Life After Impact: The Concussion Recovery Podcast

Ayla Wolf, DAOM
  • 5.0 (21)
  • 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. The Hidden Brain Changes After Concussion (And How to Measure Them) with Jack Fonderwhite | E66

    20h ago

    The Hidden Brain Changes After Concussion (And How to Measure Them) with Jack Fonderwhite | E66

    What if an EEG could show you what your concussion symptoms have been trying to tell you all along? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with acupuncturist and concussion specialist Jack Fonderwhite, founder of Peak Mind in Waipahu, Hawaii, to discuss how he's integrating electroacupuncture, EEG technology, eye tracking, balance testing, and functional neurological assessment to help patients recover from concussion and optimize brain function.  Jack shares his own unexpected concussion story—how years of martial arts, contact sports, and repeated head impacts left him with subtle neurological symptoms he didn't even recognize until an EEG revealed significant changes in his brain activity. After developing an acupuncture protocol for himself, he experienced improvements not only in his brainwave patterns, but also in anxiety, night vision, sense of smell, and overall mental clarity.  Inspired by his own recovery, Jack created the Peak Mind program, a comprehensive evaluation and treatment approach that combines objective technology with personalized acupuncture care. Patients undergo advanced assessments including EEG, balance testing, eye movement analysis, cognitive testing, and orthopedic evaluation to create a highly individualized rehabilitation plan designed to improve brain efficiency and support neuroplasticity.  Together, we discuss:  How repeated head impacts can cause concussion without loss of consciousness  Jack's personal journey from martial artist to concussion specialist  What EEG testing can reveal about brain function after concussion  Electroacupuncture and its potential effects on brain activity and neuroplasticity  Why objective measurements help patients better understand their symptoms  The role of balance, eye movements, and cognition in recovery  Anxiety, brain fog, night vision, and smell loss after concussion  Integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern neuroscience  The future of concussion care and training more acupuncturists to treat brain injury One of the most inspiring messages from this conversation is that some concussion symptoms become so familiar that people stop recognizing them as symptoms at all. Sometimes it's only after the brain begins to heal that patients realize how much they had been compensating every single day. Whether you're recovering from a concussion, you're a healthcare provider looking to expand your understanding of brain rehabilitation, or you're simply fascinated by the intersection of ancient medicine and modern neuroscience, this episode offers an exciting look at what's possible when objective technology and personalized care come together.  Jack Fonderwhite - Jackupuncture: website Email: info@jackupuncture.com Instagram: @Jackupuncturehi Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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
  2. Concussions and Hidden Anterior Neck Pathology with Dr. John McClaren | E65

    5d ago

    Concussions and Hidden Anterior Neck Pathology with Dr. John McClaren | E65

    What if one of the missing pieces in concussion recovery isn't in the brain—but in the neck? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf welcomes back functional neurologist Dr. John McClaren for a fascinating conversation about the hidden relationship between dysautonomia, neck dysfunction, and persistent post-concussion symptoms. Together, they explore why so many people experience dizziness when bending over, standing up, or looking overhead—and why these seemingly simple movements may reveal much deeper dysfunction within the autonomic nervous system. Dr. McClaren shares emerging clinical observations suggesting that deep neck flexor dysfunction, restricted mobility of the anterior neck, and impaired sensory integration may play a much larger role in concussion recovery than previously recognized. The discussion also explores how breathing mechanics, vagus nerve function, glymphatic drainage, visual processing, smell, and auditory localization all interact to influence brain function and autonomic regulation. Together, they discuss: Why dysautonomia has become increasingly common after concussionThe surprising role of the deep neck flexor muscles in headaches and autonomic dysfunctionHow manual therapy may improve brain function beyond simply reducing neck painThe connection between breathing mechanics, airway function, and nervous system regulationThe glymphatic system and why the neck may be critical for clearing metabolic waste from the brainWhy visual overload, bright lights, and busy environments overwhelm the injured brainNew approaches to visual rehabilitation using color perception and peripheral visionSmell retraining, auditory localization, and sensory mapping as tools for neurorehabilitationWhy effective concussion rehabilitation requires treating the brain as an interconnected sensory networkOne of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is that concussion recovery isn't about fixing one isolated symptom. It's about helping the brain rebuild efficient communication across multiple sensory systems so that everyday activities once again become automatic instead of exhausting. Whether you're recovering from a concussion, living with dysautonomia, or simply interested in the latest developments in functional neurology, this episode offers practical insights and exciting new ideas that may change the way you think about brain rehabilitation. If this resonates, subscribe for more concussion recovery tools, share this with someone stuck in symptoms, and leave a review so more people can find it. What’s the most reliable trigger for your dizziness or symptom flare ups? Dr. McClaren can be found at: Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology in Omaha Nebraska Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology Facebook Page Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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.

