On A Good Day

Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi

On A Good Day is the podcast delving into brain injury and its impact on all involved. Hosted by Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi, our lives changed forever after our husbands suffered a brain injury. It also had a ripple effect on others in our wider family and community. We’ll be sharing our experiences to help others feel more connected, get inspiring stories from people affected by brain injury and learn more about the condition from our specialist guests. Expect honest conversations about what goes on behind closed doors: the challenges and triumphs, the good days and the not so good days. Come join us as we aim to strengthen the communities of people impacted by brain injury and empower others in a similar situation to help them feel less alone and better equipped to take on any challenges - so we can all have more of the good days. read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness
Society & CultureSociety & Culture
Mental HealthMental Health

Episodes

#41 Vulnerability, identity and The Traitors - with Traitors star Andrew Jenkins
Yesterday
#41 Vulnerability, identity and The Traitors - with Traitors star Andrew Jenkins
He was one of the most popular contestants on BBC series The Traitors but Andrew Jenkins reveals he hated himself for a long time after a life-changing car accident left him changed physically and he sustained a brain injury. In this episode, he talks to Elizabeth and Julia about how the impact of the crash, his recovery and how the physical scars may have healed but mentally he felt lost and impacted much of his life. He felt he lost his identity and had to put on a "mask" on for many years of his life until he started to find himself again, and not only help himself, but others as well. With honesty and emotion he talks to Elizabeth and Julia about all aspects of his life from family, his past relationships and how meeting the man who saved his life changed the trajectory of his life. It encouraged him to speak to his parents for the first time about the accident as well as his brothers and son. Andrew he then went on The Traitors, using it as a platform to help others who may be struggling with their mental health and challenges life can bring. When this was recorded, Andrew was about to set off on his Big Trek, walking 1,200 miles across four nations to raise money for the UK charity Headway which supports brain injury survivors and their families. You can support Andrew's challenge and the charity by making a donation. Andrew also mentions taking part in a documentary called Sound Lad with his son. _______ If you enjoyed this episode, you will also enjoy listening to former stuntman Joe Watts and Joe Borges who says he feels his stroke was a blessing. Plus, Elizabeth and Julia's husbands Paul and Hector on the progress they have made in the last year. _______ On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#40 The Former Stuntman Rewriting His Story After Brain Injury - with Joe Watts
Aug 15 2024
#40 The Former Stuntman Rewriting His Story After Brain Injury - with Joe Watts
Joe Watts was a successful stuntman working on films such as Mission Impossible and the Star Wars franchises when it abruptly ended after a stunt went horribly wrong. Joe fell 25ft onto concrete and was left with a severe brain injury, ending the career he so loved. In this episode, Joe opens up to Elizabeth and Julia about what happened on the day of his accident and the impact it has had on him and those around him. Having made a remarkable recovery, he tells Elizabeth and Julia how he is rebuilding his life using a concept he has developed called the Mountain Method. His goal now is to help others using this method and sharing his story through public speaking. Joe also speaks honestly about the anger he has felt following his brain injury and how art has helped him channel his negative energy into something positive and purposeful. He shares his outlook for the future and why he is glad to be the person he is now, rather than the one he was before. Connect with Joe on instagram @Joewattsart, check out his linktree page and download Joe's Mountain Method worksheet If you enjoyed this episode, you will also enjoy listening to Charlie Well's story of managing his mindset after brain injury as well as Satinder Sanghera in episode 2 who went on to complete her medical studies after her stroke. Plus, Elizabeth and Julia's husbands Paul and Hector on the progress they have made in the last year. There's also Joy and Ross's honest story of stroke, love and overcoming negativity towards disability in episode 12. _______ On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#39 The Changing World of Loving Someone After Acquired Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan, Julia Ajayi and Able To Care podcast host Andy Baker
Jul 22 2024
#39 The Changing World of Loving Someone After Acquired Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan, Julia Ajayi and Able To Care podcast host Andy Baker
