Advertise on podcast: TBI: Talking Brain Injury with Brain Injury Association of Colorado

We are back! The TBI Podcast returns with a special double feature and two Colorado women, Heather and Sally. Both suffered traumatic brain injuries in the mid-20s, and both found ways to cope, survive and thrive as their careers and lives were flipped upside down. This special edition of the BIAC podcast serves double duty as a fundraiser for the FINAL Pikes Peak Challenge. After 41 years the final 14er benefit hike happens Saturday, Sept. 12, and for everyone who can't make it we want your support! Donate NOW to Team TBI Podcast and all proceeds go to the next big thing from Brain Injury Association Colorado, plus all the incredible groups and survivors they support.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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. 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!