Jason Kreuzman is a pediatric occupational therapist based in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and chronic pain. He is the Co-Chair of the FND Society Pediatric Committee and the Chair of the Multidisciplinary FND Committee at St. Louis Children's Hospital. As the founder of Rewire OT, Jason is opening a new outpatient clinic and leading the charge to create pediatric OT/PT treatment guidelines for FND. He joins us to demystify this complex condition and share a hopeful, practical path to recovery.

Description:

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how is it similar to concussion recovery? In this fascinating episode, pediatric occupational therapist Jason Kreuzman breaks down FND—a disorder where the brain and body's communication goes awry, causing very real, debilitating symptoms like functional seizures, limb weakness, and tremors.

Jason shares his journey into this niche field, the heartbreaking stigma patients face, and the striking similarities between FND and post-concussion syndrome (including the "invisible" nature of symptoms and the "boom-bust" cycle). We dive deep into the role of occupational therapy in FND recovery, focusing on nervous system regulation, sensory integration, and the crucial "twist": focusing on the task, not the symptom.

We discuss:

• A clear definition of FND and how it's diagnosed.

• The surprising overlap between FND, chronic pain, and concussion.

• Why a holistic, team-based approach (OT, PT, Psychology) is essential.

• Practical strategies for nervous system regulation and interoceptive awareness.

• Crucial advice for parents and caregivers on co-regulation and advocacy.

• What to do (and what not to do) during a functional seizure.

• School accommodations.

• A powerful message of hope: recovery is possible.

If you or a loved one is navigating confusing neurological symptoms, this episode offers validation, clarity, and a roadmap to finding the right help.

Shownotes & Key Resources Mentioned:

Resources from Jason Kreuzman:

• RewireOT.com: Jason's central hub for FND resources, information, and updates on his outpatient clinic (opening late 2025).

• FND Society: Jason is the Co-Chair of their Pediatric Committee. The society offers lectures, research, and (with membership) a provider referral list. FNDSociety.org

Essential FND Information Hubs:

• Neurosymptoms.org: The "gold standard" patient education website, created and maintained by leading FND neurologists and researchers. An indispensable first stop for understanding the diagnosis.

• Patient-Led Advocacy & Support Groups: Jason highlights the incredible work of groups like FND Hope, FND What Now, and FND Action. These global communities provide connection, support, and resources.

Tool for Management:

• Neuro-Log.com: A symptom management and tracking app created by a person with FND. A fantastic tool for identifying patterns and triggers in daily life.

Guest Contact:

• Follow Jason's work and access resources at RewireOT.com.

The Concussion Coach:

• Download the free guide, "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion," or book a free consultation with Bethany  at theconcussioncoach.com.

We are thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Dr. Devin Duval for another insightful conversation. Dr. Duval is a Neuro-Optometrist with a focus on pediatrics, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD), a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), and an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University. He is dedicated to advancing the field and helping patients with concussions and developmental challenges through neuro-optometric care.

Summary Description:

In this continuation of a fantastic conversation (see Episode 111), Bethany Lewis and Kaylee Blair dive deeper with Dr. Duval into three critical topics for concussion recovery:

1. Primitive Reflexes: Learn what primitive reflexes are, why they are crucial for our foundational neurological development, and how a concussion can cause them to re-emerge, creating symptoms like heightened startle responses, fidgeting, balance issues, and visual problems. Dr. Duval explains how reintegrating these reflexes through specific exercises can break through recovery plateaus and accelerate healing.

2. Sleep Hygiene: Dr. Duval shares essential, light-based strategies for improving sleep—a cornerstone of brain recovery. Discover why morning and evening light exposure is vital, how blue light from screens disrupts your sleep cycle, and how practical tools like blue-light-blocking glasses and red-light lamps can help you get the restorative rest you need.

3. Navigating Setbacks: Concussion recovery is rarely a straight line. Dr. Duval offers encouraging wisdom and perspective for those times when you feel you've taken "five steps back," reminding listeners that progress is an upward trend, even with inevitable peaks and valleys.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for anyone on a concussion recovery journey.

Resources Mentioned

Previous Episodes with Dr. Duval:

• Episode 28: The Benefits of Neuro-Optometry for People with Concussions - Watch on YouTube

• Episode 111: Understanding and Using Syntonics (Light Therapy) in Concussion Recovery - Watch on YouTube

Primitive Reflex Resources:

• Book: "Reflexes, Learning and Behavior" by Sally Goddard Blythe. A foundational text on the subject, though noted as an "intense read." Also “Reflexes, Movement, Learning and Behavior: Analysing and Unblocking Neuro-motor Immaturity”

• Online Experts: Dr. Duval highlighted the work of Dr. Alexandar Andrich and Patti Andrich, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP, FNAP as leading resources and researchers in primitive reflex integration. Listen to the podcast with her.

• YouTube channel with helpful Primitive Reflexes info from Occupational Therapy Practitioners: https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily

Sleep Resources:

• Blue Light Blocking Company: BlockBlueLight.com - A source for recommended blue-light-blocking glasses and ambient light bulbs that can be adjusted for different times of the day.

• Tool: Salt Lamps - Used to create a relaxing, red-light environment in the evening to signal the brain that it's time for sleep.

Work with Bethany:

• The Concussion Coach Program: If you're struggling with lingering symptoms, Bethany offers a coaching program to guide you through recovery: Sign up for a free consultation to get valuable information and resources at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

Natasha Wilch is a registered physical therapist and a leading voice in concussion care. She is the founder of Symphony Brain Performance and a clinical mentorship program, Concussion Nerds. With a passion for evolving the conversation around concussion worldwide, Natasha brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work, informed by her own family's experience with her father's brain injury when she was a teenager.

Summary Description: 

In this powerful and emotional episode, Natasha Wilch gets personal, sharing a story she's never told publicly before. She opens up about her experience as a 17-year-old watching her father struggle with a significant brain injury, detailing the profound impact it had on the family dynamics, her relationship with her parents, and her own sense of home and safety.

We discuss:

• The initial trauma of her father's accident and the long-term symptoms he faced.

• The feeling of "walking on eggshells" at home and how it shaped her ability to read subtle energy shifts—a skill she now uses as a clinician.

• The heartbreaking family rift that occurred and the pivotal moments that began to rebuild the bridge between her and her father.

• How this personal history ignited her passion for helping other families navigate the complex emotional and physical landscape of concussion recovery.

• Practical advice for individuals with concussions and their families on how to communicate, seek resources, and foster understanding to prevent similar struggles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a concussion journey and their loved ones. It’s a raw, hopeful look at the ripple effects of brain injury within a family and a testament to the power of education, compassion, and healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Natasha's Previous Episode (Episode 96): I Just Got A Concussion - Now What?

• Natasha's Clinic & Programs:

• Symphony Brain Performance: Her in-person/virtual clinic.

• Concussion Mini School: A FREE community and video resource library with monthly coaching calls.

• Virtual Consultations: For individuals and families to chart a path forward.

• For Clinicians:

• Concussion Nerds: Natasha's signature mentorship program for clinicians, including immersive in-person weekends.

• Connect with Natasha:

• Instagram: @natasha.wilch

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Nate Pope is a neuro occupational therapist with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years. Nate's expertise is uniquely split between pediatrics, where he spent two decades as a school-based OT, and concussion recovery. Driven by seeing the challenges of post-concussion syndrome firsthand, he founded NCX Brain Recovery, a clinic dedicated to restoring hope and function. Summary Description:

What if the key to healing from a brain injury isn't focusing on one thing at a time, but doing the exact opposite? In this enlightening follow-up conversation, neuro OT Nate Pope returns to dive deep into the transformative concept of multisensory integration—the practice of engaging the entire brain simultaneously to break bad neural habits and promote true healing.

