🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast – Episode 45: "17 Brain Surgeries. 7 Misdiagnoses. 13 Months ICU"
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Hosts: Jeff Hopeck
Guests: Shawn Francis and Julie Francis
Introduction and Background
In Episode 45 of the Interesting Humans Podcast, host Jeff Hopeck sits down with Shawn and Julie Francis to delve into a harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival, resilience, and transformation. Shawn, a former U.S. Secret Service Officer turned entrepreneur, shares his battle with alcoholism, a subsequent coma, severe brain trauma, and an arduous path to recovery. Julie, his steadfast wife, provides a complementary perspective, highlighting the critical role she played in Shawn's survival and rehabilitation.
The Descent: Alcoholism and Coma
Shawn opens up about his struggle with alcoholism, detailing how his heavy drinking—consuming 40 to 60 ounces of vodka daily—led to a life-threatening coma. Reflecting on this period, Shawn takes full accountability for his actions:
[02:10] Shawn Francis: "Everyone says it's a disease. You can't blame me. No, I blame myself because I let myself get to that point."
The couple explains the circumstances that culminated in Shawn's coma, including working under a toxic CEO and the added pressure of an impending fatherhood. Julie recognizes the slippery slope Shawn was on and confronts the severity of his addiction.
[04:21] Shawn Francis: "And Julie realized it was a slippery slope."
Surviving the Coma: Medical Prognosis and Hope
Upon succumbing to alcoholism-induced organ failure, Shawn was given less than a 5% chance of survival. Miraculously, he survived through divine grace and unwavering support from Julie, who remained by his side even when he was unconscious.
[03:25] Shawn Francis: "I started hiding the drinking... drank myself into the coma."
Julie recounts their initial outlook during Shawn's six-year battle, emphasizing their choice to face adversity with humor and determination:
[04:56] Shawn Francis: "We choose to laugh about it. And it's a lot more fun laughing about it. And it's a lot easier to get through laughing about it. And it's made us closer."
Recovery: Reconnecting with Faith and Family
Shawn's recovery spanned over two and a half years, marked by intensive physical and cognitive therapy. Key to this journey was Julie's relentless advocacy and emotional support. She took charge of Shawn's medical care, challenging hospital protocols that almost led to his placement in hospice care.
[07:25] Julie Francis: "No, you guys haven't tried hard enough yet."
During this period, the couple also reconnected with their faith, which became a cornerstone of Shawn's rehabilitation. Shawn describes a newfound focus on family and spirituality:
[17:36] Shawn Francis: "Right. Makes sense."
Brain Trauma: Hydrocephalus and Multiple Surgeries
Four years into Shawn's recovery, he faced another formidable challenge: hydrocephalus, a condition where spinal fluid accumulates in the brain, leading to severe infections and the need for 17 brain surgeries over 13 months in the neuro ICU.
[04:38] Shawn Francis: "They finally wound up actually getting, if I remember correctly, a shunt from out of country... and it worked."
Despite being medically declared a lost cause multiple times, Julie's determination prevented Shawn from being placed in hospice. Her intervention was pivotal in securing life-saving surgeries, including a customized pediatric shunt that finally resolved his hydrocephalus.
Julie’s Advocacy: Navigating the Medical System
Julie’s deep understanding of Shawn's medical needs and her ability to advocate effectively against overwhelming odds were crucial. During a critical moment when doctors wanted to place Shawn in hospice, Julie took a stand:
[09:34] Shawn Francis: "Can you act reenact exactly how you say it?... Seriously, say it how you say it to me."
Julie’s confrontation with the medical team exemplifies her role as Shawn’s unwavering supporter:
[09:46] Julie Francis: "I want you guys to put your fucking heads together and go make some goddamn history. And I hung up on him."
Her actions not only saved Shawn’s life but also underscored the importance of having a dedicated advocate in dire medical situations.
Ongoing Medical Issues: Pancreatitis and Lessons Learned
Shawn’s medical saga didn't end with brain trauma. He also battled pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas, which Shawn likens to his earlier struggles with alcoholism. This condition further strained his health, emphasizing the necessity of listening to one's body and being proactive in seeking medical attention.
[37:04] Shawn Francis: "He didn't go for anything... he didn't go to the chiropractor because I couldn't leave him home alone."
Julie shares the challenges of managing their daughter's needs alongside Shawn's health crises, highlighting the compounded difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Life After Recovery: Embracing the Present and Building a Purpose-Driven Life
Two years into their recovery, Shawn and Julie have transformed their ordeal into a mission to help others. They partnered with a former colleague to launch a business that supports cancer and brain trauma research, embodying their philosophy of "doing well by doing good."
[40:14] Shawn Francis: "We're building a culture of God-fearing patriots...doing well by doing good."
Their life now centers around living in the moment, prioritizing health, family, and spiritual growth. Shawn emphasizes the importance of living purposefully and with gratitude:
[85:20] Shawn Francis: "Today, I pray for God to help me hear him better, to live life and walk more righteously... making sure I'm doing right by Julie and Helena."
Lessons Learned: Advocacy and Understanding Addiction
Throughout their journey, Shawn and Julie highlight two critical lessons:
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Advocacy in Medical Care: Without Julie’s intervention, Shawn might not have survived. They stress the importance of being one's own advocate or having someone who can fiercely advocate on your behalf in medical settings.
[88:48] Host: "And you were going in hospice. But that's the thing in the medical...if you're not your own advocate, there's a good chance you're not going to make it."
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Understanding Addiction as a Disease: Julie underscores the necessity of recognizing addiction as a disease rather than a choice, which was pivotal in their path to forgiveness and healing.
[78:52] Julie Francis: "Addiction is a disease, no matter what it is... Nobody wakes up and says, I'm gonna be an alcoholic."
Conclusion: A Story of Redemption and Resilience
Jeff Hopeck concludes the episode by reflecting on the profound vulnerability and strength exhibited by Shawn and Julie. Their story is a testament to the power of love, faith, and unwavering support in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Listeners are left with a powerful message about the importance of advocacy, the recognition of addiction as a disease, and the transformative impact of living with gratitude and purpose.
[89:25] Shawn Francis: "He had us survived, he's having us thrive."
This episode not only chronicles Shawn and Julie's extraordinary journey but also serves as an inspiring guide for anyone facing similar adversities, illustrating that with the right support and mindset, redemption and a fulfilling life are achievable.