Brain injury changes lives in an instant and not only for the survivor but those closest to them. In this episode of On A Good Day, Elizabeth and Julia share an episode from the Able To Care podcast which they were invited on to talk about their experiences as a carers. Hosted by Andy Baker, they talk to him about their personal journeys and how they navigate the challenges of being with someone who has a brain injury. Elizabeth and Julia explain how they connected and set up On A Good Day and the importance of being about to speak and hear from others who have been in similar situations. Listeners will gain insights into the complexities of brain injuries, the emotional and practical adjustments and the invaluable support networks available. Get ready for a heartfelt conversation filled with resilience, understanding, and the importance of community support. ____ Find out more about Andy Baker and Able Training. Listen and subscribe to the Able To Care podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify and watch on YouTube: _______ On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#38 How Can Independence Be Achieved After Brain Injury? - with Special Guests From Independence Day Brain Injury Conference Hosted By Irwin Mitchell
Jul 9 2024
#38 How Can Independence Be Achieved After Brain Injury? - with Special Guests From Independence Day Brain Injury Conference Hosted By Irwin Mitchell
Becoming independent is one of the most important things brain injury survivors strive for - but how can independence be achieved? In this special episode, Elizabeth and Julia go on the road to a Brain Injury Conference and speak to some of the speakers and those in attendance about how they are helping support brain injury survivors and some of the key issues. Hosted by Irwin Mitchell, a law firm which specialises in brain injury claims, the theme of the conference was independence, on Independence Day (and also polling day in the UK). The event bought together experts and those with lived experience of brain injury to discuss the elements of rehab and post brain injury support that have helped survivors regain their independence. Some of the issues discussed include: How important family support is in helping brain injury survivors to recover What charities are doing to help ABI survivors and their families Why sexual relationships need to be talked about after brain injury Key health issues which the new government could address Why tapping into an individual's interests can boost recovery How you can get help after a brain injury when on holiday or working abroad Some of the episodes discussed in this one include, Living With Locked In Syndrome and Claiming Compensation After Brain Injury. _______ On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#36 What Benefits Could You Be Entitled To After Brain Injury? - Benefits Advisor Alice Hamilton, Citizens Advice
Jun 6 2024
#36 What Benefits Could You Be Entitled To After Brain Injury? - Benefits Advisor Alice Hamilton, Citizens Advice
What benefits could you claim after you've had brain injury or are a carer? The system in England and Wales can be mind-boggling, especially if it's your first experience of applying for benefits. In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia speak to Alice Hamilton from Citizens Advice to get her insight into what financial help the government can provide. They quiz her on some of the financial issues which may arise following a brain injury and what benefits are available both in the short term and long term. Alice is based in Cambridge and can talk about the system in England and Wales but the system in Scotland can vary. In this episode, you will learn: What financial help you can get from the government in a moment of crisis and longer term, including housing costs Advice on filling out forms for Personal Independent Payment (PIP). How to appeal a decision from the Department from Work and Pension and why it can be worth doing. Why it is important to focus on the negatives when undergoing a health assessment and what you can no longer do The links to the benefits calculators Alice mentioned in the podcast are below. Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable Turn2us Benefits Calculator The information in this episode is specific to the United Kingdom in particular but we hope that for those living outside of the UK they still find it a useful and thought provoking episode. Citizens Advice started in 1939 and is supported by a small number of paid staff and over 14,000 volunteers. It can give advice on a range of other issues but this conversation focused on what can be claimed following brain injury. _____ On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#35 Living With Locked In Syndrome, a Daughter's Story - Georgie Tyler-Collings
May 23 2024
#35 Living With Locked In Syndrome, a Daughter's Story - Georgie Tyler-Collings
