In 1990, at age twenty-four, I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and spent days in a coma and three-and-a-half days rebuilding. Recovery did not come as a single dramatic breakthrough. It came through small acts, repeated over time: walking, cycling, music, memorization, humour, study, creativity, and community.

For more than two decades, I have explored that experience in various forms including CBC articles and documentaries. These broadcasts trace that journey—the science, the stories, and the practices that helped me rebuild a life.

Discover how the power of music can rewire the brain and spark an extraordinary recovery after a severe medical crisis. Read this inspiring CBC First Person personal essay  by CBC Host and Producer Allan Boss and learn how he feels his passion for the guitar to beat the odds and rebuild his life note by note.

In 1990, at the age of 24, Allan Boss suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and fell into a coma. He wasn't expected to recover, but he did. In this show, Boss will explore the odds of recovering from such a severe injury, picking up where his 2004 Peabody-nominated Ideas episode on the topic left off. He will interview experts as he shares his own story of steps he took to achieve a recovery that has been called a miracle.

-- 51 Minutes --

Hear Against the Odds on

In 1990, Allan Boss was in a car accident and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. His family was told that if he didn’t die, he’d likely never recover. But he did. In part two of Against The Odds, Boss explores how goal setting, art and drama therapy, and Post Traumatic Growth all played a role in helping him beat the odds.

-- 54 Minutes --

Hear Against the Odds Part Two on

Broadcast Courtesy of CBC Radio.

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