The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Welcome to The Concussion Nerds Podcast, where we revolutionize concussion care! This show is for passionate clinicians who want to excel in their field, move clients from stuck to excelling, and celebrate life's moments. Join us as we bring you cutting-edge advancements, practical tips, and inspiring success stories. Together, we'll propel concussion care into a new era, blending science with heart and soul. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a fresh face, or an individual on their own healing journey, this podcast is your ultimate resource. Let's build a community that uplifts and empowers one another, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in concussion care. Get ready to laugh, learn, and grow with me, Natasha Wilch, on The Concussion Nerds Podcast!

EP 112: The Moment Everything Clicks in Concussion Rehab 03/30/2026

Embrace Yourself: Heartfelt Meditation 03/27/2026

EP 111: The Intricacies of Vestibular Dysfunction: Beyond Dizziness 03/25/2026

Embracing the Present: A Guided Meditation 03/20/2026

EP 110: Acceptance and Urgency: The Hidden Traps in Healing 03/16/2026

Embracing Resilience: A Guided Meditation Journey 03/13/2026

EP 109: Building Capacity: The Path to a Dynamic Nervous System 03/09/2026

EP 108: Navigating Concussion Recovery:The Nervous System's Role 03/02/2026

EP 108: Navigating Concussion Recovery:The Nervous System's Role Are you trying to rehab vision, balance, or exercise tolerance… but secretly ignoring the one system that sets the ceiling for all of it? If you’re a clinician piling on protocols without addressing nervous system state—or you’re on a healing journey wondering why “all the right exercises” still flare your symptoms—you might be missing the foundation. Because no matter how advanced the intervention, if the nervous system feels threatened, it won’t integrate change. And here’s the hard truth: there is no 15-minute reset. No six-week magic switch. Nervous system regulation isn’t sexy. It’s consistent, daily work. But when you understand how state drives physiology, symptoms, and capacity, everything about concussion rehab starts to make more sense. In this episode, we explore how the nervous system truly sets the stage for recovery—through the lens of the Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory—and why safety (or even just “okay-ness”) must come before performance. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why concussion often leads to sympathetic dominance—and what that actually means physiologically The difference between ventral vagal (safety), sympathetic (mobilization), and dorsal vagal (shutdown) states Why you can’t rehab peripheral vision, sound sensitivity, or vestibular symptoms effectively in a threat state How shifting from “I need to feel safe” to “I can feel okay” changes the entire recovery trajectory The nervous system isn’t the side quest—it’s the foundation. And when you start there, everything else becomes possible. Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/40280010

EP 107: Why Doing Everything Right Still Feels Hard: A Concussion Journey 02/23/2026

EP 107: Why Doing Everything Right Still Feels Hard: A Concussion Journey Are you doing everything right for your concussion recovery… and still feeling like you’re getting absolutely nowhere? You’re booking the appointments. You’re doing the exercises. You’re cleaning up your sleep, your diet, your supplements. Maybe you’re even adding breathwork and therapy on top of it all. And yet—you're exhausted, overwhelmed, foggy, and wondering why it still feels so dang hard. Here’s the truth no one talks about: more rehab isn’t always better rehab. When your nervous system is already overloaded, piling on every “right” intervention at once can actually slow you down. If you’ve ever felt lost, forgotten what your doctor told you, or like you’re spinning in a hamster wheel of appointments with no progress—you are not alone. And you are not broken. In this episode, we’re kicking off a brand-new season of Concussion Nerds by diving into the real reason recovery can stall: multi-system overload, siloed care, and a nervous system that simply doesn’t have the capacity for it all—yet. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why “doing everything right” can still keep you stuck The hidden cost of siloed concussion care (and how it overwhelms your nervous system) Why information overload after concussion leaves so many people feeling lost How to recognize when it’s time to pause, zoom out, and restructure your rehab plan If recovery feels harder than it should, this episode might just give you the permission—and the strategy—to do less, better. Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/40199750

Grounding into Earth Meditation 02/20/2026

EP 106: Empowering Brain Health: A Conversation with Cognitive Protocol with Scott Thomson 02/02/2026

