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Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change itself in response to its experiences and environment. Most stroke survivors have probably heard a therapist say something like “neurons that fire together wire together” or “use it or lose it,” which describes how neuroplasticity works. However, neuroplasticity is not going to provide dramatic overnight improvements in recovery. Instead, it’s the brain’s mechanism that makes long-term and ongoing progress after stroke possible. In this episode, I talk more about my experiences with neuroplasticity after stroke and some of the common misconceptions associated with it. For more information on neuroplasticity, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/08/01/10-things-to-know-about-neuroplasticity-as-a-stroke-survivor/ For more stories from stroke recovery like this, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Research indicates that hallucinations can be relatively frequent after stroke, and stroke survivors with sleep disturbances or damage to the occipital lobe are more likely to experience them. After returning home from rehab, I continued to be surprised by challenges with my vision, from struggles with extended screen time to sensory overload in public places. In this episode, I share some funny as well as frustrating challenges with vision after stroke and how those challenges have evolved over the years. For more information on vision challenges after stroke or any of the topics discussed here, be sure to review the links and resources included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/07/01/hallucinations-and-vision-challenges-after-stroke/ For more stories from stroke recovery like this, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

A lot of healing after stroke isn’t visible. You can look “fine” to others but feel completely different inside as you work through identity shifts, frustration, fear of another stroke, and more. In this episode, I share an article that I wrote with my friend and fellow AVM stroke survivor, Florence Acosta, where we discuss the mental and emotional challenges that can come with recovery after stroke. For more information on mental health after stroke, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/06/01/the-hidden-mental-health-journey-in-stroke-recovery/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Stroke survivor resources often emphasize the importance of exercise, but it’s discouraging to try lifting weights or running when you can hardly move one side of your body. However, once you find routines that really resonate with you – especially ones you can do at home or outside – you’ll find exercise can have a profound impact on your recovery after stroke. In this episode, I’m joined by Tricia DiGregorio to discuss key takeaways from our recent article: Why Exercise is Important After Stroke. *Note: This podcast was originally recorded as a Substack Live event on September 10, 2026. Key Moments (1:15) Meet Tricia (2:40) Tricia’s journey with exercise after stroke (4:50) Working out at home after stroke (6:20) Weight loss after stroke (7:45) Neurofatigue after stroke (12:00) Reading after stroke (14:45) How exercise supports recovery after stroke (15:45) Embracing healthier habits after stroke (18:00) Driving after stroke (22:00) Losing your independence after stroke (24:00) Progress can continue years after stroke (26:50) Connect with Tricia This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Driving was one of the most significant, frustrating, and unexpected challenges in the years after stroke. In this episode, I share a few simple tips that helped me to feel more comfortable behind the wheel. For more information on driving after stroke, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/02/01/learning-to-drive-after-stroke-tips-and-tools-for-stroke-survivors/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In this episode, I share an article that I wrote with my friend and fellow AVM stroke survivor Tracy Myers, where we highlight the common details you learn after finding out your stroke was caused by an arteriovenous malformation, or AVM. Since arteriovenous malformations are quite rare, it can be challenging to find information relevant to your situation that explains this unique medical condition in layman’s terms. For more information about AVMs and life after stroke caused by an AVM rupture, be sure to review the links and resources throughout this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/12/01/recovery-after-an-avm-stroke-insights-from-two-stroke-survivors/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Creatine is a popular supplement for enhancing physical performance, but it also has some impressive claims about its potential to support brain health. In this episode, I share my experiences with using creatine after stroke and how this common supplement may be beneficial for stroke survivors. For more information on creatine and how it can potentially help stroke survivors, be sure to review the links and resources that are included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/03/01/the-surprising-cognitive-benefits-of-creatine/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ *The information provided on supplements on this page and others on this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your physician before starting any new supplement regimen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

In the years after a stroke, recovery can feel like a lonely journey as you seek to rebuild the life you once knew, and it can be difficult to piece together advice as you bounce from one medical specialist to another. In this episode, I share an article that I wrote with my friend and fellow stroke survivor Anadee Nikte, where we discuss some simple tips to help stroke survivors build a personalized structure that supports ongoing progress in recovery after stroke. For more information on any of the concepts discussed in this episode or to learn more about Anadee, be sure to review the links and resources included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2025/11/01/creating-a-plan-for-ongoing-progress-in-stroke-recovery/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Much to my surprise, one of the most effective practices to help my stroke-affected left leg feel more like the leg I remember and less like a thousand-pound steel beam has been slacklining – a sport I knew little about pre-stroke. In this episode, I describe my experiences with slacklining after stroke and why this has become one of my favorite lower-body rehab exercises. For more information about slacklining and the case studies on slacklining in stroke recovery, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2024/10/01/balancing-recovery-how-slacklining-can-benefit-stroke-survivors/ For more stories from stroke recovery like this, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

