It's okay if your holidays feel different this year... there is hope to find comfort and joy this holiday season, even while navigating brain injury.

Today, Cristabelle offers encouragement and practical tools to help you move through this season with grace - and beyond - because these strategies work anytime of year!

We’ll discuss sensory regulation strategies, graceful social "scripts" for setting boundaries, and brain-healthy ways to find joy. Join us as we learn to redefine what celebration may look like, and it's okay if the holidays feel different this year.

***FREE Downloadable Resource Guides:

🎄Seeking Comfort & Joy this Holiday Season: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/seeking-comfort-and-joy-holidays

🎄Harvesting Hope for the Holidays: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/harvesting-hope-for-the-holidays

This is the Season 4 finale! Stay connected between podcast seasons by joining our support groups and workshops, & reach out to us anytime at: hi@hopesurvives.org

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:42 Welcome with Cristabelle

12:00 Encouragement if your holidays feel different…

14:40 Sensory Regulation to Decrease Overwhelm

18:10 Strategies to help with Overstimulation

22:15 Navigating Social Situations

25:09 Finding Brain Healthy Alternatives

26:45 Gratitude Crafts and Activities

27:25 Give Yourself Grace in Redefining Celebration

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Have you ever wondered why the healing brain’s battery seems to drain so quickly, even after simple tasks? Today, we’re diving into the complex and often misunderstood topic of neuro fatigue after brain injury.

In this informative episode, host Cristabelle Braden welcomes back Dr. Jeremy Schmoe of the Functional Neurology Center to uncover the science behind this exhausting symptom. Dr. Schmoe explains exactly what happens when neurons become unstable and lack the oxygen, activation, and nutrition they need to communicate effectively. Listen as they distinguish the difference between general physical tiredness and true neurological fatigue, validating the "rollercoaster" of energy crashes that so many survivors experience. Tune in for practical strategies to identify your limits, advice for loved ones on spotting the physical signs of a crash, and a powerful reminder that there is always help and hope for improving your function.

🧠*FREE Downloadable Resource: https://hopesurvives.org/resource-hub/understanding-neuro-fatigue

💙 *Rewiring Hope on-demand video series with Dr. Schmoe: www.hopesurvives.org/rewiring-hope

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:00 Introducing Dr. Schmoe

9:25 What is Neuro Fatigue?

15:10 Distinguishing Neuro Fatigue vs General Fatigue

17:30 Identify Neuro Fatigue & Strategies

20:45 Simple Practical Tools

28:30 What Families and Loved Ones Can Look For

30:20 Final Thoughts

32:30 Words of Hope

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

How do you hold on to thankfulness when you’re navigating symptoms, setbacks, or the emotional weight of daily challenges? Together we’ll explore how gratitude can coexist with grief, struggle, and healing - along with a podcast spotlight on the power of gratitude from Dr. Jeremy Schmoe.

In this heartfelt panel, host Cristabelle Braden invites Holly Kostrzewski, Joi Kue, and Robin Luftig for an honest conversation about gratitude, reflection, and resilience. Each panelist brings a unique story: Robin’s sudden medical crisis and brain tumor; Holly’s traumatic injury at 18 and decades of ongoing symptoms & reinjury; and Joi’s lifelong journey with hydrocephalus, childhood surgeries, and the emotional impact of growing up with a TBI. Together, they share the first emotions they faced, from hopelessness and confusion to loneliness, depression, and fear, and how each learned to find gratitude through difficulty. Their stories highlight the power of small celebrations, community, acceptance, and learning to reframe setbacks with compassion. You are not alone!

Connect with panelists & read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/124

Let’s make a difference together!

🌎 Millions of people are living with brain injury and struggling to find support… and at Hope Survives, we’re here to change that.

💙 Join us for GivingTuesday: HopeSurvives.org/givingtuesday

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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*PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: The Power of Gratitude with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:14 Welcome with Cristabelle

6:04 The Power of Gratitude with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

8:27 Introducing Panelists

14:35 Emotional Impact of Injury

19:35 How did you find gratitude during hardest times?