We explore why traditional, "siloed" therapies often fall short for those with post-concussion syndrome, strokes, and even conditions like anxiety and depression, and how Nate's clinic’s intensive model is achieving remarkable recoveries. Nate explains the "just right challenge," why avoiding overstimulation can sometimes hinder recovery, and how his team carefully guides patients through the very activities that once overwhelmed them.

Beyond the clinic, we discuss practical "healthy brain habits" everyone can adopt, including the profound benefits of getting outside, embracing novelty, and pursuing your passions. Nate leaves us with a powerful message of hope: your brain is far more capable of recovery than you may have been led to believe.

Mentioned Resources:

• Nate's Clinic: NCX Brain Recovery

• Website: https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/

• Email: [email protected]

• Free Consultations: Nate's clinic offers free consultations to help guide you on your path to recovery.

• Previous Episode: Check out Nate's first appearance on Episode 61 for more foundational insights:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCN4BVdyAPk&t=1s

• Key Concepts Discussed:

• Multisensory Integration (Whole-Brain Therapy)

• Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

• Intensive Therapy Model (vs. traditional once-a-week therapy)

• The "Just Right Challenge"

• Healthy Brain Habits (novelty, passion, getting outside)

• Recovery for Stroke, Anxiety, Depression, and Long COVID

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Meet Kathryn Tuazon, a New Jersey-based occupational therapist with over 7.5 years of experience specializing in neurological conditions. She holds a Master's in Occupational Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and works in an outpatient hospital setting. Kathryn is a Certified Stroke Recovery Specialist, an LSVT BIG Certified Clinician for Parkinson's disease, and is passionate about lifelong learning. She recently completed LoveYourBrain's training for health professionals and is in the process of becoming a Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CFVRS). Kathryn is deeply dedicated to client-centered, holistic treatment, empowering her patients as collaborators in their own recovery.

Summary Description:

In this episode, we sit down with Kathryn Tuazon, an occupational therapist on the front lines of concussion care. Kathryn shares her unique journey from mechanical engineering to OT and how she discovered her passion for treating complex neurological conditions, especially concussion.

We dive into the often-missed pieces of concussion recovery, including:

• The "Medical Trauma" of Concussion: Kathryn discusses the heartbreaking stories of patients being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms are "all in their head" even years after their injury.

• The Critical Role of Vision: Learn why a neuro-optometrist is a key player on the recovery team and how vision problems can masquerade as other issues.

• The Power of the Psychosocial: We explore the importance of addressing mindset, resilience, and the emotional toll of a "hidden" injury, and why this is often the missing link in treatment.

• Instilling Hope: Kathryn shares her compassionate strategies for helping patients reframe their recovery goals, build resilience, and find hope even after years of struggling.

• The Interdisciplinary Model: Discover why a team approach—incorporating OT, PT, Speech Therapy, and more—is non-negotiable for effective concussion rehabilitation.

Kathryn leaves us with practical advice for both individuals and caregivers, emphasizing the power of self-advocacy, pre-planning for symptom management, and using this challenging experience as an opportunity to build a more balanced and value-driven life.

Mentioned Resources & Contact Info

Connect with Kathryn Tuazon:

• Instagram: @impactconcussion

• Email: [email protected]

Resources Discussed in the Episode:

• Love Your Brain Foundation: A nonprofit that provides yoga and mindfulness programs for the brain injury community.

• Online Mindset Group - "Life After Concussion": A free, online support group mentioned by Kathryn. https://www.loveyourbrain.com/mindset

• Neuro-Optometrist: A key specialist for post-concussion visual rehabilitation. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of seeing a neuro-optometrist, not just a general optometrist or ophthalmologist.

• Learn More: Check out our previous episodes with Neuro-Optometrist Dr. Duval:

• Episode 28: (How Vision Therapy Can Help With Concussions: An Interview with Dr. Devin Duval, OD, FCOVD)

• Episode 111: [Unlocking Concussion Recovery with Light: A Deep Dive into Syntonics with Dr. Devin Duval)

• Certified Functional Vision Rehabilitation Specialist (CFVRS): The certification Kathryn is pursuing to further specialize in vision rehabilitation.

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Today’s guest is Reverend Eleanor Shell, the founder of Resilient Magnolia. After surviving a traumatic brain injury in 2024, Eleanor began sharing her powerful story of recovery and reflection. She weaves together her background as a pastor, fundraiser, and community builder with her lived experience of healing. Through writing, speaking, and creative projects, Eleanor sparks conversations about what it means to move through bad days, grow in the dark, and bloom anyway. At the heart of her work is a belief that resilience is not about enduring in silence, but about growing authentically and finding new ways to flourish even when life doesn't go according to plan.Summary:

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Bethany Lewis talks with Reverend Eleanor Shell about her life-altering concussion after being hit by a car while walking with her infant daughter. Eleanor shares the shocking and often frustrating journey of getting diagnosed, the "blooming" of her symptoms days after the injury, and the profound impact it had on her identity as a high-achieving professional, community leader, and mother.

We discuss:

• The initial denial and the challenge of getting a proper diagnosis.

• The drastic shift from being the "franchise player" in her family to being on the "injured reserve."

• The emotional toll, including depression and the struggle with identity.

• The treatments and therapies that helped, including intensive programs at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and UPMC in Pittsburgh.

• The concept of "resiliency" and how Eleanor redefined it from "bouncing back" to a journey of "sustained growth through honesty, rhythm, and renewal."

• Practical advice for caregivers and loved ones.

Description:

What does it truly mean to be resilient after a life-changing event like a brain injury? In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, Bethany Lewis sits down with Reverend Eleanor Shell, who shares her raw and powerful story of surviving a traumatic brain injury. Eleanor opens up about the invisible struggles, the mourning of her former self, and the difficult but beautiful journey of redefining her purpose. She explains her "Resiliency Arc"—a framework for moving through bad days, seasons of endurance, and ultimately finding a way to "bloom anyway." If you or someone you love is navigating a difficult season, whether from a concussion or another life-altering event, this conversation is a beacon of hope, honesty, and practical wisdom. Learn how to move through hardship with authenticity and discover that resilience is a journey, not a destination.

Resources & Contact Info Mentioned by Guest:

Eleanor's Platforms:

• Resilient Magnolia on Substack: Where Eleanor writes about resilience, bad days, and her journey. https://resilientmagnolia.substack.com/ (Free subscription available)

• Resilient Magnolia Website: Find free resources, worksheets, affirmation cards, and more. www.resilientmagnolia.com

• Instagram (Personal Journey): Follow her ongoing journey at @reclaimingmybrain

Treatment Centers & Specialists Eleanor Mentioned:

• Shepherd Center (Atlanta): Complex Concussion Clinic. https://shepherd.org/treatment/services-clinics/concussion-clinic/

• UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program (Pittsburgh): A leading clinic in concussion treatment. https://www.upmc.com/services/sports-medicine/conditions/concussion

Other Helpful Concepts & Tools:

• Fair Play Method: A system to help couples divide the invisible labor of running a household. https://fairplaylife.com/

• Automatic Email Response: Eleanor uses an auto-reply to manage communication: "As I continue to recover from my accident, my time on email is limited. Please excuse any delay in response."

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Today, we are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Devin Duval, OD, FCOVD. Dr. Duval is an optometrist with advanced residency training in pediatrics, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD) and a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). As an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University and one of only a few optometrists in Utah with this specific expertise, he specializes in helping patients with post-concussion vision problems, strabismus, and other complex visual conditions.

