Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast

Ayla Wolf, DAOM
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast. This podcast is the go-to podcast for actionable information to help people recover from concussions, brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Ayla Wolf does a deep dive in discussing symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and resources to help people troubleshoot where they feel stuck in their recovery. The podcast brings you interviews with top experts in the field of concussions and brain injuries, and introduces a functional neurological mindset to approaching complex cases. For those feeling lost, hopeless, or abandoned let this podcast be your guide to living your best life after impact. Subscribe now and start your journey to recovery!

  1. Measuring Brain Blood Flow and CO2 in Real Time—Why This Changes Concussion Recovery with Dr. Nate Keiser (Part 1) | E57

    2D AGO

    Measuring Brain Blood Flow and CO2 in Real Time—Why This Changes Concussion Recovery with Dr. Nate Keiser (Part 1) | E57

    Send us Fan Mail What if the missing piece in concussion recovery isn’t just the brain—but blood flow to the brain? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nate Keiser to explore how real-time measurement of brain blood flow is changing the way we understand persistent post-concussion symptoms, dysautonomia, and neurological recovery. Using advanced tools like transcranial Doppler ultrasound and CO₂ monitoring, we break down how the brain regulates circulation—and why that system often fails after injury. We dive into the role of carbon dioxide as a key driver of blood flow, why breathing patterns matter more than you think, and how subtle dysfunctions in these reflexes can leave patients stuck, despite doing “all the right things.” If you’ve been struggling with dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained crashes after activity, this episode will give you a completely new lens on what may be happening—and what can actually help. If you’re navigating concussion recovery, dysautonomia, or exercise intolerance, subscribe for part two, share this with someone who feels stuck, and leave a review so more patients can find it.  Dr. Keiser: website Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    39 min
  2. A Path to the First FDA Drug for Concussion? How Ghrelin Could Change Brain Injury Recovery with Dr. Vishal Bansal | E56

    APR 27

    A Path to the First FDA Drug for Concussion? How Ghrelin Could Change Brain Injury Recovery with Dr. Vishal Bansal | E56

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast, I sit down with trauma surgeon and researcher Dr. Vishal Bansal to explore what may become the first-ever FDA-approved pharmaceutical treatment for concussion. Despite how common concussions are, there is currently no approved medical treatment—leaving patients with rest, symptom management, and uncertainty. But what if that’s about to change? Dr. Bansal shares the fascinating story behind a groundbreaking discovery: a gut-derived hormone called ghrelin, traditionally known as the “hunger hormone,” may play a powerful role in brain repair, neuroplasticity, memory, and recovery after traumatic brain injury . Together, we explore:  Why concussion has been so difficult to treat  The connection between the ghrelin hormone and brain injury How ghrelin supports mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and promotes neuron repair The potential for a treatment that works in both the acute and subacute phases of concussion Why current clinical trials focus on symptoms—not just biomarkers The future of concussion care and what this could mean for patients, athletes, and clinicians This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how a scientific insight evolves into a potential life-changing therapy—and what it takes to bring a new brain treatment to market. 🔬 About Dr. Vishal Bansal Dr. Bansal is a trauma surgeon, researcher, and co-founder of Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals. His work focuses on the physiological response to brain injury and developing innovative treatments to improve outcomes after concussion. Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals: website INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY in Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals: startengine.com If you or someone you love is struggling with concussion or post-concussion syndrome, this conversation will give you hope, clarity, and a glimpse into the future of recovery. Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    32 min
  3. Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, & Hyperacusis: Treat Your Hearing, Protect Your Brain with Dr. Keith Darrow | E55

    APR 20

    Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, & Hyperacusis: Treat Your Hearing, Protect Your Brain with Dr. Keith Darrow | E55

    Send us Fan Mail A “mild” hearing loss sounds harmless until you hear the data: it can raise the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by 200%. I sit down with Dr. Keith Darrow PhD, CCC-A, neuroscientist and clinical audiologist, to connect the dots between hearing loss and brain health and to explain why treating hearing loss shows up again and again as a top modifiable dementia risk factor in major research reviews. We also get practical about what good care actually looks like. Dr. Darrow breaks down why so many people struggle with speech in background noise, why basic beep-only tests can miss real problems, and how prescription-grade hearing aids differ from over-the-counter devices when you care about outcomes like cognitive performance, fall risk, and tinnitus relief. If you or a loved one has ever seemed “withdrawn” or “down,” we talk through how hearing loss can mimic depression and early cognitive decline and why a thorough evaluation can clarify what’s really going on. If you’re navigating concussion recovery or traumatic brain injury, this conversation gets even more relevant. We cover extended high-frequency hearing loss after TBI, tinnitus as a neurologic “phantom sound,” anxiety and sleep disruption, and hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) plus how gradual sound exposure can rebuild tolerance. We also touch on emerging tinnitus research, including where transcranial magnetic stimulation stands today. If this helped you, subscribe for more evidence-based concussion and brain health conversations, share it with someone who keeps saying “I hear fine,” and leave a review so more people can find the show.  Dr. Keith Darrow's Resources and Links: https://mytinnitusnumber.org/ https://excellenceinaudiology.org/ Free Book: Preventing Decline Free Book: Silenced. The Medical Treatment of Tinnitus Dr. Darrow's YouTube Channel Dr. Darrow LinkedIn Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    56 min
  4. Why Pain Doesn’t Always Match the Injury | Chronic Pain & Concussion Explained | E54

    APR 13

    Why Pain Doesn’t Always Match the Injury | Chronic Pain & Concussion Explained | E54

    Send us Fan Mail Pain isn’t a simple “damage equals symptoms” equation. Sometimes your nervous system turns the volume down so far you barely notice serious wear and tear, and other times it turns the volume up until every small sensation feels like an alarm. That difference matters if you’re living with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or persistent symptoms after a concussion, because the right treatment depends on how your brain is regulating threat and sensation. I sit down with Dr. Norm Hoffman to unpack the neuroscience of chronic pain in plain language, including the two common patterns he sees: persistent local pain that never fully resolves and chronic widespread pain that spreads with fatigue, headaches, and sensory overload. We talk about top-down pain inhibition from the brainstem, why cortical body maps can shrink or distort, and how changes in pain receptors can leave people feeling like their natural pain relief system is no longer doing its job. If you’ve ever wondered why pain can “move around” or why one big injury can temporarily mask another, this conversation connects the dots. From there we get practical. Dr. Hoffman explains how he looks for hidden local drivers that often get written off, and why addressing nerve sensitivity, mobility restrictions, and other subtle inputs can reduce the overall noise in an amplified system. We also cover options like PRP and focused shockwave therapy, plus supportive nutrition and supplements that can improve tissue repair. For widespread pain, we dig into why graded exercise is so important and how tools like whole body vibration, music, and gentle dance can help you move without triggering days of flare-ups. Finally, we layer concussion and post-concussion syndrome on top of all of it, including how brain injury can disrupt pain control and how dual-task testing can guide rehab. If this helped you think differently about chronic pain and concussion recovery, subscribe, share this with someone who feels stuck, and leave a review so more people can find the show.  Dr. Norm Hoffman: website.  Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    55 min
  5. When Concussion Symptoms Don’t End After Two Weeks | E53

    APR 6

    When Concussion Symptoms Don’t End After Two Weeks | E53

    Send us Fan Mail A concussion can change your life in a second, but what happens when the people around you treat it like an excuse? Sarah Wuebbolt joins us to share what it’s really like navigating multiple concussions as a teenager while trying to keep up with school, sports, friendships, and the pressure to “be fine” on a timeline that doesn’t match reality. We talk about the first concussion that came with old-school advice to hide in a dark room, how isolation can spiral into depression, and why the emotional side of concussion recovery and post-concussion syndrome deserves the same attention as headaches and dizziness. Sarah also explains a surprising cognitive challenge she noticed after later concussions: how holding eye contact during high-effort conversations can trigger symptoms and be misunderstood as not listening. From vestibular therapy and counseling to meditation, walking, and simple nervous system resets like stepping outside into cold air, we break down tools that helped her build a “new normal” and keep setbacks from defining her progress. We also go deep on school accommodations for concussion recovery, including what to do when a teacher doubts you, how to loop in support staff, and why return-to-learn plans matter. Finally, we zoom out to prevention: Rowan’s Law, baseline concussion testing gaps, and why concussion education should start earlier for every kid, not just contact-sport athletes. If this conversation helps you feel seen, please subscribe, share it with someone navigating a brain injury, and leave a review so more people can find real-world concussion support. Sarah's Instagram: @hopepostinjury. Website. LinkedIn Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    38 min
  6. From TBI to The River Why to Empathic AI: Cameron Scott's Epic Journey | E52

    APR 1

    From TBI to The River Why to Empathic AI: Cameron Scott's Epic Journey | E52

    Send us Fan Mail A childhood head-on collision. A life shaped by traumatic brain injury. A moment of waking up after a suicide attempt and deciding, with total clarity, to choose life. Cameron Scott joins me for a raw, grounded conversation about what concussion recovery can really look like when the symptoms are not just physical, but emotional, relational, and spiritual too. (This conversation includes reference to suicide. Listener discretion is advised.) We talk through the long arc: multiple TBIs, missing memories from “before,” the overwhelm that makes crowds feel unbearable, and the way alcohol can become a shortcut to numb the nervous system until it turns into its own injury. Cameron shares what helped him rebuild, including sobriety, daily meditation, journaling, yoga, and a simple hand-on-heart practice that brought him out of self-judgment and back into his body. We also explore a powerful reframe for mental health after brain injury: the “dark” part of you may not be the enemy, and integration can quiet the fight inside. Then we go deep on transformational and holotropic breathwork, why it can feel like years of talk therapy compressed into minutes, and how breath can clear stored stress before closing with love and gratitude. We also connect healing to modern work, including Cameron’s emotionally intelligent AI project for wellness coaches and his Coherence Codex custom GPT designed to help you pause, regain clarity, and make better decisions when you are triggered or overwhelmed. If you know someone dealing with post-concussion syndrome, TBI mental health, anxiety, or burnout, share this with them. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what small daily practice helps you come back to center? EQ Intelligence: www.eqintelligenceai.com Cameron Scott: LinkedIn   Coaching Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    59 min
  7. The Hidden Habits That Can Speed Up — or Sabotage — Brain Recovery with Alex Lombardi | E51

    MAR 17

    The Hidden Habits That Can Speed Up — or Sabotage — Brain Recovery with Alex Lombardi | E51

    Send us Fan Mail Your brain doesn’t heal on your appointment schedule. It heals in the messy middle of real life, the mornings where you can’t think straight, the afternoons where your energy falls off a cliff, and the nights when you wonder if you’ll ever feel like yourself again. I sit down with Alex Lombardi, founder of The Brain Edit, to talk about lifestyle-based concussion recovery and post-concussion syndrome through a lens most people miss: the 23 hours a day outside the doctor’s office. Alex shares what she learned after three traumatic brain injuries, including the grief of realizing some old paths won’t reopen, and the relief that comes from building new ones that actually support your nervous system, hormones, and brain energy. Then we get practical. We unpack decision fatigue after brain injury and how tiny systems can remove dozens of draining choices. We dig into nutrition for brain health, including a surprisingly simple glucose strategy: eat greens first, protein and fat next, and carbs last to reduce blood sugar spikes that can worsen brain fog, fatigue, and irritability. We also talk about “optimized rest” (not doom-scrolling), hydration without sugar-loaded electrolytes, sunlight in the morning to support circadian rhythm, and why high achievers sometimes need fewer therapies, not more, so the brain can integrate. If you’re looking for actionable concussion recovery tips, non-toxic living edits, and a realistic way to move forward without blaming yourself for needing rest, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone navigating an invisible injury, and leave a review with the one lifestyle edit you’re trying this week. Alex Lombardi: website: https://alexlombardiofficial.com/ Instagram: @alexlombardiofficial Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    1h 10m
  8. Fueling A Healing Brain with Natalie Gavi | E50

    MAR 3

    Fueling A Healing Brain with Natalie Gavi | E50

    Send us Fan Mail We talk with registered dietitian Natalie Gavi about how to use simple, evidence-led nutrition to support concussion recovery and long-term brain health. We trade myths for practical steps, from Mediterranean staples to smart supplements and steady meal timing. • the acute energy mismatch after concussion and what to eat first • practical meals when appetite is low • mediterranean and MIND diet foundations • omega-3s, polyphenols, and fermented foods • pitfalls of overusing supplements and how to choose safely • meal timing for cognition and headaches • targeted picks: magnesium, riboflavin, creatine • add-in mindset instead of restriction Find Natalie: Instagram @NatalieGavi.nutrition • Email: Natalie@Gavinutrition.com • Website: Gavinutrition.com Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is now available on Amazon! Follow us on YouTube & Instagram @lifeafterimpact Website: lifeafterimpact.com Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

    28 min
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5
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About

Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast. This podcast is the go-to podcast for actionable information to help people recover from concussions, brain injuries, and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Ayla Wolf does a deep dive in discussing symptoms, testing methods, treatment options, and resources to help people troubleshoot where they feel stuck in their recovery. The podcast brings you interviews with top experts in the field of concussions and brain injuries, and introduces a functional neurological mindset to approaching complex cases. For those feeling lost, hopeless, or abandoned let this podcast be your guide to living your best life after impact. Subscribe now and start your journey to recovery!

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