When Shane Swenson's car was struck by a drunk driver traveling 90mph in a 30mph zone one February morning in 2019, life as he knew it changed forever. His 12-year-old son Brady suffered a traumatic brain injury that would launch the family on an unexpected journey through emergency surgeries, months of rehabilitation, and a complete reimagining of their future.

Shane vividly recalls the moment of impact—feeling "like an explosion" that momentarily paralyzed him before he turned to find Brady unconscious. What followed was a parent's worst nightmare: emergency craniectomies to relieve dangerous brain swelling, 18 days in intensive care, a broken jaw, fractured femur, and months of inpatient rehabilitation. Even after returning home, complications continued, including Brady's body rejecting his skull replacement, requiring a custom prosthetic skull that later became infected.

The most powerful thread woven through Shane's story isn't just about medical challenges—it's about how communities rally during crisis. From teachers showing up at the hospital during surgery to neighbors feeding their dogs and plowing their driveway, the outpouring of support sustained them through their darkest days. Perhaps most touching was how Brady's older brother Jacob, who has autism, stepped up to care for Brady, even waking at 4:00 AM to prepare medications so his parents could sleep.

This experience inspired the family to create the Brady Finn Foundation, which hosts the annual Lucky Brady Swenson Lucky 13 Golf Tournament (named for Brady's favorite number). The foundation supports Sacred Heart Catholic School and Crescent Cove, a rare respite facility that provides the family with crucial breaks from Brady's round-the-clock care. Though Brady remains in a wheelchair, unable to walk or speak, his story has become a powerful catalyst for giving back to the community that carried them through crisis.

Ready to help families like Brady's? Join the Lucky 13 Golf Tournament on October 11th, 2025, or learn more about how you can support the Brady Finn Foundation at Lucky13golf.net.

Facebook Page for the Lucky13 Golf Tournament

Contact Shane Swenson at shane@bradyfinnfoundation.org

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Natasha Wilch, physical therapist and concussion specialist, breaks down why traditional balance therapy often fails concussion patients and explains her approach to addressing persistent vestibular issues through a functional neurology lens. She shares insights from her five-day intensive treatment program and reveals the missing links that often prevent full recovery.

• Dizziness after concussion isn't always a spinning sensation, but rather feeling unsteady, dissociated, or bothered by everyday movements
• The otolithic system is frequently overlooked in vestibular assessment yet crucial for sensing linear movement and gravity
• Simply practicing difficult balance positions doesn't address why balance is compromised in the first place
• VOR (vestibular-ocular reflex) exercises may be inappropriate without first stabilizing eye movements and addressing asymmetries
• Balance requires proper integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems

For free resources including twice-monthly group coaching calls and a library of educational materials, visit Natasha's Concussion Mini School program or contact her through Instagram @Natasha.Wilch.

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Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, unpacks the complex nature of dysautonomia beyond the common POTS diagnosis, explaining how this autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects multiple body systems and presents differently in each individual.

• The autonomic nervous system makes automatic adjustments for body functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion
• Dysautonomia refers to dysfunction of these automatic processes, affecting multiple body systems
• Common misconception that dysautonomia always means too much sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activity
• Symptoms can include cardiovascular issues like racing heart, increased heart awareness, and lightheadedness
• Digestive symptoms often include nausea, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities
• Respiratory, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and immune function can all be affected
• POTS is just one specific form of dysautonomia with clear diagnostic criteria
• Testing for dysautonomia includes pupil response tests, Valsalva maneuver evaluation, and sustained handgrip testing
• Dysautonomia can be primary, secondary (after concussion, surgery or viral illness), or co-exist with other conditions
• Proper assessment requires comprehensive testing rather than symptom-based treatment
• Vagal nerve stimulation is not a universal solution and may not help all forms of dysautonomia

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Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

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Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. Wilkerson walks us through the science of photobiomodulation. PBM can decrease inflammation, increase blood flow to treated areas, and improves cellular function by promoting energy production.

• Photobiomodulation is the umbrella term for using light to change cellular function
• Lasers work faster for pain relief, while LEDs are safer for home use
• Red light therapy has been used in veterinary medicine since the 1970s
• Transcranial photobiomodulation devices like VieLight use different pulse frequencies to target specific brain states
• The gamma setting (40Hz) improves cognitive function and focus
• The alpha setting (10Hz) promotes relaxation and healing
• Device quality and specifications matter – therapeutic benefits depend on proper wavelength, power, and design
• Different devices work better for different conditions

Contact Caroline Wilkerson: LinkedIn Profile

Want to learn more about photobiomodulation? Check out our blog at lifeafterimpact.com.

SAVE $60 on a FlexBEAM with discount code healingresponse60

SAVE 10% off a VieLight with code HEALINGRESPONSE (good for non-clearance purchases only).