In this episode, Dr. Devin Duval returns to the Concussion Coach Podcast for an in-depth discussion on Syntonics and other vision-related aspects of concussion recovery.

• What is Syntonics? Dr. Duval explains that Syntonics is the application of selective light frequencies to the eyes to treat various vision conditions. It works by balancing the autonomic nervous system, helping patients move out of a chronic "fight or flight" (sympathetic) state and into a "rest and digest" (parasympathetic) state.

• How It Works: Patients are tested to determine the specific colored filters they need. They then use these prescribed glasses for about 20 minutes a day, looking at a full-spectrum light source like the sky. Treatment typically lasts 1-2 months.

• Syntonics vs. Other Colored Glasses: Dr. Duval distinguishes between "band-aid" colored glasses for symptom relief (like FL-41 for migraines) and Syntonic glasses, which are a targeted treatment intended to fix the underlying problem.

• Practical Tips for Listeners:

• Expanding Visual Fields: Go for walks in open spaces and consciously pay attention to your peripheral vision.

• Screen Use & Blue Light: The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) is crucial. Blue light filters are generally recommended for concussion patients, but quality varies.

• Computer Work: Reduce visual clutter, avoid fluorescent lighting, and consider a "flicker-free" monitor. High-resolution 4K monitors can sometimes be overstimulating.

• Finding Help: Dr. Duval emphasizes that many "untreatable" visual problems are treatable with the right specialist. He encourages listeners to seek out a qualified professional.

The episode is a powerful reminder that there is hope and help available for persistent post-concussion visual symptoms.

Resources Mentioned

To Find a Syntonics or Vision Therapy Provider:

• College of Syntonic Optometry: Find a doctor trained in Syntonics on their website. https://csovision.org/find-a-practitioner/

• COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development): Use the "Locate a Doctor" feature on covd.org and click the button to find a board-certified vision therapy specialist. Many (but not all) also practice Syntonics.

General Concussion & Vision Resources:

• Dr. Duval's Practice: Dr. Duval sees patients in-person and offers intensive programs. He also conducts remote consultations for patients outside of Utah. https://www.newsightvt.com/

• The Concussion Coach Program: Bethany's coaching program for those struggling with lingering concussion symptoms. Sign up for a free consultation at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Previous Podcast Episode: Check out the first conversation with Dr. Duval in Episode 28 of the Concussion Coach Podcast (Watch it Here).

Specific Product Mentions:

• FL-41 Lenses: A specific rose-colored tint often used to relieve migraine and light sensitivity symptoms.

• Blue Light Glasses: Recommended for concussion patients using screens, but quality is important.

Contact Dr. Devin Duval: 

Website: www.newsightvt.com or 

Email: [email protected]. 

Instagram: @newsightvt

Connect with Bethany & The Concussion Coach Podcast:

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Sign up for a Free Consultation: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Download the Free Guide for Loved Ones: www.theconcussioncoach.com

Podcast Summary:

Bethany Lewis welcomes Andy Ellison to the Concussion Coach Podcast to share his profound journey with brain injury.  A Colorado native, he has an impressive background in finance, having co-founded and served as CEO of Mountain View Bank of Commerce for 16 years before it was sold. He is now the CFO of the Boone Heart Institute.

Andy begins his story by recounting how a seemingly minor concussion in April 2021, sustained by walking into a doorframe, led to debilitating symptoms like an inability to look at screens, severe fatigue, and light and noise sensitivity.

A CT scan ordered by his doctor revealed an unexpected and incidental finding: a brain tumor in his left ventricle. This shocking diagnosis began a multi-year journey of monitoring the tumor. 

The conversation delves into the challenges Andy faced in his high-level career, including how he navigated telling his employer and colleagues, and the blessing in disguise of learning to delegate. He shares powerful insights on:

• Managing Identity: Using the "just behave" theory to handle frustration and the concept of separating his life into "before" and "after" to stop comparing himself to his old self.