    47 min
  3. Nasal Release Technique for Post-Concussion Headaches, Brain Fog, and Sleep | E64

    Jun 22

    Nasal Release Technique for Post-Concussion Headaches, Brain Fog, and Sleep | E64

    Waking up exhausted after a concussion can feel like betrayal: you “slept,” but the brain fog, head pressure, and headaches show up anyway. I sit down with physical therapist and nasal release technique instructor Cynthia Stein to explore a different lens on post-concussion syndrome, one that connects airway restriction, cranial sutures, and eye movement limitations to the symptoms that refuse to budge.  We talk through what nasal release actually is, how a small inflatable device placed in specific nasal pathways aims to mobilize cranial restrictions, and why Cynthia believes it can be a game-changer for chronic headaches and breathing problems. Then we connect it to vestibular rehab in a practical way: testing eye strain in different gaze directions, re-testing after treatment, and pairing targeted eye drills with tongue clicking to support healthier mechanics and myofunctional strength.  One of the most compelling threads is sleep. If eye movements are restricted or painful, Cynthia explains how REM sleep can be disrupted, stress hormones can spike, and restorative sleep can collapse, leaving the brain without the nightly “clearing” it depends on. We also dig into why concussion can be cumulative, why airway issues are so common, and how to find trained providers.  If you’re navigating concussion recovery, share this with someone who’s stuck, and subscribe, and please leave a review so more people can find real help. Find a practitioner offering the Nasal Release Technique: website Watch a demonstration video: Video Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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.

    31 min
  4. Clear Mind After Concussion: Recovery, Neuroplasticity, and the Search for What Works with Jordan Jay Adams (Part 2) | E63

    Jun 16

    Clear Mind After Concussion: Recovery, Neuroplasticity, and the Search for What Works with Jordan Jay Adams (Part 2) | E63

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Jordan J. Adams, founder of the United Fight Alliance and longtime combat sports commentator, we move beyond the problem of concussion and into the search for solutions. After experiencing multiple concussions, a family history of Alzheimer's disease, and growing concerns about his own cognitive health, Jordan began what he describes as a mission to "save his brain." Over the past decade, he has explored countless therapies, lifestyle changes, and recovery strategies in an effort to improve brain function, reduce brain fog, and protect his long-term neurological health. Together, we discuss the interventions that Jordan believes have moved the needle most in his recovery, including photobiomodulation, intermittent fasting, exercise, cold exposure, nutrition, sleep, and the importance of developing a daily practice that supports both brain and body. We also explore the science of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, the gut-brain connection, inflammation, and why recovery often requires addressing many different factors simultaneously rather than searching for a single magic solution. Topics discussed include: • Photobiomodulation and brain health • Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis • Exercise as medicine for the brain • Fasting, metabolism, and cognitive function • Brain fog and the gut-brain connection • Smell loss, memory, and neurological health • The role of inflammation in concussion recovery • Building sustainable habits that support long-term brain function • Hope after concussion and traumatic brain injury • Why recovery is ultimately a daily practice Perhaps the most powerful message from this conversation is that healing is rarely about finding one breakthrough treatment. Instead, it is often the cumulative effect of small actions repeated consistently over time. Whether you're recovering from a concussion, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in protecting your brain as you age, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look at the mindset, habits, and strategies that can help move recovery forward. If you haven't yet listened to Part 1, be sure to go back and check out Episode #62, where Jordan shares his personal concussion history and discusses the ongoing challenges surrounding concussion care in combat sports. Save 10% on a VieLight with code: HEALINGRESPONSE https://www.vielight.com/ Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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.

    34 min
  5. Fighters Are Still Falling Through the Cracks After Concussion - With Jordan Jay Adams (Part 1) | E62

    Jun 12

    Fighters Are Still Falling Through the Cracks After Concussion - With Jordan Jay Adams (Part 1) | E62

    Combat sports make brain injury impossible to ignore, but the most dangerous part might be what happens after everyone goes home. We’re joined by Jordan J. Adams, founder and CEO of United Fight Alliance and an Emmy Award-winning combat sports commentator, to talk about concussions, post-concussion syndrome and the real gaps he still sees in concussion protocols across athletics.  We dig into the difference between “knowing” head trauma is serious and actually acting fast with coordinated care. Jordan shares what he has witnessed behind the scenes with athletic commissions, how referees have improved some in-fight checks and why follow-up care often collapses into guesswork. We also talk about the heartbreaking long arc of repeated hits, including short-term memory issues, working memory problems and speech changes that can show up years later.  Jordan opens up about his own concussion history from a motorcycle crash, a severe shallow-pool diving accident and military artillery exposure, plus the added pressure of a family Alzheimer’s history. From there, we get into hopeful science and practical habits: neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, strength training and BDNF, and Jordan’s top “needle movers” like transcranial photobiomodulation, intermittent fasting, cold plunges and methylene blue, along with why tracking tiny functional changes matters. Subscribe, share this with someone navigating concussion recovery and leave a review, then tell us what topic you want us to tackle next? Save 10% on VieLight with code: HEALINGRESPONSE https://www.vielight.com/ Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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.

    37 min
  6. Functional Neurology Explains Why Concussion Symptoms Spiral with Dr. Matt Antonucci | E61

    Jun 1

    Functional Neurology Explains Why Concussion Symptoms Spiral with Dr. Matt Antonucci | E61

    For decades, patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms have been told that their imaging is normal, their brain has healed, and there is nothing more that can be done. But what if we've been asking the wrong questions? In this episode of Life After Impact, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with functional neurologist Dr. Matt Antonucci to discuss his groundbreaking new paper published in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, introducing the Network Entrapment by Reflex Dysfunction (NERD) Model. Together, they explore a new framework for understanding why concussion symptoms can persist long after the initial injury has healed.  Dr. Antonucci explains how the brain functions as an interconnected network rather than a collection of isolated structures, and how disrupted sensory processing, maladaptive feedback loops, and altered neuroplasticity can cause symptoms to spiral over time. The conversation dives into predictive processing, cerebellar function, autonomic regulation, postural instability, chronic headaches, neck pain, light sensitivity, dysautonomia, and why many patients feel trapped in patterns that conventional medicine struggles to explain.  Topics discussed include:  The difference between structural neurology and functional neurology  Why normal MRI and CT scans don't mean the brain is functioning normally  The NERD model and persistent post-concussion syndrome  How the brain becomes trapped in maladaptive feedback loops  Predictive processing and the role of the cerebellum  Why symptoms often worsen under cognitive, physical, or sensory load  Neuroplasticity: when adaptation helps and when it hurts  Dysautonomia, POTS, headaches, neck pain, and sensory sensitivity  The importance of identifying the true source of dysfunction  How this model may apply beyond concussion to conditions such as ADHD, autism, migraine, and chronic neurological disorders Whether you're a patient struggling to understand persistent symptoms or a clinician seeking a deeper framework for neurological rehabilitation, this episode offers a fascinating look into what may become one of the most influential models in functional neurology.  If you’re a patient feeling stuck, or a clinician looking for a clearer concussion recovery model, this is a practical, hopeful listen. Subscribe, share with someone navigating post-concussion symptoms, and leave a review. What “load” situation reliably sets off your symptoms? The NERD model: reflex circuit dysfunction as a systems-level driver of persistent post-concussion symptoms - Read the paper!  Dr. Antonucci's Website Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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 4m
  7. The Hidden Imprints of Trauma in the Body and Nervous System | E60

