Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

Concussion & CTE Foundation
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For about 20% of people who suffer concussion, symptoms don’t resolve within a month, and they are left navigating life with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Those symptoms are often invisible and debilitating. The recovery journey can be challenging and incredibly difficult to navigate alone. This is a podcast for those people. We see your struggles and understand what you’re going through. We’re here to share relatable experiences, coping strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible.

  1. MAR 31

    E12: Noelle Foley's Journey with PCS

    In September 2019, Noelle Foley suffered a concussion and neck injury after the sudden whiplash of a roller coaster ride. What started as a fun day at an amusement park quickly turned into a years-long battle with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Although she immediately sensed something was wrong, it took nearly a month for her to realize she had sustained a concussion. Noelle is the daughter of Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley and grew up seeing concussions happen in the wrestling ring but never imagined one could come from a rollercoaster. “When I think of suffering a concussion, I think of being in a car accident, being punched in the face, getting knocked out, or being thrown off a Hell in a Cell… not riding a rollercoaster.” In this episode of Invisible Impact, host Julia Manning sits down with Noelle to reflect on her six-year recovery journey. Despite debilitating headaches, noise sensitivity, and countless setbacks, Noelle refused to give up. Her story is one of patience, resilience, and determination. By taking what she calls “in-the-womb steps,” she has slowly but steadily reclaimed her life.👤 About the guest: Noelle Foley is an actress, model, and social media influencer who shares lifestyle content while openly documenting her personal health journey. After sustaining a concussion in 2019, she has spoken candidly about living with post-concussion syndrome (PCS), using her platform to raise awareness and remind others facing similar challenges that they are not alone. Connect with Noelle: Instagram: @noellefoley TikTok: @Noelle_FoleyFacebook: @OfficialNoelleFoley 📞 Need support after a concussion? If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine. Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs. 💬 Connect with us Instagram: @concussionandcte Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org ⭐ Enjoyed the episode? If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    44 min

  2. MAR 26

    E11: Navigating PCS in New Zealand's Care Maze with Milly Farrell

    In this episode, Milly Farrell joins Julia Manning in New Zealand for the first international episode of Invisible Impact. Milly shares her experience navigating life with PCS for the past four years, the challenges of being misunderstood, and what she wishes more people knew. 👤 About the guest:  Milly is a fitness instructor and former primary school teacher in Auckland, New Zealand who brings a refreshingly honest voice to the conversation around wellness and recovery. After navigating her own experience with PPCS, she now shares her journey openly on social media, highlighting the realities of healing, the importance of balance, and what true self-care really looks like beyond the highlight reel.  Connect with Milly:  Instagram: @milly_farrell and @millyshealthdiary TikTok: @milly44440   📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine.  Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionandcte  Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    43 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    E10: Why Concussion Recovery Is More Complicated Than You Think with Kyla Jamieson

    In this episode of Invisible Impact, our host Julia Manning sits down with poet, surfer, and model Kyla Jamieson for an honest and deeply personal conversation about life with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Kyla shares her nearly decade-longjourney navigating recovery, identity, and resilience after concussion.  Together, they unpack the often-overlooked factors that can shape concussion recovery or stand in the way, including financial barriers, access to healthcare, and the role of social support. Kyla opens up about the hidden realities of living with an invisible disability, shedding light on challenges that are rarely seen but deeply felt. As she poignantly describes it, living with PPCS can feel like your house is on fire while no one notices.  This conversation offers insight into the complexities of concussion recovery and the systemic factors that influence healing.  👤 About the guest:  Kyla Jamieson is a Ucluelet-based poet, surfer, and model. She is the author of Body Count (Nightwood Editions). Find her online or in the ocean.   Connect with Kyla:  Instagram: @kyla__jamieson    📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine.  Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionandcte  Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    1h 8m

  4. 12/03/2025

    E9: Redefining Identity After PCS with Former D1 Athlete Hannah Hall

    Hannah Hall grew up with her life mapped out: play soccer, go D1, and keep chasing the sport that defined her. But at age 13, everything changed. What she initially thought was a “mild” concussion spiraled into a decade-long battle with persistent post-concussion symptoms that impacted every part of her life—school, relationships, mental health, and the sport she loved.  In this episode of Invisible Impact, Hannah sits down with our host Julia Manning, who has her own history of concussions, to discuss navigating invisible injuries, adapting when life’s curveballs reroute your dreams, and finding purpose beyond the field.  👤 About the guest:  Hannah is a former Division I soccer player whose career was cut short by persistent post-concussion symptoms. A lifelong lover of the game, she fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the San Jose State women’s soccer team and tallied her first collegiate assist as a freshman against Cal Poly. After her sophomore year, however, she made the difficult decision to retire. Today, Hannah is thriving in a different corner of the sports world, working for a professional team and staying connected to high-performance environments while prioritizing her long-term brain health.  Connect with Hannah:  Instagram: hannah_halll    📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.  Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionfoundation   Website: ConcussionFoundation.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    49 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    E8: Redefining Purpose Through PCS with Kate Wagner

    On a freezing winter day in Chicago, architecture critic and writer Kate Wagner slipped on the ice — a fall that left her with a concussion and a long, difficult recovery. What followed was a struggle with persistent post-concussion symptoms, heightened anxiety and depression, and difficulty sleeping. In this episode of Invisible Impact, Kate joins CLF’s Julia Manning to share how an unexpected injury forced her to confront questions of identity and purpose when the work that had always defined her suddenly became impossible.  👤 About the guest:  Kate Wagner is the architecture critic for The Nation Magazine. She is also a writer and purveyor of the blog and social account McMansion Hell. Kate has struggled mightily since suffering a concussion in January of 2025, which she detailed in an essay which is linked below.   Read Kate’s essay here: https://www.late-review.com/p/the-hairshirt-doldrums    Connect with Kate:  Instagram: @KateGWagner & @McMansionHell   📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.  Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionfoundation   Website: ConcussionFoundation.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    36 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    E7: Corbin Reinhardt's Journey With PCS After a TBI

    In 2018, professional parkour athlete, free-runner, and Hollywood stuntman Corbin Reinhardt was touring the country with his team when he suffered a traumatic brain injury. The injury left him with lasting effects on his speech and memory, sparking a long and difficult journey through persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). In this episode of Invisible Impact, Corbin joins CLF’s Julia Manning to share his story — from the height of his stunt career to the realities of recovery and resilience after brain injury.  🔑 What you will hear in this episode:   The injury that changed everything (1:10)  Dealing with speech difficulties, changes to hearing, and coordination (6:50)  Realizing how serious the injury was (12:37)  Staying determined through recovery (14:30)  Overcoming the challenges of an invisible injury (18:18)  Words of wisdom to those struggling (24:35)  Lasting symptoms (27:30)  Strategies for managing symptoms (46:00)  Don’t give up on yourself (54:00)    👤 About the guest:  Corbin is a professional parkour athlete, SAG/AFTRA stunt performer, and free-runner with Tempest Academy based in Los Angeles.    Connect with Corbin:  Instagram: @Corbin_Reinhardt    📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.  Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionfoundation   Website: ConcussionFoundation.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    53 min

  7. 10/15/2025

    E6: How PCS & Chronic Migraine Put a Pause on CarmenRose Fiallo's Senior Year

    Two concussions in one summer led to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and a new normal for CarmenRose Fiallo. Just before her senior year of college, what was supposed to be an exciting time turned into months of recovery and uncertainty. Living with PCS and chronic migraines meant pressing pause on school and learning how to navigate a world full of triggers.  In this heartfelt conversation, CarmenRose sits down with CLF’s Julia Manning to share her story — from the tough decision to take a semester off to the small wins and daily challenges of living with an invisible injury. She opens up about how documenting her journey on social media has helped her find community, bring visibility to the often-unseen struggles of life after concussion, and remind others that they’re not alone.  With warmth, honesty, and hope, CarmenRose offers a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear, and that sharing our stories can make all the difference.  🔑 What you will hear in this episode:   CarmenRose’s story of sustaining two concussions in one summer and how it changed her senior year of college (1:05)  Realizing it was PCS and symptoms were persistent (6:45)  Pushing through wasn't an option (8:32)  Seeing a neurologist and learning to advocate for yourself (11:20)  Navigating a new reality and taking brain injury recovery seriously (14:49)   Impact on social life and personality changes (21:00)  Journey with chronic migraines & finding community by sharing experience online (26:15)  Strategies for managing symptoms & avoiding triggers (32:18)  Communication and honesty led to improved understanding among friends & family (38:41)  Healing isn’t linear & honoring your own journey (42:33)  Message of hope for those struggling (45:00)    👤 About the guest:  CarmenRose (she/her) is a queer Latina disability advocate and digital storyteller. Her work has led to features with CBS Mornings, VICE, Healthline, and more.     CarmenRose is passionate about building community while raising awareness around her experience with Chronic Migraine and Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms.    Beyond her professional and advocacy work, she finds joy in long walks or bike rides through Central Park with her fiancée, a fresh set of acrylics, and catching the latest film on the big screen.    Connect with CarmenRose:  Instagram: @CarmenRoseFiallo  TikTok: @CarmenRoseFiallo    📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.  Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.    💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionfoundation   Website: ConcussionFoundation.org    ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    51 min

  8. 09/30/2025

    E5: Navigating PCS on the Slopes and in Life with Alli Macuga

    What happens when your dream career gets derailed in an instant and no one can see your injury? U.S. Moguls Ski Team athlete Alli Macuga shares her powerful journey through post-concussion syndrome (PCS), revealing the hidden struggles behind concussion recovery and how she found her way back. Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating your own healing, Alli’s story is a must-listen reminder that recovery isn’t linear — and you're not alone. 👤 About the guest:  Alli Macuga is a member of the U.S. Moguls Ski Team. Based in Park City, Utah, Alli has been skiing nearly her entire life and is quickly making her mark on the international stage. In 2024, she earned her first World Cup podiums — taking 3rd place in Dual Moguls in Alpe d’Huez, France, and 2nd place in Moguls in Almaty, Kazakhstan. She finished the season ranked 5th in the world.  Despite facing a challenging season due to PCS, Alli continues to train with her sights set on qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics.   Connect with Alli:  Instagram: @alli_macuga  TikTok: @alli_.macuga  📞 Need support after a concussion?  If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.  Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.  💬 Connect with us  Instagram: @concussionfoundation   ConcussionFoundation.org  ⭐ Enjoyed the episode?  If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.

    43 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

For about 20% of people who suffer concussion, symptoms don’t resolve within a month, and they are left navigating life with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Those symptoms are often invisible and debilitating. The recovery journey can be challenging and incredibly difficult to navigate alone. This is a podcast for those people. We see your struggles and understand what you’re going through. We’re here to share relatable experiences, coping strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Concussion & CTE Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Concussion & CTE Foundation

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