EP 106: Empowering Brain Health: A Conversation with Cognitive Protocol with Scott Thomson What if the symptoms you’ve been “living with” for years aren’t something you have to accept at all? If you’ve ever been told to just shake it off, sit in a dark room, or wait out your concussion symptoms—chances are you’ve been missing one of the most foundational pieces of brain recovery. In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Thomson, co-founder of Cognitive Protocol, to unpack a hard truth: ignoring nutrition (or oversimplifying it) keeps people stuck in inflammation, brain fog, headaches, mood changes, and fatigue—sometimes decades after their last hit to the head. The solution isn’t doing nothing… it’s reclaiming agency. Strategic, targeted nutrition can calm the storm in the brain, reduce inflammation, and support real healing—without needing 25 different supplements or a full-time job in the kitchen. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why brain health was ignored for so long in sports—and how that mistake is still affecting adults today How Scott Thomson’s background in professional athletics and nutrition led to the creation of Cognitive Protocol The critical role of omega fatty acids, creatine, and inflammation-reducing nutrients in brain recovery How intentional nutrition gives concussion patients and caregivers back a sense of control and momentum in healing Brain healing isn’t passive—and as Scott Thomson shares, you don’t have to live with lingering symptoms forever when you give your brain what it actually needs to recover. Listener Discount Code: CONCUSSIONNERDS20 Website: Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/39964785

EP 105: Taking Time for Self-Care and Growth 12/08/2025

EP 104: From Meditation to Mobilization: Engaging the Nervous System 11/25/2025

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 4: Healing Paths Explored: Traditional vs. Contemporary Approaches 11/19/2025

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 4: Healing Paths Explored: Traditional vs. Contemporary Approaches What if “evidence-based” isn’t the only correct path — but picking the wrong alternative care could cost your client their recovery? Too many patients and clinicians get stuck in a binary: either “only evidence-based” or “anything that feels good.” That leaves vulnerable people chasing unproven fixes, paying lots of money, delaying effective care — or worse, getting harmed. Here’s the hard truth: the concussion space is messy and full of gray. Research often lags behind clinical observation, but that doesn’t mean anything goes. The solution is evidence-informed, patient-centred care — blend what the best evidence shows, your clinical reasoning, objective outcomes, and informed consent so people safely get the care that actually helps them. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to tell the difference between helpful complementary care and care that’s actively harmful (financial, symptomatic, or delaying effective treatment). Practical flags to watch for in a therapist’s approach — e.g., inability to explain the treatment plan, no objective/subjective outcome measures, pressure sales, or discouraging other referrals. Why trauma almost always plays a role in persistent concussion and how addressing it (EMDR, somatic, or other trauma-informed approaches) can unlock rehab progress. How to prioritize and co-manage care (what to measure, how to test and retest in session, when to refer, and how to keep the patient’s autonomy and safety front and centre). If you’re a clinician: use this episode as a checklist to tighten your referrals and explain your reasoning to patients. If you’re on a healing journey: use it as permission to ask tough questions and refuse care that feels coercive, vague, or unmeasured. Let’s finish Season One by choosing curiosity over dogma — and by putting patient safety, clarity, and real outcomes first. Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Visit Natasha’s Website: Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457 /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/39092560

EP 103: Navigating Vision Challenges Post-Concussion with Dr. Paul Rollett 11/13/2025

EP 103: Navigating Vision Challenges Post-Concussion with Dr. Paul Rollett Have you ever wondered why your vision still feels “off” long after your concussion recovery was supposed to be complete? You’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not alone. So many concussion survivors go through the motions of rehab, only to find their eyes still struggle to track, focus, or process movement the way they used to. The problem? Vision issues are often an invisible piece of the concussion puzzle that goes undiagnosed or under-treated. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Dr. Paul Rollett, a neuro-optometrist who understands this struggle on a personal level. After suffering a severe concussion during optometry school, Dr. Rollett experienced the same visual challenges he now helps his patients overcome. His story sheds light on how vision connects deeply to brain recovery — and why addressing it can make all the difference in your healing journey. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why vision problems are so common — yet so often missed — after concussion How neuro-optometry bridges the gap between vision and brain healing The signs your eyes may still be struggling post-injury How targeted vision therapy can accelerate your recovery and clarity KEY TAKEAWAYS: Even in environments focused on vision, post-concussion visual issues can go overlooked — awareness and specialized care matter. Recovery is possible, but it often requires a collaborative approach between neuro-optometrists, physiotherapists, and other rehab professionals. Vision therapy isn’t just about the eyes — it’s about retraining the brain to process visual information effectively. Personal experience often fuels passionate, patient-centered care — and Dr. Rollett’s journey is proof of that. CONNECT WITH DR. PAUL ROLLETT: 🌐 Website: https://www.vividneurooptometry.com 📸 Instagram: If your world still feels visually “off” after a concussion, this conversation with Dr. Paul Rollett will help you understand why — and what you can do about it. Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Connect with Dr. Paul Rollett 🌐 Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca 💬 You can use the contact form on the site to reach Dr. Rollett directly. 🎥 Bonus: Check out their 45-minute YouTube documentary on the main page to learn how vision plays a powerful role in concussion recovery. /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38976830