25:45 Hope through Setbacks

36:45 Challenges with Connection and Communication

41:15 Reframing Perspective with Gratitude

46:15 For the Dark Times

49:55 Advice for those Struggling with Gratitude

53:55 Words of Hope

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Unseen struggles, PTSD, and the mental battle… how do you keep moving forward? In this two part series we’re sitting down with veterans as they share the “necessary conversations” that need to be had in our communities. Stay tuned to hear once in a lifetime stories filled with raw emotion and genuineness. Let’s discover how the heroes of our country beat the odds in the service and how they found hope after hanging up the uniform.

In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden and special co-host Jeremiah Griffin sit down with Army veteran Vinnie Morales and Marine Corps veteran Scottie Williamson. Together, we explore what it’s really like to overcome brain injury and PTSD, the role of community in recovery, and why embracing your journey can be an act of hope. Tune in for an authentic look at what it takes for veterans to find courage in the face of a changed life.

*Sensitive Topics: this episode discusses topics including mental health and suicide prevention in the veteran community.

Hope survives when you take action.

Connect with panlists & read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/123

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:30 Welcome with Jeremiah - Navy Corpsman

5:15 Jeremiah on Brain Injury Awareness

9:20 Jeremiah on Veteran Conversations

12:20 Meet Army Veteran Vinnie Morales

14:42 Meet Marine Corps Veteran Scottie Williamson

19:30 Navigating Emotions like Anger, Fear, Survivors Guilt

25:45 Unique Struggles to Veterans with TBI

37:50 Importance of these Conversations

41:30 Lessons Learned from Time in Service

46:15 What Hope Would You Give?

54:15 Closing Words of Hope

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the DoW or it's components. Any mention of products or services does not imply DoW endorsement. Additionally, the presence of external hyperlinks does not signify DoW approval of the linked websites or their...

Combat Deployments, Brain Injury, and Healing..?! Where does your help come from? In this two part series we’re sitting down with veterans as they share the “necessary conversations” that need to be had in our communities. Stay tuned to hear once in a lifetime stories filled with raw emotion and genuineness. Let’s discover how the heroes of our country beat the odds in the service and how they found hope after hanging up the uniform.

In this episode, host Cristabelle Braden and special co-host Jeremiah Griffin invite listeners to peek into the lives of Army Veterans: Joie Wehr and Todd Strader as they share deeply personal stories of resilience, rebuilding, and hope. Along with sharing their stories, we talk about the importance of education on brain injury, awareness of TBI and mental health in veterans, having a place to heal, and rebuilding your identity.

*Sensitive Topics: this episode discusses topics including mental health and suicide prevention in the veteran community.

Hope survives when you take action.

Connect with panlists & read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/122

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:25 Meet Jeremiah - Navy Corpsman

10:15 Meet Joie - Army Veteran - TBI

13:10 Mental Health in TBI & Military

17:55 Persevering through Setbacks

20:30 Finding Grace for Mistakes

22:50 Staying Resilient

23:50 Words of Hope

27:30 Meet Todd - Army Veteran - Blast Overpressure

33:25 Frustration for Recognition of TBI

42:30 Importance of Awareness for Veterans

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed here belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the DoW or it's components. Any mention of products or services does not imply DoW endorsement. Additionally, the presence of external hyperlinks does not signify DoW approval of the linked websites or their content, products, or services.

When you first realized that this brain injury would impact you or your family’s life, what thoughts or emotions came up for you?

Today, we’re asking questions about the emotional side of brain injury. We want you to know you’re not alone, and it’s natural to have these feelings… but it’s what you do with them that matters. So let’s explore these very real feelings and talk about how to find hope - together.

In this powerful panel episode, host Cristabelle Braden invites listeners into a real conversation with three inspiring survivors: Gary Brennan, Didi Green, and Ashleigh Mackey. Together, they open up about the emotional side of recovery, sharing honestly about the uncertainties, setbacks, and the search for hope. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, the panel highlights the value of acceptance, reaching out for help, and creating new meaning after trauma. Listeners are encouraged to find community, embrace their feelings, and remember that no one walks this road alone.

