HOPE TBI Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:15:06 -0400 https://www.hopetbi.com en © 2026 HOPE TBI yes 003eae6b-df6a-5b87-b58e-ff45029b9d0b hopetbi4ever@gmail.com Caren Robinson episodic false The HOPE TBI Audio Series covers a range of wellness topics, with a focus on polytrauma and brain injury. For additional information and resources, visit hopetbi.com.


The HOPE TBI Audio Series, associated websites, and digital products share personal experiences, seek to raise awareness, and provide insight and support for informed decision-making and personal advocacy. 


All content is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medical conditions, as we are not licensed medical providers. We also do not offer legal advice, as we are not attorneys. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Caren Robinson hopetbi4ever@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/16nfulxosmr3c61fpiqaqjgcvxka?.jpg HOPE TBI https://www.hopetbi.com The Silent Tsunami and Hurricane - part 2 of a 2 part episode The Silent Tsunami and Hurricane - part 2 of a 2 part episode This is part 2 of a 2 part episode regarding the Tsunmai of emotions after a Brain Injury/Trauma and the Hurricane of extreme impulsivity that can result in anger, anxiety, depression, loss, and rage as a result of the injury itself.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> This is part 2 of a 2 part episode regarding the Tsunmai of emotions after a Brain Injury/Trauma and the Hurricane of extreme impulsivity that can result in anger, anxiety, depression, loss, and rage as a result of the injury itself.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson c1f410c8-a604-4196-9754-ff206f85a960 Sun, 29 Aug 2021 15:00:00 -0400 3345 1 14 full false The Silent Tsunami and Hurricane - part 1 of a 2 part series The Silent Tsunami and Hurricane - part 1 of a 2 part series Join us in part 1 of a 2 part episode while we talk about the things that can happen behind closed doors that we may not always see. Discussing Anger, Rage, and other intense emotions that can take us by surprise after experiencing a trauma or brain injury.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Join us in part 1 of a 2 part episode while we talk about the things that can happen behind closed doors that we may not always see. Discussing Anger, Rage, and other intense emotions that can take us by surprise after experiencing a trauma or brain injury.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson 9115a885-d744-49a7-9ff6-bd157aaff4e6 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 14:00:00 -0400 3417 1 13 full false Sex and Disability - Part 2 of a 2 part series - Sex After Brain Injury and Trauma Sex and Disability - Part 2 of a 2 part series - Sex After Brain Injury and Trauma The sexual needs of a person after brain injury or Trauma is often not even considered or taken into account during the rehabilitative process; the endocrine and physiological changes that can take place as a result of a brain injury can alter a person's sexual life immensely.

The resulting changes that can occur and the result of those changes are explored in this episode.

 

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> The sexual needs of a person after brain injury or Trauma is often not even considered or taken into account during the rehabilitative process; the endocrine and physiological changes that can take place as a result of a brain injury can alter a person's sexual life immensely.

The resulting changes that can occur and the result of those changes are explored in this episode.

 

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923655 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 11:00:00 -0400 2890 1 12 full false Sex and Disability - Part 1 of a 2 part series Sex and Disability - Part 1 of a 2 part series Sexuality is one of the most complex aspects of life but, the sexual lives of people with disabilities have been disregarded and stigmatized for far too long. 

We have the ability through education and awareness to remove those stigmas and make sexuality a normal part of conversations, not just with our healthcare providers, but with each other as well.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Sexuality is one of the most complex aspects of life but, the sexual lives of people with disabilities have been disregarded and stigmatized for far too long. 

We have the ability through education and awareness to remove those stigmas and make sexuality a normal part of conversations, not just with our healthcare providers, but with each other as well.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923651 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 18:00:00 -0400 1670 1 11 full false The Dirty Dozen - 12 Ways To Cope With Memory Loss The Dirty Dozen - 12 Ways To Cope With Memory Loss Here are 12 ways that may help you manage your memory loss in a more functional way, helping to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible.

