October 24, 2024 • 30 mins
Listen as we celebrate our 100th episode for bindwaves this week! Today, we learn about the many accomplishments of the last two years at BIND, and introduce our new co-host, Brittany. The recap episode guest is Brian White, our executive director. Our members are proud of the money raised for our annual walk, North Texas Giving Day, golf tournament, and auction. We review the interest of starting a new clubhouse in Houston. In the last year, we have greatly increased our efficiency, attributed by members serving in various leadership roles. With Kezia stepping aside as a co-host, as she continues to go back to school, we are now introducing our new co-host, Brittany, a car crash and TBI survivor, from the Fort Worth clubhouse. The podcast has been very popular with more than 37,000 downloads, and we are excited with what we have planned for 2025.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Instrumental
Kezia (00:09):
Hi, I'm Kezia, a stroke survivor and member of BIND.
Carrie (00:13):
And hi, I'm Keri, a stroke survivor and a member of
BIND as well.
And today, we have a superexciting show for you because
it's, drumroll please, our 100thepisode! We're so excited, yay!
On this episode, we'll recap2024, and give you a hint of
what's to come for 2025BINDWAVES.
And we also have invited ourExecutive Deck Director, Brian
(00:36):
White, to join us to give us afull recap of the Brain Injury
Network 2024 and what's to comein 2025.
So welcome, Brian.
Brian (00:45):
Thank you.
I'm excited to be here for the100th episode.
Kezia (00:48):
I almost thought you'd said 110th.
I was like, wow, I really did.
Brian (00:55):
I hope to be here for the 110th episode.
Kezia (00:59):
Yeah, me too.
Me too.
But just for you listeners toknow, um, this might sound a
little bit different than thelast couple of episodes.
Or I don't know.
Yeah.
But yes, it might sound a littlebit different.
It's kind of, um, our roundtables.
It's just going to be aconversation between Carrie and
I and our director.
And we're just going to havelittle hints, uh, throughout our
(01:19):
conversation.
So,
Carrie (01:24):
it's great to be sitting at the table here with the three
of us together.
Let's get down to the 2024recap.
Glad to have you here, Brian.
And we want to share the updateof the Brain Injury Network
clubhouses as the big umbrellaand why we have BINDways
running.
And to update our listeners onall the Plano and Fort Worth
club lessons, have a great day.
What clubhouses haveaccomplished and what 2025 holds
(01:46):
for the organization?
Brian (01:48):
Sure, sure.
So, you know, in the spring wehave our annual walk.
In the last two years we've beenreally focused on the growth of
that walk, and this year was noexception to that.
We actually doubled ourparticipation this year to
nearly 500 people.
Uh, we were very financiallysuccessful and raised almost$40,
000 this year, so that's verycool.
(02:11):
And, uh, we have our contract inplace for next year already to,
uh, have the walk on March 29th.
Uh, it will be a Toyota MusicFactory again, and it won't be a
construction zone this year, so.
That's a plus.
That's a big plus.
We're looking to continue ourgrowth trajectory.
I don't think we plan to doubleagain this year, but we do
(02:32):
expect it to be bigger than lastyear, so.
Kezia (02:35):
Yeah, I think that would be super exciting.
And just to make sure, March29th, 2025.
So, yeah, so all of us arereally, um, active in that.
So we do ask for our listenersto join us and come see us at
Toyota Music Factory in 2025.
Brian (02:54):
Yeah, and then this fall, we always participate in North
Texas Giving Day, and we hadanother successful campaign this
year, raising over$30, 000.
So, we're just shy of raising$200, 000 in 10 years, and in
the last 3 years, we've raisednearly$100, 000.
So, we're very excited aboutthat ongoing campaign with
(03:16):
Community Foundations, andappreciate all the support that
that organization gives us aswell.
And then we just finished upour, uh, 2024 golf, golf, uh,
clubhouse classic golftournament.
Uh, we increased our golfersthis year by about 20%, which is
really exciting.
And, uh, we actually increasedour net income by about 125
(03:40):
percent this year.
So we were very excited.
Uh, we partnered with, um, Tour18 golf course this year and the
presenting sponsor was TexasRehab Hospital in Fort Worth and
Keller.
And we're very grateful fortheir support as well as all of
our event sponsors as well.
So that was a lot of fun.
We had much better weather thisyear.
(04:02):
Last year was 59 and rainy andthis year was like 85 degrees
and perfect.
So.
It was very nice.
So we, we plan to continue tohave that golf tournament year
after year in the fall and lookforward to the growth of that
event as well.
So then we have, uh, sinceApril, we've started a project
that has, uh, is focused on theaccreditation of our clubhouses.
(04:26):
It's called CARF, which standsfor the Commission of
Accreditation of RehabFacilities.
They're an internationalorganization and they've
accredited over 60, 000organizations worldwide.
So we're very excited about thatpossibility as it will really
positively impact theorganization and proves to the
(04:46):
world that we do operateaccording to good business
standards and that we providethe services to our members that
really need it and in a way thatthey need it.
So we're pretty excited aboutthat That'll actually be coming
up.
Um In the end of december wehave dates now.
It'll be a December 18th to the20th.
(05:07):
And, um, as a result of that, itspawned several other projects
this year.
We've put in a new accountingsystem.
We put in a new payroll system.
We implemented a 401k for ourstaff.
We've added a learningmanagement system for training.
We've added a documentmanagement system.
Um, and I feel like I'mforgetting something else, but
(05:28):
we, we've been very, very busythis year with a lot of
administrative and efficiencygains, uh, through all those
systems, so.
Carrie (05:35):
The online attendance.
Brian (05:36):
Oh yeah, that's the other one, is we went to a, an online
check, uh, check in for membersso they just scan their card
and, and a QR code scans them inand scans them out of the
clubhouse, so.
Carrie (05:47):
Yeah, it makes us really feel like we're going to work in
a business.
Brian (05:50):
Yeah, yeah.
Kezia (05:51):
And I actually was going to talk about that too.
I feel like maybe our listenerswill be like, Oh, this sounds so
boring.
It's like about the staff.
But no, it's actually about themembers, the brain injury
survivors as well.
And it's, A lot of us actuallyare doing that work.
So we're learning new skills andwe're learning how to do things
virtually and on computers.
(06:12):
And some of us don't have accessto that or don't know even how
to use it.
But some of us, like me, we grewup with that and we kind of lost
it somewhere between the strokeand now, right?
So it gives us that opportunityto like really learn how, To use
it again and or to make it evenbetter and have a new skill So
it's not just for staff and it'snot boring.
(06:33):
It's actually kind of fun funchallenges
Carrie (06:35):
Yeah, and it sounds silly we talk about we're online
Well what we used to do just forthe listeners so you get it But
we used to we would come in andwe would actually handwrite just
on a piece of paper And then youknow how easy it is for paper to
get lost So did we really keepgood accurate records now, you
know, we go and scan and it isI'm checking into the clubhouse,
so it's, it's much moreefficient and it helps too.
(06:56):
It sounds silly, but even likewhen we have, if we ever were to
have a fire, but even just firedrills, we check out when we go
to lunch like you do in a realjob.
Um, so if we were to have afire, the staff can look up the
system on their phone and go, ohcrap, Carrie says she's still
here.
I don't find her.
Send the fireman.
Please send the fireman in tocome get me.
(07:19):
But it really, it has a lot ofuseful benefits that one
wouldn't think about, so.
Brian (07:23):
Yeah, and really that's part of a kind of a broader
Clubhouse Texas, uh, InitiativeClubhouse, Texas is an
organization we belong to.
That is a group of all of theclubhouses, both mental health
clubhouses and brain injuryclubhouses in the state of
Texas.
I think we have 16 members inthat group.
(07:44):
16 different clubhouses and, um.
A lot of the clubhouses havemoved to this new system as well
so that we can actually presentto the state, kind of, you know,
as an organization ofclubhouses, this is how many
members statewide we're actuallyserving every day.
So that's more meaningful than,you know, yeah, we've checked in
(08:06):
15 people today, you know, so,
Kezia (08:08):
yeah.
And I think that's reallyimportant to, like, highlight
because Texas is gigantic.
And just here, First Clubhouseis in the whole state of Texas
and here we are doing this muchwork within the brain injury
community in Dallas slash Planoand in Fort Worth and hopefully
soon somewhere else.
Brian (08:29):
Yeah, that leads me to the last bullet point I have
today, and that's really, uh,our investigation, uh, into our
growth for a clubhouse, possiblyin Houston.
And that is coming up imminentlynext week, uh, on Thursday,
October 24th, we're having
Kezia (08:45):
This should have drumroll.
Brian (08:47):
We're having a community forum.
that's hosted at the Moody NeuroRehab Institute down there.
And, um, we're justinvestigating the possibility
of, you know, where, when, howmuch, where do we need to be?
Do we have volunteers?
Do we have the financialsupport?
Just really trying to gather asmuch data, uh, about making a
(09:08):
decision like that as possible.
But ultimately the Brain InjuryNetwork, really wants to provide
these kinds of services to allthe major metropolitan areas in
Texas eventually.
Short of anybody else coming into start brain injury clubhouses
and we'd be happy to helpanybody that wanted to do that
as well.
So
Carrie (09:26):
Sure and I'll just let y'all know so this 100th episode
will actually be Or publish,however you want to say it.
Next Thursday, October 24th, theforum will be that this day.
And when you're listening tothis episode, October 24th from
six to nine at the Moody.
Brian (09:43):
6 to 8.
Carrie (09:44):
6 to 8.
Brian (09:45):
At, uh, 1275 Space Park Drive, Webster, Texas.
Carrie (09:51):
So, even if this is your first time hearing about it,
come on down and join us.
Brian (09:56):
Yeah, and, you know, I know this isn't gonna go out,
you know, before the meeting oron the day of the meeting, but
if you want to register, you cando that through our website as
well.
So, we'd like to see you comeout if you're in the Houston
area.
Kezia (10:09):
Yeah, and if you can't go, we do can have an ability to
email us and ask for your, yourneeds and give us feedback
because Brain Injury Networkwill have to grow with the
feedback, the guidance from thepeople that are actually living
there, right?
Like we're all brain injurysurvivors.
We have caregivers, familiesthat were, um, affected, um, or
(10:32):
had challenges, um, within our,our experience.
So hearing from someone that'sactually in the community, that
would be so, so helpful of howwe can, um, Um, help within the
Houston community.
So,
Brian (10:47):
Yeah, and I know, you know, another thing that you
guys planned on talking aboutis, is some of the growth of
this, uh, podcast as well.
And I'm excited that that waspart of the clubhouse and part
of our growth.
We sat down and we made goalsfor this year.
And I feel like we've reallymade great strides at achieving
those goals.
So congratulations BINDWAVESteam.
(11:07):
And, uh, you know, It's 100percent member driven now, so
that's a huge step.
The first two years, staff wasinvolved.
Early on, we were very involvedand just slowly pulled away and
pulled away.
But, no, I'd really like tocongratulate this team as well
for all they've done.
Carrie (11:26):
Thank you so much.
And that kind of leads me inwhat I said.
So the growth and development ofthe Brain Injury Network as a
whole, all this stuff we'retalking about and that we've
been doing for the last 12years, um, is what has actually
led and allowed to us to be ableto have this BINDWAVES podcast.
I mean, without the Brain InjuryNetwork, without the support of
the community, we would not havethis podcast.
(11:48):
So that's pretty cool.
Um, so with that, the BINDWAVESpodcast, Some of the
accomplishments of the BrainInjury Network, the podcast has
been able to set up qualityepisodes as one of our goals,
and we feel accomplished thatwe've, that we have met that.
But of course, there's alwaysroom for improvement.
Sorry, we're going to still messup our words, but, you know,
that's who we are.
(12:09):
We have actually increased ourepisode length to at least 25
minutes, which was one of ourbiggest goals.
So we're proud of that.
Occasionally, you know, a littleshorter, but.
Um, we've moved into a newstudio space that I don't think
some of you may be able to tell,but, um, we have moved into a
new space.
We've updated our equipment.
We have a new, true Apple Mac PCthat helps us store everything a
(12:33):
little bit better and run moreefficiently.
We have, um, a brand new big TVscreen, so when we do our
virtual recordings, we canactually see them and
communicate with them mucheasier.
And we have brand new camerasall the way around, so.
It's pretty exciting stuff goingon here at the BIND waves on my
(12:53):
pages are out of order.
Brian (12:56):
Well, I think it's going to talk about some of the actual
goals that we met, you know, andwe did increase our Instagram
followers, uh, to 230 this year.
Rick (13:04):
Yes.
Brian (13:05):
So we're definitely on track as we've already surpassed
that goal this year.
So
Rick (13:11):
that's
Brian (13:11):
very exciting.
Uh, and you know, this is smallpotatoes.
We're never going to like, youknow, monetize our channel or
anything like that.
But.
You know, it's fun to still setgoals and work towards those
goals.
It's very important, I think,even, even minor things, so.
Kezia (13:25):
Yeah, and I actually think that it's even more
important, like, our monetizing,that might not be the right
word, but we don't need to makemoney out of these things.
Our money is the way that weserve our community.
Communities and like ourexperiences to serve others.
I think that's the mostimportant thing of this.
And then also setting goals areso important in our recovery.
(13:47):
So these are goals that Brian,the director, didn't say, hey,
you guys need 230.
You're like, no, we as braininjury survivors and team, we
decided this is what we can do.
And not gonna lie.
I was like, well, how are wegonna double?
But we did.
We did.
And it's barely October and thatwasn't due till December.
(14:08):
So we figured out differentstrategies and our abilities,
what we can commit to.
And what we can do.
And I'm so proud that we as ateam did figure that out and we
were able to do that.
Brian (14:21):
I'm very, again, I'm very proud of the team for that as
well.
I know it was kind of a toughdiscussion when we were sitting
there saying, okay, what arethese goals going to be?
You know, and, but, you know, Iknew you guys could do it.
So.
Another thing, we've increasedour YouTube subscribers from 64
last year to 135.
So that's basically doublingthat goal as well.
(14:42):
Uh, we've increased our YouTube,uh, not YouTube, our Spotify
listeners, uh, subscribers to,um, 120 this year.
So, you know, again, we're notsetting any world records here,
but I am.
So proud of the work you guys doand the way we have continued to
expand this, you know, when wefirst started is like, do you
(15:04):
guys want to continue thepodcast?
Yeah.
No, do you really want tocontinue?
And you know, and, and it has itit's, you know, we're, we're
doing it.
We're two and a half years downthe road now and doing great, so
right now we, this year we'vehad a total of 3, 740 total
downloads from all over theglobe.
North and South America, Europe,Oceania, and Asia.
(15:27):
So we're doing good.
Carrie (15:28):
We're doing great.
And we're all learning new lifeskills that we never thought
we'd do.
Well except for me and mytalking.
Telling my teachers all my life,I said, you talk too much, I'm
going to make a living out ofit.
I'm getting paid to do this, butit's fun.
Brian (15:42):
Yeah, so one last thing that I'm going to plug is that
we're actually looking to hireuh sometime this fall as well
another part time unitcoordinator for the Plano
Clubhouse.
We feel like the growth of thisclubhouse specifically has kind
of reached a point where we needsomebody else to kind of step in
and help out uh as we continueto grow so that's pretty
(16:03):
exciting.
Carrie (16:03):
That is very exciting
Kezia (16:04):
That is so exciting and obviously we'll be mentioning
the Plano Clubhouse what, whereto go to, what website at the
end.
Um, but we share that all thetime.
So the best important thing todo as a listener, um, to keep
telling people about us.
That way we get more followersand we keep doing the outreach
and advocacy for what we'veexperienced and also sharing the
(16:24):
website so you can keep updatedwith the whole clubhouse and the
podcast.
I also just wanted to let all ofyou, I think Carrie mentioned it
earlier, um, that we have had alot of updates that maybe if you
listen to us only on Spotify,you may not know.
But if you see us on YouTube,you can see some of these
things.
(16:45):
But still, you might not be ableto see all of the background
work that is being done byClubhouse members and those of
the team of the podcast.
That cannot be seen.
But we've done so much in 2024,and I think that's like,
Personally, the thing that Ilike the most of everything
we've done in the past two and ahalf years is that we have, it
(17:06):
has been more work for Carrieand I to be doing.
You are, we are the faces thatyou see, but there are so many
more members that are doing thework so that it's possible to
continue doing for the longterm.
So, yeah, so all of this work isbeing done in the background,
um, but again, like we, we setour own rules, our, our own
(17:27):
goals.
We are also setting up how toteach people what to do that I
would never have known that Iwould know how to do.
Um, so we've done that and weliterally are very proud to say
that we are one hundred percent.
Um, member run, um, podcast.
So we might not make thingseasier for us because it is our
(17:47):
ongoing recovery and our ownpractice to be continuing to
challenge ourselves and learnnew skills or enhance the skills
that we had before the stroke orbrain injury.
Um, so yeah, obviously westarted this whole thing with
the guidance of the staff.
Um, and then it kind of justbecame an ongoing thing and then
it we are just taking this,like, one by one, um, to how to
(18:12):
teach people and we now have allof these roles that we can
literally save members, braininjury survivors.
Like, hey, we need someonethat's interested in social
media.
We might not be perfect at it,but who's interested in learning
and getting these challenges?
So that's really, reallyimportant and I think it's a
great way of the ongoing, neverending recovery.
(18:34):
Um, I also think that, um, wehave people that write what
we're talking about.
We have people that are learninghow to post things and using
programs that we have access towith Brain Injury Network.
Um, and we work as a teamtogether on how to communicate
with one another.
How to use different roles likeGoogle, and WhatsApp, and, um,
(18:58):
Spotify, and Buzzsprout.
All these things that, unlessyou do a podcast, you have no
idea what we're talking about.
But, we do it, and we learnabout it, and we challenge
ourselves to do it, and how dowe teach other people.
So, I love it.
Brian (19:13):
So that really wraps up the year.
Um, we're obviously planning formore expansion next year, not
just if, you know, in Houston,but with both clubhouses.
We got a big focus on, uh,really trying to bring in some
more members that are, you know,maybe struggling with how to get
to the clubhouses and thingsalong those lines.
(19:34):
So we're always keeping an eyeon growth and really looking
forward to how can we make thisa better organization and make
it serve those that need itbetter.
So I appreciate you guys havingme on today.
Carrie (19:45):
We appreciate you taking the time to be on.
Brian (19:48):
Thanks.
Carrie (19:48):
Thanks so much, Brian.
Okay, and we're going to take alittle break and a little pause.
I'm going to remind everyone toclick that like button, that
share button, that notifybutton, whatever platform you're
on, whatever button you need toclick to get it to us, that we
know that you like us, and we'regoing to take a little pause and
we'll be right back.
Kezia (20:06):
Okay, so like Kerry has been mentioning, and I'm glad
that you guys all have beenlistening to our conversation,
uh, today is our 100th episode,and not only are we giving
updates and recaps of what'sbeen going on and what's to
come, um, I'm also gonna be hereto just give a little update,
uh, kind of some personalinformation, but I think with
(20:29):
all of our listeners that havebeen hearing my voice for quite
some time now, it's reallyimportant to share.
So I, like I've been saying, I'mso proud of the podcast, the
work that the team has beendoing for the two and a half
past years, and also what BrainInjury Network has been
providing as an opportunity andreally like, yeah, basically an
(20:50):
opportunity to make this hugecommitment.
Um, I hope I don't cry because Idefinitely cried earlier.
Um, but it definitely has been avery difficult and challenging
option.
Um, to make a decision to make,um, but I am no longer going to
be a co host or a basicallycommitted like every Thursday
(21:12):
kind of co host.
Um, you might see me around hereand there if I am needed.
Um, not because I just want toleave because I definitely do
not.
But I am going back to schooland that is something that I
definitely intend to do.
I'm very thankful of, um, for,and specifically, uh, Brain
Injury Survivors and members Ihave met here at Brain Injury
(21:33):
Network clubhouses, and that isdefinitely something that I've
been debating about doing forthe past couple of years about
going back to school and movingforward with my life, but
hearing about their experiencesand they inspire me to continue
going and moving forward becauseI knew a couple years ago that
my life was definitely not goingto be the same that I had in
(21:55):
Chicago so and before thestroke.
So hearing from members and alot of people that are here in
the podcast right now that youmay not see as well but um,
they're they're really the onesthat are like inspiring me to
move on forward and that andmaking me sure that I can I can
do it and believe in myself soBecause of that, it does take a
(22:17):
lot of time to study and to doall these things.
So I do have to step, take astep back as a co host.
I'm here, I'm still going to behere supporting all the members
and the work that's being done.
And then continue feeling, uh,supporting and being inspired by
all the work that we listen to.
Carrie (22:34):
Yeah, I'm not letting her off the hook to go away
completely.
She's, whenever I need help, I'mcalling her still.
Kezia (22:40):
Of course.
I do want to just say that justbecause I've been doing the
podcast for a while now andbeing a member of Brain Injury
Network, it still makes lifevery hard.