What is locked-in syndrome? How does it affect someone? Locked-in syndrome might be a condition you have heard of - but may not know much about. This episode will help you understand more about locked-in syndrome and what it is like to live with or support a family member with the condition. To shed a light on the topic, Georgie Tyler-Collings joins Elizabeth and Julia to tell them about her inspiring dad, David Collings. He was left with locked-in syndrome after suffering an ischemic brain stem stroke aged 59 while on holiday in France. Although paralysed, David is fully cognitive and communicates using his eyes. Alongside her wider family, Georgie talks about what happened, how they got him home to Sheffield from France and the impact it has had on her and other family members. She says: "It's tough, but if my family can do it, then you can too". Before his stroke, David would take part in various cycling and swimming challenges - and his motivation for a challenge has not waned. In 2018, he used a special motorised bike to cycle two hours a day for 80 days from his care home and, using the same method, he is currently clocking up the miles to get to New Zealand. This is a story of a family coming together in crisis for a special man, the ups and downs, the impact and loss. But it is also a story of plenty of laughs and support to help David live a happy life with locked-in syndrome. Do leave a comment if this episode resonated and subscribe to ensure you don't miss future episodes. ___ You can read a bit more about the family's fight to get David home from France when it covered by BBC news. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-38557886 And more about his first cycling challenge post stroke in 2018. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-44288944 On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#34 On A (Not So) Good Day: Our Challenges With Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi
May 9 2024
#34 On A (Not So) Good Day: Our Challenges With Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi
What's it like to be the partner of a brain injury survivor? The truth is, some days are not so good. There are times which can be challenging, frustrating and upsetting. In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia acknowledge the (not so) good days and share with honesty some of the challenges they face living with a brain injury survivor. They share their own vulnerabilities and struggles in this bite-sized episode in the hope it will resonate with others and help people feel less alone. Some of the topics discussed include: The strain brain injury can put on marriages and relationships Feeling overwhelmed and frustrated Being the main decision maker Dealing with mood changes and altered emotions How little things can build up to dampen the good days Why sharing and talking always helps _____ In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia mentioned their conversation with Dr Fergus Gracey which you can listen to in episode 11. Hear more about Allison's story of parenting young children after stroke in episode 27 Connect with Us On Instagram (@onagood.day) and X (@onagood_day) And you can join our Facebook community too! On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Do go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#33 Managing Mindset To Recover From Brain Injury - with HelloSelf Founder Charlie Wells
Apr 24 2024
#33 Managing Mindset To Recover From Brain Injury - with HelloSelf Founder Charlie Wells
What part does mindset play in recovering from brain injury? In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia are joined by entrepreneur Charlie Wells. He was running a 5km race, dressed as Santa, when he had subarachnoid haemorrhage, aged 30. He underwent ground-breaking surgery to keep him alive. With sheer determination and a strong mindset, Charlie's recovery included doing daily jigsaw puzzles and using his own methods to manage pain. This helped him get his 20/20 vision back and 16 months after his brain injury he ran the London marathon to raise money for the National Brain Appeal, something he told us was "terrifying". Charlie shares his extraordinary story and how it has changed his outlook, given him added purpose and a renewed philosophy of life. He has since gone on to set up his own therapy company HelloSelf to help others with their mental health challenges which has had high success rates in preventing relapses.  In this episode you will learn: How Charlie set his own outcomes and worked consistently in his recovery to achieve his goals.  Strategies Charlie used to overcome pain and get him off medication How family members helped Charlie recover and motivate him  Inspiration for turning brain injury into your superpower The idea behind HelloSelf and how it is revolutionising the world of therapy. Charlie Wells is the founder of HelloSelf, an online therapy service helping people to get tailored support and reduce the risk of relapse. _____ If you liked this episode then you'll enjoy listening to Satinder Sanghera's story in episode 2 who went on to complete her medical studies after her stroke and Andy Tudor in episode 31 who is living a hugely fulfilled life after brain tumour. There's also Joy and Ross's honest story of stroke, love and overcoming negativity towards disability in episode 12. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#32 Facts And Myths Of Epilepsy - with Professor Ley Sander, Neurologist Specialising in Epilepsy