• The Power of Gratitude: Actively practicing gratitude to reframe difficult situations.

• Advice for Caregivers: The importance of believing the person with the injury and separating frustration with the situation from feelings toward the caregiver.

• Using Humor: He even shares his "brain tumor card" as a lighthearted way to explain cognitive hiccups.

• Maintaining Hope: He references the "Stockdale Paradox"—confronting the brutal reality of your situation while maintaining unwavering faith that you will prevail in the end.

Andy candidly discusses the symptoms he still manages today, including an inability to watch videos, bad days that require adjusted expectations, and ongoing fatigue. He ends with a powerful reason for sharing his story: to stop hiding his struggles and to offer himself as a resource and role model for others on a similar path.

Resources & Tools Mentioned:

• Brainwaves App: Brainwave: 37 Binaural Series App Andy uses for relaxation and symptom management. (Note: This is a popular app; link provided for reference.)

• The "Gap and the Gain" Concept: From the book by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Focus on how far you've come (the gain) rather than how far you are from your goal (the gap).

• The Stockdale Paradox: From Jim Collins' book "Good to Great." The concept of retaining faith that you will prevail in the end, while simultaneously confronting the most brutal facts of your current reality.

• Ram Dass: A spiritual teacher and author who spoke about his own transformative experience after a stroke. Andy referenced his idea of dividing life into "before and after."

• Cognitive FX: The clinic where Andy underwent intensive therapy and received the fMRI that showed his tumor was growing. https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/

• Bethany's Free Guide: "The 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion." Download at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Concussion Coaching: Bethany's program for one-on-one mentorship through concussion recovery. Sign up for a free consultation at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

Connect with Andy Ellison:Andy has generously offered to be a resource and help others find role models on their recovery journey. You can reach him via email at: [email protected]

Connect with Bethany & The Concussion Coach Podcast:

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Sign up for a Free Consultation: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Download the Free Guide for Loved Ones: www.theconcussioncoach.com

Thank you for listening! If this episode brought you hope or insight, please help us spread the word by rating, reviewing, and subscribing to The Concussion Coach Podcast.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide, mental health crises, and a recent shooting.

In this profoundly important episode, Bethany Lewis speaks with Laura Dyer about the tragic loss of her brother, Greg, due to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). Laura, a registered nurse and healthcare leader,  shares their family's difficult journey, from Greg's successful football career at the University of Utah to the onset of debilitating symptoms like paranoia, aggression, and psychosis that were misdiagnosed for years as mental illness.

They delve into what CTE is, how it differs from a single concussion, and why it can only be diagnosed posthumously. Laura provides crucial insights from the forefront of CTE research, including the critical role of sub-concussive hits, the stages of the disease, and the ongoing work of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

This conversation is a powerful call for awareness, compassion, and change. While the topic is heavy, Laura emphasizes hope—hope for future diagnostics, hope for better player safety, and hope for individuals and families navigating similar challenges today. If you or a loved one has a history of contact sports or repetitive head trauma, this episode is an essential listen.

Summary

This episode provides a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of CTE through the personal story of Laura Dyer and her brother, Greg. Key points discussed include:

• What is CTE? CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive head trauma, including both concussions and, crucially, hundreds or thousands of sub-concussive impacts over years.

• Greg's Story: A talented football player, Greg began experiencing unexplained symptoms in his twenties, including hearing voices, extreme paranoia, impulsivity, and aggression. He was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, as his football history was never considered a factor by treating physicians.

• The Diagnosis: CTE can currently only be diagnosed after death by examining brain tissue. Laura details the process of donating her brother's brain to Boston University for research and the relief and validation the subsequent diagnosis brought the family.

• Symptoms and Stages: CTE manifests differently; in younger individuals (20s-30s), it often appears as mental/behavioral issues (anxiety, depression, impulsivity), while in older individuals (50s+), it can resemble dementia. Greg was diagnosed with Stage 2 CTE.