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 3: Money Talk in Concussion Rehab 11/12/2025

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 3: Money Talk in Concussion Rehab Have you ever hesitated to recommend a treatment because you weren’t sure your patient could afford it — or worried your fees would look like you’re putting profit before care? Many private-practice providers freeze at the money conversation: we undercharge out of guilt, over-explain costs, or avoid talking about outcomes and value — and that leaves patients confused, underserved, or worse, exploited. That discomfort is exactly why this episode matters. The Roundtable pulls back the curtain on pricing, billing, and ethical care — we name the tension between value and access, then give you practical ways to hold both at once: clear upfront conversations about outcomes, flexible “plan B” options, warranties/refund approaches for devices, pro-bono funnels, and clinician-level boundaries that protect both patient outcomes and your team’s sustainability. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to frame cost conversations around value and outcomes (so patients see spending as investment, not just expense). Concrete strategies for setting and defending fee schedules while staying ethical and compassionate (including transparency, team conversations, and when to push back on insurer-driven rates). A practical, team-based clinical approach for complex concussion cases — what to assess first (vision, vestibular, neck, nervous-system regulation) and how to coordinate referrals. Real ways to increase access without going broke: pro-bono slots, low-cost/online resources, sliding plans, and negotiating efficient treatment doses that still get results. On this episode of The Roundtable we dig into the hard stuff — cost, billing, and caring for people in vulnerable positions — and we walk through a real, messy case study (Michelle’s multi-system concussion) so you leave with both mindset shifts and actionable tools. Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Visit Natasha’s Website: Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457 /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/39006565

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 2: Is your concussion clinic legit? The questions we need to ask 11/05/2025

EP 102: Concussion Recovery: Exploring Neurofeedback Techniques 11/03/2025

EP 102: Concussion Recovery: Exploring Neurofeedback Techniques Have you ever wondered what’s actually happening in your brain after a concussion—and why some symptoms just won’t quit? You’ve probably tried the usual: rest, therapy, supplements… but your sleep is still off, your focus is fuzzy, and your mood swings are confusing everyone (including you). That’s where neurofeedback comes in—a powerful yet often misunderstood approach that can retrain your brainwaves and support true, lasting recovery. In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lisa Cramer, licensed professional counselor, neurofeedback provider, and owner of MindBody Neurotherapy in Colorado and Illinois. Lisa breaks down how neurofeedback works, why it’s such a game-changer for lingering concussion symptoms, and how it fits into an integrated recovery plan. 🧠 BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What neurofeedback really is (and how it retrains your brainwaves) Why symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and poor sleep often persist after concussion How EEG brain mapping helps guide personalized neurofeedback treatment The difference between systems like LENS and traditional neurofeedback When to start neurofeedback after a concussion—and what to expect during the process How combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation and other therapies can accelerate healing 🔍 Key Takeaways: No two concussions are alike. Neurofeedback helps target your unique brainwave patterns rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan. The EEG comes first. Always look for a provider who does a QEEG brain map before starting any neurofeedback protocol. Healing is possible. Even years after an injury, the brain can change—and neurofeedback helps it do exactly that. Don’t wait. If your child (or you) still isn’t “back to normal” after a head injury, there are safe, proactive steps you can take now. Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: 🧩 Connect with Lisa Cramer 🌐 Website: 📍 Serving clients in Colorado and Illinois IG: FB: LI: 🔗 Find certified practitioners near you at: https://www.bcia.org/ https://iqcb.org/ 🧠 Final Thoughts from Lisa: “Don’t wait. You can do so much to correct brain function after a concussion. Get the help, get the support, and start retraining your brain—it’s worth it.” /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38890555

