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In this episode…
A sudden stroke can alter everything in an instant. For many who have experienced brain injuries and strokes, the hardest battles aren't just physical, but the invisible challenges of neuro-fatigue, unpredictable cognitive stamina, and wrestling with who you are when your career and daily routines change overnight.
In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden interviews stroke survivor and founder of The Broken Road Project, Trent Peterson, who shares his journey following a life-altering brainstem stroke. Listen to discover how Trent navigated the sudden loss of independence, managed invisible symptoms like double vision and cognitive flooding, and had to come to big questions about his identity. We talk about the power of redefining your life after an injury like this, and how embracing a "broken road" can open the door to redefining your life and purpose.
We also feature a spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe from The Functional Neurology Center on hope for post-stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Schmoe discusses emerging therapeutic strategies that go beyond traditional motor rehab, including gut barrier support, photobiomodulation, virtual reality mirror therapy to stimulate mirror neurons, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to drive neuroplasticity and blood flow.
🧠 In this episode:
Navigating the sudden shift of life after a stroke or brain injury.
Understanding invisible deficits and why cognitive stamina can feel like an unpredictable "moving target" day to day.
The process of redefining, reinventing, and realizing the changes in identity.
Practical self-advocacy: recognizing communication limitations, asking for accommodations, and extending grace to yourself.
The mission of The Broken Road Project and how supporting others in the brain injury community and giving back can bring purpose.
Meet Our Guest
Trent Peterson
Trent Peterson is a stroke survivor, husband, father, business owner, and the founder and president of Broken Road Project, Inc. After experiencing firsthand how quickly formal support can end while recovery continues, Trent turned his own broken road into a mission of service. Trent survived an ischemic stroke in his brainstem on May 24th, 2024.His wife Amber and son River have stood beside him and provided support throughout his journey.
Through survivor outreach, support groups, charitable assistance, education, partnerships, and The Broken Road Project Podcast, he works to remind survivors and caregivers that they do not have to walk the road of recovery alone.
Trent Peterson survived an ischemic stroke in his brainstem on May 24th, 2024. His wife Amber and son River have stood beside him and provided support throughout his journey. They have a heart to give and wanted to make sure no one has to walk this road alone.
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.