• A Message of Hope and Action: Laura stresses that a CTE diagnosis is not a death sentence and that many people live full lives while managing symptoms. She urges anyone concerned—whether athletes or family members—to seek support, use available resources like the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and believe loved ones when they share what they are experiencing.

• Advice for Parents and Athletes: The key takeaway is to be aware of the risks of repetitive head trauma in contact sports, take head injuries seriously, and prioritize brain health. While football may not disappear, awareness and safety protocols are improving.

Resources Mentioned:

• An Image of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

• Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://www.concussionfoundation.org/ (Includes a helpline and resources for support)

• Boston University UNITE Brain Bank / CTE Center: https://www.bu.edu/cte/

• Podcast Episode with Dr. Diane Spangler on Mental Health & Concussion: Watch on YouTube

• Bethany's Free Guide: "The 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" - Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com

The episode concludes with Laura's hope that Greg’s legacy will be one of raising awareness and improving the lives of future athletes, emphasizing that support and resources are available for those who need them.

Jessie Rain Anne Smith is a Qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Teacher, trained through the University of California San Diego's Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute. She has also completed Dr. David Treleaven’s Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness training, and was one of a select few chosen by Dr. Treleaven for mentorship in 2022.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, Bethany Lewis welcomes Jessie Rain Smith, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher and founder of Mindful Concussion. Following her own car accident and brain injury in 2013, Jessie was advised to use mindfulness but discovered that while some practices were incredibly powerful, others were detrimental, leading to panic and dissociation.

Jessie shares her personal concussion journey and the realization that recovery can be a long, winding path. She and Bethany dive into a crucial discussion on the dual nature of mindfulness for the injured brain. They explore its profound benefits for attention, nervous system regulation, and emotional control, while also highlighting the potential perils of common practices like body scans and intense interoceptive awareness that can be overly cognitive or dysregulating.

Jessie explains her modified approach, which prioritizes "nurturing anchors of attention" and "concentration practices" to build safety and regulation before moving into more challenging work. This episode is an essential listen for anyone in the brain injury community—survivors and caregivers alike—looking to harness the healing power of mindfulness in a safe, effective, and trauma-informed way.

Key Discussion Points:

• Jessie's Concussion Story: The onset of symptoms days after her car accident and her journey through the healthcare system.

• The Surprise of Prolonged Symptoms: The realization at 2.5 years post-injury that recovery was not linear and required a fundamental shift in lifestyle and activity levels.

• The Role of the Nervous System: How a pre-existing state of dysregulation (e.g., from previous trauma) can influence concussion recovery.

• Defining Mindfulness: Moving from being "lost in thought" (worries, regrets) to landing in the present moment.

• The Power of Mindfulness for brain injury:

• Attentional Control: Practicing the muscle of bringing focus back to the present, which is directly beneficial for cognitive fatigue and focus issues.

• Nervous System Regulation: Learning that symptoms are not a threat, moving away from the "fight, flight, or freeze" response (faulty neuroception).

  
  

• Jessie's Website: www.mindfulconcussion.ca

• Sign up for her free bi-monthly Zoom mindfulness sessions for survivors.

• Read her blog (including the post on mindful chocolate eating!).

• Jessie's Upcoming Book: The Power and Perils of Mindfulness for Brain Injury (To be released). Follow her on social media for updates and to give feedback on drafts.

• Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: The work of Dr. David Treleaven (davidtreleaven.com), author of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing.

• Free Guide from Bethany: "The 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion." Available at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Bethany's Coaching Program: For a free consultation on her concussion coaching program, visit www.theconcussioncoach.com.

• Viktor Frankl quote: "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

  
  

  Connect with the Guest:

• Website: mindfulconcussion.ca

• Email: [email protected]

• Social Media: Follow Jessie on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates on her book and to participate in her social media feedback campaign.

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for educational and awareness purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.