I still have a lot ofdifficulties to do.
I still have some limitations.
I still have seizures.
I still don't drive.
(23:02):
I blame the seizures, but I'malso a city girl and driving
sucks.
But anyway, um, I still havelimitations.
So for all of our listeners,it's not that you, I, you just
turn perfect and from one day oranother, um, there's still a lot
of challenges and you're justdecisions that at some point you
got to trust on yourself tomake, um, and believe in
(23:23):
yourself that you're going to beable to do it.
My goal is to basically go backto school, and I do want to be a
speech pathologist.
It might take a little longerthan, than, you know, a 20 year
old, um, you know, student.
Might take me a little longer,but I'm willing to take that.
I had to learn how to walk andtalk for the second time around,
(23:46):
so let's go back to school forthe second time around too.
There you go.
Um, and also just not to makethis all like, oh no, this
sucks.
Um, I'm also super excited thatme leaving to, uh, this
position, um, it's opening thisposition to somebody else.
(24:08):
So, um, We're here to introduceher and you might already see
her or maybe have heard her alittle bit, but her name is
Brittany and she is a member ofBrain Injury Network in Fort
Worth.
And we're here also to meet herand introduce her to you guys.
So welcome, Brittany.
Brittany (24:29):
Thank you for having me.
Carrie (24:30):
And we're so excited as much as Kezia's talking about
how much she hates driving inthe city.
We appreciate you driving allthe way from Fort Worth to
Plano.
Brittany (24:36):
Oh, yes.
Kezia (24:39):
So, uh, since we know you, Karen, I know you.
Uh, can you introduce yourself alittle bit to the members, um,
and our listeners?
Brittany (24:46):
Well, I'm Brittany.
Um, I, I was in a car wreck andAugust 30th, 2018, someone was
speeding and they crashed intome.
My airbags didn't deploy and Iblacked out on impact.
Then I woke up and that's why Isay Pandora's box just opened.
So I went to the doctor and mybrain injury was actually
(25:08):
neglected for seven months.
So for seven months I was justsitting home laying on the
floor, like, had no hope, had nopurpose.
But then after that I went andgot help, got seen, they said
you had a brain injury.
So I start my therapy healingprocess.
And at the time I was at school,so I had to take a semester off.
(25:28):
But I actually did go back andfinish school.
And now I'm back in therapy,improving every day.
So it's just like Kezia says,it's not going to happen in one
day that you're better.
It's going to be a long journey,a long process.
And that's what I actuallylearned about, so.
Carrie (25:44):
Yeah, and I, we said Brittany's from BIND Fort Worth.
Brittany is really one of thefounding members of BIND Fort
Worth.
So she was in, I might have beenhere in Plano day one, Brittany
was in Fort Worth day one.
So we're very excited aboutthat.
And Brittany in the beginning,Fort Worth was only open one day
a week.
So Brittany would come to Planoonce a week at least and help us
(26:05):
do stuff around the clubhousehere.
So she has been a member of bothclubhouses.
Well, actually, once you're amember of either any clubhouse
in Texas, you can go to all theclubhouses.
Once a member, always a member.
But with that, we are we areplanning to continue to grow and
keeping our listeners andcommunity updated with what is
going on in the brain injuryworld.
Um, we have new committedmembers, not just Brittany at
(26:26):
both BIND and Plano Fort Worth.
Um, but we have added theaddition of an editor in Plano
Fort Worth.
Fort Worth, as well as wealready have editors here in
Plano.
Um, and so we've been doing alot of training with those
editors to get everyone up tospeed.
We are still one of our biggestgoals as we're looking to add
more members so that we havemultiple people trained for each
(26:46):
role so that.
If we have an editor get sick orwants to go on vacation, we have
someone to fill in that role.
If we have a sound engineer, weonly have one sound engineer
right now.
So we only, well, we reallydon't even have a social media
person.
We're all just scrambling aroundto do it on our own, but, um, we
do it as a team, but we wouldlike to have dedicated members.
So that's kind of where we'regoing.
(27:07):
But also I just want to let youknow, I'm not going anywhere
anytime soon.
It's not to say that someday Imay, I don't know.
I'm old enough.
Maybe someday I'm gonna retire.
I don't know.
Um, so Brittany may not be theonly face you see.
We, we will add new hostssometime.
You've seen Carl.
We'll have different co hosts,guest co hosts maybe come in
from the different clubhousesjust to see, you know, who might
(27:29):
be interested in being a backupfor us because sometimes people
go on vacation at the same time.
So we're trying to figure outall that stuff and you will
still see Kezia as a backup cohost.
You may see her virtually.
She may not be able to get tothe clubhouse with her busy
schedule, but now that we havethe ability to virtual, I don't
know if y'all noticed, we'vedone, I think, three or four,
um, virtual, but that'sexciting, too, for us to be able
(27:51):
to do all these virtual episodesso that we can reach more
people.
People that we normally wouldn'tget to talk to outside of the
DFW area.
And we also want to let youknow, we are going to take a
little winter break after thisepisode until the first of the
year, again, to continue thattraining for new members to
learn new skills.
And then also in the new year,since we're adding all these new
(28:13):
people in training, we areprobably going to go to
publishing every other Thursday,as opposed to every Thursday,
because we've been cranking thatout.
We tried to get ahead so that wecould.
Stay ahead and we could do that,but it's getting a little
daunting.
So again, we are a little slowerthan everyone else, um, in a
good way.
And we want to make sure we areproviding you quality podcasts.
(28:34):
So that's why we're going to dothat, but don't worry.
Um, we'll still keep updatingyou on Instagram on Thursday,
Tuesdays.
If we don't have anything onThursday, we'll keep doing that.
Um, but so with that, I hopeeveryone has, it's a little
early to say it, but you know, agood rest of the year and happy
holidays and all that fun stuff.
Brittany (28:54):
Yeah, so basically what Carrie said, we're not
going away, we're still going torecord.
So we're still going torecording, it's just, we're
going to plan it better.
So for 2025, we're going toactually do everything in
advance now.
So, basically how to build thepodcast, how to meet people, how
to get them in here to talk tothem.
(29:16):
And then because we're all braininjury survivors, yeah, so we
can meet in person and then wecan also do it virtual like she
said so we're not going awaywe're just gonna take a little
break
Kezia (29:27):
Yep, and obviously I Hope that everyone has been getting
the best information out of thewhole team.
Um, this has been a great uh forbasically four people and one
table, um, kind of aconversation.
So it's been great.
So I want to thank all of ourlisteners to sticking around
with us and, uh, to continuelistening to us on Thursdays and
(29:50):
then come 2025 every otherThursday, but don't forget about
our social media posts.
Carrie (29:55):
That's right.
And again, as always, if youwould like to contact us, you
can email us atbindwaves@thebind.Org.
Follow us on Instagram at@BINDwaves and visit the website
at theBIND.org/BINDwaves.
Brittany (30:13):
And then also don't forget to share, like, subscribe
on your favorite platforms andalso hit notify on YouTube while
listening to BINDwaves.
Carrie (30:23):
So until next time.
Kezia (30:25):
Until next time.
