From Marathon Runner to Spinal Stroke Survivor: A Rare Medical Journey

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!Guest: Mike Studer,PT, DPT, FAPTA Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with Co-Hosts Michael Garrow and David DansereauOn episode 92, Mike Studer returns to the show and shares new insights on neuroplasticity, the importance of physical activity "as king" in recovery, and the role of dopamine in motivation. He shares insights from his two books,  (The Brain That Chooses Itself and My Face Book:Beyond What the Mirror Show Us in Crisis), his personal journey with Bell's palsy and the lessons learned from it, as well as the challenges and future of stroke rehabilitation. The discussion also looks into the future of reimbursement for neurologic physical therapy and emphasizes the need for personalized care, and the significance of measuring outcomes in physical therapy. If you missed Mike on episode 42 on Neuroplasticity, listen here.Takeaways:Neuroplasticity is crucial for recovery from stroke.Exercise should not be seen as the only form of movement.Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and habit formation.Self-imposed stigmas can hinder recovery and well-being.Measuring outcomes is necessary for effective treatment and reimbursement.Psychologically informed practice is gaining traction in therapy.Sharing experiences can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.The future of stroke rehabilitation is optimistic with new approaches.Engagement and autonomy in therapy enhance recovery outcomes.More About Mike: Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA ,APTA Geriatric Section Clinician of the Year 2014, APTA Neurology Section Clinician of the Year 2011, TEDxSalem 2020 speaker: Neuroplasticity Instagram: @mikestuderdptMentions: Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!In episode 91 of the Know Stroke Podcast, Dr. Ram Gordon shares his remarkable journey from a healthy lifestyle and marathon runner to experiencing a rare spinal stroke. He discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, recovery process, and insights into this uncommon condition, emphasizing the importance of awareness and hope.Key  topicsRare spinal stroke (fibrocartilaginous embolism)Symptoms and diagnosis of spinal strokeTreatment and recovery processImportance of awareness and early intervention Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!On Episode 90, co-hosts David Dansereau and Michael Garrow reconnect to reflect on a year of progress in stroke advocacy, support systems, community engagement and Mike shares his 'Magic Wand' answer.  Mike describes his transition from the basketball court to the volunteer work he does today for stroke advocacy. The co-hosts talk how music resonates, discuss innovative models for support groups, the impact of conferences like ISC for stroke survivors and care partners, and envision future pathways for post-stroke care and community support.Key Topics CoveredThe role of community, stroke support organizations and grassroots efforts in stroke recoveryInnovations and Mike's insights from ISC 2026 ConferenceThe importance of structured post-stroke support and fundingDigital technology's impact on stroke care pathways as well as the vital role of smaller local community connectionsStroke support group models inspired by Alcoholics Anonymous from Mike's Magic Wand Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!In this episode 89 of the Know Stroke Podcast, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow reconnect after a break, discussing current events in the world and the impact it has had on our combined mental health across the country and world and especially within the stroke community. They reflect on their podcasting journey, the importance of community support, and the upcoming milestone and their goals leading up to 100th episode in 2026. The conversation also highlights their ongoing discussions around advocacy for stroke survivors and care partners and the need for their voices to be heard in healthcare discussions including the upcoming International Stroke Conference (ISC) later this week in New Orleans. Connect with us via the chime in text link at the top of all episode show notes!Watch this episode on YouTube Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackDRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!On episode 88 we release a recent conversation with Mark Brodie as a rebroadcast from a Know Stroke Substack Live event with co-host David Dansereau. Mark connected with us after listening to our episode on PFO which also is believed to have caused his stroke. As part of his recovery journey Mark and his family had to learn how to find resources to help with his aphasia as a deficit from his stroke during covid shutdowns.Mark’s Top Stroke Recovery Resources Mentioned:Just Ask (Aphasia Support ), Stroke Onward , Stroke Awareness Oregon , Mid Atlantic Aphasia , National Aphasia Synergy (shirt Mark mentioned he was wearing!), National Aphasia Organization , American Stroke AssociationThis is a fitting episode to release for World Stroke Day as the topics and themes covered include all areas of stroke care from knowing the stroke warning signs, to caregiver support, the public stigma around aphasia, use of technology and home therapy,  to the power of community and especially the importance of stroke support organizations that helped Mark restore balance and find his voice again after stroke.Other Episode Mentions: Therapy apps: Tactus Therapy , Constant Therapy Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!Episode 87 Our Guest: Stran Smith 2025 'Draft Pick' for Abbott HeartMates ProgramStran is a legendary tie-down roping cowboy from Childress, Texas. He competed professionally for over 20 years, appearing 11 times at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), and won the PRCA World Championship in 2008. In 2025 he was inducted into the rodeo Hall of Fame. In this episode, Stran shares his incredible journey from being a professional cowboy to overcoming a life-altering stroke. He discusses the challenges of co-authoring a book, his involvement with the Abbott HeartMates Program and the importance of community support during any type of heart or health related recovery. Stran emphasizes the significance of connection and encouragement for stroke survivors and highlights the HeartMates program as a vital resource for those facing similar challenges. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and the unwavering belief that there is hope and light ahead if you don’t give up.More on his stroke: At age 32 he suffered a stroke caused by a previously undetected patent foramen ovale (PFO)—a small opening between the upper chambers of the heart. Doctors initially told him he’d likely never ride again.  He underwent PFO closure using the Abbott Amplatzer Occluder, which enabled his remarkable return to competition and eventual world championship.Abbott HeartMates: In May 2025, Abbott introduced Stran as one of its newest “HeartMates”—heart health champions who share inspiring stories of recovery and resilience. Learn more about Abbott's HeartMates Program and community. https://www.abbott.com/heartmates.htmlWe cover how Stran got involved with HeartMates, what it means to him to be recognized in this year's "draft class" and connect with other HeartMates including Tedy Bruschi and Damar Hamlin and his message to others who may currently be facing health challenges.  Finally we discuss his latest accomplishment since retiring from rodeo.  He’s co-authored a bestselling leadership book, A Colonel & A Cowboy: Strategies of the Elite which we cover in this episode. Follow Stran on Instagram @stransmithofficial Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!In this episode, Dr. Jennifaye V. Brown shares her journey into neuro-physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and the role of movement in recovery. She discusses her specialization in AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses) and how they can be tailored to individual needs. Dr. Brown highlights the significance of empowering patients through education and the benefits of aquatic therapy for stroke survivors. She also addresses the balance between using AFOs and maintaining muscle recovery, and shares her vision for future innovations in therapy, including the development of an app to enhance patient engagement and education.TakeawaysDr. Brown's journey into neuro-PT was inspired by her family background.Walking is a fundamental and accessible form of exercise.AFOs should be customized to fit individual needs and lifestyles.Patient empowerment is crucial in the recovery process.Aquatic therapy offers unique benefits for stroke survivors.Communication between therapists and patients is essential for effective care.Therapists should focus on teaching patients how to maintain their health long-term.Regular assessments and adjustments to AFOs are necessary as patients progress.Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of movement science in therapy.Future innovations in therapy could include technology to enhance patient education.Author: Brace Yourself: Everything You Need to Know About AFOs After StrokeOrder Book From: Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Believe in BalanceDavid's Fall Screening and Conditioning Program Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!Episode 85: Empowering Stroke Recovery Through Data and Technology Enabled Solutions with Rory PoleraRory first joined us on the Know Stroke Podcast (March 2024 Episode 69). A lot of highs and lows have passed in Rory’s recovery since that episode aired and we wanted to share his lessons learned ‘After the Pod’.  David will also be taking a deeper dive into Rory’s story in his upcoming new book Closure After Stroke.In this conversation, stroke survivors David Dansereau and Rory Polera discuss the journey of stroke recovery, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences, data-driven insights, and the role of technology in rehabilitation.  Tip: Watch this full episode on our YouTube Channel  for slide deck.Rory shares his personal timeline, the challenges he faced, and the tools he used to navigate his recovery. They explore the rising rates of strokes in young adults, the significance of mental health, nutrition, and community support in recovery, and the potential for technology-enabled solutions to enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes and long term surveillance for secondary prevention. The discussion highlights the need for greater awareness and accessibility of tech enabled recovery tools for stroke survivors.TakeawaysYou don't have to be an engineer or physical therapist to recover from a stroke.Conducting an ethnography of oneself can aid recovery.Young stroke occurrence rates are rising alarmingly and we need to explore new recovery pathways that resonate with their unique needs. Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackStroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!On episode 84, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow sit down with Gary Viles, founder of Neuro Rehab Recovery Inc., to explore how he and his team are breaking down barriers in neurorehabilitation. From his beginnings as a clinician to launching an innovative medical device distribution company, Gary shares his mission to democratize access to cutting-edge rehab technologies like the G4 Foot Drop FES System, exoskeletons, and the new Journey Frame. Whether you're a provider, innovator, or patient, this episode will expand your view of what’s possible in neuro recovery.Key Takeaways:4 Barriers to Tech Adoption: Gary breaks down common obstacles that limit the use of neurorehabilitation tech—including cost, training, awareness, and integration—and how his team is working to overcome them.Inside the Toolkit: Learn about Neuro Rehab Recovery’s tech portfolioTelehealth-Enabled Training: Their model includes built-in clinical training and ongoing support via virtual care to empower clinics and improve adoption.The Future of Connecting Rehab: Discover how their technologies are integrating with wearable data to track progress, motivate and guide recovery.Improving Access: Gary shares how his company is helping clinics in underserved communities and what they’re looking for in clinical partners. Success Stories: How Neuro Rehab Recovery’s tools have already helped improve patient outcomes and restored independence. Be sure to see Gary's tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne on his Linkedin page. The Magic Wand Moment: Hear Gary’s big-picture thinking on how he envisions a redesigned exosuit for better patient access and outcomes. Tony Stark watch out!Resources:Visit: neurorehabrecovery.com  Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! DRYYP SaunaFind out more about Mike's new business venture, DRYYP Sauna.Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack 

Chime In, Send Us a Text or Voice Message!In this special follow-up episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Teresa Kimberley to dive into the one-year outcome study of Vivistim — the first FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for chronic stroke rehabilitation.Dr. Kimberley, a leading researcher in neuroplasticity and motor recovery, shares key insights from the study, exploring how Vivistim supports long-term functional gains in stroke survivors. We discuss what the findings mean for brain plasticity, how VNS stacks up against other rehabilitation options, and what’s next in the field of neurorehabilitation.Whether you’re a clinician, stroke survivor, caregiver, or simply curious about cutting-edge stroke recovery science, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the future of VNS therapy.👉 Learn more about Vivistim: https://vivistim.com🔥Follow Mike & Meg's sauna business on Instagram @DryypSauna💻Visit his website here: https://www.dryypsauna.com/University of Vermont Research Study / Wearable Sensors- Gait and Mobility After Stroke Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackStroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showShow credits:Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.Connect with Us and Share our Show on Social:Website | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | SubstackKnow Stroke Podcast Disclaimer: Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get Our Podcast News Updates on Substack