How the 6 Pillars of Brain Health Transform TBI Recovery (with Luke Bohnenberger)
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In this episode…
Have you ever felt stuck and unsure how to move forward in your recovery journey? Today, as we kick off Season 6, we are talking about how learning about brain health can make a huge impact - and giving you some practical tools to take with you.
In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews Luke Bohnenberger, known as Luke Speaks TBI, who shares his powerful journey from a severe car accident and mental health struggles to becoming an advocate for others. Listen to discover how understanding your brain’s needs on a neurological level can remove shame, empower recovery, and help you regain a sense of control over your life and recovery journey.
We also feature a spotlight on brain health with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center. Dr. Schmoe explains practical, daily habits for supporting your neurology, focusing on blood sugar regulation, hydration, and simple ways to activate your brain through movement, visualization, and stress reduction.
🧠 In this episode:
Reframing post-injury symptoms as "signals" and learning to listen to your brain before it reaches an overload state.
Exploring 6 pillars of brain health: connections, movement, diet, novelty, environment, and rest.
Why establishing a sense of neurological safety is a required foundation for deep healing.
How to navigate the "push and pace" dynamic to challenge your brain without causing a setback.
Meet Our Guest
Luke Bohnenberger
Luke Bohnenberger is a brain injury survivor, national speaker, and brain injury coach. In 2015, Luke sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after being ejected from a vehicle, he underwent a craniectomy, spent weeks in a coma and began a recovery that would extend far beyond the hospital. Years following the initial injury Luke faced many of the often unseen realities of brain injury, such as struggles with emotional regulation, impulsivity with episodes of rage and depression, seizures and complications from infections that required ongoing surgeries. His recovery became about learning to understand the brain, awareness and create a life beyond the injury.
Today, Luke uses both his lived experiences, the experiences of those he has met along the way, and knowledge in neuroscience to coach brain injury survivors and their families as they navigate recovery. His coaching is centered around the Six Pillars of a Healthy Brain and the belief that greater awareness creates greater choice. Luke is also a husband and father of two daughters, roles that represent some of the greatest milestones of his recovery. Through coaching, speaking and advocacy his mission is to show others that a brain injury can change your life without ending your ability to build a meaningful one.
Connect: lukespeakstbi.com
Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring our podcast and programs. The FNC offers personalized neuro-recovery programs for anyone going through brain injury and a wide range of neurological conditions. When you trust your brain to the team at The Functional Neurology Center, they take the time to get to know the whole you so they can personalize your recovery program for your unique and complex condition. There is hope for a better tomorrow and the FNC is committed to helping you get back to what matters most. 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.