    May 26

    The Hidden Imprints of Trauma in the Body and Nervous System | E60

    What if healing isn’t just physical? In this deeply thought-provoking episode, Dr. Ayla Wolf sits down with somatic practitioner and Inner Space Technique regression therapist Bre Hibbs to explore the fascinating relationship between trauma, the nervous system, body memory, and healing beyond the physical body. Together, they discuss the idea that our bodies may store not only physical trauma, but also emotional experiences, subconscious conditioning, stress patterns, and even energetic imprints that continue influencing our health, behavior, pain, and recovery long after an event has passed.  The conversation explores:  How trauma can become “stored” in the body  The connection between chronic pain and emotional stress  Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation  Dissociation and feeling disconnected from the body  Why some people remain “stuck” despite trying many therapies  The role of subconscious conditioning in health and behavior  Meditation, energy awareness, and subtle body practices  How slowing down and reconnecting with the body may support healing Bre also shares insights from her work in somatic healing, meditation-based regression therapy, and yoga, including practical ways people can begin developing a deeper awareness of their own body and nervous system. This episode offers a compassionate and expansive perspective on healing—one that bridges neuroscience, somatics, consciousness, and the wisdom of the body. If you’re navigating post-concussion syndrome, chronic symptoms, or trauma stored in the body, listen through and see what lands. Subscribe for more concussion recovery conversations, share this with someone who feels stuck, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Prana Maya Resort Wellness Retreats Breyn Hibbs: LinkedIn - updates to workshops and courses Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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 6m
  8. The Right Kind of Fuel for Daytime Energy and Masterful Sleep with Dr. Ashkan Jalili | E59

    May 18

    The Right Kind of Fuel for Daytime Energy and Masterful Sleep with Dr. Ashkan Jalili | E59

    Brain fog, mood swings, dizziness, sleep problems, carb cravings, that awful midday crash. If you’ve lived through concussion recovery or post-concussion syndrome, you know how quickly symptoms can become a full-time job. We sit down with Dr. Ashkan Jalili to make a different kind of case: many stubborn concussion symptoms track back to a metabolic dysfunction, especially dysregulated glucose delivery in the brain, and until you address fuel, neurotransmitters can’t “do their job” the way you need them to.  Dr. Jalili shares his own story, from being hit by a car as a pedestrian to years of headaches, fainting, seizures, and an identity crisis after losing soccer. We talk about why some cases are missed when imaging looks normal, how cervicogenic vasovagal syncope and dysautonomia can show up after whiplash, and why a purely symptom-based approach often leaves people stuck. From there, we dig into functional neurology and functional medicine basics, including metabolic flexibility, ketones, glucose regulation, and why massive supplement stacks can turn into expensive urine if the underlying fuel system is failing.  We also break down the thinking behind CereFlex AM/PM, designed as separate morning performance and nighttime recovery support. You’ll hear specifics on acetylcholine support (including why sage matters), dopamine and serotonin pathways, GABA support, and why sleep quality and deep sleep can be the “winner” that changes everything the next day. We cover timing, ramping doses, and real contraindications, including SSRIs and blood thinners, because safety matters as much as hope.  If this helped you think differently about concussion recovery, subscribe, share the episode with someone who’s struggling, and leave a review so more people can find practical, evidence-informed support. Canadian Brain Performance & Neuroplasticity Center: website CereFlex AM/PM and the NeuroSync Protocol: website Send us a Message! Save $30 on Brain Ritual - A daily brain energy-support drink like none other. https://www.brainritual.com/AYLA94359 Save 20% on your first order of Puori Protein:  https://affiliate.puori.com/LIFEAFTERIMPACT 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 3m
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

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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