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 1: The Shocking Truth About Concussions (and Why Recovery Needs to Change) 10/29/2025

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 1: The Shocking Truth About Concussions (and Why Recovery Needs to Change) What really happens when concussion care goes beyond silos and clinicians start collaborating? If you’ve ever felt like concussion care is disjointed—with one provider treating symptoms in isolation—you’re not alone. Too often, patients are left bouncing between professionals, trying to piece together their own recovery while struggling to understand what’s actually happening in their brain and body. That’s exactly why The Roundtable exists—to change that. In this first episode of Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable, host Natasha Wilch, along with Dr. Rachel Parker, Dr. Cameron McCrodan , and Dr.Rob Trachter, pull back the curtain on what real interdisciplinary collaboration looks like. Together, they share insights from the frontlines of concussion care—where emergency medicine meets functional neurology, vision therapy, and rehabilitation—to redefine what’s possible for recovery. Because concussion care shouldn’t be about guessing. It should be about teamwork. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why most people with concussions fall through the cracks between diagnosis and rehab—and how to change that The crucial role emergency and trauma physicians play as the first point of contact after a head injury Why imaging doesn’t diagnose concussion (and what actually does) The real timelines for concussion recovery—and why the old “two weeks” stat needs to go How vision plays a massive role in persistent symptoms (and what happens when therapy goes wrong) What “rehab burnout” looks like and how to reignite motivation for healing Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable isn’t just another podcast—it’s a conversation that bridges the gap between disciplines, restores hope to patients, and reminds us all that behind every concussion is a human story waiting to be seen, heard, and healed. Tune in and join the movement toward more connected, compassionate, and informed concussion care. Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Visit Natasha’s Website: Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38814840

101. What CTE Can Do to the Mind — A Hard but Necessary Conversation 10/20/2025

101. What CTE Can Do to the Mind — A Hard but Necessary Conversation ⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide and recent shootings in relation to CTE. What happens when the body of an elite athlete breaks down—and the mind begins to follow? So many athletes push through pain, assuming that grit and discipline can outlast anything. But what happens when the symptoms you’re feeling—confusion, depression, vertigo, and memory loss—aren’t something you can train your way out of? In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, former Team USA Bobsled athlete William Person shares his journey from Olympic-level competition to losing his sense of self after years of undiagnosed head injuries. What started as dizziness and brain fog became a battle for survival—and ultimately, a story of recovery, faith, and purpose. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The hidden toll of repetitive head injuries and why so many athletes ignore the warning signs The moment William realized something was deeply wrong—and the turning point that started his path to healing The treatments and mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his life after traumatic brain injury Why true healing requires more than just medical answers—it demands community, hope, and self-compassion This episode isn’t just about recovery—it’s about rediscovering who you are when everything you’ve built falls apart. William’s story will remind you that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a way back to yourself. Connect with Will: TikTok (_ To raise funds to open a CTE Recovery Center for athletes and military veterans battling CTE like symptoms to receive care without the burden of cost William’s GoFundMe is: Let’s connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38639045

EP 100: ONE FACTOR SLOWING CONCUSSION RECOVERY WE DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO EARLY ENOUGH 10/13/2025

