The Concussion Coach

Bethany Lewis
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Concussion Coach Bethany Lewis loves sharing uplifting and helpful information for those struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome. Her goal is to increase awareness of concussions and the impact they can have on a person’s life, and to bring hope to people who have suffered a concussion and those who love them. sharing stories and knowledge about concussions will bring important light and understanding to this misunderstood and often-invisible injury. This podcast was previously called Life Inspired Coach.

  1. 5d ago

    154. The Cumulative Damage of Multiple Concussions: Interview with Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, L.Ac.

    Dr. Ayla Wolf is a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine and a leading specialist in neurological rehabilitation. She is the author of The Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces to Recovery and The Art of Concussion Recovery. As the host of the Life After Impact podcast, she brings over 20 years of clinical experience to her integrative approach for treating complex conditions like post-concussion syndrome, dizziness, vertigo, chronic migraine, and dysautonomia. Dr. Wolf is an assistant professor of physical medicine at the Carrick Institute and is involved in ongoing clinical research on acupuncture for post-traumatic headaches. In her private practice in Stillwater, Minnesota, she combines applied clinical neuroscience with holistic therapies to deliver highly personalized care. In this first half of a two-part conversation, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Dr. Ayla Wolf to explore the profound personal and professional journey that led her to become a specialist in concussion recovery. Dr. Wolf shares her early fascination with natural healing, from making "potions" in the woods as a child to studying naturopathic medicine in Australia. She details her transition from a successful career in fertility and sports acupuncture due to a life-altering series of events that would redefine her purpose. After suffering multiple concussions—including two just ten days apart—Dr. Wolf found herself grappling with severe, unexplained symptoms like insomnia, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation while trying to run a thriving business. She candidly discusses a harrowing experience with a prescribed medication that triggered suicidal thoughts, and a turning point that ultimately led her to sell her business and home and move to Texas to study brain injuries. This episode is a powerful story of resilience, the dangers of pushing through injury, and the moment of discovery that set her on a new path to help others heal. Resources Mentioned Website: lifeafterimpact.comInstagram & YouTube: @lifeafterimpactTikTok: @life.after.impactLife After Impact Podcast Previous Interview with Dr. Kyla Pearce, PhD, MPH, RYT, CBIS: Watch Here Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  2. Sep 4

    153. Love Your Brain Foundation with Dr. Kyla Pearce, PhD, MPH, RYT, CBIS

    Dr. Kyla Pearce, PhD, MPH, RYT, CBIS is a neurological researcher and yoga/meditation teacher who has dedicated her career to bringing holistic, evidence-based healing to the brain injury community. Her work is deeply personal, inspired by her brother-in-law, professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who sustained a traumatic brain injury. She has developed TBI-specific curricula, trained thousands of professionals, and conducted extensive postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for neurological conditions.  In this episode, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Dr. Kyla Pearce, the Senior Director of Programs, Research, and Operations for the Love Your Brain Foundation. They discuss the foundation's origin story, spurred by Kevin Pearce's journey after his life-altering accident, and how it has grown into a national nonprofit offering transformative, free programs. Dr. Pearce explains the power of in-person retreats and the six-week online "Mindset" programs, which focus on adaptive yoga, mindfulness, and the science of resilience. The discussion covers the profound impact of these practices on mental, cognitive, and social health after brain injury, as well as the importance of rebuilding interoception (internal body awareness) to manage chronic pain and emotions. They also explore the often-overlooked side of caregiving—Dr. Pearce shares her personal experience of being a "caregiver for a caregiver," offering poignant advice on the power of presence and the importance of self-care for supporters. The episode is a deep dive into finding hope, community, and a new sense of agency after a brain injury. Key Resources & Contact Information Website: www.loveyourbrain.com Social Media: @LoveYourBrain Program Inquiries & Contact: kyla@loveyourbrain.com Mentioned Book: Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges by Steven M. Southwick and Dennis S. Charney. The Love Your Brain Foundation Programs: In-Person Retreats: 5-day holistic health retreats (free to attend). Love Your Brain Mindset: 6-week online programs (free), including specialized cohorts (e.g., Life After Concussion, Young Adults, Caregivers). Trainings: 20-hour certification for yoga teachers, clinicians, and facilitators. Learning Lab Speaker Series: Monthly free/by-donation educational webinars. Research: Ongoing studies to validate the effectiveness of their holistic methods. Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  3. Aug 27

    152. From Rugby Player to Documentary Filmmaker: Dylan Taylor’s Concussion Recovery Journey

    Dylan Taylor is a former rugby player whose career was abruptly ended by a concussion in 2020. He has since lived with persistent symptoms for over six years, traveling the world to consult specialists and researching effective treatment for post-concussion syndrome. Now, he is the creator of Tackling Concussion, a documentary dedicated to raising public awareness about effective concussion treatment and management to protect contact sports and help others avoid his long, arduous path. In this episode, host Bethany Lewis (neurological occupational therapist and life coach) speaks with Dylan Taylor about his six-year journey with persistent concussion symptoms following a rugby injury. Dylan shares his experience of navigating the healthcare system, his initial setbacks, and his eventual understanding that concussion recovery requires a holistic approach to be effective. He discusses the importance of finding your “threshold,” tackling the injury’s root causes step-by-step, and the mindset needed to keep moving forward. The conversation highlights his work on the Tackling Concussion documentary and his mission to provide hope by showing that recovery is possible. Resources Mentioned: Email: taylordjt@outlook.com Instagram: @tackling_concussion Note: The guest also referenced clinics like Cognitive FX and a general approach to holistic recovery involving vision/vestibular therapy, neck rehabilitation, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  4. Aug 20

    151. Concussion Dizziness Explained: BPPV, Vestibular Migraines & 3PD; An Interview with Andy Beltz, PT, DPT

    Andy Beltz is a highly experienced physical therapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist based in Canton, Ohio—home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With over 26 years of clinical practice at Aultman Tusc Therapy, where he also serves as Assistant Manager, Andy has treated more than 20,000 patients struggling with dizziness, balance disorders, and post-concussion symptoms. He is a nationally recognized expert in BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) , vestibular migraines, and PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) . Andy is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mount Union, a clinical instructor for over 30 PT students, and has taught more than 60 continuing education courses on vestibular rehabilitation to healthcare providers nationwide. His mission is to help patients find the root cause of their dizziness and regain control of their lives. In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis (neurological OT and certified life coach) and Andy Beltz had a deep-dive conversation into one of the most common and distressing symptoms after concussion: dizziness. Andy breaks down the science behind post-concussion dizziness in an easy-to-understand way, covering: Why “dizzy” means different things to different people – and why triggers and timing matter more than the description. The 3 major vestibular syndromes after head injury: acute, triggered episodic, and spontaneous episodic. BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) – the most common cause of dizziness after concussion, caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear. Vestibular migraines – how they can cause spinning episodes even without a headache. PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) – the “vicious cycle” where the brain becomes overly reliant on vision and neck input, leading to chronic imbalance and anxiety. Why nervous system health and sleep are critical for recovery—and why “trying softer” is often more effective than pushing harder. The role of vestibular therapy, Tai Chi, and nervous system training in treating dizziness, not just medication. Whether you're a concussion patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable insights for managing dizziness after head injury. Resources Mentioned Andy’s Blog (Fight Dizziness): fightdizziness.blogspot.com YouTube Channel (The Dizzy Busy PT): youtube.com/@thedizzybusypt LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/andy-beltz-spinnomore Clinic Contact (Aultman Tusc Therapy): 330-363-6215 Work Email: andy.beltz@altman.com Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  5. Aug 14

    150. Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Teens, Interview with Sarah Mireles, LPCC, CLC

    Sarah Mireles, LPCC, CLC is a therapist and the founder of Sarah Mireles Therapy. She is a neurodivergent professional with over 10 years of experience helping neurodivergent teens and their families. Her clinical experience spans intensive hospital, residential, and outpatient settings. She specializes in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, OCD, autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. Central to her work is the belief that if the home environment isn't built for neurodivergent functioning, progress rarely lasts, which is why she created a parent training program to teach families the skills they need to support long-term change. In this episode of the Concussion Coach podcast, host Bethany Lewis and therapist Sarah Mireles discuss the significant overlap between post-concussion syndrome and neurodivergence. Sarah explains that concussions can either create or exacerbate symptoms like emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, anxiety, and rigidity. The conversation focuses on how parents and caregivers can create a supportive home environment to foster recovery. Sarah introduces four core principles for parents: Emotional Regulation: Learning foundational skills to manage one's own emotions and model calm, regulated behavior. Radical Openness: Being open to new experiences, vulnerability, and feedback to help teens step outside their comfort zones. Mental Flexibility: Pivoting and improvising when plans change or a teen is struggling, rather than adhering to rigid expectations. Healthy Relationships: Prioritizing connection and teaching communication skills to help teens maintain at least one healthy relationship. The episode emphasizes that symptom relief is temporary, but sustainable change comes from building foundational skills in both the teen and the family. Sarah provides practical tips like using check-ins, and utilizing self-regulation techniques (e.g., self-compassion, breathing) before difficult conversations. Resources Mentioned:  Websites: Sarah Mireles Therapy (Individual Therapy for CA residents): www.sarahmirelestherapy.com Parent Training Program Website: www.parentsofneurodiverseteens.com Guest's Social Media & Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmirelestherapy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahMirelesTherapy/shorts Podcast: Spotify Link Contact Email: sarah@sarahmirelestherapy.com Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  6. Aug 7

    149. The Jackie Lithgow Foundation: Providing Support to TBI Survivors on Their Road to Recovery

    Jackie Lithgow is a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, advocate, and the founder of the Jackie Lithgow Foundation. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, having overcome a life-altering assault that left him with the most severe classification of brain injury. Jackie’s mission is to give back to the community that supported him by providing resources and hope to other survivors, especially those who may not have the same level of support.  In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis welcomes Jackie Lithgow, a severe TBI survivor whose story is one of incredible perseverance. Jackie shares the harrowing details of the assault that changed his life in 2014, his nine-month hospital stay, and the long road to recovery. He discusses the various therapies he underwent, including aquatherapy, equestrian therapy, and music therapy, and horticultural therapy. The conversation covers his decision to return to college after his injury, the accommodations that helped him succeed, and his eventual graduation with a degree in Mass Communications. Jackie also opens up about the founding of his nonprofit, the Jackie Lithgow Foundation, which provides scholarships and funding to support other TBI survivors and their families. The episode is a raw and honest look at the invisible struggles of brain injury, the importance of mental health, and the power of faith, positivity, and small victories. Jackie leaves listeners with a powerful message of hope, encouraging them to be patient with themselves and to always look for the light, even in the darkest moments. Resources Mentioned in the Episode Organization Website: www.Lithgowfoundation.org Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/187AuF422c/?mibextid=wwXIfr Jackie's Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtXHFm4wR/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: @jackie_lithgow Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  7. Jul 31

    148. From NFL Dad to CTE Advocate: An Interview with Lee Schwartz

    Today's guest is Lee Schwartz , a speaker, author, advocate, and proud father of two former NFL players. In his book Raising Giants, Lee shares the real-life story of how love, discipline, and vision helped shape his sons, Jeffrey and Mitchell, into elite athletes and grounded men. He serves on the West Coast Advisory Board of the Concussion and CTE Foundation , which is dedicated to researching the causes of CTE. Lee joined the podcast to share his powerful story and advocacy. In this episode, Lee discusses his family’s journey with football and his growing passion for CTE advocacy. Lee shares his "sobering" experience attending the CTE summit, which inspired him to join the advisory board of the Concussion and CTE Foundation. He discusses the difficult reality that CTE is currently only diagnosable postmortem and the importance for parents to be aware of the risks to their children of playing contact sports when young. Key Topics Discussed: Lee’s Journey: How writing the book Raising Giants led him to the Concussion and CTE Foundation. Youth Sports & CTE: The critical need for parents to educate themselves about the risks of contact sports, emphasizing the statistic that approximately 1.1 million high school football players exist, yet only about 11 go on to play 10 years in the NFL. The Science of CTE: An explanation of how the brain moves and sustains damage from both concussive and sub-concussive hits. A recent study mentioned in the episode found that "neurodegenerative mortality was nearly four times higher in NFL players." Warning Signs: Symptoms to watch for (like memory issues, headaches, depression, and personality changes) and a reminder that the youngest case of CTE diagnosed so far was in a 15-year-old. Relevant Prior Episodes: Interview with Julia Manning from the Concussion and CTE Foundation. Interview with Laura Dyer (personal story of a brother diagnosed with CTE). Resources Mentioned Lee's Book: Raising Giants: My Extraordinary Journey with TWO NFL Sons  Author Website: www.raisinggiantsbook.com  Social Media: X (Twitter): @RaisingGiants_ Instagram: @raising_giants_book Facebook: Raising Giants Foundation: Concussion and CTE Foundation (formerly Concussion Legacy Foundation)  Website: concussionfoundation.org  Free Support: Available via the CLF HelpLine (free, personalized support via phone, text, or email): https://concussionandcte.org/helpline/ Additional info from Lee: Ø  Study re: the connection between CTE & ALS (July '26) - https://concussionandcte.org/news/press-release/largest-study-finds-former-nfl-players-under-50-are-42x-more-likely-to-die-from-als-than-general-population/ Ø  Neurodegenerative study (July '26) - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(26)00304-4/fulltext Ø  CTE stages visual When pathologists refer to "brown spots" in the context of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), they are visually describing the presence of tau proteins. During post-mortem examinations, brain tissue is chemically stained so these abnormal proteins appear as a dark brown color. [1] This specific discoloration indicates several key features of the disease: [1] §  Abnormal Protein Build-up: The brown spots reveal hyper-phosphorylated tau (p-tau) proteins that have clumped together to form neurofibrillary tangles. [1, 2] §  Perivascular Location: These protein tangles have a highly specific pattern; they cluster densely around the small blood vessels deep within the grooves (sulci) of the brain's cortex. [1, 2] §  CTE Diagnosis: The presence, shape, and unique location of these brown-stained tau tangles are the official pathognomonic lesions used to definitively diagnose CTE. [1, 2] §  Cellular Degeneration: These tangles disrupt normal cell communication, causing brain tissues in the frontal and temporal lobes to slowly waste away (atrophy) over time.  Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

  8. Jul 23

    147. PCS: The Gift Wrapped in Suffering; Clare Sharpen, The Brain Health Coach UK

    Clare Sharpen is a registered health coach and founder of The Brain Health Coach UK. Based in London, Clare spent over two years recovering from post-concussion syndrome following a fall in June 2023. During her recovery journey, she discovered the profound impact of nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and nervous system regulation on brain health. Now she runs the Post-Concussion Wellbeing Course, a group program supporting people through post-concussion recovery using a holistic approach alongside any clinical care they may be receiving. Clare describes her experience as "a gift wrapped in suffering" and is passionate about helping others turn their post-concussion struggles into opportunities for becoming more health-filled, self-compassionate, and attuned to their bodies. In this powerful episode, Clare Sharpen shares her three-year journey through post-concussion syndrome, offering hope and practical wisdom for anyone navigating this invisible injury. Clare's concussion occurred when she fainted in a restaurant and fell headfirst down a set of wooden steps. Despite being unconscious for 5-10 minutes, she declined ambulance transport. She saw multiple medical specialists over 10 weeks—including a cardiologist—and not one mentioned the word concussion, instead focusing on her low blood pressure and heart rate. While listening to a podcast about the gut-brain connection, Clare heard the term "brain injury." When she googled post-concussion syndrome, she found a list of symptoms that matched her experience perfectly. "I literally nearly fell out of the hammock," she recalls. Key Recovery Strategies 1. Nervous System Regulation (The Foundation) 2. The Neuroscience of Pain 3. Vestibular Physiotherapy & Graded Exercise 4. Nutrition & Lifestyle 5. Hypnotherapy for Lingering Light & Noise SensitivityAdvice for Loved Ones Get professional help for the person with concussion. She wishes her family had sought a concussion coach sooner rather than trying to figure everything out alone. You don't need to become an expert—let experts guide you. The Gift in Suffering Clare describes her experience as a gift wrapped in suffering. She's emerged from her recovery more peaceful, less frantic, and with a deeper understanding of herself. Her identity is no longer tied to productivity or achievement. Resources Mentioned Books "The Way Out" by Alan Gordon – Understanding chronic pain and the brain's role in creating it Apps Curable – Neuroscience-based pain reprocessing app Hypnotherapist (Recommended by Clare) Jacqueline Panchaud Email: jacquelinepanchaud@gmail.com Contact Clare Sharpen Website: thebrainhealthcoach.co.uk Email: hello@thebrainhealthcoach.co.uk Instagram & Facebook: @thebrainhealthcoachuk Connect with Bethany: Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/ Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

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4.8
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About

Concussion Coach Bethany Lewis loves sharing uplifting and helpful information for those struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome. Her goal is to increase awareness of concussions and the impact they can have on a person’s life, and to bring hope to people who have suffered a concussion and those who love them. sharing stories and knowledge about concussions will bring important light and understanding to this misunderstood and often-invisible injury. This podcast was previously called Life Inspired Coach.

Information

  • Creator
    Bethany Lewis
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bethany Lewis
  • Show Website
    The Concussion Coach

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