Apr 11 2024
#32 Facts And Myths Of Epilepsy - with Professor Ley Sander, Neurologist Specialising in Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common side effect following brain injury and a condition which affects 600,000 people in the UK. In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia speak to Ley Sander, a Professor of Neurology and Clinical Epilepsy and Medical Officer with the Epilepsy Society. Some of the questions we ask include: what is epilepsy? Why do some people get seizures after brain injury and how can you help someone when they have a fit? Professor Sander also gives us some of the science around the condition, how to treat it and reveals insights into the research, including the role of genetics. He also talks about some of the facts and myths around epilepsy including how safe it is to drink alcohol and the side effects of epilepsy medication. Listen to this episode to discover more about epilepsy, its causes, treatment and, surprisingly to us, how our brain and skin are similar. Visit the Epilepsy Society to find out more about its work including their vitally important campaigns, including changes in law and policy that mean positive changes for people living with epilepsy. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Elizabeth and Julia are partners of brain injury survivors bringing their lived experience to conversations with the aim to help others navigate this life-changing journey. Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#31 Living Life With Hope and Humour After Brain Tumour - with Andy Tudor, Host Of Let's Talk About Brain Tumours
Mar 28 2024
#31 Living Life With Hope and Humour After Brain Tumour - with Andy Tudor, Host Of Let's Talk About Brain Tumours
Andy Tudor thought be might be getting early onset dementia or having a stroke when he was eventually admitted to hospital. When he was told he had a huge 7cm tumour in his brain it was almost a relief, he tells Elizabeth and Julia in this episode released during Brain Tumour awareness month. Seven years ago Andy had life-saving neurosurgery to remove the growth. He is beating the statistics which show just 12% of adults diagnosed with a brain tumour survive after five years. Andy has since gone on to have an active role in raising awareness of brain tumours through volunteering and as the co-host of Let’s Talk about Brain Tumours - a podcast run by the Brain Tumour Charity. Andy tells Elizabeth and Julia how his life feels more fulfilling now than before his brain injury but the worry of regrowth is always there and two years ago he had to have radiation when some was found on a routine scan. Andy talks about some of the symptoms he experienced and reveals some of his strategies for dealing with fatigue, one of which includes a can of baked beans! Listen to find out more. In this episode you will learn: Some of the key symptoms of a brain tumour in adults and children How humour can help in tough times Finding new purpose in life after brain injury Ways to deal with the process of grieving your old self and embracing new after brain trauma. Strategies for dealing with neuro-fatigue. Why a supportive family can help life you up and give you hope. Andy is the co-host of Let's Talk About Brain Tumours - run with the Brain Tumour Charity Connect with Andy on X @Meningioma_host You can listen to the episode we did with Andy and Sarah for Let's Talk About Brain Tumours, Life After Brain Injury On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#30 Claiming Compensation After Brain Injury - with Richard Biggs & Adam Shelverton, Irwin & Mitchell
Mar 14 2024
#30 Claiming Compensation After Brain Injury - with Richard Biggs & Adam Shelverton, Irwin & Mitchell
Getting legal advice is not usually your first priority after a traumatic brain injury but, as Elizabeth and Julia discover, making that call could help hugely with a person's recovery - and an initial call costs nothing. In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia look at the importance of getting specialist legal advice and the difference it can make to people's lives. Joining them to dispel some of the myths and give the facts are Richard Biggs and Adam Shelverton from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Manchester. Some of the questions discussed include: what costs are included in a compensation claim? How does 'no win no fee' work? How long do you have to make a claim and what length of time will it take to get a settlement? This episode sees them cut through some of the legal jargon and bring a human face to a process which can be overwhelming.  It also explains why getting a financial settlement isn’t just about the money. About Richard and Adam Richard is a partner at Irwin & Mitchell, the Manchester branch, and is a solicitor who specialises in brain and spinal injury cases. Adam is a physiotherapist by background and a team manager for Irwin Mitchell’s Support and Rehabilitation services in Manchester. Look for a specialist solicitor at the Law Society or Headway. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Elizabeth and Julia are partners of brain injury survivors bringing their lived experience to conversations with the aim to help others navigate this life-changing journey. Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#28 How Family Therapy Can Help After Brain Injury - With Family Therapist & SLT Susie Hayden
