Joel’s book on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Inverted-Leadership-Others-Forgetting-Yourself/dp/1983110167/ref=sr_1_1

Joel on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/joel.w.hawbaker

Also Joel on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/RealLifeLeading/

Joel on Twitter

https://twitter.com/RealLifeLeading

Joel on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-hawbaker-9421a077/

John Acuff Newsletter

https://acuff.me/newsletter/

Chandler Bolt’s Self-Publishing School

https://self-publishingschool.com/

Rob Kosberg’s Best Seller Publishing

http://bestsellerpublishing.org/

John Wooden on socks

https://www.newsweek.com/john-wooden-first-how-put-your-socks-167942

Vince Lombardi on a football

https://jamesclear.com/vince-lombardi-fundamentals

Westbrook Christian Academy

http://www.westbrookchristianschool.org/

 

Call To Action

 

  • Check out Joel’s book and web presence
  • Share this episode with 3 colleagues by giving them the link http://2MinuteTalkTips.com/Joel
  • Don’t get best…get better

 

2-Minute Talk Tips is the public speaking podcast that help you become a more effective speaker in as little as 2 minutes a week.


Check out this episode!

2019-08-02

Episode 080 -- True Crime Author and Stroke Survivor Paul Sanders Shares his Story


When most stroke survivors think about death, it's about how we came close. I like to say my own blood tried to kill me -- and failed. For today's guest, it mean something else. Death, and specifically homicide fueled his career as a writer before he had his stroke.

I met Paul Sanders through the Seattle Young Adult Stroke Survivors group.

A week after he finished his most recent book, Paul suffered a severe stroke while under anesthesia for a different surgical procedure. The hospital blamed the medication and sent him home. It wasn't until a wellness check by the police several days later that Paul finally got treatment.

Paul's books tell the true stories of some of the deadliest murders in recent years. Now, the combination of aphasia, apraxia of speech, and short term memory loss means Paul has put his career on hold until he is once again able to write books.

Bio

Paul Sanders signs copies of his books while kneeling on the floorPaul Sanders writes True Crime from a juror’s perspective. His story began in 2014, when he was called to serve as a death penalty juror in the Hammer Killing Trial of Marissa DeVault. At the completion of the trial, he wrote his first True Crime book, Brain Damage: A Juror’s Tale.

Since then, Paul has gone on to write a further two True Crime books on some of the most spectacular trials in US history, Why Not Kill Her: A Juror’s Perspective – The Jodi Arias Death Penalty Retrial and Banquet of Consequences: A Juror’s Plight – The Carnation Murders Trial of Michele Anderson.

Why Not Kill Her, along with Shanna Hogan’s book, Picture Perfect: The Jodi Arias Story, has become one of the most recommended books on the subject and was publicly endorsed by the jury foreperson.

Paul’s first two books were published on Amazon and this helped to build a platform of thousands of followers who are now eagerly awaiting the release of his latest work.

Paul has been a guest on True Crime Radio, Trial Talk Live, Court Chatter, HLN and Fox. He has also been featured on NBC Oxygen’s, “Snapped,” as well as I.D. Discovery’s, “Scorned,” where he represented himself as a former juror. He has recently completed two episodes on Investigation Discovery's "Deadly Sins".

Authors of August

This month (August, 2019) I am featuring authors connected to the stroke community. Paul kicks it off as an author from before his stroke. Next week, we'll hear from Dr. Karen Sullivan who will talk about her stroke recovery workbook and the field of neuropsychology. And there's more to come after that.

I've talked with other authors on the show. Christine Lee, Pete Smith, Dr. Kimberly Brown, Dr. Kate Lorig, and Ted Baxter have all shared their thoughts with us. You can find those episodes at http://Strokecast.com/Authors.

I have a weakness and fondness for books. I always have. My personal library has more than 1,000 entries lining the walls of my apartment. I can lose hours wandering around a book store.

My reading has slowed down since the stroke. It turns out reading a book quickly is generally a 2-handed activity. Managing books 1-handed adds a level of complication to turning pages. It's definitely do-able, but like many things after a stroke, it takes more energy and planning. A Kindle that gets books for free from the library does help.

Other survivors have no trouble holding a book or turning the pages. But post stroke cognitive and memory challenges can make reading and retaining information more difficult.

Still, I'm not about to let that stop me from celebrating the authors who are part of our community.

And the lesson from Paul's story is that if you have a book in you, start writing today. You may not have the chance tomorrow.

Links

Paul Sanders on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/the13thJurorJA

Paul's Books on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Paul-Sanders/e/B01136WIG8%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Paul on Twitter

https://twitter.com/The13thJurorMD

Murder of Dale Harrell on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Dale_Harrell

Murder of Travis Alexander on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Travis_Alexander

2007 Carnation Murders on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Carnation_murders

Paul on the True Murder Podcast

https://www.spreaker.com/user/danzupansky1/banquet-of-consequences-paul-sanders_1

Seattle Young Adult Stroke Survivors Group

http://SeattleYass.com

Paul's Organizational System

http://seattleyass.com/2019/05/paul-sanders

Third Place Books

https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/lake-forest-park

Authors on Strokecast

http://Strokecast.com/authors

Other YASS Strokecast Episodes

http://Strokecast.com/YASSGuests

Where do we go from here?


Here is the latest episode of The Strokecast