Connect with panlists & read their bios on our website: hopesurvives.org/podcast/121

Register for upcoming programs: https://hopesurvives.org/workshops

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:35 Welcome with Cristabelle

8:25 Introducing Panelists

17:30 Emotional Impact of Injury

21:40 Mental Health Journey

31:00 Handling Feelings of Fear and Anxiety for the Future

39:55 Tools or Practices that Help

48:00 Regaining Hope

52:35 Words of Hope & Encouragement

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Brain injury affects every single person in the family - so how do we move forward, together?

In this heartfelt episode, Cristabelle sits down with Lindy Boone Michaelis to explore the journey of hope, heartbreak, and healing after her family's life-changing experience with traumatic brain injury.

Lindy is the daughter of beloved singer/entertainer Pat Boone and the founder of Ryan’s Reach, a nonprofit organization providing group homes for TBI in Orange County, CA. Lindy’s son had a severe TBI, and in this conversation she opens up about the reality of walking through long-term uncertainty, family upheaval, and the unexpected ways faith and love can anchor us in stormy seasons. You’ll hear honest emotions and the lessons learned from years of recovery and resilience - reminding us that pain can transform, compassion can multiply, and every story matters. This powerful conversation also highlights the inspiration behind Lindy’s new song (co-written with Cristabelle) called, "It's Not a Wasted Life," revealing that even in our deepest struggles, hope for families can grow.

Listen to “It’s Not a Wasted Life” by Lindy Boone wherever you listen to music, or see the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/dOnNytRPT7I?si=InWWmyW1tsOCsTdc

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:50 Welcome with Cristabelle

7:13 Introducing Lindy’s Story

10:15 TBI Impact on Whole Family

19:00 Complex Emotions

21:10 Perspective and Growth

25:13 Inspired to Help Others

30:38 It’s Not a Wasted Life

36:45 Heartbreak to Compassion

42:50 Words of Hope for Families

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠

Have you ever had days that felt like hope is just out of reach? You wake up already exhausted, feeling anxious, foggy, and afraid of what the day might bring? If you can relate, you’re not alone.

In this episode, Cristabelle is sharing honestly about the fears she faced through her brain injury recovery, and how she has learned to acknowledge them without letting them take over. We’ll talk about the balance between being real about what you’re feeling and choosing faith one small step at a time - because healing starts with honesty, community, and the courage to believe that light still breaks through the darkness.

We also have a podcast spotlight with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe sharing the neurological side of fear & anxiety, reasons why our brain can get stuck in loops, and hope for recovery.

*Upcoming workshops: hopesurvives.org/workshops

CONNECT

Connect with Hope Survives: @hopesurvives |⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org ⁠⁠

Reach out to us anytime: ⁠hi@hopesurvives.org⁠ + connect with our global online community & zoom groups:⁠ ⁠hopesurvives.org/community⁠⁠

Hosted by Cristabelle Braden: @cristabellebraden |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cristabellebraden.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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*PODCAST SPOTLIGHT: Neurological Side of Fear & Anxiety + Hope for Recovery with Dr. Jeremy Schmoe

Thank you to The Functional Neurology Center for sponsoring this podcast - The FNC’s personalized neuro-recovery programs offer hope for those suffering from Brain Injuries, Dysautonomia, Vestibular, Chronic Pain, Stroke, Movement Dysfunction, Developmental Disorders, PPPD, FND and Complex Post Concussion. Learn more:⁠ ⁠https://www.thefnc.com⁠⁠

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0:00 Intro

2:50 Welcome with Cristabelle

5:45 Desperate for Hope

7:18 Fears and Struggles

13:15 Hope for Overcoming

15:45 Anxiety and Identity

21:05 Dr. Schmoe - Neurological Side of Fear & Anxiety

27:10 Dr. Schmoe - Hope for Recovery

30:45 You are Not Alone

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Listen to the intro song "Hope Survives" by Cristabelle Braden on all music streaming platforms!

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. More: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hopesurvives.org/podcast⁠