EPISODE 9
Super Hero Support Systems
Episode Notes
Summary
With our co-host, Lauren, traveling abroad, this week’s episode features guest co-host Felice LaZae. Felice is our host, Joe’s long time girlfriend and partner in crime. They discuss the stroke recovery journey from Felice’s perspective as Joe’s caregiver and support system. Joe’s dissociative episodes are also explored and compared to Bruce Banner and the Hulk. Plus Felice and Joe offer tips and advice on how to help your loved one when they’re facing a medical crisis like a stroke or other brain injury.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
- Caregiver and support systems and how tragedy is a time to step up to the hero’s calling to jump into action and support your loved one is in need.
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The instant transformation that occurs for a caregiver in the midst of a loved one’s medical emergency.
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Felice talks about her love of crochet and knitting and how it is good for mental health.
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The loneliness caregivers can experience through the recovery journey because outsiders often don’t understand.
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Like the Hulk is always angry, Joe is always anxious and overwhelmed. He has coping mechanisms and tools to manage his mental health similar to the Hulk like daily meditation.
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Finding humor during the recovery process like Joe’s impulse control issues while in ICU when he kept joking about cocaine and hookers and his Bane impression while using a CPAP machine.
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Creating a recovery plan, how to advocate and the importance of asking questions.
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The stages of coming back from a brain injury that was laid out by Joe’s occupational therapist when he was in the hospital – “Family Guide to The Rancho Levels of Cognitive Functioning.”
Transcript
Co-hosted
Editor
Marcellus Wesley
About the Guest
Octavia’s life changed dramatically when she found out she had a rare congenital brain disease, characterized by a cerebral arteriovenous malformation. This went unknown until it hemorrhaged in 2012. Luckily, she survived to tell her story. Octavia currently lives and works in Chicago and is active in the survivor community. She created the blog – nomadicaffeine.com – to highlight “life after” for young survivors.
💡Fun Fact:
For a long time, I wouldn’t drive with my right shoe on.
🤓Nerdom:
Books & Music!
Joe Borges
Joe is a podcast host, blogger, personal mentor and mindset coach. His mission is to create community and support for stroke and brain injury survivors through his podcast, The NeuroNerds, his blog JoeSoRocks and his YouSoRock coaching program.
Lauren Manzano
Felice LaZae
Felice LaZae is a producer, singer/songwriter, and performer. Her work is featured by Forbes, Rolling Stone, Vogue, Vice, The Grammys, and ESPN. She has collaborated with companies including Avid Technology, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Logitech, and Airbnb.
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