After a stroke, you can look “fine” to others but feel completely different inside as you work through identity shifts, frustration, fear of another stroke, and more. In this episode, I’m joined by Florence Acosta of the Becoming You With Florence Acosta newsletter to discuss some key takeaways from our recent article - The Hidden Mental Health Journey in Stroke Recovery. *Note: This podcast was originally recorded as a Substack Live event on June 10, 2026. Key Moments (1:20) About Florence (3:00) Mental health after stroke (5:30) Looking in the mirror can feel unfamiliar (8:20) Daily routines after stroke (9:50) Consistency is important (10:10) Life is divided into before and after (12:30) Driving after stroke (15:00) Experiences with stroke caused by ruptured AVM (17:30) Gamma Knife radiation treatments after stroke (20:20) Creative writing after stroke (22:40) Accepting help after stroke (24:30) Therapy as live journaling (25:00) Connecting with others through writing (27:00) How to connect with Florence This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Like anyone else, I received some great – and not so great – advice from doctors, therapists, friends, and family members on how I could improve my recovery after stroke. In this episode, I reflect on some early experiences after stroke and share some of the best advice I received, some of the worst, and some advice that I would now give other stroke survivors. For more information on any of the subjects discussed in this episode, be sure to review the links and resources included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/04/01/the-best-advice-i-received-after-stroke/ For more stories from stroke recovery like this, read the free monthly newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Learned helplessness is an underrated challenge in stroke recovery. How do you push yourself safely when you’re not sure what your true abilities may be? In this episode, I share an article I wrote with my friend and fellow stroke survivor Nir Peled on the importance of not shying away from the challenges that stroke recovery brings. To learn more about Nir or any of the topics covered here, be sure to review the links and resources in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/02/01/embracing-the-challenges-of-stroke-recovery/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free monthly newsletter: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Stroke can fundamentally change who we are, how we process information, and how we react to situations. Feelings of irritability, confusion, anger, and anxiety are common after stroke. I was oblivious to any mental or emotional challenges I might face in stroke recovery during my time in the hospital and inpatient rehab. However, once I returned home and my physical abilities did not come back as quickly as I wished them to, the mental and emotional side of recovery proved to be a much more significant challenge than any physical exercise. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why the emotional aspect of recovery after stroke can be harder than the physical side and three strategies to support emotional recovery after stroke. For more information on post-stroke anger, depression, or any of the strategies I’ve highlighted here, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/06/01/navigating-the-emotional-challenges-after-stroke/ For more stories like this from stroke recovery, read the free newsletter at: https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

Stroke survivors know that recovery doesn’t end when the physical and occupational therapy sessions end. Instead, you’re often on your own to find a way to rebuild your strength after a stroke, and the gym can be an important part of that. In this episode, I share some of my challenges with working out in a gym after stroke and four strategies that helped me feel comfortable in the gym again. For more information on myo-reps or the benefits of unilateral training, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2026/03/01/returning-to-the-gym-after-stroke/ For more resources and stories from stroke recovery, read the free newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com

After stroke, just the thought of planning a meal, cooking it, and cleaning all the dishes felt overwhelming for me. It seemed impossible that I could do all of that in a timely manner. As I was stuck at home with little energy to cook and no ability to go to the grocery store alone, I was reminded of the 800-gram challenge, a simple nutritional framework that encourages you to eat more fruits and vegetables. In this episode, I share my experiences with this simple diet challenge, which became the nutritional plan that I leaned on in the earliest weeks and months of recovery. For more information on nutritional strategies for stroke survivors, such as the 800-gram challenge, be sure to review the links and resources that I’ve included in this article: https://strokerecoveryrehab.com/2023/07/01/a-simple-nutrition-plan-for-stroke-recovery-the-800-gram-challenge/ For more stroke recovery resources, read the free newsletter at https://strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit strokerecoveryrehab.substack.com