Survivor Science

Will Schmierer

1 Creator

Stroke recovery is brutal. It takes discipline, obsession, and endless hours of work. I’m Will Schmierer, a stroke survivor living with MS, and I’ve spent thousands of hours studying, testing, and living recovery. Not because I wanted to. Because I had to.
Through Survivor Science, I share what I’ve learned through blood, sweat, and research. We dive into conversations with survivors and experts who’ve done the work. No shortcuts. No miracle cures. Just real science and strategies that drive recovery forward.
Not because I wanted to master recovery. Because I had to. Let’s dig in.

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Top 10 Survivor Science Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Survivor Science episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Survivor Science for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Survivor Science episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

41. Stroke Survivors' Chat: Two Friends, Two Journeys, One Inspiring Conversation

Survivor Science

12/23/23 • 74 min

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🌟 In This Episode:
In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by Margo Williams, a fellow stroke survivor and friend. We'll share our remarkable journeys surviving strokes at a young age and the profound impact on our lives.

🔄 Personal Transformation After Stroke: Margo and I discuss how strokes transformed us, changing our perspectives and appreciating life's possibilities.

🩺 Lifestyle and Health Changes: I reflect on overcoming alcoholism and embracing healthier practices like the keto diet, discussing their impact on our lives.

🌟 Challenges in Stroke Recovery: We emphasize patience and persistence in recovery, touching on work, managing challenges, and societal perceptions.

🏡 Impact on Family and Relationships: We explore how our families and spouses reacted, emphasizing the need for understanding.

💰 Financial Strain and Medical Expenses: Margo shares her financial challenges post-stroke, dealing with medical costs and work disruptions.

😌 Coping and Mental Health: We discuss personal growth, managing anger, and coping with memory loss and financial strain.

⏰ Medical Procedures and Timely Intervention: Margo's experience with high blood pressure and the importance of timely medical care.

🌐 Representation and Support for Stroke Survivors: I advocate for open dialogue on stroke recovery, providing support where resources lack.

📺 Media and Entertainment: We recommend Netflix shows and discuss streaming content and lifestyles.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Personal Background and Family History: We share experiences with family post-stroke and its impact.

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)
Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com
💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorscience com/
X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ
IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/
Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...

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14. The Hidden Toll of Stroke: Exploring Emotional and Behavioral Shifts

Survivor Science

05/03/23 • 45 min

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After surviving a stroke, the social and emotional toll on a survivor's life is often overlooked, leading to sneaky changes and behaviors that are difficult to explain to loved ones. Overstimulation is often an issue, particularly early on that family members and friends won't understand, but should be made aware of, that way your desire to isolate is lowered because socializing is an important part of life and helps keep the brain active and you the survivor in a good state of mind over time!

In this episode, you will be able to:

Gain insights into the emotional burden of strokes and improve communication for better understanding.
Delve into the behavioral and psychological shifts experienced after suffering a stroke.
Recognize the unseen consequences of a stroke that might impact daily life.
Emphasize the value of acknowledging cognitive and emotional hurdles in stroke recovery.
Enhance self-awareness and master the art of honest communication post-stroke.

The Overlooked Side Effects of a Stroke
Stroke survivors often experience emotional, psychological, and cognitive changes that may be overlooked in comparison to their physical disabilities. These invisible side effects can be equally devastating and challenging to overcome, leading to complex feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, and grief. Addressing these emotional responses is crucial in order for stroke survivors to regain a sense of control, adapt to their new circumstances, and work towards their own recovery. I encourage stroke survivors to recognize that their heightened emotions can be attributed to their brain injuries, which can, in

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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37. Revelations in Recovery: Uncovering Unanticipated Insights Post-Stroke

Survivor Science

11/10/23 • 64 min

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This week is a deep dive into some unexpected revelations and practical strategies that have surfaced during my four years of stroke recovery.

