The Broken Road Project Podcast

Sticking With Recovery | Amanda Renfro | The Broken Road Podcast | Season 2 Episode 2

What does stroke recovery really look like behind the scenes?In this episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, Trent Peterson is joined by neuro physical therapist Amanda Renfro to explore dry needling therapy, neurological rehabilitation, and the unseen challenges stroke survivors face every day.They discuss muscle tone, pain, micro-wins in recovery, and why physical therapy is about far more than movement, it’s about dignity, purpose, and hope. Amanda also shares how faith shapes the way she cares for patients walking through life-changing events.This episode is for stroke survivors, caregivers, therapists, and anyone learning how healing unfolds on the broken road.📺 Watch on YouTube🔗 Resources & support links available at www.thebrokenroad.org Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your care.#BrokenRoadProjectPodcast #StrokeRecovery #DryNeedling #NeuroRehab #PhysicalTherapy #LifeAfterStroke #FaithAndHealing #StrokeSurvivor #RehabilitationJourney

Building New Paths| Trent Peterson | The Broken Road Podcast |Season 2 Episode 1

Welcome to Season Two of The Broken Road Project Podcast 🎙️Hosted by Trent Peterson, stroke survivor and co-founder of The Broken Road Project, this powerful first episode of 2026 explores what it truly means to reinvent yourself after a life-altering experience.In this episode, Trent shares how surviving a stroke forced him to slow down, reevaluate priorities, and replace old habits with new, life-giving ones. Through honest reflection, faith, and vulnerability, he discusses:- Creating new habits instead of breaking old ones- The power of gratitude and daily intentionality-Learning to be present after trauma- Rebuilding life, faith, and purpose after a stroke- Letting go of busyness to invest in family, relationships, and community- How faith and patience play a role in healing and personal growthThis episode is an encouraging reminder that resilience, faith, and community can transform even the most broken roads into meaningful journeys.Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, navigating a major life change, or feeling overwhelmed by the hustle of life, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical wisdom.🙏 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, healing, and hope from The Broken Road Project Podcast. New episodes every two weeks.🔗 Learn more about The Broken Road Project or get involved: www.thebrokenroad.org#BrokenRoadPodcast #StrokeRecovery #FaithAndHealing #PersonalGrowth #ChristianPodcast #Resilience #LifeAfterStroke #NewHabits #Gratitude #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithJourney #NonprofitPodcast #HopeAndHealing #CommunityMatters

Mile Marker 1 | Luke & Jen Balloun | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 23

In this powerful season finale of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson is joined by Luke and Jen Balloun and co-founder Amber Peterson for an honest, emotional conversation about stroke recovery, faith after trauma, and finding purpose through suffering.Luke shares his firsthand experience surviving a life-altering stroke, the frightening moments that followed, and the long road of neurological rehabilitation. Jen offers a raw and heartfelt perspective from the caregiver side; navigating fear, faith, and the unseen challenges families face during medical trauma. Together, they reflect on how tragedy reshaped their priorities, strengthened their faith, and led them toward serving others walking similar broken roads.This episode also dives into:Life after stroke & neurotraumaCaregiver trauma and emotional recoveryFaith during medical crisesRehabilitation, therapy, and community supportWhy The Broken Road Project existsThe importance of hope, mentorship, and not walking aloneAs the final episode of the season, this conversation sets the tone for what’s ahead; expanding outreach, building community, and helping others rebuild life after stroke, TBI, and serious medical trauma.🧠💙 You are not alone. Healing is possible. Purpose can be found, even on the broken road.🔗 Learn More & Get Involved Visit: https://www.thebrokenroad.orgSupport the mission, volunteer, or donate to help individuals and families affected by neurotrauma, stroke, and brain injury.🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations Like ThisNew episodes feature real stories of:Stroke & TBI recoveryMedical trauma & faithCaregivers & survivorsHope, healing, and resilience

Still In The Game | Nathan Griffith | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 22

