The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Natasha Wilch

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!

  1. HACE 4 DÍAS

    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: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   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

    53 min
  2. 20 OCT

    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 One man with a chamber HBOT (@hyperbarichealing) | TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_ 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: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e       Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

    42 min
  3. 13 OCT

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

    How often do we, as clinicians, wait for the research to "catch up" before we make changes—while our clients continue to struggle with symptoms that could've been eased sooner? If you're still using the same intake forms, the same outcome measures, or the same clinical flow because "that's how it's always been done," you might be missing key opportunities to prevent trauma from taking hold and prolonging recovery. Here's the truth: fear avoidance, trauma, and negative self-talk can all delay healing after a concussion. But with the right tools, insights, and a willingness to adapt, we can rewrite recovery pathways and help our clients find safety, resilience, and real progress—faster. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: The key role of fear-avoidance behaviors in persistent concussion symptoms Why traditional intake questionnaires may be missing critical emotional data How trauma and negative self-perception influence the nervous system and recovery A powerful new EMDR approach that may prevent trauma from taking root after MVAs By integrating trauma-informed, research-backed care sooner—not later—you'll learn how to support your clients more completely and help them reclaim their healing journey.       Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

    17 min
  4. 22 SEP

    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: www.brianarice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bri_from_the_ie/   Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership   🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence. 👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

    31 min
  5. 15 SEP

    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: https://breingelique.nl/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijn_nah_route/         Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership   🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence. 👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

    36 min
  6. 8 SEP

    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: https://thewellbrainslp.com/about-me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taryn_thewellbrain/ Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership   🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence. 👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

    39 min
  7. 1 SEP

    EP 96: Breaking Through Chronic Pain: Insights from Dr. Becca Timko

    ​​Are you or your patients still struggling with lingering pain long after a concussion or injury? Too often, people are told their symptoms are "just in their head" or that they'll have to live with chronic pain forever. Clinicians may treat the obvious issues but miss what's really fueling the pain—and patients are left frustrated, exhausted, and stuck in survival mode. But what if the missing link isn't just about the body, but the brain? In this episode, Dr. Becca Timko shares how she built her clinic, Clarity Brain and Body, around functional neurology and a patient experience that truly works. Together, we dive into how chronic pain and concussion recovery intersect—and why addressing both is essential for real healing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why chronic pain often shows up alongside persistent concussion symptoms How to recognize when pain is brain-based versus tissue-based The signs that pain is shifting into something chronic (hint: it's not just about a 3-month cutoff) Practical ways clinicians can shift their approach to better support patients in pain This conversation will leave you with fresh insights, practical strategies, and hope—whether you're a clinician helping patients heal or someone on your own recovery journey. Connect with Dr. Becca Timko: Instagram: @claritybrainandbodyclinic: https://www.instagram.com/claritybrainandbodyclinic/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/claritybrainandbodyclinic Let's Connect! @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership   🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence. 👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

    28 min
  8. 25 AGO

    EP 95: The Power of Nutrition Healing: A Discussion with Danielle Blasko

    Have you ever felt like you're "doing all the right things" when it comes to your health—but still not seeing results? Here's the truth: nutrition isn't just about willpower or following a cookie-cutter plan. Many people unknowingly spin their wheels because they're missing the root causes hiding beneath symptoms. That's where today's guest, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner Danielle Blasko, comes in. She blends lab testing with personalized protocols to help clients cut through the guesswork and finally move toward healing. If you've ever been overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice, stuck in a cycle of quick fixes, or unsure what your body really needs—you'll want to tune into this one. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: What a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner actually does (and why it matters for long-term healing) Why so many people are under-eating protein—and simple ways to change that How inflammation impacts your recovery (and what nutrition can do to calm it down) Practical, beginner-friendly strategies to make nutrition less confusing and more doable in everyday life Nutrition doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating—it can actually become one of the most powerful tools in your healing journey. Tune in and get a sneak peek of Danielle's upcoming Concussion Nerds Summit talk—you won't want to miss it!   Connect with Danielle:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellemarie_nutrition_/ Let's connect!   Instagram:  @concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/ @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1   Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge   Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership   🎙️ Ready to change the way you see concussion care? Join the Concussion Nerds Virtual Summit on September 27–28, 2025 for expert talks, live workshops, and tools to help you or your clients heal with confidence. 👉 Grab your free or VIP pass here: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

    27 min
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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!

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