🌱 Dive Deeper & Discover

Breathing New Life: Sharing how nasal breathing revolutionized my recovery and well-being, and why it's crucial for stroke survivors.
Journey of Support: Discussing the disconnect between medical advice and survivor reality, and the importance of creating our own support networks.
Balanced Entrepreneurship: How I'm merging my entrepreneurial drive with making meaningful contributions post-stroke.
Grit and Resilience: Delving into the importance of family support, mental toughness, and navigating life with resilience.
Challenges and Triumphs: From medical device struggles to rebuilding independence and finding community support.
Advocacy and Empowerment: My mission to create a platform for survivors to connect, share, and grow stronger together.

💌 Connect & Contribute
If you're just joining us, welcome! I'd love to hear your stories at [email protected]. Together, we can navigate the complex world of stroke recovery.

🌟 Support Our Mission
If this episode resonates with you, please support our journey with a like, subscription, and review on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

💬 Be Part of Our Community
This journey is shared. Whether you're a survivor, caregiver, or a supportive friend, your story matters!

In this episode, I open up about my personal experiences and the lessons l

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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28. Winning the Day in Stroke Recovery: Small Tasks, Kindness, and Taking Control

Survivor Science

09/01/23 • 54 min

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📌 Episode Summary:

In this episode, I'm diving into the complexities of stroke recovery. From advocating for yourself in the hospital to handling setbacks and using humor as a tool, I've got you covered. We're all about taking steps towards a more empowered and fulfilling recovery.

📋 Topics Covered:

🔹 Evaluating Progress and Exploring Alternatives
- The importance of asking questions and being honest when assessing your progress
- Considering other options or methods if something isn't going your way
- The "80 20 rule" and its role in helping you reach your goals

🔹 Therapists, Solutions, and Recovery Journey
- How therapists use the best information available
- The chance of someone coming up with a groundbreaking solution
-Acknowledging that everyone's at a different stage in their recovery

🔹 Advocacy and Politeness in a Hospital Setting
- How to advocate for yourself while being respectful
-Managing your emotions with kindness and gratitude

🔹 Winning the Day and Small Victories
- Why it's crucial to "win the day" for your health
- Understanding that you don't have to crush it every single day
- How even a small achievement can make a big difference

🔹 Dealing with Challenging Situations
-Strategies for coping with challenging moments
- How to become more resilient in the face of setbacks

🔹 Taking Control of Your Recovery Journey
-How to evaluate your current situation and pinpoint areas for improvement
- Your options for maintaining control over your recovery
- What happens when no one takes control

🔹

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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22. Igniting Change: Rebuilding Your Life after Stroke with the Power of Asking 'Why' and 'Why Not'

Survivor Science

07/08/23 • 46 min

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In Episode 22 of the "Lovable Survivor" podcast, I open up about my personal journey as a stroke survivor and share reflections on embracing resilience and personal growth. Throughout this episode, I discuss the power of asking "why" and defying limitations, while emphasizing the importance of sharing personal experiences. From setting running goals to addressing past addiction struggles, fostering connections among stroke survivors.

Key Points:

My goal of improving my running speed without seeking records or medals, aiming to inspire others to embrace running.
Candid discussion about the challenges I face as a stroke survivor living with multiple sclerosis.
Openly addressing my past struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs, contemplating exploring addiction more on the podcast.
My deep desire to provide support and foster connections among stroke survivors through the podcast.
Emphasizing the importance of sharing personal stories despite fears of judgment from others.
Expressing gratitude for life and ongoing efforts to improve my health and cherish moments with family.
Admiration for comedian Bert Kreischer and the relatability of his story, enjoying episodes with guests like Eliza and Sarah Silverman.
Reflecting on the significance of asking "why" in life as a stroke survivor and the importance of overcoming the fear of judgment.
Valuing failure as a teacher and encouraging pursuing passions at any age.
Contemplating personal growth through exploring the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, even without alcohol consumption since the stroke.
Announcing the reviv

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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15. Overcoming Plateaus: Tips for Moving Forward in Recovery

Survivor Science

05/10/23 • 46 min

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Summary: Embracing Change and Overcoming Plateaus in Recovery
Hey there! Are you struggling to overcome plateaus in your life? Whether it's in your recovery process or just trying to reach your goals, it's important to ask yourself if you need a break or an outside opinion. In this episode, I talked about my own journey as a stroke survivor and how I had to confront myself to make progress. Remember, you are in charge of your own recovery and it's essential to be honest with yourself to make progress. Let go of old habits and embrace new ones to reach your goals. Teamwork and safety are crucial, and regular self-assessment is vital for growth and improvement.
Here are three key takeaways from the episode that can help you move forward in your recovery:

1. Take advantage of your insurance - I believe it's important to utilize your insurance to the fullest if you pay for it.

2. Overcoming plateaus - Provide valuable insight on how to navigate different stages and overcome plateaus which are necessary but can be difficult. They suggest asking hard questions to assess where you need to put more effort into your recovery.

3. Embrace the "new you" - I encourage individuals to stick with their goals and be honest with themselves when facing a plateau in their recovery. They stress the importance of utilizing the tools available and being honest with oneself to make progress.

We also discuss May being Stroke Awareness Month and provide useful information on the acronym Be Fast, which can help individuals remember what to do when it comes to stroke. We ho

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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12. Unlocking the Secret Ingredients for an Exceptional Stroke Recovery

Survivor Science

04/19/23 • 37 min

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Survivors of stroke and brain injury often find themselves in a difficult situation with no clear resolution. But, with the right resources and an appreciation for the journey, it is possible to recover from a stroke and reclaim their lives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the power of gratitude, humor, faith, persistence, and acceptance in holistic stroke recovery.
Learn the significance of frequent progress assessments and the power of asking questions.
Master the art of pushing for progress while prioritizing safety during stroke recovery.

Gratitude and Humor: Cultivating a Thankful and Positive Mindset
Embracing a mindset centered around gratitude and humor can significantly impact stroke recovery, fostering positivity and resilience. Additionally, finding humor in life's circumstances is essential for maintaining a lighthearted and positive outlook, easing potential feelings of stress, frustration, or sadness.

Persistence: The Key to Overcoming Challenges in Recovery
Persistence is crucial for navigating the challenges inevitably faced throughout recovery from a stroke. Continuously striving to achieve goals, despite setbacks or difficulties, illustrates resilience and determination, which are key ingredients for an exceptional recovery. It is essential to remember that progress may be slow and that patience is necessary for seeing improvements over time.

Building a Strong Support System: Navigating Relationships and Seeking External Help
A strong support system is essential for individuals recovering from a stroke, providing essential encouragement, understan

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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26. From Stroke to Success: Empowering Survivors in Their Journey Back to the Workplace

Survivor Science

08/18/23 • 50 min

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Today, we're tearing down the walls on a topic that doesn’t get enough real talk: returning to work after a brain injury or stroke. Hit a solid 5-mile run today, and guess what? Round two is on the horizon. But enough about me; let's get into the meat of things.
We're diving into Round two of returning to work again, after stroke or brain injury. Talking about everything from commute dynamics, the ins and outs of remote work, and how you can make a comeback in the workplace like a champ. And stay tuned – one of our listeners dropped a killer question about striking a balance between health, work, and family.
❇️ Key topics and bullets:
- Considerations when commuting to an office job
- How working remotely as a web developer eliminates my physical commute
- The challenges I've noticed survivors face, no matter the specifics of their brain injury or stroke
- My intention to invite survivors who have returned to work to join me on the show
- My encounters with survivors who've had more intense experiences
- Being an entrepreneur and charging for my services
- Being three and a half years into my stroke recovery and still navigating through it
- My commitment to helping other survivors via this podcast and video content
- Recognizing the different perspectives and opinions among professionals
- Understanding my own strengths and areas for growth
- How my initial anger towards my company evolved into understanding
- The daunting task for stroke survivors returning to work and the scarcity of related data
- My plans to meet with other survivors in Florida to deepen my understanding
- My tendency to overt

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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18. The Potential of ChatGPT and AI in Stroke Recovery and Beyond

Survivor Science

05/31/23 • 46 min

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Episode 18: AI and ChatGPT - The Future of Stroke Recovery
1. **Introduction**
- Kicking off episode 18 with an exciting dive into AI's role in stroke recovery, and a spotlight on ChatGPT, a powerful aid for survivors.
2. **ChatGPT**
- Exploring ChatGPT as a major player in stroke recovery and discussing its myriad applications for survivors, caregivers, and family members in everyday activities.
- Highlighting how ChatGPT can assist with meal prep, exercise planning, and keeping track of medical notes - the possibilities are endless.
- The affordability and adaptability of ChatGPT as a therapy tool.
- How ChatGPT can help build practice routines, such as speech therapy exercises.
3. **Apps**
- Sharing my app recommendations - Audiopen.ai and Llama Life, beneficial tools for survivors and caregivers.
- Special focus on Audiopen.ai, one of my personal favorites, for its amazing capabilities in the AI space.
4. **Meal Planning**
- Discussing the importance of meal planning for stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members.
- Suggesting a five-day plan as a starting point, with balance in mind: proteins, carbohydrates, and veggies.
- Emphasizing the importance of personalizing the meal plan according to individual preferences.
5. **Fitness Tool**
- Introducing a versatile tool for tailoring exercises and monitoring progress in the physical therapy aspect of recovery.
- Sharing my personal fitness routine and the role running has played in my journey.
6. **Improv and Speaking Engagements**
- Delving into the benefits of improv for s

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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13. Breaking the Gate: Why Information-Sharing Matters in Stroke Recovery

Survivor Science

04/26/23 • 42 min

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If you're feeling overwhelmed and discouraged from continuing your search for resources, support, and information that can help you cope with the challenges of stroke recovery, then you are not alone!
"I've learned some valuable lessons as a result of having my stroke."

In this episode, you will be able to:

Uncover the impact of gatekeeping information within the stroke survivor community.
Delve into the fascinating world of neuroplasticity and alternative therapy methods.
Discover the importance of collaboration and information-sharing
Break down barriers in acquiring vital information within the stroke survivor community.
Find innovative ways to overcome limited access to essential medical resources.
Recognize the power of collaboration and sharing vital knowledge in enhancing recovery.
Hope After Stroke for Caregivers and Survivors: The Holistic Guide to Getting Your Life Back
Explore the Feldenkrais Method and Anat Baniel Method of Neural Movement as alternative physical therapy options for stroke recovery.

Stroke recovery is a personalized process that requires awareness of different methods and techniques available to stroke survivors. It is essential to understand the rationale behind each approach to make informed decisions that yield the best possible outcomes. This episode highlights the Feldenkrais method and the Brunstrom approach as alternative methods for stroke therapy. By exploring these lesser-known techniques, stroke survivors can critically assess their recovery journey and identify approaches they have not previously considered. Continuous evaluation and reasse

This holiday season, for our first hundred new members: get 50% off with code BF50 at checkout. Lock in savings for the full year with annual membership, or start quarterly.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

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FAQ

How many episodes does Survivor Science have?

Survivor Science currently has 73 episodes available.

What topics does Survivor Science cover?

The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Podcasts and Science.

What is the most popular episode on Survivor Science?

The episode title '14. The Hidden Toll of Stroke: Exploring Emotional and Behavioral Shifts' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Survivor Science?

The average episode length on Survivor Science is 49 minutes.

How often are episodes of Survivor Science released?

Episodes of Survivor Science are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Survivor Science?

The first episode of Survivor Science was released on Jan 24, 2023.

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Survivor Science

Will Schmierer

Top 10 Survivor Science Episodes

Featured in these lists

FAQ

How many episodes does Survivor Science have?

What topics does Survivor Science cover?

What is the most popular episode on Survivor Science?

What is the average episode length on Survivor Science?

How often are episodes of Survivor Science released?

When was the first episode of Survivor Science?

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