Feb 15 2024
#28 How Family Therapy Can Help After Brain Injury - With Family Therapist & SLT Susie Hayden
The impact of brain injury on the family is at the centre of this podcast and one of the reasons Elizabeth and Julia started On A Good Day, so they knew the next guest would be a good match. In this episode, they are joined by Susie Hayden, a neuro speech and language therapist with 23 years experience working in the NHS. Specialising in aphasia, Susie saw there was a need to work with the whole family system so retrained as a family therapist to get better outcomes for the whole family. She has set up her own practice helping people who have speech and language difficulties, using an holistic approach to therapy. Elizabeth and Julia talk to Susie about the dynamics of family relationships, how they can change after brain injury and some strategies to implement to help them heal. Susie Hayden You can find out more about Susie and the work she does by visiting her website. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Some related aphasia episodes include Strengthening Recovery After Aphasia with Professor Leff and How to Improve Communication After Stroke with Speech and Language Therapist Bindi Patel. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#27 Navigating Parenthood With A Brain Injury - With Allison and Rob Allan
Feb 1 2024
#27 Navigating Parenthood With A Brain Injury - With Allison and Rob Allan
Navigating parenthood with young children can be a huge challenge for all parents but even more so when you are living with the affects of brain injury. In this episode, Julia and Elizabeth talk to Allison and Rob Allan. The couple had been together for just two years when Allison had a stroke, aged 25, leaving her with some physical and cognitive impairments. Now they have two young girls aged six and three, Allison is finding her cognitive abilities are being significant tested with the demands of family life. She talks candidly about her struggles: navigating noise, toddler demands and entering a new social community at the school gates. Rob, who is a physiotherapist, talks about how his job has helped Allison and the couple explain some of the strategies they are implementing to help with overwhelm and fatigue. Allison has a degree in fashion design and learning to sew again was a huge part of her rehabilitation. She is using her skills and passion to make accessible clothing for disabled people, you can read more on her blog My Accessible Wardrobe. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#25 Resilience & Gratitude After Brain Injury and Loss - with Chevaun Greenhill
Jan 4 2024
#25 Resilience & Gratitude After Brain Injury and Loss - with Chevaun Greenhill
Chevaun Greenhill was still in primary school when her father had his first stroke. Over the years, she helped care for her beloved dad. In this episode, she talks fondly of Barry's persistence to live his life as he had done before - sometimes with hilarious results. As well as the humour, she also tells Elizabeth and Julia about the pain and struggles she - and her family- experienced which were compounded when she lost her brother when he was only 13 years old. The West End actress, entrepreneur and mother of three reveals some of lessons she has learned and how, in the face of tragedy, she has gone on to live a life of appreciation and gratitude. In this episode, prepare to laugh and cry but also be inspired. Thank you for listening! Please do help us grow the podcast by leaving a review on Apple podcasts, share it, subscribe and follow us on social media. Thank you! On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and X (formally Twitter) @onagood_day And you can join our Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#24 Twelve Days Of Christmas With Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi
Dec 14 2023
#24 Twelve Days Of Christmas With Brain Injury - Elizabeth Callaghan and Julia Ajayi
