Trauma, Resilience, Radical Gratitude with Sensi Graves and Brandon Scheid | Chasing Curiosity and Sharing Boundless Insights from Ideas that Matter
Tue Jan 27 2026
Today, we talk to Sensi Graves and Brandon Scheid - extreme athletes, parents, partners, and now the subjects of a powerful new documentary - Windfall.
Two years ago, Brandon was in a speed flying accident that nearly took his life. In the days immediately following, Sensi learned she was pregnant with their first child. Together, they share their incredible journey of recovery, and how learning to live with Brandon’s traumatic brain injury has re-shaped their view of life and parenting.
This conversation is about more than the accident. It’s about identity, love, and how we move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s about the quiet strength of caregivers, the stubborn resilience of the human spirit, and the role that community plays in helping us heal.
Please enjoy, Sensi Graves and Brandon Scheid.
Key Takeaways
Turning trauma into purpose: Brandon and Sensi share how they’ve made meaning from a life-altering accident—and why they wouldn’t take it back.
Two perspectives, one story: Sensi speaks as the partner and caregiver; Brandon shares what it's like to survive a crash you don’t remember, and come back a different person.
Brain injury recovery isn’t linear: From post-coma mania to long-term depression, Brandon opens up about the invisible impacts of TBI and how he’s still navigating the mental health journey.
Presence over purpose: In the middle of crisis, Sensi redefined success as simply taking care of herself, her baby, and her husband—nothing more.
Letting go of the “old you”: After his accident, Brandon couldn’t return to his old sports or identity, so he explored everything from drones to piano to punching balls while walking down the street.
What we focus on expands: Sensi talks about practicing radical gratitude—not to sugarcoat hardship, but to make space for joy amidst the mess.
We all molt: Brandon offers a surprisingly perfect metaphor about crustaceans—sometimes growth requires outgrowing your old shell, even when it hurts.
Vulnerability creates connection: Their willingness to be open, even in the messiest moments, is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t something we do alone.
Connect with Bob Mathers
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The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/
Links & Resourceshttps://www.instagram.com/windfall_movie/
https://www.instagram.com/sensigraves/
https://www.instagram.com/brandonscheid/
https://www.sensigraves.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sensi-graves/
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler
More
Today, we talk to Sensi Graves and Brandon Scheid - extreme athletes, parents, partners, and now the subjects of a powerful new documentary - Windfall. Two years ago, Brandon was in a speed flying accident that nearly took his life. In the days immediately following, Sensi learned she was pregnant with their first child. Together, they share their incredible journey of recovery, and how learning to live with Brandon’s traumatic brain injury has re-shaped their view of life and parenting. This conversation is about more than the accident. It’s about identity, love, and how we move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. It’s about the quiet strength of caregivers, the stubborn resilience of the human spirit, and the role that community plays in helping us heal. Please enjoy, Sensi Graves and Brandon Scheid. Key Takeaways Turning trauma into purpose: Brandon and Sensi share how they’ve made meaning from a life-altering accident—and why they wouldn’t take it back. Two perspectives, one story: Sensi speaks as the partner and caregiver; Brandon shares what it's like to survive a crash you don’t remember, and come back a different person. Brain injury recovery isn’t linear: From post-coma mania to long-term depression, Brandon opens up about the invisible impacts of TBI and how he’s still navigating the mental health journey. Presence over purpose: In the middle of crisis, Sensi redefined success as simply taking care of herself, her baby, and her husband—nothing more. Letting go of the “old you”: After his accident, Brandon couldn’t return to his old sports or identity, so he explored everything from drones to piano to punching balls while walking down the street. What we focus on expands: Sensi talks about practicing radical gratitude—not to sugarcoat hardship, but to make space for joy amidst the mess. We all molt: Brandon offers a surprisingly perfect metaphor about crustaceans—sometimes growth requires outgrowing your old shell, even when it hurts. Vulnerability creates connection: Their willingness to be open, even in the messiest moments, is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t something we do alone. Connect with Bob Mathers Website LinkedIn Instagram The Restless Leader Newsletter on Substack: https://bobmathers.substack.com/ Links & Resourceshttps://www.instagram.com/windfall_movie/ https://www.instagram.com/sensigraves/ https://www.instagram.com/brandonscheid/ https://www.sensigraves.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sensi-graves/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler