Ep 23: Deandra Mayer

Ep 26: Steve Donie

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Steve Donie, a meningioma survivor who shares his journey from diagnosis to recovery. Steve discusses his life before the diagnosis, the symptoms he experienced, and the emotional impact of receiving the news. He reflects on the changes in his career and personal life, the support systems that helped him cope, and how he found resilience in the face of adversity. Steve also shares the significance of a 3D printed model of his tumor and how he has created meaning from his experience, ultimately looking forward to new aspirations in life. Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com [http://coachingforcauses.com] for details. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms [http://rewired-minds.com/terms] Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources [https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources] Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com [http://rewired-minds.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod [https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod] Instagram: @rewiredmindspod [https://www.instagram.com/rewiredmindspod/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds] Connect with Steve Donie LinkedIn: https://linkedin.con/in/stevedonie [https://linkedin.con/in/stevedonie] Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest [http://rewired-minds.com/guest] for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Ep 25: Brain Tumor Network

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman interviews Kelly Glover, a nurse navigator at the Brain Tumor Network (BTN). They discuss Kelly's personal journey as a cancer survivor and her passion for helping patients navigate the complexities of brain tumor diagnoses. The conversation covers the origin of BTN, its personalized navigation services, and the importance of community support. Kelly emphasizes the need for advocacy in improving access to care and clinical trials, and they explore the future aspirations of BTN in expanding its reach and resources for patients. The episode highlights the significance of empowering patients and fostering a sense of hope within the brain tumor community. Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com [http://coachingforcauses.com] for details. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms [http://rewired-minds.com/terms] Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources [https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources] Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com [http://rewired-minds.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod [https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod] Instagram: @rewiredmindspod [https://www.instagram.com/rewiredmindspod/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds] Connect with Brain Tumor Network Website: braintumornetwork.org [http://braintumornetwork.org] Phone: 844-286-6110 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braintumornetwork [https://www.facebook.com/braintumornetwork]  Instagram: @braintumornetwork [https://www.instagram.com/braintumornetwork/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintumornetwork [https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintumornetwork]  Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest [http://rewired-minds.com/guest] for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Ep 24: Michelle Strubeck

In this episode of Rewired Minds, Bri Salsman speaks with Michelle, a primary caregiver for her mother who battled glioblastoma. Michelle shares her emotional journey through caregiving, the challenges of navigating grief, and the importance of self-care. Michelle emphasizes the need for caregivers to advocate for themselves and their loved ones while finding joy amidst sorrow. * Michelle was the primary caregiver for her mother diagnosed with glioblastoma. * The caregiving journey is filled with emotional challenges and growth. * Family support plays a crucial role in caregiving. * Self-care is essential for caregivers to maintain their well-being. * Finding joy and laughter is important even in difficult times. * Advocacy for oneself and the patient is vital in healthcare. * Connecting with the brain tumor community can provide support and understanding. * Grief is a personal journey that evolves over time. * Volunteering and helping others can be therapeutic for caregivers. * Open communication about feelings is necessary for emotional health. Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com [http://coachingforcauses.com] for details. Resources Check out a list of the most common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms [http://rewired-minds.com/terms] Connect with brain tumor organizations here: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources [https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources] Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com [http://rewired-minds.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod [https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod] Instagram: @rewiredmindspod [https://www.instagram.com/rewiredmindspod/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds] Connect with Michelle Strubeck Email: happytraveller15@hotmail.com [happytraveller15@hotmail.com] Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest [http://rewired-minds.com/guest] for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Ep 23: Deandra Mayer