1. Make a memory board

2. Create a life story book, photo album or something digital that is labeled

3. Cognitive Stimulation

4. Utilize a reminder system

5. Lists

6. Use post-it/sticky notes

7. Use a mobile smartphone (cell phone)

8. Medicine/pill reminder box

9. Use an alarm clock, a watch with an alarm, or a kitchen timer

10. Never leave the room when you are cooking

11. Appointments and Meetings

12. Don't Procrastinate

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Here are 12 ways that may help you manage your memory loss in a more functional way, helping to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible.

1. Make a memory board

2. Create a life story book, photo album or something digital that is labeled

3. Cognitive Stimulation

4. Utilize a reminder system

5. Lists

6. Use post-it/sticky notes

7. Use a mobile smartphone (cell phone)

8. Medicine/pill reminder box

9. Use an alarm clock, a watch with an alarm, or a kitchen timer

10. Never leave the room when you are cooking

11. Appointments and Meetings

12. Don't Procrastinate

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923646 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 13:00:00 -0400 1255 1 10 full false That Mother That Mother Parents who have brain injuries often report that not only has their ability to carry out parenting roles been affected by their injury, but also their relationship with their children and what they can tolerate, has changed. 

Parents caring for a brain injured child, often struggle with finding a balance between being a parent or a medical caregiver.  Some parents have difficulty adjusting to the changes going on with their child because they may not be able to "see" an injury, feel helpless, or guilty.

Sometimes it is the changes in relationships that are the most difficult to adjust to.

Sometimes, as a mother, we can feel invisible.  We may feel misunderstood, not listened to, or like we can't be ourselves. All of this puts an enormous strain on relationships and our own self-esteem.  We just have to remember that doing the best we can is enough - even if what that "best" looks like changes from day to day, or moment to moment.  

Whether a survivor, caregiver, or provider - just embrace being THAT MOTHER

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Parents who have brain injuries often report that not only has their ability to carry out parenting roles been affected by their injury, but also their relationship with their children and what they can tolerate, has changed. 

Parents caring for a brain injured child, often struggle with finding a balance between being a parent or a medical caregiver.  Some parents have difficulty adjusting to the changes going on with their child because they may not be able to "see" an injury, feel helpless, or guilty.

Sometimes it is the changes in relationships that are the most difficult to adjust to.

Sometimes, as a mother, we can feel invisible.  We may feel misunderstood, not listened to, or like we can't be ourselves. All of this puts an enormous strain on relationships and our own self-esteem.  We just have to remember that doing the best we can is enough - even if what that "best" looks like changes from day to day, or moment to moment.  

Whether a survivor, caregiver, or provider - just embrace being THAT MOTHER

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923641 Sun, 25 Jul 2021 16:00:00 -0400 345 1 9 full false 5 Important Brain Injury Recovery Steps 5 Important Brain Injury Recovery Steps 1. Vision Testing (Neuro-Opthalmologist/Optometrist)

2. Auditory Testing (hearing tests)

3. Speech Therapy

4. SPECT-CT

5. Rest 

Come and listen as we discuss important recovery steps after brain injury and what those steps entail.  

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2021/02/12/5-important-brain-injury-recovery-steps/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> 1. Vision Testing (Neuro-Opthalmologist/Optometrist)

2. Auditory Testing (hearing tests)

3. Speech Therapy

4. SPECT-CT

5. Rest 

Come and listen as we discuss important recovery steps after brain injury and what those steps entail.  

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2021/02/12/5-important-brain-injury-recovery-steps/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923637 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400 1332 1 8 full false Brain Injury Does NOT Equal Lack of Intelligence Brain Injury Does NOT Equal Lack of Intelligence Following a concussion, the brain is often unable to function as well as it did prior to injury. This is why we typically see some difficulties with memory or academics. 

However, once the brain recovers there is no change in a person’s overall intelligence.  Just because someone has a brain injury, does not mean that they automatically lose their intelligence either.  