In this powerful episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, Trent sits down with 16-year-old stroke survivor Nathan Griffith to share a story you will never forget. Nathan opens up about the night his life changed, the battle he faced after a sudden hemorrhagic stroke, and the moment of clarity he experienced while fighting for his life, a moment that completely reshaped his future and faith.From losing mobility and proprioception on his left side, to relearning how to walk with an exoskeleton, to pushing through neurofeedback therapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatment, Nathan shows what it means to stay “Still in the Game.”His resilience, honesty, and faith-driven purpose will inspire anyone walking a difficult road, especially families navigating stroke, brain injuries, or major life change.Nathan shares:• What led up to his stroke at age 15• His experience with brain surgery, ventilators, and early recovery• The emotional impact of seeing himself differently after brain trauma• The spiritual encounter that redirected his entire future• His new mission to become a physical therapist and help others heal• What he wishes every stroke survivor knew early on• Why “keep on keepin’ on” is the motto that keeps him moving forward💛 SUPPORT NATHAN’S RECOVERYEvery therapy session makes a difference for Nathan, especially in this critical window of neuroplasticity. If you feel led to support his recovery, you can donate here:👉 https://www.thebrokenroad.org/support-nathan-griffith 👉 https://www.supportnow.org/nathan-griffith Even $1 helps.🧡 ABOUT THE BROKEN ROAD PROJECTWe are a Christian non-profit dedicated to supporting stroke and brain injury survivors through storytelling, advocacy, and assistance for therapies often not covered by insurance. Your support allows us to stand in the gap for families in need and bring hope where it’s needed most.🔔 LIKE • COMMENT • SUBSCRIBEYour engagement helps us share stories like Nathan’s with people who desperately need to hear them.

Beyond Limitations | Cassie Graziano | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 21

In this inspiring episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with occupational therapist Cassie Graziano to talk about resilience, faith, and the power of purpose in neurorehabilitation. Cassie shares her personal and professional journey from helping stroke and brain injury patients rediscover independence to facing her own health challenges and learning the importance of self-compassion.Together, they discuss how faith fuels healing, what it means to walk beside patients through the hardest seasons of life, and how recovery is not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that every challenge can become a chance to grow closer to God and find meaning beyond the limitations.🎧 Topics Covered:Cassie’s journey into occupational therapy and neuro rehabThe emotional toll and rewards of serving othersFaith, burnout, and finding life balanceThe importance of grace and self-careCassie’s own spinal surgery and lessons from recoveryThe mission behind The Broken Road Project nonprofit💬 Key Quote: “It’s okay to have hard times. Life will throw challenges, but there’s always a brighter side that comes from it.” – Cassie Graziano🙏 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, healing, and hope from The Broken Road Project Podcast.#FaithInRecovery #StrokeAwareness #OccupationalTherapy #NeuroRehab #HealingJourney #ChristianPodcast #TheBrokenRoadProject #FaithAndHealing #RecoveryStories #Inspiration

Stronger Stroke | Nicole Salzano | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 20

In this inspiring episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with Nicole Salzano; stroke survivor, motivational speaker, and former Bryant University swim team captain, to share her incredible journey from athlete to advocate.At just 22, Nicole suffered a massive stroke during her senior year of college, leaving her with aphasia and right-sided weakness. Against all odds, she fought her way back through faith, determination, and the healing power of community.Together, Trent and Nicole discuss:💬 Overcoming aphasia and rediscovering her voice through music💪 Living with a blood-clotting disorder and the importance of stroke awareness🙏 How faith and perspective bring purpose through adversity💡 The “Power of Yet” — a mindset for growth and hope in recoveryWhether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, medical professional, or simply someone seeking encouragement, this episode reminds us that every day is a gift and every step forward is victory.🔗 Connect with Nicole: https://www.nicolesalzano.me🔗 Learn more about The Broken Road Project: https://www.thebrokenroad.org📅 New episodes every two weeks; subscribe, like, and share to help spread hope and awareness!#StrokeSurvivor #AphasiaAwareness #FaithBasedRecovery #StrokeRecovery #MotivationalPodcast #TheBrokenRoadProject #NicoleSalzano #TrentPeterson #BrainInjuryAwareness #StrokeSupport #PowerOfYet

Spreading Kindness | With Lorenzo Cherry | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 19

