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

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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

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

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