Stroke Thriver Spotlight: Tim Blinten's Journey with Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System

Chime In, Send Us a Text 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 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 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 nee 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 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 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

Chime In, Send Us a Text Message!Episode Overview:In this powerful episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, we're diving into a bold and urgent mission: educating one million kids on how to recognize the signs of stroke.We sit down with the team behind this ambitious initiative—Sevaro CEO Raj Narula and Yale School of Medicine’s Rebecca DiBiase and Samuel Namian—to explore how they’re bringing stroke education into schools across the country.Together, they’re combining clinical expertise, innovative delivery models, and a shared belief that kids can play a pivotal role in saving lives.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why stroke awareness education belongs in the classroomHow Sevaro and Yale are partnering to reach 1 million studentsWhat makes their FAST education program effective and engaging for youthThe challenges and opportunities of implementing health education at scalePersonal stories that fuel their passion for this mission📌 Resources & Links:Sevaro CHLD InitiativeBEFAST, Be a Superhero – Amazon Yale Neurology Department Support Our Show! Thank you for helping us to continue to make great content. We appreciate your generosity! BEFAST! Be a Superhero Children's BookSupport Kids' Stroke Awareness-Buy this Book!!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!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 Message!Episode 81: Managing PFO after Stroke: A discussion on diagnosis, treatment options including the patient perspectives and quality of life decisions with David Thaler,MD of Tufts Medical Center.This conversation in collaboration with the SAYA Consortium explores the relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke, particularly in young adults. Our expert guest, Dr. David Thaler, a vascular neurologist with Tufts Medical Center, discusses the definition of PFO, its diagnosis, and its implications for stroke risk. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding cryptogenic strokes, which often have no identifiable cause, the PFO paradox and how a PFO is often discovered with cryptogenic strokes, the diagnostic tests and the management options available for patients with PFO. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient education and awareness regarding stroke risks and prevention strategies. In this conversation, Dr. Thaler discusses the implications of PFO closure in recurrent stroke prevention, medical management and the importance of patient choice and quality of life, plus the outcomes of the RESPECT Trial. Co-host David Dansereau shares his patient experience as a stroke survivor with PFO who elected for device closure.  The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of PFO research and the significance of understanding individual patient risks and lifestyle choices.More About Our Guest: David Thaler,MD-Tufts Medical CenterShow mentions:  Lester Leung,MD,  Katelyn Skeels, 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!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 Message!In this episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow reconnect after a break to recap everything that happened at ISC25 and the National Advisory Committee meeting.Fresh off the heels of the International Stroke Conference (ISC25), they discuss key takeaways from the event, including:✅ The latest innovations in stroke rehabilitation, including VR, gamification, and alternative care models✅ The critical role of stroke nurse navigators in post-stroke recovery✅ The need for stronger representation of stroke survivors at major conferences✅ The ongoing challenges in stroke prevention, education, and careThey also share insights on upcoming Know Stroke Podcast episodes, future guest interviews, and why community-based support and survivor advocacy remain at the forefront of improving stroke care.💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:The International Stroke Conference (ISC) is a major event shaping the future of stroke care and rehabilitation.Post-stroke care is gaining attention, with new rehab innovations like VR and gamification making an impact.Stroke nurse navigators play a crucial role in guiding survivors through the recovery process.Survivor voices need more representation in stroke research and professional conferences.Community support and education are essential for stroke prevention and long-term recovery.Show mentions:David's Believe in Balance Podcast on AppleDavid's reference to Know Stroke Newsletter now on Substack Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackDRYYP 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 Message!In this special episode recorded live at the International Stroke Conference (ISC25), we dive into the American Stroke Association’s pilot program, Stroke Connections. This initiative is designed to amplify the voices of stroke survivors and caregivers, ensuring their lived experiences are heard at the conference—a group that has historically been underrepresented in stroke research and advocacy.Join me as I chat with Stephanie Mohl, National Vice President of the American Stroke Association, and two inspiring stroke survivors and advisory committee members, Gracie Doran and Michelle Ballasiotes (previous guest on Episode 55). We discuss how the Stroke Connections pilot is bridging the gap between research and lived experience, and the importance of community and advocacy for improving stroke care.While the program is still in its early stages, the goal is to secure sponsors to expand and make survivor perspectives a permanent part of future conferences.Takeaways from this episode:The International Stroke Conference is a critical platform for both research and survivor voices.Incorporating survivor experiences into research and conferences can lead to more impactful stroke care and advocacy.The Stroke Connections program provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors and caregivers in shaping stroke care and research. Stroke Support Organization (SSO) SurveyIf you support stroke survivors and care partners-please take this survey!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 Message!Welcome to Episode 78 of the Know Stroke Podcast.  On this episode co-host  David Dansereau is running solo without his broadcasting partner Mike Garrow, who is traveling to LA to attend the 2025 International Stroke Conference ( and maybe he’ll even fit in a Lakers game while there! )Mike will be taking part in advisory board meetings for the American Heart and Stroke Association, sharing his valuable care provider lived experience and advocacy perspectives. For our listeners attending ISC, please introduce yourself to Mike!On this first episode of 2025, David gives a quick update to why he hasn’t been behind the microphone for a bit on the show,  and also covers his own ‘magic wand’ answer to our somewhat famous question we’ve asked every guest on our show.  David also reveals the origin story behind the magic wand question, how it's tied to research initiated while at the International Stroke Conference (ISC), his current book project (Closure After Stroke), and what all the knowledge gained from these answers reveals about changes needed to the stroke care pathway. Here are some of the common themes around changes needed in stroke care (see linked post for details):Enhanced Public Education and AwarenessStreamlined Emergency Response SystemsComprehensive Post-Stroke RehabilitationEquitable Access to CareAdvancements in Research and TechnologyPatient and Care Partner Access and VoiceAlso David thanks one of our show supporters who reached out to him recently, politely inquiring, ‘are you still doing the show??’ So hopefully this episode answers that question too and with it ensures your continued needed support! Help Us -Be a Show Supporter!  Show Mentions:More on our famous podcast question Get Our NewsGet Our Latest News and Show Updates on SubstackBEFAST! Be a Superhero Children's BookSupport Kids' Stroke Awareness-Buy this Book!!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