In this episode, host Trent Peterson sits down with Lorenzo Cherry, a veteran, father, and stroke survivor whose story reminds us that every challenge can become a chance to grow.Lorenzo opens up about experiencing a TIA (mini-stroke), rebuilding his health, letting go of stress, and finding gratitude in every moment. Together, Trent and Lorenzo talk about the power of positivity, faith, healthy living, and second chances, including the inspiring story of Lorenzo’s 97-year-old mother, a cancer survivor and woman of strong faith.If you’ve ever felt like life knocked you down, this episode will lift you back up. 💪🕊️ Topics Covered:Signs and symptoms of a TIA / mini-strokeOvercoming fear and lifestyle change after recoveryThe role of faith and prayer in healingFatherhood, family, and finding joy in the small thingsStress, gratitude, and the power of kindness📌 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, recovery, and resilience from The Broken Road Project Podcast.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments, what part of Lorenzo’s story inspired you most?👇 Listen now and be encouraged!#StrokeSurvivor #FaithInHealing #RecoveryJourney #StrokeAwareness #MentalHealth #HealthyLiving #TheBrokenRoadProject #ChristianPodcast #Inspiration #Resilience #PodcastInterview #LifeAfterStroke #FaithOverFear

Driving Independence | Taylor Moellering | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 18

In this episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with Taylor Moellering, an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist at Baylor. Together, they dive deep into the world of occupational therapy, stroke recovery, driving rehabilitation, and the role of faith in healing.Taylor shares her journey of helping patients regain independence, whether that’s learning how to get dressed again, celebrating small wins, or getting back behind the wheel after a life-changing medical event. She also opens up about the challenges of balancing patient care, safety, and the emotional side of rehabilitation.Trent and Taylor discuss:What occupational therapy really is (it’s more than just “getting back to work”).The unique driving rehabilitation program at Baylor and why independence matters.How faith, mindset, and support systems impact recovery outcomes.The struggles patients face with insurance, costly adaptive equipment, and why advocacy is so important.Why celebrating small wins is key to finding purpose and hope after stroke, TBI, or neurological conditions.This conversation is full of inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement for survivors, caregivers, and anyone curious about the recovery journey.✨ If you’re navigating recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Broken Road Project Podcast for more real conversations on faith, recovery, and resilience.

Surviving the Battle| Colby Stickney’s Story| The Broken Road Project | Season 1 Episode 17

In this episode of The Broken Road Podcast, Colby shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer at just 31 years old. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, she opens up about the challenges of chemo, radiation, surgery, and recovery, and how her faith in God, her family, and her church community became her anchor through the battle.Colby discusses:✦ The moment she received her diagnosis✦ How she and her husband shared the news with their children✦ Practical tools that helped her through chemo (cold capping, hydration, IV therapy)✦ The incredible role her husband and community played in her healing✦ Finding purpose in pain and walking alongside others in their cancer journeyThis is more than just a cancer survivor story, it’s a testimony of faith, hope, and resilience. If you or a loved one are navigating illness, trauma, or hardship, Colby’s story is a reminder that you are never alone and that God can use even the hardest battles for good.🙏 Subscribe to The Broken Road Project Podcast for more real stories of recovery, resilience, and faith.📌 Resources & Links: www.thebrokenroad.org #BreastCancerSurvivor #FaithPodcast #ChristianTestimony #SurvivorStory #CancerBattle #Inspiration #HopeInChrist

Hands That Heal | Dr. Jeremy Lasso | The Broken Road Project Podcast | Season 1 Episode 16

In this episode of The Broken Road Project Podcast, host Trent Peterson sits down with physical therapist Jeremy Lasso to talk about stroke recovery, the power of neuroplasticity, and the role of faith in healing.Trent shares his journey after surviving a stroke, and Jeremy offers insights from years of working with patients in neuro rehab. Together, they discuss the challenges of physical therapy, why PTs are often the unsung heroes of recovery, and how faith and family fuel both patients and caregivers.If you’re looking for encouragement, resources, and real conversations about overcoming life-changing medical events, this episode will inspire you.✨ Topics Covered:Stroke recovery & neuroplasticity explainedWhat makes physical therapy life-changingFaith’s impact on healing and resilienceFriendship, family, and hope in the recovery journey🙏 About The Broken Road Project:We are a nonprofit dedicated to supporting stroke survivors and those facing life-altering medical events through hope, resources, and faith-based encouragement. Learn more: www.thebrokenroad.org#StrokeRecovery #FaithAndHealing #PhysicalTherapy #StrokeSurvivor #BrokenRoadProject