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

 

What if healing the brain wasn’t just about rest and rehab—but light?

Most people think of concussion treatment as pacing, physio, maybe some cognitive rehab… but what if we’ve been missing a powerful, science-backed tool this whole time?

Let’s be real: Photobiomodulation sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi film. And if you’re a clinician or someone on a healing journey, you might be wondering—how could a helmet that shines light on your head actually make a difference?

In this episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast, Natasha is joined by Chris Garvin from Neuronic, a cutting-edge neurotech company that’s changing how we support the brain using light. Together, they break down the science of photobiomodulation in a way that’s actually understandable—and explore how it's being used to help people with persistent concussions, cognitive decline, and more.

 

 

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

• What photobiomodulation actually is—and how Neuronic’s device is using it to improve brain function

• How red light therapy has evolved beyond skincare to support concussion recovery and neurodegenerative care

• The real-life stories of patients and families seeing life-changing shifts through this technology

• What new research says about boosting BDNF (aka brain fertilizer) without needing intense aerobic exercise

 

 

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians who want to stay on the cutting edge of evidence-informed care—and for anyone on a healing journey who's curious about non-invasive tools that can support real recovery. If you’ve never heard of Neuronic or photobiomodulation before, prepare to have your mind (and brain) blown.

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

 

🧠 Want to connect with Chris Garvin or attend a live in-service? 

💻 Website: https://www.neuronic.online/

📧 Email Chris directly: [email protected] 📍Want to host an in-service or attend a demo? Reach out to Chris and let him know you heard about it on the podcast!

Let the nerding out begin.

What if you could see how your nervous system is responding in real time—right in your clinic?

Most practitioners are doing their best with the tools they’ve got. But let’s be honest: when you’re only tracking symptoms, you’re often flying blind. There’s a huge gap between what a patient feels and what’s actually happening in the brain—and without objective data, it’s easy to miss what truly needs to be addressed.

Now imagine if you had technology that not only helped track brain activity and nervous system responses in real time… but did it in a simple, accessible, and fast way. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Trevor Colm, is building—right at the intersection of chiropractic care, neuroscience, and innovation.

Trevor’s journey from musician and athlete to concussion survivor to chiropractor—and now tech creator—offers powerful insight into why we must question what we’ve always done, especially in healing professions. Because what if there’s a better way? A smarter, more integrated, tech-supported way?

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

• How a single chiropractic adjustment radically changed Trevor’s life after his concussion—and what it taught him about healing

• The difference between structural vs. tonal chiropractic techniques (and why it matters for the nervous system)

• Why current tools in concussion and brain-based care often fall short—and how Cortex is bridging that gap

• The role of curiosity, lived experience, and real-time data in creating meaningful, measurable change in clinical outcomes

This one’s for the clinicians, the curious minds, and anyone who's ever asked “But why is this working?”—or better yet, “How can we do it even better?”

 

 

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: Don't forget—Rethink Rehab Live is happening June 27th! This hands-on workshop is for clinicians who are ready to lead the future of concussion care. You'll walk away with the confidence and clarity to treat complex cases with skill—and start creating epic outcomes. Click here to learn more + save your spot.

Until next time, keep being the forward-thinking provider your clients need. 💥

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

How to Connect with Trevor Colm: Visit cortexbrain.com to learn more about the Cortex technology. You can also connect with Trevor on LinkedIn by searching Trevor Colm or visiting his company page, CCNS Technologies.

They’ve been in stealth mode, but big things are coming soon—so keep an eye out!

Is it really just a headache—or is your brain trying to tell you something deeper?

If you've ever shrugged off recurring headaches or mislabeled your pain as a "migraine" without really knowing the difference, you're not alone. The truth is, many people—and even some clinicians—still don’t fully understand what makes a migraine different from a headache.

And that misunderstanding? It leads to missed diagnoses, mistreatment, and a whole lot of people suffering in silence, thinking, “This is just my new normal.”

But what if the pain isn’t your final story?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Thompson Maesaka of The Neural Connection—a specialist with deep personal and clinical experience in neurological healing—who’s here to break down what’s really happening inside the brain during a migraine. From misunderstood symptoms to game-changing interventions, he’s sharing what he’s learned after years of clinical work and his own healing journey from concussion, Lyme disease, and chronic neurological dysfunction.

 

 

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

• The key differences between a migraine and a headache (and why that matters)

• What’s actually happening in the brain during a migraine episode—spoiler: it’s more like a seizure than a headache

• The outdated beliefs that are still holding patients (and practitioners) back

• Why “this is your new normal” is one of the most harmful things a clinician can say—and what should be said instead

 

 

This episode is a call to curiosity, compassion, and a completely different way of looking at migraine care. Tune in—you’ll never think about head pain the same way again.

 

 

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: Don't forget—Rethink Rehab Live is happening June 27th! This hands-on workshop is for clinicians who are ready to lead the future of concussion care. You'll walk away with the confidence and clarity to treat complex cases with skill—and start creating epic outcomes. Click here to learn more + save your spot.

Until next time, keep being the forward-thinking provider your clients need. 💥

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

Connect with Dr. Thompson:

Email: [email protected]

Tiktok: @headache_whisperer

 

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your client's concussion recovery by doing too much too soon—or doing the wrong “right” thing?