Brittany (30:26):
Until next time.
We hope you've enjoyed listeningto BIND Waves and continue to
support BIND and our non profitmission.
We support brain injurysurvivors as they reconnect into
the life, the community, andtheir workplace.
And we couldn't do that withoutgreat listeners like you.
We appreciate each and every oneof you.
Continue watching.
Until next time.
Until next time.
Instrumental
Kezia (00:09):
Hi, I'm Kezia, a stroke survivor and member of BIND.
Carrie (00:13):
And hi, I'm Keri, a stroke survivor and a member of
BIND as well.
And today, we have a superexciting show for you because
it's, drumroll please, our 100thepisode! We're so excited, yay!
On this episode, we'll recap2024, and give you a hint of
what's to come for 2025BINDWAVES.
And we also have invited ourExecutive Deck Director, Brian
(00:36):
White, to join us to give us afull recap of the Brain Injury
Network 2024 and what's to comein 2025.
So welcome, Brian.
Brian (00:45):
Thank you.
I'm excited to be here for the100th episode.
Kezia (00:48):
I almost thought you'd said 110th.
I was like, wow, I really did.
Brian (00:55):
I hope to be here for the 110th episode.
Kezia (00:59):
Yeah, me too.
Me too.
But just for you listeners toknow, um, this might sound a
little bit different than thelast couple of episodes.
Or I don't know.
Yeah.
But yes, it might sound a littlebit different.
It's kind of, um, our roundtables.
It's just going to be aconversation between Carrie and
I and our director.
And we're just going to havelittle hints, uh, throughout our
(01:19):
conversation.
So,
Carrie (01:24):
it's great to be sitting at the table here with the three
of us together.
Let's get down to the 2024recap.
Glad to have you here, Brian.
And we want to share the updateof the Brain Injury Network
clubhouses as the big umbrellaand why we have BINDways
running.
And to update our listeners onall the Plano and Fort Worth
club lessons, have a great day.
What clubhouses haveaccomplished and what 2025 holds
(01:46):
for the organization?
Brian (01:48):
Sure, sure.
So, you know, in the spring wehave our annual walk.
In the last two years we've beenreally focused on the growth of
that walk, and this year was noexception to that.
We actually doubled ourparticipation this year to
nearly 500 people.
Uh, we were very financiallysuccessful and raised almost$40,
000 this year, so that's verycool.
(02:11):
And, uh, we have our contract inplace for next year already to,
uh, have the walk on March 29th.
Uh, it will be a Toyota MusicFactory again, and it won't be a
construction zone this year, so.
That's a plus.
That's a big plus.
We're looking to continue ourgrowth trajectory.
I don't think we plan to doubleagain this year, but we do
(02:32):
expect it to be bigger than lastyear, so.
Kezia (02:35):
Yeah, I think that would be super exciting.
And just to make sure, March29th, 2025.
So, yeah, so all of us arereally, um, active in that.
So we do ask for our listenersto join us and come see us at
Toyota Music Factory in 2025.
Brian (02:54):
Yeah, and then this fall, we always participate in North
Texas Giving Day, and we hadanother successful campaign this
year, raising over$30, 000.
So, we're just shy of raising$200, 000 in 10 years, and in
the last 3 years, we've raisednearly$100, 000.
So, we're very excited aboutthat ongoing campaign with
(03:16):
Community Foundations, andappreciate all the support that
that organization gives us aswell.
And then we just finished upour, uh, 2024 golf, golf, uh,
clubhouse classic golftournament.
Uh, we increased our golfersthis year by about 20%, which is
really exciting.
And, uh, we actually increasedour net income by about 125
(03:40):
percent this year.
So we were very excited.
Uh, we partnered with, um, Tour18 golf course this year and the
presenting sponsor was TexasRehab Hospital in Fort Worth and
Keller.
And we're very grateful fortheir support as well as all of
our event sponsors as well.
So that was a lot of fun.
We had much better weather thisyear.
(04:02):
Last year was 59 and rainy andthis year was like 85 degrees
and perfect.
So.
It was very nice.
So we, we plan to continue tohave that golf tournament year
after year in the fall and lookforward to the growth of that
event as well.
So then we have, uh, sinceApril, we've started a project
that has, uh, is focused on theaccreditation of our clubhouses.
(04:26):
It's called CARF, which standsfor the Commission of
Accreditation of RehabFacilities.
They're an internationalorganization and they've
accredited over 60, 000organizations worldwide.
So we're very excited about thatpossibility as it will really
positively impact theorganization and proves to the
(04:46):
world that we do operateaccording to good business
standards and that we providethe services to our members that
really need it and in a way thatthey need it.
So we're pretty excited aboutthat That'll actually be coming
up.
Um In the end of december wehave dates now.
It'll be a December 18th to the20th.
(05:07):
And, um, as a result of that, itspawned several other projects
this year.
We've put in a new accountingsystem.
We put in a new payroll system.
We implemented a 401k for ourstaff.
We've added a learningmanagement system for training.
We've added a documentmanagement system.
Um, and I feel like I'mforgetting something else, but
(05:28):
we, we've been very, very busythis year with a lot of
administrative and efficiencygains, uh, through all those
systems, so.
Carrie (05:35):
The online attendance.
Brian (05:36):
Oh yeah, that's the other one, is we went to a, an online
check, uh, check in for membersso they just scan their card
and, and a QR code scans them inand scans them out of the
clubhouse, so.
Carrie (05:47):
Yeah, it makes us really feel like we're going to work in
a business.
Brian (05:50):
Yeah, yeah.
Kezia (05:51):
And I actually was going to talk about that too.
I feel like maybe our listenerswill be like, Oh, this sounds so
boring.
It's like about the staff.
But no, it's actually about themembers, the brain injury
survivors as well.
And it's, A lot of us actuallyare doing that work.
So we're learning new skills andwe're learning how to do things
virtually and on computers.
(06:12):
And some of us don't have accessto that or don't know even how
to use it.
But some of us, like me, we grewup with that and we kind of lost
it somewhere between the strokeand now, right?
So it gives us that opportunityto like really learn how, To use
it again and or to make it evenbetter and have a new skill So
it's not just for staff and it'snot boring.
(06:33):
It's actually kind of fun funchallenges
Carrie (06:35):
Yeah, and it sounds silly we talk about we're online
Well what we used to do just forthe listeners so you get it But
we used to we would come in andwe would actually handwrite just
on a piece of paper And then youknow how easy it is for paper to
get lost So did we really keepgood accurate records now, you
know, we go and scan and it isI'm checking into the clubhouse,
so it's, it's much moreefficient and it helps too.
(06:56):
It sounds silly, but even likewhen we have, if we ever were to
have a fire, but even just firedrills, we check out when we go
to lunch like you do in a realjob.
Um, so if we were to have afire, the staff can look up the
system on their phone and go, ohcrap, Carrie says she's still
here.
I don't find her.
Send the fireman.
Please send the fireman in tocome get me.
(07:19):
But it really, it has a lot ofuseful benefits that one
wouldn't think about, so.
Brian (07:23):
Yeah, and really that's part of a kind of a broader
Clubhouse Texas, uh, InitiativeClubhouse, Texas is an
organization we belong to.
That is a group of all of theclubhouses, both mental health
clubhouses and brain injuryclubhouses in the state of
Texas.
I think we have 16 members inthat group.
(07:44):
16 different clubhouses and, um.
A lot of the clubhouses havemoved to this new system as well
so that we can actually presentto the state, kind of, you know,
as an organization ofclubhouses, this is how many
members statewide we're actuallyserving every day.
So that's more meaningful than,you know, yeah, we've checked in
(08:06):
15 people today, you know, so,
Kezia (08:08):
yeah.
And I think that's reallyimportant to, like, highlight
because Texas is gigantic.
And just here, First Clubhouseis in the whole state of Texas
and here we are doing this muchwork within the brain injury
community in Dallas slash Planoand in Fort Worth and hopefully
soon somewhere else.
Brian (08:29):
Yeah, that leads me to the last bullet point I have
today, and that's really, uh,our investigation, uh, into our
growth for a clubhouse, possiblyin Houston.
And that is coming up imminentlynext week, uh, on Thursday,
October 24th, we're having
Kezia (08:45):
This should have drumroll.
Brian (08:47):
We're having a community forum.
that's hosted at the Moody NeuroRehab Institute down there.
And, um, we're justinvestigating the possibility
of, you know, where, when, howmuch, where do we need to be?
Do we have volunteers?
Do we have the financialsupport?
Just really trying to gather asmuch data, uh, about making a
(09:08):
decision like that as possible.
But ultimately the Brain InjuryNetwork, really wants to provide
these kinds of services to allthe major metropolitan areas in
Texas eventually.
Short of anybody else coming into start brain injury clubhouses
and we'd be happy to helpanybody that wanted to do that
as well.
So
Carrie (09:26):
Sure and I'll just let y'all know so this 100th episode
will actually be Or publish,however you want to say it.
Next Thursday, October 24th, theforum will be that this day.
And when you're listening tothis episode, October 24th from
six to nine at the Moody.
Brian (09:43):
6 to 8.
Carrie (09:44):
6 to 8.
Brian (09:45):
At, uh, 1275 Space Park Drive, Webster, Texas.
Carrie (09:51):
So, even if this is your first time hearing about it,
come on down and join us.
Brian (09:56):
Yeah, and, you know, I know this isn't gonna go out,
you know, before the meeting oron the day of the meeting, but
if you want to register, you cando that through our website as
well.
So, we'd like to see you comeout if you're in the Houston
area.
Kezia (10:09):
Yeah, and if you can't go, we do can have an ability to
email us and ask for your, yourneeds and give us feedback
because Brain Injury Networkwill have to grow with the
feedback, the guidance from thepeople that are actually living
there, right?
Like we're all brain injurysurvivors.
We have caregivers, familiesthat were, um, affected, um, or
(10:32):
had challenges, um, within our,our experience.
So hearing from someone that'sactually in the community, that
would be so, so helpful of howwe can, um, Um, help within the
Houston community.
So,
Brian (10:47):
Yeah, and I know, you know, another thing that you
guys planned on talking aboutis, is some of the growth of
this, uh, podcast as well.
And I'm excited that that waspart of the clubhouse and part
of our growth.
We sat down and we made goalsfor this year.
And I feel like we've reallymade great strides at achieving
those goals.
So congratulations BINDWAVESteam.
(11:07):
And, uh, you know, It's 100percent member driven now, so
that's a huge step.
The first two years, staff wasinvolved.
Early on, we were very involvedand just slowly pulled away and
pulled away.
But, no, I'd really like tocongratulate this team as well
for all they've done.
Carrie (11:26):
Thank you so much.
And that kind of leads me inwhat I said.
So the growth and development ofthe Brain Injury Network as a
whole, all this stuff we'retalking about and that we've
been doing for the last 12years, um, is what has actually
led and allowed to us to be ableto have this BINDWAVES podcast.
I mean, without the Brain InjuryNetwork, without the support of
the community, we would not havethis podcast.
(11:48):
So that's pretty cool.
Um, so with that, the BINDWAVESpodcast, Some of the
accomplishments of the BrainInjury Network, the podcast has
been able to set up qualityepisodes as one of our goals,
and we feel accomplished thatwe've, that we have met that.
But of course, there's alwaysroom for improvement.
Sorry, we're going to still messup our words, but, you know,
that's who we are.
(12:09):
We have actually increased ourepisode length to at least 25
minutes, which was one of ourbiggest goals.
So we're proud of that.
Occasionally, you know, a littleshorter, but.
Um, we've moved into a newstudio space that I don't think
some of you may be able to tell,but, um, we have moved into a
new space.
We've updated our equipment.
We have a new, true Apple Mac PCthat helps us store everything a
(12:33):
little bit better and run moreefficiently.
We have, um, a brand new big TVscreen, so when we do our
virtual recordings, we canactually see them and
communicate with them mucheasier.
And we have brand new camerasall the way around, so.
It's pretty exciting stuff goingon here at the BIND waves on my
(12:53):
pages are out of order.
Brian (12:56):
Well, I think it's going to talk about some of the actual
goals that we met, you know, andwe did increase our Instagram
followers, uh, to 230 this year.
Rick (13:04):
Yes.
Brian (13:05):
So we're definitely on track as we've already surpassed
that goal this year.
So
Rick (13:11):
that's
Brian (13:11):
very exciting.
Uh, and you know, this is smallpotatoes.
We're never going to like, youknow, monetize our channel or
anything like that.
But.
You know, it's fun to still setgoals and work towards those
goals.
It's very important, I think,even, even minor things, so.
Kezia (13:25):
Yeah, and I actually think that it's even more
important, like, our monetizing,that might not be the right
word, but we don't need to makemoney out of these things.
Our money is the way that weserve our community.
Communities and like ourexperiences to serve others.
I think that's the mostimportant thing of this.
And then also setting goals areso important in our recovery.
(13:47):
So these are goals that Brian,the director, didn't say, hey,
you guys need 230.
You're like, no, we as braininjury survivors and team, we
decided this is what we can do.
And not gonna lie.
I was like, well, how are wegonna double?
But we did.
We did.
And it's barely October and thatwasn't due till December.
(14:08):
So we figured out differentstrategies and our abilities,
what we can commit to.
And what we can do.
And I'm so proud that we as ateam did figure that out and we
were able to do that.
Brian (14:21):
I'm very, again, I'm very proud of the team for that as
well.
I know it was kind of a toughdiscussion when we were sitting
there saying, okay, what arethese goals going to be?
You know, and, but, you know, Iknew you guys could do it.
So.
Another thing, we've increasedour YouTube subscribers from 64
last year to 135.
So that's basically doublingthat goal as well.
(14:42):
Uh, we've increased our YouTube,uh, not YouTube, our Spotify
listeners, uh, subscribers to,um, 120 this year.
So, you know, again, we're notsetting any world records here,
but I am.
So proud of the work you guys doand the way we have continued to
expand this, you know, when wefirst started is like, do you
(15:04):
guys want to continue thepodcast?
Yeah.
No, do you really want tocontinue?