Christmas can be a very stressful time of year for everyone but for someone with a brain injury and their family it can cause additional pressures. In this episode, Elizabeth and Julia give On A Good Day's 12 days of Christmas with brain injury. They look at aspects of the festive season, sharing their experiences and strategies on how to deal with them. This Christmas, Julia and Elizabeth will have celebrated a combined total of 21 Christmases with a brain injury survivor. Some of the topics they cover include dealing with fatigue at this time of year, planning, financial pressures, cooking, shopping and alcohol. So sit back with a mulled wine (or cup of tea) and mince pie and enjoy this festive episode. As ever, please do help us grow the podcast by leaving a review on Apple podcasts, share it, subscribe and follow us on social media. Thank you! On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. Please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and Twitter @onagood_day And you can join our NEW Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#23 The 'Catastrophic' Impact Of Brain Injury:  How Jenny And Emilia Clarke Are Challenging The Stigma - With SameYou Co-founder Jenny Clarke
Nov 30 2023
#23 The 'Catastrophic' Impact Of Brain Injury: How Jenny And Emilia Clarke Are Challenging The Stigma - With SameYou Co-founder Jenny Clarke
SameYou co-founder Jenny Clarke talks to On A Good Day about the day she found out her actress daughter, Emilia Clarke, suffered a brain injury in her early 20s and the family's "disbelief". Emilia had just finished filming the first season of Game of Thrones, with a starring role as Daenerys Targaryen, when she had her first brain aneurysm. She later had life-saving surgery to treat a second. Jenny speaks to Elizabeth and Julia about the "catastrophic" impact it had on the family, how it still affects her today and the role she played in supporting Emilia as she went back to film Game of Thrones after her first brain aneursym. The life-changing event opened their eyes to the lack of rehabilitation provision and aftercare for people living with an acquired brain injury, inspiring them to set up the charity SameYou. It is helping to raise awareness of acquired brain injury, challenging the stigma around it and helping to train and education health professionals. Jenny explains more about the charity's vision, the challenges they face and how it is looking at improving mental health care which can have a long-term impact on survivors and creating more community connections. SameYou is inviting anyone impacted in some way by brain injury to fill out a questionnaire to better understand the recovery experience for a new project it is working on. SameYou SameYou launched as Emilia publicly shared her story, inspiring other brain injury survivors to do the same. The website has a section to share your story to be read in its survivor stories. You can follow on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. On A Good Day Thank you for listening to On A Good Day! Please go back and catch up on any missed episodes. For a full recap of Elizabeth and Julia's stories, listen to episode #1: How Brain Injury Came Into Our Lives - And Changed Them Forever. To help us grow, please share this podcast with others it will benefit and subscribe, rate and review to help make it more visible! We'd be so grateful! Connect with Us On Instagram @onagood.day and Twitter @onagood_day And you can join our NEW Facebook community too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#22 'Why My Stroke Was A Blessing' -  With The NeuroNerds Co-Host Joe Borges
Nov 16 2023
#22 'Why My Stroke Was A Blessing' - With The NeuroNerds Co-Host Joe Borges
Joe Borges tells Elizabeth and Julia how his brain injury gave him a new appreciation for life and why he believes it was a 'blessing' allowing him to have a life "reset". The NeuroNerds co-host divulges his feelings of being lost and 'surviving' rather than living prior to having a brain injury but how he is now able to live a purposeful life. He reveals the highs and lows following his brain injury and why mindset plays such a key role in recovery. Joe is one half of the successful The NeuroNerds podcast and is committed to connecting with other brain injury survivors and has built a global community which he says has become his purpose in life. He talks about the importance of connecting with other brain injury survivors and how it continues to help him in his journey. Despite his positive outlook, Joe acknowledges he has dark days and talks about how he navigates them as well as overcoming ‘toxic positivity.’  Joe is constantly giving back and next month has organised a ground-breaking virtual event, called Brain, Body, Soul festival, raising funds for The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF) to help support other brain injury survivors. It will take place on December 9 in the Metaverse, visit the Brain, Body, Soul Festival website to register for free. Joe Borges You can follow Joe on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and visit his Joe So Rocks and NeuroNerds website. Go listen and subscribe to The NeuroNerds podcast On A Good Day If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Do share it with other who will benefit. do go back and catch up on any missed episodes. Connect with Us on Instagram (@onagood.day) and Twitter (@onagood_day) and join our Facebook community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices