Guest Introduction:Jennifer Foltz is a practitioner of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, yoga, and compassion-centered coaching. She specializes in supporting people recovering from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and strokes, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, migraines, and TMJ. Having walked through her own TBI recovery after a plane crash in 2007, Jennifer deeply understands the importance of slowing down and listening to the body's wisdom.

Summary:In this powerful episode, Jennifer Foltz shares her personal journey of recovering from a traumatic brain injury. She opens up about the initial denial and resistance to the diagnosis, the challenging symptoms like rage, emotional dysregulation, and loss of social filters, and how acceptance became a turning point in her healing—even five years post-injury.

Bethany and Jennifer explore a wide range of holistic modalities that proved instrumental in Jennifer's recovery, including Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, somatic trauma work (like Somatic Experiencing and EMDR), Feldenkrais, light therapy, and the pure joy of dance. Jennifer emphasizes the critical importance of community, highlighting the transformative impact of the Love Your Brain Foundation and her own local Brain Injury Gathering.

The conversation delves into the often-overlooked emotional and existential crises that accompany brain injury, offering invaluable advice for both survivors and their loved ones. Jennifer explains the gentle, nervous-system-focused approach of Craniosacral Therapy and how it supports the body's innate healing intelligence. This episode is a beacon of hope, normalizing the long and non-linear recovery journey and underscoring that healing is always possible, connection is vital, and it's never too late to reclaim your life.

Jennifer Foltz's Information:

• Website: jenniferfoltz.com

• Email: hello@jenniferfoltz.com

Healing Modalities & Therapies Discussed:

• Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: A whole-body therapy that helps release tension patterns and regulate the nervous system by tuning into the body's inherent rhythmshttps://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/

• Somatic Trauma Therapies:

• • Somatic Experiencing (SE): A body-centered approach to healing trauma and stress.

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A psychotherapy treatment for trauma.

• Feldenkrais Method: A movement-based practice that increases awareness and improves function.

• Light Therapy: Mentioned as part of her therapeutic journey.

Support Organizations & Communities:

• Love Your Brain Foundation: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/ A non-profit offering free, evidence-based yoga, meditation, and community support programs for people affected by TBI and their caregivers.

• • Retreats, Online Groups, & Facilitator Training: Jennifer highly recommends their heart-centered, compassion-focused community.

• The Brain Injury Gathering (BIG): Jennifer's local, in-person support group in Sebastopol, California, focused on discussion, grounding practices, and mutual support.

Key Concepts & Advice:

• Healing Timeline: Challenging the myth that significant recovery is only possible within the first two years post-injury.

• Acceptance as a Journey: Emphasizing that acceptance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.

• The Importance of Slowing Down: How brain injury forces a beneficial change in life pacing, allowing for deeper awareness.

• Advice for Caregivers: The critical need for self-care, patience, and maintaining one's own resources to be fully present.

• Normalizing Symptoms: Understanding that experiences like aphasia, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive changes are common symptoms, not personal failings.

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

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

Jason Kreuzman is a pediatric occupational therapist based in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and chronic pain. He is the Co-Chair of the FND Society Pediatric Committee and the Chair of the Multidisciplinary FND Committee at St. Louis Children's Hospital. As the founder of Rewire OT, Jason is opening a new outpatient clinic and leading the charge to create pediatric OT/PT treatment guidelines for FND. He joins us to demystify this complex condition and share a hopeful, practical path to recovery.

Description:

What is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and how is it similar to concussion recovery? In this fascinating episode, pediatric occupational therapist Jason Kreuzman breaks down FND—a disorder where the brain and body's communication goes awry, causing very real, debilitating symptoms like functional seizures, limb weakness, and tremors.

Jason shares his journey into this niche field, the heartbreaking stigma patients face, and the striking similarities between FND and post-concussion syndrome (including the "invisible" nature of symptoms and the "boom-bust" cycle). We dive deep into the role of occupational therapy in FND recovery, focusing on nervous system regulation, sensory integration, and the crucial "twist": focusing on the task, not the symptom.

