#34 When Life Changes in an Instant: The Story of Jenn Goldman’s Brain Bleed and the Mother-Daughter Bond that Led to Recovery

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich is joined by Caryn Hirshleifer and her daughter, Jenn Goldman, who share their extraordinary story of resilience in the face of life-altering trauma. Just before turning 31, Jenn suffered a massive brain bleed that left her comatose and on the brink of death—sending her family into an unimaginable world of uncertainty. Together, Jenn and Caryn recount their experiences as chronicled in their powerful book, "In the Face of Catastrophe: How a Traumatic Brain Injury Became a Blessing," and open up about the physical and emotional struggles they endured—alongside the surprising gifts that emerged from the crisis. Listen as they explore themes of grief, loss, hope, and neuroplasticity, revealing the profound ways adversity reshapes identity and relationships, and how a family found strength, purpose, and even blessings through the toughest curveball life could throw.

Listeners will Learn:

1. Jenn described feeling as though her life was “falling apart” after her stroke.
2. Both Jenn and her mom, Caryn Hirshleifer, talk about the importance of family and support systems.
3. Scott and Jenn touched on how trauma can affect relationships, sometimes leading to unexpected changes like breakups.
4. Resilience was a recurring theme, especially in how Jenn described herself as “made of stone.”
5. Caryn spoke about the “hidden grief” of caregivers when the person they love survives, but is forever changed.
6. Neuroplasticity provided hope to Jenn in her recovery.
7. Both guests highlight the importance of being “the CEO of your own health.”
8. Scott mentioned the difference between “bouncing back” and “bouncing forward.”
9. The conversation explored how support can be most meaningful when it’s direct and concrete, rather than just well-intentioned.

(00:00) Resilience After Catastrophe

(06:34) Emergency at Family Store

(09:02) Facing Trauma with Resilience

(12:28) Coping with Trauma and Recovery

(15:04) Lessons from Adversity

(19:48) "Web Weaver of Wellness"

(23:31) Unique Physical Therapy Journey

(26:30) Navigating Patience and Support

(30:25) Caregiver's Silent Grief

(31:45) Embracing Loss and Resilience

(35:22) Unimaginable Medical Struggles Discussed

(40:05) Trauma's Liberating Perspective Shift

(41:05) Neuroplasticity: Rewiring the Brain