A higher functioning individual who may have been "above average", may appear "average" after their brain injury, which can be misleading to the severity of their injury/symptoms.  

The person with the brain injury knows they are not performing well, yet to a provider their results may show "average" testing which changes the services offered to the patient.

This is how misdiagnoses happen.  Making assumptions based solely on presumed intelligence is not a good marker for determining rehabilitation services that may be needed.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2017/05/06/brain-injury-does-not-equal-lack-of-intelligence/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Following a concussion, the brain is often unable to function as well as it did prior to injury. This is why we typically see some difficulties with memory or academics. 

However, once the brain recovers there is no change in a person’s overall intelligence.  Just because someone has a brain injury, does not mean that they automatically lose their intelligence either.  

A higher functioning individual who may have been "above average", may appear "average" after their brain injury, which can be misleading to the severity of their injury/symptoms.  

The person with the brain injury knows they are not performing well, yet to a provider their results may show "average" testing which changes the services offered to the patient.

This is how misdiagnoses happen.  Making assumptions based solely on presumed intelligence is not a good marker for determining rehabilitation services that may be needed.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2017/05/06/brain-injury-does-not-equal-lack-of-intelligence/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923634 Sun, 02 May 2021 13:00:00 -0400 890 1 7 full false Whirlwind of Change And Then Add Anxiety Whirlwind of Change And Then Add Anxiety Adjusting to change when you are immersed in a PTSD moment can be a lot to traverse through.  Adjusting to last minute changes creates a vortex of emotions when you depend on that structured way of life to feel successful in your day, and it suddenly becomes unstructured.  

This episode discusses the whirlwind of various types of change and what it is like to have anxiety added to it.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2016/12/28/the-whirlwind-of-change-then-add-anxiety/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Adjusting to change when you are immersed in a PTSD moment can be a lot to traverse through.  Adjusting to last minute changes creates a vortex of emotions when you depend on that structured way of life to feel successful in your day, and it suddenly becomes unstructured.  

This episode discusses the whirlwind of various types of change and what it is like to have anxiety added to it.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2016/12/28/the-whirlwind-of-change-then-add-anxiety/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923629 Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0400 945 1 6 full false Chronic Pain Chronic Pain Pain changes you.  Pain changes how you perceive the world.  Sometimes that change is for the better, sometimes it is for the worse.  One thing that is consistent though is that it effects each person in different ways.  

For some, pain is an intermittent, temporary experience that subsides and disappears.  Yet for others, it is a constant reminder of a changed life and a permanent fixture requiring high maintenance in their lives.

This episode is about Chronic Pain and how it resembles the stages of Grief.

This episode is also available as a Webpage: https://hopetbi.com/rehabilitation-journey-2/chronic-pain/

 

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Pain changes you.  Pain changes how you perceive the world.  Sometimes that change is for the better, sometimes it is for the worse.  One thing that is consistent though is that it effects each person in different ways.  

For some, pain is an intermittent, temporary experience that subsides and disappears.  Yet for others, it is a constant reminder of a changed life and a permanent fixture requiring high maintenance in their lives.

This episode is about Chronic Pain and how it resembles the stages of Grief.

This episode is also available as a Webpage: https://hopetbi.com/rehabilitation-journey-2/chronic-pain/

 

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923597 Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:00:00 -0400 1800 1 5 full false Dusty Roads Dusty Roads Where did I put the keys?  Where did I sit my notebook?  What am I in this room for?  These are common questions for the average person.  What happens though after a brain injury?  

What happens after trauma interrupts our thinking process and changes the normal questions to a barage of overwhelming and unanswered questions, self-doubt, checks, and balances that make us feel we are no longer "normal"?  

Let's explore some of those thoughts together.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2016/08/18/dusty-roads/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Where did I put the keys?  Where did I sit my notebook?  What am I in this room for?  These are common questions for the average person.  What happens though after a brain injury?  

What happens after trauma interrupts our thinking process and changes the normal questions to a barage of overwhelming and unanswered questions, self-doubt, checks, and balances that make us feel we are no longer "normal"?  

Let's explore some of those thoughts together.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2016/08/18/dusty-roads/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923592 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0400 1115 1 4 full false Who Is This Stranger As Me? Who Is This Stranger As Me? After a Trauma, we often know ourselves by looking at ourselves in our reflection, yet the experience has changed us inside.  Things in life may seem familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time.  

How do we reconcile the self we were before the trauma with who we are now?  

How can we begin to recognize the inner part again as someone that we also love and accept in all of its newfound complexity?

This post is also available as a Webpage: https://hopetbi.com/about-me/who-is-this-stranger-as-me/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> After a Trauma, we often know ourselves by looking at ourselves in our reflection, yet the experience has changed us inside.  Things in life may seem familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time.  

How do we reconcile the self we were before the trauma with who we are now?  

How can we begin to recognize the inner part again as someone that we also love and accept in all of its newfound complexity?

This post is also available as a Webpage: https://hopetbi.com/about-me/who-is-this-stranger-as-me/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923584 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:00:00 -0400 486 1 3 full false Year of the SEVEN Year of the SEVEN Hello and welcome to the Podcast for HOPE TBI - where you, as our listening audience, are embraced as our ⁠HOPE'sters⁠.

You can find us at ⁠www.hopetbi.com⁠

This episode is about 7 years I survived - from January 4, 2014 - January 4, 2021. "Year of the Seven"

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2021/01/04/year-of-the-seven/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Hello and welcome to the Podcast for HOPE TBI - where you, as our listening audience, are embraced as our ⁠HOPE'sters⁠.

You can find us at ⁠www.hopetbi.com⁠

This episode is about 7 years I survived - from January 4, 2014 - January 4, 2021. "Year of the Seven"

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://hopetbi.com/2021/01/04/year-of-the-seven/

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923581 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0400 605 1 2 full false Hope TBI - History and Introduction Hope TBI - History and Introduction Hello ⁠HOPE'sters⁠.  Welcome to the podcast for ⁠HOPE TBI⁠, where you as our listening audience are embraced as the HOPE'sters of the world.  You can find us at ⁠hopetbi.com⁠

What is a HOPE'ster?  

A HOPEster is anyone who is interested in helping one person succeed to be independent – even if the person they are currently helping is themselves (specifically related to Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury – though can apply to anything other than these two things as well).

A HOPEster is someone willing to share information, offer support (whether that be emotional, mental, physical, or just by sharing awareness information), and encourages advocacy (self-advocacy, medical advocacy, advocacy awareness).

A HOPEster is someone that thinks outside the box, is passionate, idealistic, and believes in the inherent goodness of others and our collective responsibility to each other as human beings.

Come on in.  Join us.  Become a HOPE'ster.

This episode is about the history of ⁠HOPE TBI ⁠and an Introduction to this Podcast.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Hello ⁠HOPE'sters⁠.  Welcome to the podcast for ⁠HOPE TBI⁠, where you as our listening audience are embraced as the HOPE'sters of the world.  You can find us at ⁠hopetbi.com⁠

What is a HOPE'ster?  

A HOPEster is anyone who is interested in helping one person succeed to be independent – even if the person they are currently helping is themselves (specifically related to Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury – though can apply to anything other than these two things as well).

A HOPEster is someone willing to share information, offer support (whether that be emotional, mental, physical, or just by sharing awareness information), and encourages advocacy (self-advocacy, medical advocacy, advocacy awareness).

A HOPEster is someone that thinks outside the box, is passionate, idealistic, and believes in the inherent goodness of others and our collective responsibility to each other as human beings.

Come on in.  Join us.  Become a HOPE'ster.

This episode is about the history of ⁠HOPE TBI ⁠and an Introduction to this Podcast.

Additional information and resources at hopetbi.com

]]> Caren Robinson Buzzsprout-18923551 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0400 1579 1 1 full false