Kim’s Radio Shows

Last week we heard from the father, Ian McCallum who wrote From Cradle to Grave and Back, a book for professionals and caregivers. This week we will hear from his son, Andrew McCallum. Andrew McCallum experienced a traumatic brain injury in April of 2008 when he was 32, which resulted in a variety of physical injuries and including a craniotomy. He was able to return to work 2 years later but went back on Long Term Disability 2 years later as the effects still seemed to be perceived as having an impact on his work. Andrew has had an interesting journey of his own. Check out his website at www.mentalfloss.ca & join us for some cool surprises!

Robert Fraser, Ph.D is a professor in the University of Washington’s Dept of Rehabilitation Medicine, jointly with the Departments of Neuro Surgery, Neurology, and consultant to the Social Security Admin. Dr. Fraser is a certified rehab counselor & life care planner. He directs Neurological Vocational Services within Rehab Medicine, specializing in brain injury, epilepsy and MS. He has co-authored numerous articles and four text books to include TBI Rehabilitation.

My guest tonight is Ian R. Elliot. On May 16 1994, Ian fell asleep at the wheel going 80mph and woke up over three weeks later, in a Billings Hospital, with a major traumatic brain injury. He has since dedicated his life to thriving, not just surviving. Now helping others to do the same.

Ian is a trained rehabilitation counselor and often utilizes the arts as an empowering tool for persons with disabilities either directly or indirectly. Another treatment he’s been offering with optimistic success, is hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT). Ian is past President of the Brain Injury Association of Montana, and is currently serving as a board member of the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana. He is also on the Governor’s TBI Advisory Council, and spent six and a half years as Montana’s TBI Project Coordinator.

Prison: A place or condition of confinement, restraint or captivity. I’m not referring to breaking the law or jail time, but those self imposed feelings, that cause us to become prisoners in our own minds. What are they, and what can we do to rediscover the keys to the kingdom? Freedom equals choice. Let’s set our minds free! Open mics and music tonight too. 🙂

Tonight our host Kim Jefferson Justus goes head to head with fellow host Kieth Anthony as they cross swords interviewing each other about Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Ever thought of writing your story, or wondered where to find TBI survivor stories? My guest tonight is Marilyn Lash, MSW. She has over 35 years of experience working with persons with disabilities and their families in medical, rehabilitation, educational and vocational settings. Most recently, she has been addressing the emotional trauma of war with wives of wounded warriors. She is President of Lash and Associates Publishing/Training, Inc. in Youngsville, NC. Author of many publications on the psychosocial impact of brain injury, her writing and training emphasize coping strategies for families and practical interventions by professionals and educators in hospitals, rehabilitation, schools and community programs. www.lapublishing.com

A life-long entrepreneur, Ann Strong sees the specific greatness of each person in front of her. Since 1989, she has inspired and coached small business owners to courageously grow thriving businesses from the specificity of their own strengths and passions. She is the author of the book, “Thriving Work: A Journey to your Best Self.” She lives and works by this quote from Albert Einstein, “Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” Whether you’re in a business of employment, or the business of being yourself (or redefining your new self), we all have strengths. Ann will help us discover our own strengths, and guide us to using them effectively.

Tonight is a commentary, open mic & some music. Will talk a little about when the survivor becomes the caregiver, but certainly open to your calls on other topics.

My guest tonight is Bree Peltier, who I first met as “Earthbound Angel” on another show last year. At age 15 her life started to change when she was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malformation and Cerebral Cavernous Malformation in the brain after having her first seizure. Then at age 20, her life changed forever when she was struck by an aneurysm that burst on her spine during the night causing massive damage to her spinal cord. She woke up the next morning paralyzed from the chest down. Tonight she will share her story of survival, and an additional life crisis that she’s trying to overcome. We’ll hear what recovery tools and interests Bree has used to keep her attitude more positive. Amazing story, you won’t want to miss!!

My guest, Rosemary Rawlins is the author of Learning by Accident, a memoir that follows the intense two-year period following her husband’s severe traumatic brain injury in 2002.(www.rosemaryrawlins.com) She has gone on to be a speaker, and caregiver blogger onwww.brainline.org. Join us to hear about Rosemary’s incredible journey, and resulting life path.