What does life after a traumatic brain injury look like, and how can rehabilitation help someone rebuild skills, confidence, and independence?

On this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric sit down with Jean , a longtime client at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey, to talk about his recovery journey, his experiences with therapy, and the activities that make him part of the Universal community.

Jean shares how a shooting left him needing rehabilitation and how he continues working toward progress through cognitive therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. He discusses improvements in his memory, the challenge of remembering names, and the ongoing effort it takes to strengthen his skills.

But life at Universal is about more than therapy sessions. Jean talks about helping out at Winston’s Cafe, doing laundry and other jobs around the facility, enjoying community outings, and participating in News and Noise, the radio show where he shares jokes with listeners.

From his love of the Pittsburgh Steelers to his favorite outings and everyday experiences, Jean brings humor and personality to a conversation about recovery, persistence, and community.

Truly Universal: Life After TBI shares the real stories of clients and staff at Universal Institute, exploring life after traumatic brain injury, brain injury rehabilitation, cognitive recovery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the everyday progress that helps people move forward.

Subscribe for more conversations about recovery, resilience, independence, and life at Universal Institute.

What exactly is occupational therapy, and how can it help someone recovering from a traumatic brain injury?

On this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric sit down with Anna, an occupational therapist at Universal Institute in Livingston, NJ, for a conversation about what occupational therapy really looks like in brain injury rehabilitation.

Anna explains why occupational therapy is about much more than getting a job. OT focuses on meaningful everyday activities—from getting dressed and using the bathroom to eating, writing, managing money, preparing for employment, socializing, and becoming more independent in the community.

She also breaks down some of the challenges people with TBI can experience, including changes in muscle tone, fine motor skills, coordination, range of motion, and the ability to relearn everyday tasks. Sometimes something as simple as picking up a fork can require significant neurological and physical retraining.

The conversation also explores the emotional and behavioral side of recovery, including frustration, self-regulation, impulsivity, and adapting to life after brain injury.

Anna shares her own journey into occupational therapy, why she chose to work with adults, and what she loves about working at Universal Institute. And, of course, Chris and Eric get into the fun stuff—including Dungeons & Dragons, art, music, Green Day, horror movies, Star Wars, cheese, and more.

If you've ever wondered what occupational therapy is, how OT helps after TBI, or what brain injury rehabilitation looks like beyond traditional physical therapy, this episode is a great place to start.

Truly Universal: Life After TBI is a podcast about the people, experiences, challenges, humor, and everyday victories that make up life after traumatic brain injury.

Recorded at Universal Institute's Livingston, NJ location.

What does 17 years of life after a traumatic brain injury look like?

On this episode of Truly Universal: Life After TBI, Chris and Eric sit down with Jim “Reflex” Sherman, a longtime Universal Institute client, to talk about his journey, his progress, and the life he's built over nearly two decades at Universal.

Jim shares how he arrived at Universal after a brain infection left him in a wheelchair and unable to speak—and how years of therapy, determination, and support have helped him regain independence.

Today, Jim has a job at Universal delivering mail and taking care of the fish, lives independently within the residential program, and continues working toward new physical goals.

But this episode is about much more than rehabilitation. Jim opens up about his love of Friday the 13th, horror movies, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, hip-hop, and his past as a rapper known as “Reflex.”

It's a conversation about recovery, independence, finding purpose, and continuing to grow—while having plenty of fun along the way.

Because life after TBI isn't just about where you started.

It's about how far you've come, and where you're still going.

🎙️ Truly Universal: Life After TBI
Recorded at Universal Institute in Livingston, New Jersey.