The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Have you ever hesitated to recommend a treatment because you weren't sure your patient could afford it — or worried your fees would look like you're putting profit before care?

Many private-practice providers freeze at the money conversation: we undercharge out of guilt, over-explain costs, or avoid talking about outcomes and value — and that leaves patients confused, underserved, or worse, exploited.

That discomfort is exactly why this episode matters. The Roundtable pulls back the curtain on pricing, billing, and ethical care — we name the tension between value and access, then give you practical ways to hold both at once: clear upfront conversations about outcomes, flexible "plan B" options, warranties/refund approaches for devices, pro-bono funnels, and clinician-level boundaries that protect both patient outcomes and your team's sustainability.

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

• How to frame cost conversations around value and outcomes (so patients see spending as investment, not just expense).
• Concrete strategies for setting and defending fee schedules while staying ethical and compassionate (including transparency, team conversations, and when to push back on insurer-driven rates).
• A practical, team-based clinical approach for complex concussion cases — what to assess first (vision, vestibular, neck, nervous-system regulation) and how to coordinate referrals.
• Real ways to increase access without going broke: pro-bono slots, low-cost/online resources, sliding plans, and negotiating efficient treatment doses that still get results.

On this episode of The Roundtable we dig into the hard stuff — cost, billing, and caring for people in vulnerable positions — and we walk through a real, messy case study (Michelle's multi-system concussion) so you leave with both mindset shifts and actionable tools.

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

Could the clinic you're trusting with your brain actually be doing more harm than good?

Too many people assume "concussion clinic" on a website means expert care — and they end up getting one-size-fits-all treatments, vague reassurance, or worse: passive "symptom management" that stalls recovery.

That confusion is costing people time, money, and progress. In this episode we pull back the curtain on what realconcussion care looks like, how to spot red flags (and good signs), and why an integrated, multi-system screen — not a single weekend course — matters. We also meet Seira, whose post-concussion picture includes POTS and complex vision issues, and dig into how you actually treat those drivers instead of just masking symptoms.

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

• How to tell a legitimate concussion clinic from a marketing label — the one question that reveals everything.

• The 7 concussion profiles every competent clinic should be able to screen for (and why that matters for recovery).

• Which questions to ask reception and your therapist so you don't get handed a hot pack and sent home.

• The difference between managing POTS symptoms and treating underlying drivers (plus what Seira's case teaches us about integrated care).

Need a quick checklist? Grab the your guide in Choosing the Right Concussion Clinic

with the exact questions to ask before you book an appointment HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/choosing-the-right-concussion-clinic

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here:https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

Have you ever wondered what's actually happening in your brain after a concussion—and why some symptoms just won't quit?

You've probably tried the usual: rest, therapy, supplements… but your sleep is still off, your focus is fuzzy, and your mood swings are confusing everyone (including you).

That's where neurofeedback comes in—a powerful yet often misunderstood approach that can retrain your brainwaves and support true, lasting recovery.

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lisa Cramer, licensed professional counselor, neurofeedback provider, and owner of MindBody Neurotherapy in Colorado and Illinois. Lisa breaks down how neurofeedback works, why it's such a game-changer for lingering concussion symptoms, and how it fits into an integrated recovery plan.

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

• What neurofeedback really is (and how it retrains your brainwaves)

• Why symptoms like anxiety, brain fog, and poor sleep often persist after concussion

• How EEG brain mapping helps guide personalized neurofeedback treatment

• The difference between systems like LENS and traditional neurofeedback

• When to start neurofeedback after a concussion—and what to expect during the process

• How combining neurofeedback with photobiomodulation and other therapies can accelerate healing

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• No two concussions are alike. Neurofeedback helps target your unique brainwave patterns rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

• The EEG comes first. Always look for a provider who does a QEEG brain map before starting any neurofeedback protocol.

• Healing is possible. Even years after an injury, the brain can change—and neurofeedback helps it do exactly that.

• Don't wait. If your child (or you) still isn't "back to normal" after a head injury, there are safe, proactive steps you can take now.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

🧩 Connect with Lisa Cramer

🌐 Website: www.mindbodyneuro.com📍 Serving clients in Colorado and Illinois

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindbodyneuro/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mindbodyneuro/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cramer-lcpc-bcn-qeeg-dl-02304174/

🔗 Find certified practitioners near you at:

Board Certified Neurofeedback Practitioners https://www.bcia.org/

Board Certified QEEG Practitioners https://iqcb.org/

🧠 Final Thoughts from Lisa:

"Don't wait. You can do so much to correct brain function after a concussion. Get the help, get the support, and start retraining your brain—it's worth it."

What really happens when concussion care goes beyond silos and clinicians start collaborating? If you've ever felt like concussion care is disjointed—with one provider treating symptoms in isolation—you're not alone. Too often, patients are left bouncing between professionals, trying to piece together their own recovery while struggling to understand what's actually happening in their brain and body. That's exactly why The Roundtable exists—to change that. In this first episode of Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable, host Natasha Wilch, along with Dr. Rachel Parker, Dr. Cameron McCrodan , and Dr.Rob Trachter, pull back the curtain on what real interdisciplinary collaboration looks like. Together, they share insights from the frontlines of concussion care—where emergency medicine meets functional neurology, vision therapy, and rehabilitation—to redefine what's possible for recovery. Because concussion care shouldn't be about guessing. It should be about teamwork. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• Why most people with concussions fall through the cracks between diagnosis and rehab—and how to change that
• The crucial role emergency and trauma physicians play as the first point of contact after a head injury
• Why imaging doesn't diagnose concussion (and what actually does)
• The real timelines for concussion recovery—and why the old "two weeks" stat needs to go
• How vision plays a massive role in persistent symptoms (and what happens when therapy goes wrong)
• What "rehab burnout" looks like and how to reignite motivation for healing

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable isn't just another podcast—it's a conversation that bridges the gap between disciplines, restores hope to patients, and reminds us all that behind every concussion is a human story waiting to be seen, heard, and healed. Tune in and join the movement toward more connected, compassionate, and informed concussion care. Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicide and recent shootings in relation to CTE.

What happens when the body of an elite athlete breaks down—and the mind begins to follow?

So many athletes push through pain, assuming that grit and discipline can outlast anything. But what happens when the symptoms you're feeling—confusion, depression, vertigo, and memory loss—aren't something you can train your way out of?

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode, former Team USA Bobsled athlete William Person shares his journey from Olympic-level competition to losing his sense of self after years of undiagnosed head injuries. What started as dizziness and brain fog became a battle for survival—and ultimately, a story of recovery, faith, and purpose.

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

• The hidden toll of repetitive head injuries and why so many athletes ignore the warning signs

• The moment William realized something was deeply wrong—and the turning point that started his path to healing

• The treatments and mindset shifts that helped him rebuild his life after traumatic brain injury

• Why true healing requires more than just medical answers—it demands community, hope, and self-compassion

This episode isn't just about recovery—it's about rediscovering who you are when everything you've built falls apart. William's story will remind you that even in the darkest moments, there's always a way back to yourself.

Connect with Will:

• TikTok

One man with a chamber HBOT (@hyperbarichealing) | TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_

• To raise funds to open a CTE Recovery Center for athletes and military veterans battling CTE like symptoms to receive care without the burden of cost

William's GoFundMe is: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e

Let's connect!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

How often do we, as clinicians, wait for the research to "catch up" before we make changes—while our clients continue to struggle with symptoms that could've been eased sooner?

If you're still using the same intake forms, the same outcome measures, or the same clinical flow because "that's how it's always been done," you might be missing key opportunities to prevent trauma from taking hold and prolonging recovery.

Here's the truth: fear avoidance, trauma, and negative self-talk can all delay healing after a concussion. But with the right tools, insights, and a willingness to adapt, we can rewrite recovery pathways and help our clients find safety, resilience, and real progress—faster.

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

• The key role of fear-avoidance behaviors in persistent concussion symptoms

• Why traditional intake questionnaires may be missing critical emotional data

• How trauma and negative self-perception influence the nervous system and recovery

• A powerful new EMDR approach that may prevent trauma from taking root after MVAs

By integrating trauma-informed, research-backed care sooner—not later—you'll learn how to support your clients more completely and help them reclaim their healing journey.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

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!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

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!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

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.

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

• 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!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

​​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!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

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: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool