The Second Beginning: Life After Traumatic Brain Injury with Erik Johnson

The Second Beginning: Life After Traumatic Brain Injury with Erik Johnson

Author: Dr Daniel & Tana Amen August 10, 2026 Duration: 55:30
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen sits down with Stanley Cup and NHL champion Erik Johnson for a groundbreaking look inside Erik's concussion recovery. Using advanced SPECT imaging, Dr. Amen scans Erik's brain to reveal the hidden impact of his traumatic brain injury and maps areas of damage, dysfunction, and remarkable resilience that standard imaging often misses.
 
Together, they walk through the results in real time, translating complex brain scans into a clear picture of what TBI actually does to blood flow, activity, and function. Erik gets an unflinching look at his own recovery — the progress made, the challenges still ahead, and what the science says is possible from here.
 
This isn't just a conversation about brain injury. It's a rare, visual journey into what healing looks like from the inside out — offering hope, clarity, and actionable insight for anyone navigating their own recovery.

What if the small, daily decisions you make about food, thought patterns, and lifestyle are actively shaping your biology for better or worse? That’s the central exploration you’ll find within Change Your Brain Every Day, a conversation hosted by Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen. Moving beyond theory, this podcast delivers practical, actionable strategies rooted in clinical experience. Each episode feels like a direct consultation, where the Amens translate complex neuroscience into clear steps anyone can use. You’ll hear them discuss how specific habits influence conditions like anxiety, focus, and low mood, offering a tangible sense of agency over your own mental and physical well-being. The tone is both authoritative and deeply encouraging, stripping away the overwhelm that often accompanies health advice. Rather than promising a single miracle cure, the focus is on sustainable, incremental change-the kind that compounds over weeks and months to create lasting results. Tuning into this podcast is an investment in understanding the direct connection between your daily life and your brain’s health. It’s for anyone who feels stuck in unhelpful cycles or is simply curious about optimizing their mind. The Amens act as guides, providing the tools to not just manage symptoms, but to fundamentally reshape your approach to your own health journey, one day at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Change Your Brain Every Day
Podcast Episodes
Has Your Head Injury Contributed To Your Mental Health Issues? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:30
Has Your Head Injury Contributed To Your Mental Health Issues? You don't need to suffer a concussion or be knocked unconscious to have head trauma. Taking a bad fall as a child, in a car accident, or simply having played…
Breast Implant Illness with Danica Patrick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:49
The Hidden Epidemic of Breast Implant Illness with Danica Patrick When professional race car driver and podcast host Danica Patrick heard Dr. Daniel Amen say this, she gave him a high-five and responded, "Thank you for s…
Adrien Nunez: The Truth About Finding Out You Have ADHD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:20
In this eye-opening episode, country pop star Adrien Nunez shares the moment he discovered he has ADHD and low activity in his frontal lobes. From struggling with focus and consistency to questioning his own potential, A…
I Jumped Off The Golden Gate Bridge & Lived with Kevin Hines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:41
Trigger warning: Mention of Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt On September 25, 2000, 19-year-old ‪@KevinHines‬ approached the Golden Gate Bridge and was determined to end his own life. According to CNN, San Fra…