136. From Critical TBI to Thriving: Neuroplasticity, the Gut-Brain Axis, and the MoCrazy Method w...

Jamie MoCrazy is a former professional freestyle skier, X Games record-setter, and critical traumatic brain injury survivor. Once known for pushing the limits in big air and slopestyle, her life changed dramatically during a competition in Whistler, Canada. Now, she uses her platform to raise awareness about the long-term effects of TBI and the importance of proper diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Grace “Fruit” Mauzy (MA in Psychology, PhD candidate in Mind-Body Medicine) is Jamie’s mother, who played a critical role as both a caregiver and researcher throughout Jamie’s recovery. She brings a unique dual perspective, combining academic expertise with lived experience navigating the complexities of brain injury care. In this powerful episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Jamie and Grace MoCrazy to discuss their remarkable journey through severe traumatic brain injury and recovery. Jamie shares the story of her 2015 skiing accident—which left her in a coma with a death report written before she left the mountain—and how she has no memory of the event or the two months following. Grace describes the harrowing moment she received the call, the breaking of protocol in stimulating Jamie’s system in ways that contradicted hospital protocol (touching, singing, massaging, playing music), and the science that supported those instincts. Together, they explore the similarities and differences between severe TBI and concussion, and why healing cannot happen when the nervous system is stuck in sympathetic (fight/flight) mode. Grace explains the gut-brain axis, how the microbiome shrinks under stress and craves processed foods, and why nausea is the gut telling the brain it isn’t healing. Jamie introduces her powerful reframing tool: “Let’s stop and look at the view”—a strategy that transforms guilt into grace. The episode closes with details on the MoCrazy Method (a 6-week virtual mind-body therapy program) and the iFly Alive to Thrive in-person event, both designed to help brain injury survivors and their caregivers rebuild connection, joy, and a thriving “2.0” life. Resources Mentioned MoCrazy Strong Foundation (Jamie & Grace): • Website: www.MoCrazyStrong.org (http://www.mocrazystrong.org/) • Email: [email protected] | [email protected] • Instagram: @MoCrazyStrongFoundation • Facebook: @MoCrazy Strong Brain Injury Foundation Upcoming Events (as of recording): 1. The MoCrazy Method (6-week virtual mind-body therapy program with psychoeducation) • Starts: April 29, 2026 | Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00 PM MT • Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing... 2. iFly Alive to Thrive (indoor skydiving + lunch + social connection) • Date: May 14, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM MT (skydiving 9:30–11:00 AM) • Location: Ogden, UT (iFly + Ogden Library) • Cost: $45 (lunch included; scholarships available) • Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing... Connect with Bethany: • Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ • Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website • Free Coaching Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-c...