And you know, and, and it has itit's, you know, we're, we're
doing it.
We're two and a half years downthe road now and doing great, so
right now we, this year we'vehad a total of 3, 740 total
downloads from all over theglobe.
North and South America, Europe,Oceania, and Asia.
(15:27):
So we're doing good.
Carrie (15:28):
We're doing great.
And we're all learning new lifeskills that we never thought
we'd do.
Well except for me and mytalking.
Telling my teachers all my life,I said, you talk too much, I'm
going to make a living out ofit.
I'm getting paid to do this, butit's fun.
Brian (15:42):
Yeah, so one last thing that I'm going to plug is that
we're actually looking to hireuh sometime this fall as well
another part time unitcoordinator for the Plano
Clubhouse.
We feel like the growth of thisclubhouse specifically has kind
of reached a point where we needsomebody else to kind of step in
and help out uh as we continueto grow so that's pretty
(16:03):
exciting.
Carrie (16:03):
That is very exciting
Kezia (16:04):
That is so exciting and obviously we'll be mentioning
the Plano Clubhouse what, whereto go to, what website at the
end.
Um, but we share that all thetime.
So the best important thing todo as a listener, um, to keep
telling people about us.
That way we get more followersand we keep doing the outreach
and advocacy for what we'veexperienced and also sharing the
(16:24):
website so you can keep updatedwith the whole clubhouse and the
podcast.
I also just wanted to let all ofyou, I think Carrie mentioned it
earlier, um, that we have had alot of updates that maybe if you
listen to us only on Spotify,you may not know.
But if you see us on YouTube,you can see some of these
things.
(16:45):
But still, you might not be ableto see all of the background
work that is being done byClubhouse members and those of
the team of the podcast.
That cannot be seen.
But we've done so much in 2024,and I think that's like,
Personally, the thing that Ilike the most of everything
we've done in the past two and ahalf years is that we have, it
(17:06):
has been more work for Carrieand I to be doing.
You are, we are the faces thatyou see, but there are so many
more members that are doing thework so that it's possible to
continue doing for the longterm.
So, yeah, so all of this work isbeing done in the background,
um, but again, like we, we setour own rules, our, our own
(17:27):
goals.
We are also setting up how toteach people what to do that I
would never have known that Iwould know how to do.
Um, so we've done that and weliterally are very proud to say
that we are one hundred percent.
Um, member run, um, podcast.
So we might not make thingseasier for us because it is our
(17:47):
ongoing recovery and our ownpractice to be continuing to
challenge ourselves and learnnew skills or enhance the skills
that we had before the stroke orbrain injury.
Um, so yeah, obviously westarted this whole thing with
the guidance of the staff.
Um, and then it kind of justbecame an ongoing thing and then
it we are just taking this,like, one by one, um, to how to
(18:12):
teach people and we now have allof these roles that we can
literally save members, braininjury survivors.
Like, hey, we need someonethat's interested in social
media.
We might not be perfect at it,but who's interested in learning
and getting these challenges?
So that's really, reallyimportant and I think it's a
great way of the ongoing, neverending recovery.
(18:34):
Um, I also think that, um, wehave people that write what
we're talking about.
We have people that are learninghow to post things and using
programs that we have access towith Brain Injury Network.
Um, and we work as a teamtogether on how to communicate
with one another.
How to use different roles likeGoogle, and WhatsApp, and, um,
(18:58):
Spotify, and Buzzsprout.
All these things that, unlessyou do a podcast, you have no
idea what we're talking about.
But, we do it, and we learnabout it, and we challenge
ourselves to do it, and how dowe teach other people.
So, I love it.
Brian (19:13):
So that really wraps up the year.
Um, we're obviously planning formore expansion next year, not
just if, you know, in Houston,but with both clubhouses.
We got a big focus on, uh,really trying to bring in some
more members that are, you know,maybe struggling with how to get
to the clubhouses and thingsalong those lines.
(19:34):
So we're always keeping an eyeon growth and really looking
forward to how can we make thisa better organization and make
it serve those that need itbetter.
So I appreciate you guys havingme on today.
Carrie (19:45):
We appreciate you taking the time to be on.
Brian (19:48):
Thanks.
Carrie (19:48):
Thanks so much, Brian.
Okay, and we're going to take alittle break and a little pause.
I'm going to remind everyone toclick that like button, that
share button, that notifybutton, whatever platform you're
on, whatever button you need toclick to get it to us, that we
know that you like us, and we'regoing to take a little pause and
we'll be right back.
Kezia (20:06):
Okay, so like Kerry has been mentioning, and I'm glad
that you guys all have beenlistening to our conversation,
uh, today is our 100th episode,and not only are we giving
updates and recaps of what'sbeen going on and what's to
come, um, I'm also gonna be hereto just give a little update,
uh, kind of some personalinformation, but I think with
(20:29):
all of our listeners that havebeen hearing my voice for quite
some time now, it's reallyimportant to share.
So I, like I've been saying, I'mso proud of the podcast, the
work that the team has beendoing for the two and a half
past years, and also what BrainInjury Network has been
providing as an opportunity andreally like, yeah, basically an
(20:50):
opportunity to make this hugecommitment.
Um, I hope I don't cry because Idefinitely cried earlier.
Um, but it definitely has been avery difficult and challenging
option.
Um, to make a decision to make,um, but I am no longer going to
be a co host or a basicallycommitted like every Thursday
(21:12):
kind of co host.
Um, you might see me around hereand there if I am needed.
Um, not because I just want toleave because I definitely do
not.
But I am going back to schooland that is something that I
definitely intend to do.
I'm very thankful of, um, for,and specifically, uh, Brain
Injury Survivors and members Ihave met here at Brain Injury
(21:33):
Network clubhouses, and that isdefinitely something that I've
been debating about doing forthe past couple of years about
going back to school and movingforward with my life, but
hearing about their experiencesand they inspire me to continue
going and moving forward becauseI knew a couple years ago that
my life was definitely not goingto be the same that I had in
(21:55):
Chicago so and before thestroke.
So hearing from members and alot of people that are here in
the podcast right now that youmay not see as well but um,
they're they're really the onesthat are like inspiring me to
move on forward and that andmaking me sure that I can I can
do it and believe in myself soBecause of that, it does take a
(22:17):
lot of time to study and to doall these things.
So I do have to step, take astep back as a co host.
I'm here, I'm still going to behere supporting all the members
and the work that's being done.
And then continue feeling, uh,supporting and being inspired by
all the work that we listen to.
Carrie (22:34):
Yeah, I'm not letting her off the hook to go away
completely.
She's, whenever I need help, I'mcalling her still.
Kezia (22:40):
Of course.
I do want to just say that justbecause I've been doing the
podcast for a while now andbeing a member of Brain Injury
Network, it still makes lifevery hard.
I still have a lot ofdifficulties to do.
I still have some limitations.
I still have seizures.
I still don't drive.
(23:02):
I blame the seizures, but I'malso a city girl and driving
sucks.
But anyway, um, I still havelimitations.
So for all of our listeners,it's not that you, I, you just
turn perfect and from one day oranother, um, there's still a lot
of challenges and you're justdecisions that at some point you
got to trust on yourself tomake, um, and believe in
(23:23):
yourself that you're going to beable to do it.
My goal is to basically go backto school, and I do want to be a
speech pathologist.
It might take a little longerthan, than, you know, a 20 year
old, um, you know, student.
Might take me a little longer,but I'm willing to take that.
I had to learn how to walk andtalk for the second time around,
(23:46):
so let's go back to school forthe second time around too.
There you go.
Um, and also just not to makethis all like, oh no, this
sucks.
Um, I'm also super excited thatme leaving to, uh, this
position, um, it's opening thisposition to somebody else.
(24:08):
So, um, We're here to introduceher and you might already see
her or maybe have heard her alittle bit, but her name is
Brittany and she is a member ofBrain Injury Network in Fort
Worth.
And we're here also to meet herand introduce her to you guys.
So welcome, Brittany.
Brittany (24:29):
Thank you for having me.
Carrie (24:30):
And we're so excited as much as Kezia's talking about
how much she hates driving inthe city.
We appreciate you driving allthe way from Fort Worth to
Plano.
Brittany (24:36):
Oh, yes.
Kezia (24:39):
So, uh, since we know you, Karen, I know you.
Uh, can you introduce yourself alittle bit to the members, um,
and our listeners?
Brittany (24:46):
Well, I'm Brittany.
Um, I, I was in a car wreck andAugust 30th, 2018, someone was
speeding and they crashed intome.
My airbags didn't deploy and Iblacked out on impact.
Then I woke up and that's why Isay Pandora's box just opened.
So I went to the doctor and mybrain injury was actually
(25:08):
neglected for seven months.
So for seven months I was justsitting home laying on the
floor, like, had no hope, had nopurpose.
But then after that I went andgot help, got seen, they said
you had a brain injury.
So I start my therapy healingprocess.
And at the time I was at school,so I had to take a semester off.
(25:28):
But I actually did go back andfinish school.
And now I'm back in therapy,improving every day.
So it's just like Kezia says,it's not going to happen in one
day that you're better.
It's going to be a long journey,a long process.
And that's what I actuallylearned about, so.
Carrie (25:44):
Yeah, and I, we said Brittany's from BIND Fort Worth.
Brittany is really one of thefounding members of BIND Fort
Worth.
So she was in, I might have beenhere in Plano day one, Brittany
was in Fort Worth day one.
So we're very excited aboutthat.
And Brittany in the beginning,Fort Worth was only open one day
a week.
So Brittany would come to Planoonce a week at least and help us
(26:05):
do stuff around the clubhousehere.
So she has been a member of bothclubhouses.
Well, actually, once you're amember of either any clubhouse
in Texas, you can go to all theclubhouses.
Once a member, always a member.
But with that, we are we areplanning to continue to grow and
keeping our listeners andcommunity updated with what is
going on in the brain injuryworld.
Um, we have new committedmembers, not just Brittany at
(26:26):
both BIND and Plano Fort Worth.
Um, but we have added theaddition of an editor in Plano
Fort Worth.
Fort Worth, as well as wealready have editors here in
Plano.
Um, and so we've been doing alot of training with those
editors to get everyone up tospeed.
We are still one of our biggestgoals as we're looking to add
more members so that we havemultiple people trained for each
(26:46):
role so that.
If we have an editor get sick orwants to go on vacation, we have
someone to fill in that role.
If we have a sound engineer, weonly have one sound engineer
right now.
So we only, well, we reallydon't even have a social media
person.
We're all just scrambling aroundto do it on our own, but, um, we
do it as a team, but we wouldlike to have dedicated members.
So that's kind of where we'regoing.
(27:07):
But also I just want to let youknow, I'm not going anywhere
anytime soon.
It's not to say that someday Imay, I don't know.
I'm old enough.
Maybe someday I'm gonna retire.
I don't know.
Um, so Brittany may not be theonly face you see.
We, we will add new hostssometime.
You've seen Carl.
We'll have different co hosts,guest co hosts maybe come in
from the different clubhousesjust to see, you know, who might
(27:29):
be interested in being a backupfor us because sometimes people
go on vacation at the same time.
So we're trying to figure outall that stuff and you will
still see Kezia as a backup cohost.
You may see her virtually.
She may not be able to get tothe clubhouse with her busy
schedule, but now that we havethe ability to virtual, I don't
know if y'all noticed, we'vedone, I think, three or four,
um, virtual, but that'sexciting, too, for us to be able
(27:51):
to do all these virtual episodesso that we can reach more
people.
People that we normally wouldn'tget to talk to outside of the
DFW area.
And we also want to let youknow, we are going to take a
little winter break after thisepisode until the first of the
year, again, to continue thattraining for new members to
learn new skills.
And then also in the new year,since we're adding all these new
(28:13):
people in training, we areprobably going to go to
publishing every other Thursday,as opposed to every Thursday,
because we've been cranking thatout.
We tried to get ahead so that wecould.
Stay ahead and we could do that,but it's getting a little
daunting.
So again, we are a little slowerthan everyone else, um, in a
good way.
And we want to make sure we areproviding you quality podcasts.
(28:34):
So that's why we're going to dothat, but don't worry.
Um, we'll still keep updatingyou on Instagram on Thursday,
Tuesdays.
If we don't have anything onThursday, we'll keep doing that.
Um, but so with that, I hopeeveryone has, it's a little
early to say it, but you know, agood rest of the year and happy
holidays and all that fun stuff.
Brittany (28:54):
Yeah, so basically what Carrie said, we're not
going away, we're still going torecord.
So we're still going torecording, it's just, we're
going to plan it better.
So for 2025, we're going toactually do everything in
advance now.
So, basically how to build thepodcast, how to meet people, how
to get them in here to talk tothem.
(29:16):
And then because we're all braininjury survivors, yeah, so we
can meet in person and then wecan also do it virtual like she
said so we're not going awaywe're just gonna take a little
break
Kezia (29:27):
Yep, and obviously I Hope that everyone has been getting
the best information out of thewhole team.
Um, this has been a great uh forbasically four people and one
table, um, kind of aconversation.
So it's been great.
So I want to thank all of ourlisteners to sticking around
with us and, uh, to continuelistening to us on Thursdays and
(29:50):
then come 2025 every otherThursday, but don't forget about
our social media posts.
Carrie (29:55):
That's right.
And again, as always, if youwould like to contact us, you
can email us atbindwaves@thebind.Org.
Follow us on Instagram at@BINDwaves and visit the website
at theBIND.org/BINDwaves.
Brittany (30:13):
And then also don't forget to share, like, subscribe
on your favorite platforms andalso hit notify on YouTube while
listening to BINDwaves.
Carrie (30:23):
So until next time.
Kezia (30:25):
Until next time.
Brittany (30:26):
Until next time.
We hope you've enjoyed listeningto BIND Waves and continue to
support BIND and our non profitmission.
We support brain injurysurvivors as they reconnect into
the life, the community, andtheir workplace.
And we couldn't do that withoutgreat listeners like you.
We appreciate each and every oneof you.
Continue watching.
Until next time.
Until next time.
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