Today's guest is Meghan Schneider, OTD, MS OTR/L, a neurological occupational therapist, brain injury specialist, and concussion recovery expert. As both a clinician and a TBI survivor, Meghan brings a powerful dual perspective to her work. She is a certified brain injury specialist, a certified functional vision rehabilitation specialist, and co-owner of NeurOT Consulting. In 2024, she was honored with the Dan Keating Pioneer in Brain Injury Award for her groundbreaking work integrating interoception—our eighth sensory system of internal body awareness—into brain injury rehabilitation. She is the co-creator of the first and only course dedicated to interoception in concussion and brain injury recovery.

Episode Summary: What if the missing piece in your concussion recovery isn't just about treating symptoms, but learning how to listen to your body again? In this deeply insightful conversation, Bethany welcomes Meghan Schneider to explore the critical, yet often overlooked, role of interoception—our sense of internal body awareness—in healing from a brain injury.

Meghan shares her personal journey through concussion and post-concussion syndrome, explaining how a disconnect from her body’s signals led to emotional dysregulation and delayed recovery. She breaks down the science simply: why trauma like a concussion can “turn off” this internal sense, and how rebuilding it is the foundation for managing symptoms, implementing pacing strategies, and regaining emotional balance.

Listeners will learn:

• What interoception is and why it’s considered the cornerstone of self-regulation.

• How a lack of body awareness can sabotage standard recovery protocols.

• The practical framework Meghan uses to help clients reconnect with their body’s signals, identify emotions, and discover personalized calming tools.

• Why strategies like “just breathe” don’t work for everyone, and how to find what truly helps your nervous system.

• Inspiration for turning the frustration of recovery into advocacy and hope.

This episode is essential for anyone who feels stuck, emotionally volatile, or disconnected from their body after a concussion, and is looking for a nervous-system-based, holistic path forward.

Resources Mentioned by Meghan Schneider:

1. Interoception Course:

• Title: On-Demand Course: Interoception, Concussion & Brain Injury

• Description: The first and only course dedicated to the intersection of interoception and brain injury, co-created with Dr. Kelly Mahler. A comprehensive resource for both professionals and survivors.

• Link: https://www.kelly-mahler.com/product/on-demand-course-interoception-concussion-brain-injury/

2. Meghan's Professional Platforms & Contact:

• Website (Clinical Practice & Consulting): Neuro Meghan

• • https://neuromeghan.com/

• Facebook Page: Neuro Meghan – Follow for insights and updates on neuro-rehab.

• Email: meghanchemidlin@gmail.com (Meghan welcomes connections from listeners and professionals)

3. Weekly Support Group:

• Meghan hosts a free support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers every Tuesday at 5 PM ET.

• It is offered in-person (in Pennsylvania) and via Zoom.

• To Join: Contact Meghan through her website or email for the Zoom link and details.

Bethany Lewis & The Concussion Coach:

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

• Concussion Coaching Program: For personalized mentorship in recovery. Sign up for a free consultation HERE