120. Hope For Family: It’s Not a Wasted Life (with Lindy Boone Michaelis)
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In this episode…
Brain injury affects every single person in the family - so how do we move forward, together?
In this heartfelt episode, Cristabelle sits down with Lindy Boone Michaelis to explore the journey of hope, heartbreak, and healing after her family's life-changing experience with traumatic brain injury.
Lindy is the daughter of entertainer Pat Boone and the founder of Ryan’s Reach, a nonprofit organization providing group homes for TBI in Orange County, CA. Lindy’s son had a severe TBI, and in this conversation she opens up about the reality of walking through long-term uncertainty, family upheaval, and the unexpected ways faith and love can anchor us in stormy seasons. You’ll hear honest emotions and the lessons learned from years of recovery and resilience - reminding us that pain can transform, compassion can multiply, and every story matters. This powerful conversation also highlights the inspiration behind Lindy’s new song (co-written with Cristabelle) called, "It's Not a Wasted Life," revealing that even in our deepest struggles, hope for families can grow.
Listen to the song “It’s Not a Wasted Life” by Lindy Boone wherever you listen to music, or see the lyric video by clicking here.
Meet Our Guest
Lindy Boone Michaelis was born into an entertainment environment as the second daughter of singer/entertainer Pat Boone and grew up in Beverly Hills, California. For 7 years, the Boone Family toured all over the U.S. and internationally. The Boone Girls recorded several Christian albums, including “First Class” which was nominated for a Grammy award.
Lindy is mother to Ryan, Jessica, and Tyler. She has been happily married to Mike Michaelis for 38 years. She has authored a book called “Heaven Hears” after her son Ryan had a tragic 3 story fall in 2001, telling of the family’s faith and the faithfulness of the Father to see them through this ordeal. The family started Ryan’s Reach, a foundation to support families of brain injury survivors in 2003 out of gratitude for Ryan’s survival and continued recovery. In 2024, Lindy released her first original single, called “Wordlayer,” sung with her sisters Cherry Boone, Debby Boone, and Laury Boone. In 2025, Lindy released a follow-up single called “It’s Not a Wasted Life,” based on her family’s journey with brain injury.
Lindy’s new song - It’s Not a Wasted Life: https://youtu.be/dOnNytRPT7I?si=evBkITs4-qkS7oY5
Lindy’s book- Heaven Hears: https://www.amazon.com/dp/141438324X/
Ryan’s Reach foundation: ryansreach.com
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more: thefnc.com
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only, and not intended for medical advice. If you need specific medical advice, please consult your physician.
