50. Overcoming Stigma and Building Resilience: Stroke Recovery and Life After Incarceration with Will Schmierer and Chris Hennessy

Survivor Science

Send us a text

Connect with Chris Hennessy:
🔗 LinkedIn
🏠 The Raven Is Here (LinkedIn)
🔥 The Raven Is Here (Merch)

In this milestone episode, Episode 50, I’m thrilled to be joined by my friend, Chris Hennessy to discuss overcoming stigma and building resilience, whether as a stroke survivor or after incarceration. Chris opens up about his 8.5 years in prison and how he founded The Raven Is Here, a nonprofit that transforms drug houses into sober living spaces for those in recovery. We dive into the challenges of mental health, reintegration, and the parallels between stroke recovery and post-incarceration life.

We explore the emotional and societal hurdles—stigma, self-esteem issues, and isolation—and the strength needed to overcome them. Chris shares his journey of reintegration, and I reflect on the mental and physical challenges I’ve faced as a stroke survivor. Together, we uncover the shared resilience required to push through adversity, build confidence, and find a new sense of purpose.

🌟 Key Themes Discussed:

• Stigma and Resilience: How stroke survivors and formerly incarcerated individuals can overcome societal rejection and build a new path.
• The Raven Is Here: Chris’s mission to turn abandoned drug houses into safe, sober living homes for those in recovery.
• Mental Health and Coping: The importance of managing brain fog, fatigue, and emotional recovery through coping mechanisms like breathwork and meditation.
• Financial and Employment Challenges: The struggle for financial independence and navigating job markets post-incarceration and during stroke recovery.

This episode highlights the power

Hey there! If you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, or someone navigating recovery, I want to invite you to check out The Center by Survivor Science. Head over to center.survivorscience.com and join a community that understands what you're going through.

And if you’re not quite ready to join, that’s okay! You can still access free resources at survivorscience.com

💖 Let's Connect! Bye for Now 👋 (IYKYK)
Email - podcast [at] survivorscience [.] com
💖 Check out the new websites!!⤵️
🧪 🔗 https://center.survivorscience.com/
🧪 🔗 https://survivorscience.com/
🎙️🔗 https://podcast.survivorsciencecom/
X/Twitter - https://twitter.com/SurvivorSciHQ
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willschmierer/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@SurvivorScienceHQ
IG- https://www.instagram.com/SurvivorScienceHQ/
Medical Disclaimer: All content found on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided, while based on personal experiences, should not replace professional medical counsel. Always consult with your physician or another qualified health provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Always seek professional advice before starting a new exercise or therapy...