In this episode of Brain Health & Healing, Sandra Lee talks with Tristan Gibson about his experience of surviving multiple brain surgeries and a brainstem stroke that dramatically changed his physical abilities, memory, mental health, and sense of what his future might hold. Tristan shares what it was like to regain basic function, later be told he was unlikely to make additional progress, and eventually begin questioning some of the assumptions he had accepted about his recovery.
Their conversation explores hope, neuroplasticity, BDNF, and the foundational role Tristan believes nutrition, movement, sleep, mindset, and relationships have played in his own life. He also reflects on a deeply personal shift from asking “Why me?” to considering “Why not me?”—a question that changed the way he viewed his experience.
Throughout the conversation, Sandra brings the focus back to possibility, curiosity, and the small changes that may help someone begin seeing themselves differently.
Where in your own life might becoming curious about what is still possible open a door you had assumed was closed?
What You Are Invited to Discover:
The difference that may emerge when “Why me?” becomes a different kind of question.
A reason to remain curious when someone else’s expectations have begun shaping your own.
The connection Tristan sees between everyday health foundations, brain health, and his personal recovery experience.
Where small signs of change may begin rebuilding a sense of hope and possibility.
An invitation to question what you have accepted while continuing to think critically about the choices that support you.
Free Gift: My free stroke recovery bonus resources group on Skool:
https://www.skool.com/free-stroke-recovery-resources-8907/about
About the Guest:
I was a college soccer athlete, and had many failed brain surgeries in 2019, when I was 20 years old. (At least one failed surgery in each lobe of my brain).
These caused a massive brain stem stroke, and I lost full function of my left side.
I couldn't walk, talk, think, etc.
The doctors said I'd never recover, and that I'd likely be a vegetable, IF I survived.
I regained VERY basic function of my left side within ~6-8 months, and the doctors said I wouldn't regain any more.
This was true, until I started learning how to heal the body from the inside out in 2022.
Ever since the start of 2024, I've been helping other stroke and tbi survivors make MORE progress on their recovery journeys.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/captain_orangutan?igsh=MW1oa2M2a3VjNnBkdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
https://www.facebook.com/share/1TLNc14fY6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.tiktok.com/@cap_o_?_r=1&_t=ZP-98KypczUqII
Resources:
Share your Story with Sandra. Schedule a 10 minute call to share about your head injury, and how it has impacted your life - https://shinewithsandra.com/brainstory
Sandra Live on Facebook for Better Brain Briefs every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. Pacific, ask questions and catch the replay for a limited time: https://www.facebook.com/SandraLeeInspiration/
Download your Free Audio Gift, Imagine What’s Possible, at https://shinewithsandra.com
Brain Health & Healing Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/brainhealthhealing
About the Host:
Sandra Lee has spent almost 40 years helping people feel and function better by addressing what standard treatment often misses: unresolved trauma and emotional patterns stored in the body. She is the creator of The Spectrum of Anger™ and The Witnessed Body™, integrating Intuitive Sound Healing and Combat Brain Training to support brain injury recovery, brain health, and dementia. Her work is grounded in the belief that symptoms are messages, not malfunctions, and that when those messages are received and released, the body can do what it already knows how to do.
Website -https://miracleinspirations.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-lee-701662250/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sandralee1miracleinspirations
Original theme music by Bradford Tilden.
Disclaimer: Everything you hear on this show is for educational and informational purposes only. It's not medical advice, and it doesn't diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult your medical practitioner before making health decisions.
#BrainHealth&Healing #strokerecovery #BrainstemStroke #neuroplasticity #brainhealth #HopeAfterStroke #recoverymindset #HealthFoundations #lifeafterstroke