Here’s the hard truth: even the best rehab tools fall flat when clients lack the capacity to actually use them. And far too often, clinicians mistake “more” for “better,” piling on protocols without pausing to ask if the nervous system can actually handle it.

In this episode of The Concussion Nerds Podcast, we’re diving into the 3 biggest mistakes that keep both clinicians and clients spinning their wheels—mistakes that leave progress stalled and everyone frustrated. If you’ve ever wondered why someone “should” be getting better… but isn’t? This episode is your lightbulb moment.

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

• Why your client’s perceived capacity may not match their actual nervous system capacity—and why that matters

• The common therapist trap of doing too much, too soon (and how to course correct without losing momentum)

• How “just keep doing it” exercise advice can backfire—and what to do instead

• Real-world examples of misdiagnosed exercise intolerance and the nuanced rehab strategies that actually helped

Whether you’re a clinician or someone walking your own healing path, this episode will challenge you to rethink your approach, slow down with intention, and start working with the nervous system instead of steamrolling it.

 

 

 

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: Don't forget—Rethink Rehab Live is happening June 27th! This hands-on workshop is for clinicians who are ready to lead the future of concussion care. You'll walk away with the confidence and clarity to treat complex cases with skill—and start creating epic outcomes. Click here to learn more + save your spot.

Until next time, keep being the forward-thinking provider your clients need. 💥

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 overlooking the most important part of your concussion assessments?

If you're a clinician working with concussion patients and you're not fully evaluating the neck—you’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle.

The truth is, many providers stop short when assessing cervical involvement. You might check range of motion, maybe even do some manual therapy—but what about sensory motor control? Joint position sense? Proprioception? These deeper layers of neck function not only impact symptoms like dizziness and disorientation… they can even increase risk for future concussions.

But here’s the good news: there is a better way to assess and treat the neck—and it's going to radically elevate the way you support your clients with complex concussion.

 

 

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

• Why range of motion and palpation alone are NOT enough to rule out cervical involvement

• How joint position sense and sensory motor control can impact symptoms like dizziness and eye movement dysfunction

• Simple clinical tests to help determine whether the neck is driving your client’s ongoing symptoms

• How new research is shaping baseline testing and return-to-play decisions for athletes

Whether you're a PT, chiropractor, or clinician supporting clients post-concussion, this episode is packed with tools and insights that will help you go deeper in your assessments and get your clients better, faster.

 

 

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: Don't forget—Rethink Rehab Live is happening May 30th! This hands-on workshop is for clinicians who are ready to lead the future of concussion care. You'll walk away with the confidence and clarity to treat complex cases with skill—and start creating epic outcomes. Click here to learn more + save your spot.

Until next time, keep being the forward-thinking provider your clients need. 💥

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

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

 

To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right in your concussion recovery—and still not making progress?

You’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone. One of the biggest mistakes people make after a concussion is focusing only on symptoms, without addressing the actual root causes—especially when it comes to how the brain and nervous system are functioning underneath the surface.

In today’s episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. David Hardy, a chiropractor and functional neurologist with a passion for helping people come back to life—literally—after brain injury. From stories of patients who couldn’t walk across a room to those who graduated from walkers to high heels (yes, really!), this episode is a heart-opening look at what’s actually possible when we approach concussion recovery from a truly neurological perspective.

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

• Why so many concussion symptoms linger for years—and how functional neurology can break that cycle

• What it means when you look “fine on paper” but still feel totally off

• How the nervous system influences healing, emotions, and recovery (and why rehab must address all three)

• The surprising impact of intensive care programs—and the real reason they work when nothing else does

If you've been struggling to find answers, hope, or lasting results on your post-concussion journey… this one’s for you.

 

Connect with Dr. David: Want to learn more from Dr. Hardy or get in touch?

🎧 Listen to his podcast: The Hardy Brain — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you tune in. 📱 Follow on social: @thehardybrain on all major platforms 📍 Looking for treatment? Dr. Hardy practices at Hope Wellness in Sylvan Lake, Alberta

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

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

 

To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

 

Have you ever wondered if your headaches or migraines are actually something deeper — and if there’s more you could be doing to truly heal?

So many people think headaches and migraines are just “normal” or something they have to push through. Worse, they get stuck bouncing from specialist to specialist, trying endless medications without real answers.

But here's the truth: When it comes to headaches, migraines, and even post-concussion symptoms, understanding the root cause — not just treating the symptom — is what actually changes lives. And that’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Jimmy Pang, dives into.

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

• How chronic pain and migraine personally shaped Dr. Jimmy Pang’s approach to healing

• Why migraines are more than just "bad headaches" — and the surprising symptoms you might not know about

• The real difference between headaches and migraines (and why the distinction matters for your treatment!)

• How to move from managing triggers to building true neurological resilience after concussion and migraine

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unheard, or overwhelmed in your recovery journey, this conversation will give you fresh hope — and a whole new way to look at your healing.

 

Connect with Dr. Jimmy Pang:

Webiste: https://pangphysicaltherapy.com

Instagram: @PangPhysicalTherapy

 

 You can purchase the Vagal Nerve Stimulator here: https://hoolest.com/?sca_ref=8229723.zXtTYw4w863N 

 

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

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

 

To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.