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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

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.

• 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: [email protected] 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

​​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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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

What if the advice you’ve been given about concussions is not only outdated—but actually slowing down your recovery?

Far too many people are still told to “sit in a dark room and wait it out” after a concussion. The problem? That approach is not just unhelpful, it can delay healing, increase frustration, and leave people feeling isolated.

The truth is: concussion care has evolved. Access to the right treatment, at the right time, can make all the difference in recovery. And today’s guest, Lucas Johnson, co-founder and CEO of Headquarters (a virtual concussion clinic), is on a mission to make high-quality, interdisciplinary concussion care accessible to everyone—without the outdated “just wait” approach.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The outdated concussion myths that are still being repeated—and why they need to stop

• How Lucas’ personal concussion story led him to create a new standard of care

• Why early, structured movement (not rest in a dark room) is key to recovery

• How virtual clinics like Headquarters are breaking barriers and expanding access across the U.S.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the lack of clear, effective concussion care—or you just want to stay on top of the most up-to-date recovery strategies—this episode is packed with hope, science, and innovation.

Connect with Lucas Johnston:

Website: https://www.headquarters.health/

Email: [email protected]

Let’s connect!

Instagram: 

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] 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

Ever felt like you’re chasing a dream that just keeps slipping through your fingers?

You’ve given it everything—your time, your energy, even your savings—only to feel like you’re still miles away from where you want to be. Maybe you’ve even convinced yourself it’s safer not to dream at all, because disappointment hurts too much.

But what if you could hear from someone who’s been there—facing rejection, setbacks, and moments of “this is never going to happen”—and still found a way forward?

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Broadway performer and independent artist Kelsie Watts, whose journey from bartending in Nashville to starring in Six on Broadway and racking up over 60,000 Spotify streams in a month will leave you inspired (and maybe a little teary). Her story is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and daring to believe there’s more waiting for you.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why chasing your dream often takes more grit—and more patience—than you expect

• The reality of building a career in a competitive, numbers-driven industry

• How authenticity and vulnerability can open unexpected doors

• The mindset shifts that keep you moving forward when quitting feels easier

Whether you’re healing from an injury, building a business, or pushing toward a creative dream, this conversation will remind you: you belong, you matter, and it’s never too late to keep going.

Connect with Kelsie Watts:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsiewattsmusic/

Listen to her music: https://lnk.to/KelsieWatts-FITIN?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAad98QOBNTR_pm-qCz9DVWyur0kwZo_XisNQDCFp73-zTeSqocbcOoEl0un1kw_aem_aVRZnTuuVbgPKCKNH5p-XQ

Let’s connect!

Instagram: 

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] 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

Are you stuck treating symptoms when you know there’s something deeper going on?

Here’s the truth: too many clinicians are caught in a loop—taking course after course, trying to get “certified,” but still walking into treatment sessions unsure how to actually help their concussion clients thrive.

I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And I knew something had to change.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and taking you behind the scenes of why this podcast, this community, and this entire movement even exists. Spoiler: it’s not just about education—it’s about reshaping identities, changing the culture of care, and setting a whole new standard for what concussion rehab should look like.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:

• Why I’m not here to teach you how to treat a symptom—and what I am here to do

• The personal story that shaped my path into neuro rehab and ultimately led to this work

• Why quality education should never be a privilege and how we’re breaking that barrier

• How clinicians in this community are shifting their confidence, their care, and their careers

This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement. And if you’re here—whether you’re brand new or a long-time Nerd—you’re part of it.

We’re redefining what’s possible in this space, and we’re doing it one clinician, one client, and one deep conversation at a time.

Let’s connect!

Instagram: 

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] 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

Are your symptoms being brushed off as “just anxiety” when you know something deeper is going on?

If you've been told your labs are “normal,” but your body feels anything but — you’re not alone. So many people with complex, overlapping symptoms like fatigue, GI issues, dizziness, brain fog, and medication sensitivities are stuck in a loop of misdiagnosis and dismissal. And it’s exhausting.

In this episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast, Dr. Zachary Spiritos — neurogastroenterologist and founder of Ever Better Medicine — pulls back the curtain on two highly misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions: POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). These aren’t “rare unicorn” illnesses — they’re just rarely understood.

🧠 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discover:

• What a neurogastroenterologist actually does — and why it matters in treating complex conditions

• How MCAS and POTS are often connected (and why most people with POTS have some form of MCAS)

• What clues to look for if your symptoms span multiple systems (hint: it’s not all in your head)

• Why a true healing partnership between patient and provider is non-negotiable for chronic illness

This conversation is jam-packed with hope, real talk, and validation — especially if you’ve been gaslit or ignored by the medical system. Dr. Zach brings humor, humility, and a whole-person approach that will make you feel seen and supported.

If you haven't found your support system yet, keep looking. They're out there — people who want to listen, fight for you, and have your back. I’ve met them. I talk to them every day. Stay curious, stay connected, and don’t give up on finding your team.

🎧 Tune in and feel less alone — you’re not imagining it.

🩺 Connect with Dr. Zach Spiritos: Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/drzacspiritos/?hl=en Clinic: Ever Better Medicine https://everbettermedicine.health/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaePOrwSFCWk8_tsMToFIZPy-oTJX-MW0Mwxkjt20j7BQYZ9Phv4Dm8jqgT0-Q_aem_Po5biQLOr1TPEmRLVGv5NQ

Let’s connect!

Instagram: 

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] 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

🚨 You're Invited to the 2025 Concussion Virtual Summit! 🚨 Join us for an incredible lineup of experts, practical tools, and forward-thinking conversations — all designed to help you support concussion recovery in a more powerful way.

🎥 It's all online, so you can tune in from wherever you are. 💡 Whether you're a healthcare professional, coach, parent, or someone on a healing journey — this summit is for YOU.

👉 Save your spot now: natashawilch.com/virtual-summit

Let’s change the concussion care game — together. 🧠✨

Is sound sensitivity slowing down your concussion recovery—more than you even realize?

For many people on a healing journey (and the clinicians who support them), sound sensitivity becomes an exhausting, confusing hurdle. Whether it’s struggling to be in noisy environments, feeling constantly overstimulated, or relying on earplugs 24/7, this issue doesn’t just make life harder—it often gets overlooked or misunderstood altogether.

But what if sound sensitivity is more than just an annoying symptom… and instead, a clue pointing to deeper dysregulation in the nervous system? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s really going on—and how to start shifting it.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why sound sensitivity is not just about your ears—and how the brain and nervous system play a huge role

• The connection between auditory processing and cognitive function after a concussion

• Why noise-canceling headphones are management, not treatment (and what to do instead)

• A step-by-step framework for gently retraining your tolerance to sound using the “Sound Sensitivity Pyramid”

This episode blends practical tools with empowering education—for clinicians and healing humans alike. Whether you're new to concussion recovery or feeling stuck in the middle of it, this conversation will help you better understand your body, your brain, and your next steps forward.

Let’s connect!

Instagram: 

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: [email protected] 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