Deandra Mayer had been living with migraines since she was 13, never imagining they were connected to something growing in her brain. A job in the medical field led her to a doctor who ordered an MRI. What followed was a five year gap, a lost referral, and a diagnosis that would change everything at 28 years old. When the first neurosurgeon told her she had 5-8 years to live, it was her mother who refused to accept that answer and found someone who would operate. Today Deandra is cancer free, traveling to France and Greece, and building the future she always dreamed of. * Migraines since age 13 were never investigated until a physician she worked with suggested an MRI * A lesion was found in 2019 but a follow up referral was lost during COVID * Sharp pain behind her eye occurring four days in a row brought her to the ER in May 2025 * Diagnosed with a grade II astrocytoma at 28 years old * First neurosurgeon gave 5-8 years to live and said the tumor was inoperable * Her mother sought a second opinion at the Montreal Neurological Institute, which changed everything * Second neurosurgeon removed 99% of the tumor using an AI-powered handheld probe called Sentry * A second craniotomy removed the remaining 1%, leaving her cancer free * Now taking Voracidinib daily as part of a clinical trial with minimal side effects * Pursued fertility preservation before starting long term medication * Positivity and "Team D" carried her through the hardest moments Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients donate to a cause in exchange for a session. 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. Every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. coachingforcauses.com [http://coachingforcauses.com] Resources Common medical terms: rewired-minds.com/terms [http://rewired-minds.com/terms] Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources [https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources] Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com [http://rewired-minds.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod [https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod] Instagram: @rewiredmindspod [https://www.instagram.com/rewiredmindspod/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds] Connect with Deandra Mayer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deandra.mayer [https://www.facebook.com/deandra.mayer] Instagram: @Deandra_K3lly Be a Guest Visit rewired-minds.com/guest [http://rewired-minds.com/guest] for more information. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.

Ep 22: Ryan Neal

Ryan Neal was five years old when a family dog named Casey pawed him awake in the middle of the night and that moment set off a chain of events that would define the next 30 years of his life. What followed was a misdiagnosis, a pioneering surgeon, and a near-miraculous shift from a malignant astrocytoma to a non-malignant DNET overnight. But surviving wasn't the end of Ryan's story, it was just the beginning of a life built on radical gratitude. Now an almost 30-year survivor, keynote speaker, and musician, Ryan shares how facing the worst at five years old gave him a framework for handling everything that came after. * A family dog's instinct may have been the first sign something was wrong * A mother's persistence made all the difference * Dr. Alexa Canady, the first African-American female neurosurgeon in U.S. history, performed Ryan's surgery * Overnight reclassification from astrocytoma grade 2 to non-malignant DNET changed his entire treatment path * Ryan has lived with a pineal cyst since age 8 with no growth * Sudden hearing loss in his left ear at age 10, completely unrelated to his tumor * Childhood medical experiences eliminated adult health anxiety * Gratitude as a daily practice, not just a feeling * Survivor's guilt as a motivator, not just a burden * Brain tumor journey evolved into a keynote speaking and music career Bri will be participating in Coaching for Causes for another year. Each May, certified coaches from various fields donate our time for 1:1 coaching sessions. Clients make a donation to a selected cause in exchange for a session. This ensures that 100% of proceeds go directly to the nonprofit. I'm raising funds for Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute. The best part is that every coach chooses their own cause, so you can donate to another coach's cause and still coach with me or vice versa. Visit coachingforcauses.com [http://coachingforcauses.com] for details. Resources Common medical terms relating to the brain tumor experience: rewired-minds.com/terms [http://rewired-minds.com/terms] Brain tumor organizations: https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources [https://www.rewired-minds.com/braintumorresources] Connect with Rewired Minds Website: rewired-minds.com [http://rewired-minds.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod [https://www.facebook.com/RewiredMindsPod] Instagram: @rewiredmindspod [https://www.instagram.com/rewiredmindspod/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewiredminds] Connect with Ryan Neal Website: ryannealmusic.com [http://ryannealmusic.com]  Be a Guest Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Visit rewired-minds.com/guest [http://rewired-minds.com/guest] for more information and to submit your request. Disclaimer The stories shared here are personal accounts from the brain tumor community for informational and awareness purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific situation. Most importantly, take care of yourself as you listen and process.