The Lovable Survivor

Will Schmierer

1 Creator

What's up Everybody! I'm Will, aka The Lovable Survivor 👋 💖In Dec 2019 at 37, I became a young stroke survivor. If that wasn't enough, 2 months later in February 2020, I get hit with another surprise - a Multiple Sclerosis(MS) diagnosis. All leading up to the start of a Global Pandemic! I want to share my journey with you to help you make the most of your second chance.There are no shortcuts or magic pills when it comes to recovery. So let's do this together and build a community of resilient survivors looking to take back control of their lives and make the most of their second chance!

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Top 10 The Lovable Survivor Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Lovable Survivor episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Lovable Survivor 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 The Lovable Survivor episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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

The Lovable Survivor

05/03/23 • 43 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 turn, lead to better coping strategies and a more informed network of support.

Unspoken Emotions
For many stroke survivors, discussing their emotions is not an easy task, particularly when faced with the myriad of challenges and changes they are navigating. Unspoken emotions, however, can be detrimental to the survivor's well-being, causing increased stress and perpetuating negative thought patterns. Acknowledging and expressing emotions effectively is crucial for mental health and emotional healing.

Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:52 - The Overlooked Side Effects of a Stroke
00:04:13 - Unspoken Emotions

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)
Email - podcast [at] lovablesurvivor [.] com
💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
💖🔗 https://podcast.lovablesurvivor.com/
💖🔗 https://www.lovablesurvivor.com/
Let's Chat -> https://calendly.com/survivorscience/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/ThinkLovable
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thinklovable
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 regimen.

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

The Lovable Survivor

12/23/23 • 72 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.

Join us for this inspiring conversation between two stroke friends navigating the unspoken struggles of recovery. Discover resilience and growth from life-changing experiences.

💌 Connect & Contribute:
Share your survivor story with us at [email protected]. Your experiences shape our collective journey.

🌟 Support Our Mission:
Consider supporting us by subscribing and reviewing on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

💬 Be Part of Our Community:
Join our community of survivors, caregivers, and friends. Help us explore resilience, self-care, and friendship in overcoming life's challenges.

Uncover the strength of su

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

The Lovable Survivor

09/01/23 • 52 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

🔹 Rare Cases, Collaboration, and Learning Opportunities
- Continuous learning for improving patient care

🔹 Survivors' Experiences and Therapists' Learning
- How therapists can learn from the experiences of survivors
- The value of different perspectives and challenging the status quo

🔹 Pushing Back with Objectivity and Humor

🔹 Setbacks and Managing Disruptions
- Potential setbacks in recovery
- Strategies for coping with and overcoming these setbacks
- How everyone's learning curve for managing setbacks varies

🎤 Random things from the Week:
- Theo Von Podcast: What caught my attenti

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

The Lovable Survivor

08/18/23 • 47 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 overthink the specifics of releasing podcast videos
- The meticulous process I undertake to ensure video and audio are perfectly synchronized
- My goal to produce enjoyable and hassle-free videos for viewers
- My diminished passion for coding after my stroke
- Emphasizing the weight of returning to work in many people's lives
- The tightrope act of managing health while balancing work and family responsibilities
- Contemplating a reduced role, shifting duties, or exploring other job opportunities due to my changed circumstances
- How my motivation and zest took a hit post-stroke
- Sharing my personal experiences and passion on this topic w

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12. Unlocking the Secret Ingredients for an Exceptional Stroke Recovery

The Lovable Survivor

04/19/23 • 35 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, understanding, and assistance throughout the journey. It may include family members, friends, healthcare professionals, or even online communities; what's important is that each person feels supported and connected. It's also important to recognize that one's support system may change over time and to seek external help if necessary

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:39 - New Resources,
00:12:03 - Gratitude and Humor,
00:16:09 - Importance of Humor,
00:18:14 - The Importance of Humor and Persistence,
00:25:48 - Acceptance: A Multifaceted Process,
00:30:24 - The Difficult

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

The Lovable Survivor

05/31/23 • 44 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 stroke survivors, aspiring speakers, and really anyone looking for a fun, mentally stimulating activity.
- Sharing how improv can aid cognition and quick-thinking skills, not just for survivors, but for anyone stepping into the public speaking arena.
- Announcing my recent opportunity to mentor fellow stroke survivors.
7. **TV Shows**
- Briefly shifting gears to talk about two must-watch TV shows, "Succession" and "Ted Lasso."
8. **Important Reminder**
- Stressing the need for due diligence when using AI tools, emphasizing that cross-checking and personalizing information is crucial to ensure the best fit for each unique

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25. Unleashing Creativity After Stroke: How Hobbies Inspire Resilience and Growth for Stroke Survivors

The Lovable Survivor

08/10/23 • 41 min

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Topic 1: The importance of giving grace to stroke and MS survivors
- Emphasize supporting survivors in their endeavors
- Encourage building businesses, raising awareness, and engaging in a community
Topic 2: Gratitude for doctors, nurses, and medical professionals
- Recount a recent hospital visit
- Enjoyment of being in the hospital environment
- Appreciation for healthcare professionals
Topic 3: The speaker's experience and hobbies
- Having many hobbies and taking up space
- Importance of hobbies for mental and physical challenges
- Turning hobbies into businesses
- Struggling to get back into woodworking
- Desire to share interests and hobbies with others
- Passion for various hobbies and getting sidetracked
- Interest in DJing
Topic 4: Benefits of hobbies and exploring new topics
- Keeping the brain active
- Increased mental sharpness
- No drawbacks to nasal breathing
- Nasal breathing helping in quitting smoking and becoming a runner
- Exploration of hobbies with their daughter
- Enthusiasm for reading, needlepoint, knitting, and being a DJane
Topic 5: Challenges and frustrations
- Lack of confidence and dexterity in woodworking post-stroke
- Frustrations in other hobbies and tasks
- Rebuilding confidence and overcoming obstacles
- Some tasks cannot be done as quickly or at all
Topic 6: Importance of online groups and activities
- Availability of online groups and activities
- Mention of various hobby groups
- Encouragement not to be obsessed with being the best
- Focus on personal goals and enjoyment
Topic 7: Appreciation for healthcare professionals
- Sacrifices made by healthcare professionals
- Entertainment efforts of hospital staff
- Gratitude towards ER and hospital
Topic 8: Healing and socializing through hobbies
- Hobbies as a less forceful way of learning and keeping the mind sharp
- Rebuilding confidence and emotional healing
- Re Engaging with loved activities
- Finding common friends and socializing
A Sneak Peek Next Episode:
A topic that resonates with many – revisiting the journey of returning to work after a stroke or brain injury.
Can't wait to chat with you all again

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

The Lovable Survivor

07/08/23 • 44 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 revival of the "Lovable Idiot" podcast and plans to bring more lightheartedness to the show.
Promoting upcoming projects, including an email course on breathing improvement for stroke survivors.
Sharing my personal experiences, including mistakes and failures, to inspire others to get into running.
Addressing my past addiction issues to alcohol and drugs and contemplating discussing addiction more on the podcast.
Expressing my desire to provide support and connections to other stroke survivors through the podcast.
Sharing gratitude for life and my ongoing efforts to improve my health and be present for my family.
Relating t

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15. Overcoming Plateaus: Tips for Moving Forward in Recovery

The Lovable Survivor

05/10/23 • 44 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 hope this episode will inspire you to make positive changes in your life and reassure you that you are not alone in your recovery journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring and informative episodes to come!
More Key Points:

Introduction: Speaker emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of insurance and helping people navigate different stages and overcome plateaus.
- Stroke Awareness Month: Discusses the Be Fast acronym and the importance of getting immediate treatment for strokes.
- Speaker's Personal Experience: As a stroke survivor who acknowledges making poor life choices and encourages people to stick with their goals and embrace th

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38. Finding Hope and Support: Will Schmierer and Rosa Hart Discuss the Many Sides Stroke Recovery

The Lovable Survivor

08/12/24 • 55 min

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🎙️ Episode 38: "Journeys of Recovery: A Chat with Rosa Hart"
Welcome back to The Lovable Survivor! In this special episode, our first guest in 38 episodes, Rosa Hart, a stroke nurse navigator, shares her invaluable experiences and insights from her career in stroke recovery.

🌟 In This Episode:

Rosa's Inspiring Path: Rosa discusses her journey from ICU nursing to becoming a stroke nurse navigator and the profound impact of witnessing patient recoveries.
A New Role in Recovery: Learn about Rosa's critical role in assisting stroke survivors post-discharge, focusing on medication management and overcoming care barriers.
Beyond the Hospital: Discover Rosa’s passion for food blogging with “The Lou Review,” where she reviews local culinary gems.

👂 Listen & Learn:
Dive into our discussion on the complexities of stroke recovery and Rosa's approach to balancing her demanding medical career with her love for exploring and sharing local restaurants.

💬 We Want to Hear from You:
Your experiences and insights are invaluable. Reach out at [email protected] to share your journey with us.

🔗 Stay Connected:

Rosa's Podcast: Stronger after Stroke
Follow "The Lou Review" on Social Media: Facebook and Instagram @loufoodreviews / LouReview.com
Learn about Norton Healthcare's Stroke Care:
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@nortonhealthcare
FB: https://www.facebook.com/NortonNeuroscienceInstitute
IG: https://www.instagram.com/nortonhealth/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosa-hart-scrn/

Join me in this heartfelt conversation with Rosa Hart as we explore the multifaceted world of s

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FAQ

How many episodes does The Lovable Survivor have?

The Lovable Survivor currently has 65 episodes available.

What topics does The Lovable Survivor cover?

The podcast is about Society & Culture, Podcasts and Science.

What is the most popular episode on The Lovable Survivor?

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 The Lovable Survivor?

The average episode length on The Lovable Survivor is 48 minutes.

How often are episodes of The Lovable Survivor released?

Episodes of The Lovable Survivor are typically released every 7 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of The Lovable Survivor?

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

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The Lovable Survivor

Will Schmierer

Top 10 The Lovable Survivor Episodes

Featured in these lists

FAQ

How many episodes does The Lovable Survivor have?

What topics does The Lovable Survivor cover?

What is the most popular episode on The Lovable Survivor?

What is the average episode length on The Lovable Survivor?

How often are episodes of The Lovable Survivor released?

When was the first episode of The Lovable Survivor?

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