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Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. Bagnell shares his 30-year journey as a "health detective" in functional neurology, revealing how he helps patients with persistent cognitive symptoms after brain injury through careful investigation and targeted interventions.

• Brain fog often stems from disrupted neurovascular coupling, where blood flow fails to properly supply active brain regions
• Dysautonomia (autonomic nervous system dysfunction) can create cognitive symptoms by limiting blood flow to the brain when needed
• QEEG brain mapping identifies specific patterns of brainwave dysfunction, showing signatures of "too much delta and too much high beta" in concussions
• The brain functions in interconnected networks rather than isolated regions, requiring comprehensive assessment
• Combining "passive" therapies (neurofeedback, audiovisual entrainment) with "active" functional neurology exercises creates optimal recovery
• Spatial awareness problems after concussion explain why patients frequently bump their heads
• Brain activation can naturally restore neurotransmitter production without medication
• Creating a personalized "brain formula" for each patient yields better results than one-size-fits-all approaches
• Dolphin-assisted therapy provides unique neurological benefits through echolocation and movement patterns

Connect with Dr. Bagnell:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

The Neuro Collective Podcast

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Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. John McLaren shares his functional neurology approach to treating autonomic dysfunction and concussions, exploring cutting-edge therapies and personalized rehabilitation strategies for complex brain injuries.

• Detailed explanation of how jump rope training can improve neuroplasticity by synchronizing upper and lower body timing
• Discussion of PEMF devices and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for improving vasomotion and blood flow to the brain
• Examination of heat intolerance as a manifestation of autonomic dysfunction due to impaired sweating response
• Exploration of the five-minute sustained hand grip test to measure sympathetic nervous system function
• Implementing gradual, individualized return-to-activity protocols with 20% reductions when symptoms appear
• Insights on how Long COVID can create setbacks by further disrupting autonomic nervous system function
• Techniques for using fine motor activities to stimulate cerebellar activation without overwhelming the system

Dr. McClaren can be found at: Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology in Omaha Nebraska

Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology Facebook Page

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Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. John McClaren shares his journey into specializing in brain injury rehabilitation and explains how autonomic nervous system dysfunction affects many TBI patients, often going undiagnosed despite causing significant symptoms.

• Personal connection to TBI after his father's severe train accident which inspired his specialization
• Conventional autonomic testing (QSART, tilt table) often has 6-month waiting lists, delaying treatment
• Autonomic nervous system functioning requires responsiveness - like a high-performance sports car - needing both acceleration and braking capabilities
• Simple bedside assessments can reveal autonomic dysfunction without lengthy waits
• Pupillary light reflex testing using smartphone apps provides millisecond-precision measurements
• Blood pressure differences between sides and positions offer valuable diagnostic information
• Heart examination with position changes can detect subtle autonomic abnormalities
• White matter connections between brain regions drive proper autonomic function
• Current focus on vagus nerve may miss the bigger picture of central autonomic network dysfunction
• New imaging techniques like DTI now allowing visualization of damaged neural connections

Dr. McClaren can be contacted at Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology in Omaha Nebraska.

Advanced Chiropractic & Neurology Facebook page

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Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.

Dr. Clayton Shiu brings his expertise in treating brain injuries through a unique integration of traditional Chinese medicine and cutting-edge technology, creating remarkable results for patients with neurological conditions.

• Specialized training at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin
• Transitioned from sports medicine to neurology after recognizing growing trends in neurological disorders
• Uses careful observation and palpation to identify often-missed signs of brain injury
• Implements quantitative EEG (QEEG) to measure brain activity and track treatment progress
• Incorporates advanced red light therapy through the RegenPod to enhance mitochondrial function
• Teaches techniques for "awakening the Shen" - bringing consciousness back to areas affected by injury
• Developing Tai Chi programs that function as vestibular rehabilitation
• Often detects concussion symptoms in patients seeking treatment for seemingly unrelated conditions

Find Dr. Clayton Shiu at The Shiu Clinic in Manhattan and East Hampton (shiuclinic.com), on Instagram @jade_shaman, and learn about his teaching workshops at nanopunctureseminars.com.

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Purity Coffee
Coffee that is free of pesticides, mold toxins, and heavy metals. Just pure delicious coffee! Save 20% off your first order with code LIFEAFTER20.

Support the show

Visit our website www.lifeafterimpact.com and sign up to be the first to know when Dr. Wolf's book Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces of Concussion Recovery is available.

What topics do you want to hear more about? What questions do you have? Email us at lifeafterimpact@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram @lifeafterimpact

Medical disclaimer: this video or podcast is for general informational purposes only, and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and materials included is at the user's own risk. The content of this video or podcast is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Consumers of this information should seek the advice of a medical professional for any and all health related issues.