EP 99: Grace for your Journey: Overcoming with Briana Rice 09/22/2025

EP 99: Grace for your Journey: Overcoming with Briana Rice What happens when your body tells you “no” but the world keeps telling you to “push through”? If you’ve ever felt the pressure to keep going, keep performing, or keep showing up—despite your body screaming for rest—you’re not alone. For people living with concussions or brain injuries, the expectation to “suck it up” can be not only harmful but downright dangerous. In this episode of Concussion Nerds, Natasha sits down with the incredible Briana Rice—scientist, advocate, and current Miss USA Woman of Achievement 2025—whose story is a powerful reminder that slowing down is not weakness, but wisdom. Brianna opens up about living with post-concussion syndrome, learning to give herself grace, and how she’s turned her pain into purpose by using her national title to raise awareness about invisible injuries. Amb Briana Rice Bsc. is a developmental biologist and the reigning Miss U.S. Woman of Achievement 2025. She is an International Ambassador for Happiness and the founder of the Love and Light Movement, she curates upscale events and retreats. She is also a certified Tantra teacher, Sound Healer, and yoga instructor, blending science and spirituality to help others heal, rise. Briana and is the co-founder of the Blackberry Merlot wine Festival and the visionary behind Grace for Your Journey, a platform that empowers women and uplifts the voices of those living with invisible disabilities and chronic health conditions. As the Riverside Director of the Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs, Briana fosters leadership and community among women in business. and reclaim their inner power with grace. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why “pushing through” with a brain injury can lead to serious setbacks (including seizures). How to navigate the tension between your body’s limits and society’s expectations. Practical ways to rebuild self-trust and self-love after a diagnosis changes your life. The power of advocacy and how Brianna is using her platform to create resources and visibility for brain injury survivors. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and full of reminders that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you still have the power to write a new story. Connect with Briana: Website: Instagram: Let’s Connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38302620

EP 98: Overcoming Barriers: From Concussion to Empowerment with Angelique Esseling 09/15/2025

EP 98: Overcoming Barriers: From Concussion to Empowerment with Angelique Esseling What happens when you fight for years to be taken seriously, only to find that the very people meant to help you don’t understand what you’re going through? Too often, people with concussions are dismissed, ignored, or told to “just live with it.” They try everything, but without the right care, it feels like they’re stumbling in the dark—losing energy, losing hope, and sometimes even losing parts of themselves. In this episode, you’ll meet Angelique Esseling from the Netherlands, a woman whose story proves just how much persistence, resilience, and the right support can change everything. From years of medical dismissal to finally finding real answers—and even traveling across the world for an intensive—Angelique’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The critical mistakes many people unknowingly make in the early stages of concussion recovery Why self-advocacy (even when you’re exhausted) can be the turning point in your healing journey What an intensive program really looks like—and how it can create breakthrough results when nothing else seems to work How Angelique turned her challenges into a platform for advocacy, storytelling, and public speaking that’s changing lives If you’ve ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or stuck on your healing path, Angelique’s story will remind you that there is another way forward—and that your limits don’t define you, they can actually guide you toward new possibilities. Connect with Angelique: Website: Instagram: Let’s Connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38217190

EP 97: Navigating Brain Recovery with Language and Curiosity with Taryn Barlow 09/08/2025

EP 97: Navigating Brain Recovery with Language and Curiosity with Taryn Barlow What if the very words you use about your recovery are keeping you stuck? Too many people navigating life after a brain injury or concussion don’t realize how powerful language is in shaping their recovery. Calling your brain damaged or framing your setbacks as permanent truths can quietly reinforce fear and limit growth. But when you shift from judgment to curiosity, everything changes—and that’s exactly what this conversation with Taryn Barlow, aka The Well Brain SLP, is all about. Taryn Barlow is a pioneer in Cognitive Health Coaching and the founder of The Well BrainTM, a virtual practice that bridges the gap between healthcare and holistic neuro recovery. With dual expertise as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified International Health Coach, along with credentials as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and Amen University Elite Brain Health Clinician, Taryn integrates clinical knowledge with whole-life wellness to support tangible, everyday outcomes—like realistic cognitive strategies, advocacy, and confidence in daily tasks. Unlike traditional coaching models, Taryn’s approach is rooted in neuroscience and tailored to those recovering from brain injury, —helping clients move from cognitive chaos to cognitive confidence. She brings experience from diverse medical settings, offering deeply individualized care that empowers people to reclaim their thinking, their health, and their life. If you're looking for someone who understands both the science of the brain and the art of transformation, Taryn brings both—filling a vital and often overlooked gap in neuro-recovery support. In this episode, Natasha and Taryn dive deep into the lived experiences, pivots, and lessons that shaped their work, while unpacking why language, advocacy, and curiosity matter so much in recovery. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the system, unsure how to describe your journey, or overwhelmed by the idea of investing in your healing, this episode is your permission slip to rethink what’s possible. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why your choice of words can either hinder or accelerate recovery after concussion or brain injury How curiosity opens the door to growth while judgment keeps you stuck The importance of duality—how you can experience joy and struggle at the same time Why advocating for yourself (and stepping outside the system when necessary) can unlock deeper healing Your recovery journey doesn’t have to follow the path you thought it would—sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come when you reframe the way you think, speak, and choose to move forward. Connect with Taryn: Website: Instagram: Let’s Connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/38123580

EP 96: Breaking Through Chronic Pain: Insights from Dr. Becca Timko 09/01/2025

EP 95: The Power of Nutrition Healing: A Discussion with Danielle Blasko 08/25/2025

EP 94: Accessibility in Action: How Headquarters is Changing Concussion Treatment with Lucas Johnston 08/18/2025

EP 93: Standing out in a World of Fitting in with Kelsie Watts 08/11/2025

EP 93: Standing out in a World of Fitting in with Kelsie Watts Ever felt like you’re chasing a dream that just keeps slipping through your fingers? You’ve given it everything—your time, your energy, even your savings—only to feel like you’re still miles away from where you want to be. Maybe you’ve even convinced yourself it’s safer not to dream at all, because disappointment hurts too much. But what if you could hear from someone who’s been there—facing rejection, setbacks, and moments of “this is never going to happen”—and still found a way forward? In this episode, Natasha sits down with Broadway performer and independent artist Kelsie Watts, whose journey from bartending in Nashville to starring in Six on Broadway and racking up over 60,000 Spotify streams in a month will leave you inspired (and maybe a little teary). Her story is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and daring to believe there’s more waiting for you. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why chasing your dream often takes more grit—and more patience—than you expect The reality of building a career in a competitive, numbers-driven industry How authenticity and vulnerability can open unexpected doors The mindset shifts that keep you moving forward when quitting feels easier Whether you’re healing from an injury, building a business, or pushing toward a creative dream, this conversation will remind you: you belong, you matter, and it’s never too late to keep going. Connect with Kelsie Watts: Instagram: Listen to her music: https://lnk.to/KelsieWatts-FITIN?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad98QOBNTR_pm-qCz9DVWyur0kwZo_XisNQDCFp73-zTeSqocbcOoEl0un1kw_aem_aVRZnTuuVbgPKCKNH5p-XQ Let’s connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/37760240

EP 92: Breaking Boundaries: Redefining Concussion Treatment with Passion and Purpose 08/04/2025

EP 91: Understanding POTS and Mast Cell Activation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos 07/28/2025

EP 91: Understanding POTS and Mast Cell Activation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos Are your symptoms being brushed off as “just anxiety” when you know something deeper is going on? If you've been told your labs are “normal,” but your body feels anything but — you’re not alone. So many people with complex, overlapping symptoms like fatigue, GI issues, dizziness, brain fog, and medication sensitivities are stuck in a loop of misdiagnosis and dismissal. And it’s exhausting. In this episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast, Dr. Zachary Spiritos — neurogastroenterologist and founder of Ever Better Medicine — pulls back the curtain on two highly misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). These aren’t “rare unicorn” illnesses — they’re just rarely understood. 🧠 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover: What a neurogastroenterologist actually does — and why it matters in treating complex conditions How MCAS and POTS are often connected (and why most people with POTS have some form of MCAS) What clues to look for if your symptoms span multiple systems (hint: it’s not all in your head) Why a true healing partnership between patient and provider is non-negotiable for chronic illness This conversation is jam-packed with hope, real talk, and validation — especially if you’ve been gaslit or ignored by the medical system. Dr. Zach brings humor, humility, and a whole-person approach that will make you feel seen and supported. If you haven't found your support system yet, keep looking. They're out there — people who want to listen, fight for you, and have your back. I’ve met them. I talk to them every day. Stay curious, stay connected, and don’t give up on finding your team. 🎧 Tune in and feel less alone — you’re not imagining it. 🩺 Connect with Dr. Zach Spiritos: Instagram: Clinic: Ever Better Medicine Let’s connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: Join the Clinician’s Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: /episode/index/show/b37d7b0d-e2de-47e0-9d09-53b7fbdeae45/id/37573450

The Concussion Nerds Podcast

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