We discuss:

• A clear definition of FND and how it's diagnosed.

• The surprising overlap between FND, chronic pain, and concussion.

• Why a holistic, team-based approach (OT, PT, Psychology) is essential.

• Practical strategies for nervous system regulation and interoceptive awareness.

• Crucial advice for parents and caregivers on co-regulation and advocacy.

• What to do (and what not to do) during a functional seizure.

• School accommodations.

• A powerful message of hope: recovery is possible.

If you or a loved one is navigating confusing neurological symptoms, this episode offers validation, clarity, and a roadmap to finding the right help.

Shownotes & Key Resources Mentioned:

Resources from Jason Kreuzman:

• RewireOT.com: Jason's central hub for FND resources, information, and updates on his outpatient clinic (opening late 2025).

• FND Society: Jason is the Co-Chair of their Pediatric Committee. The society offers lectures, research, and (with membership) a provider referral list. FNDSociety.org

Essential FND Information Hubs:

• Neurosymptoms.org: The "gold standard" patient education website, created and maintained by leading FND neurologists and researchers. An indispensable first stop for understanding the diagnosis.

• Patient-Led Advocacy & Support Groups: Jason highlights the incredible work of groups like FND Hope, FND What Now, and FND Action. These global communities provide connection, support, and resources.

Tool for Management:

• Neuro-Log.com: A symptom management and tracking app created by a person with FND. A fantastic tool for identifying patterns and triggers in daily life.

Guest Contact:

• Follow Jason's work and access resources at RewireOT.com.

The Concussion Coach:

• Download the free guide, "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion," or book a free consultation with Bethany at theconcussioncoach.com.

We are thrilled to welcome back the fabulous Dr. Devin Duval for another insightful conversation. Dr. Duval is a Neuro-Optometrist with a focus on pediatrics, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD), a member of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA), and an associate professor at Rocky Mountain University. He is dedicated to advancing the field and helping patients with concussions and developmental challenges through neuro-optometric care.

Summary Description:

In this continuation of a fantastic conversation (see Episode 111), Bethany Lewis and Kaylee Blair dive deeper with Dr. Duval into three critical topics for concussion recovery:

1. Primitive Reflexes: Learn what primitive reflexes are, why they are crucial for our foundational neurological development, and how a concussion can cause them to re-emerge, creating symptoms like heightened startle responses, fidgeting, balance issues, and visual problems. Dr. Duval explains how reintegrating these reflexes through specific exercises can break through recovery plateaus and accelerate healing.

2. Sleep Hygiene: Dr. Duval shares essential, light-based strategies for improving sleep—a cornerstone of brain recovery. Discover why morning and evening light exposure is vital, how blue light from screens disrupts your sleep cycle, and how practical tools like blue-light-blocking glasses and red-light lamps can help you get the restorative rest you need.

3. Navigating Setbacks: Concussion recovery is rarely a straight line. Dr. Duval offers encouraging wisdom and perspective for those times when you feel you've taken "five steps back," reminding listeners that progress is an upward trend, even with inevitable peaks and valleys.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for anyone on a concussion recovery journey.

Resources Mentioned

Previous Episodes with Dr. Duval:

• Episode 28: The Benefits of Neuro-Optometry for People with Concussions - Watch on YouTube

• Episode 111: Understanding and Using Syntonics (Light Therapy) in Concussion Recovery - Watch on YouTube

Primitive Reflex Resources:

• Book: "Reflexes, Learning and Behavior" by Sally Goddard Blythe. A foundational text on the subject, though noted as an "intense read." Also “Reflexes, Movement, Learning and Behavior: Analysing and Unblocking Neuro-motor Immaturity”

• Online Experts: Dr. Duval highlighted the work of Dr. Alexandar Andrich and Patti Andrich, OTR/L, COVT, CINPP, FNAP as leading resources and researchers in primitive reflex integration. Listen to the podcast with her.

• YouTube channel with helpful Primitive Reflexes info from Occupational Therapy Practitioners: https://www.youtube.com/@HarklaFamily

Sleep Resources:

• Blue Light Blocking Company: BlockBlueLight.com - A source for recommended blue-light-blocking glasses and ambient light bulbs that can be adjusted for different times of the day.

• Tool: Salt Lamps - Used to create a relaxing, red-light environment in the evening to signal the brain that it's time for sleep.

Work with Bethany:

• The Concussion Coach Program: If you're struggling with lingering symptoms, Bethany offers a coaching program to guide you through recovery: Sign up for a free consultation to get valuable information and resources at www.theconcussioncoach.com.

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

Natasha Wilch is a registered physical therapist and a leading voice in concussion care. She is the founder of Symphony Brain Performance and a clinical mentorship program, Concussion Nerds. With a passion for evolving the conversation around concussion worldwide, Natasha brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work, informed by her own family's experience with her father's brain injury when she was a teenager.

Summary Description:

In this powerful and emotional episode, Natasha Wilch gets personal, sharing a story she's never told publicly before. She opens up about her experience as a 17-year-old watching her father struggle with a significant brain injury, detailing the profound impact it had on the family dynamics, her relationship with her parents, and her own sense of home and safety.

We discuss:

• The initial trauma of her father's accident and the long-term symptoms he faced.

• The feeling of "walking on eggshells" at home and how it shaped her ability to read subtle energy shifts—a skill she now uses as a clinician.

• The heartbreaking family rift that occurred and the pivotal moments that began to rebuild the bridge between her and her father.

• How this personal history ignited her passion for helping other families navigate the complex emotional and physical landscape of concussion recovery.

• Practical advice for individuals with concussions and their families on how to communicate, seek resources, and foster understanding to prevent similar struggles.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a concussion journey and their loved ones. It’s a raw, hopeful look at the ripple effects of brain injury within a family and a testament to the power of education, compassion, and healing.

Resources Mentioned:

• Natasha's Previous Episode (Episode 96): I Just Got A Concussion - Now What?

• Natasha's Clinic & Programs:

• • Symphony Brain Performance: Her in-person/virtual clinic.

  • Concussion Mini School: A FREE community and video resource library with monthly coaching calls.

  • Virtual Consultations: For individuals and families to chart a path forward.

• For Clinicians:

• • Concussion Nerds: Natasha's signature mentorship program for clinicians, including immersive in-person weekends.

• Connect with Natasha:

• • Instagram: @natasha.wilch

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

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

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Nate Pope is a neuro occupational therapist with a remarkable career spanning over 20 years. Nate's expertise is uniquely split between pediatrics, where he spent two decades as a school-based OT, and concussion recovery. Driven by seeing the challenges of post-concussion syndrome firsthand, he founded NCX Brain Recovery, a clinic dedicated to restoring hope and function. Summary Description:

What if the key to healing from a brain injury isn't focusing on one thing at a time, but doing the exact opposite? In this enlightening follow-up conversation, neuro OT Nate Pope returns to dive deep into the transformative concept of multisensory integration—the practice of engaging the entire brain simultaneously to break bad neural habits and promote true healing.

We explore why traditional, "siloed" therapies often fall short for those with post-concussion syndrome, strokes, and even conditions like anxiety and depression, and how Nate's clinic’s intensive model is achieving remarkable recoveries. Nate explains the "just right challenge," why avoiding overstimulation can sometimes hinder recovery, and how his team carefully guides patients through the very activities that once overwhelmed them.

Beyond the clinic, we discuss practical "healthy brain habits" everyone can adopt, including the profound benefits of getting outside, embracing novelty, and pursuing your passions. Nate leaves us with a powerful message of hope: your brain is far more capable of recovery than you may have been led to believe.

Mentioned Resources:

• Nate's Clinic: NCX Brain Recovery

• • Website: https://www.ncxbrainrecovery.com/

  • Email: nate@ncxbrainrecovery.com

  • Free Consultations: Nate's clinic offers free consultations to help guide you on your path to recovery.

• Previous Episode: Check out Nate's first appearance on Episode 61 for more foundational insights:

• • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCN4BVdyAPk&t=1s

• Key Concepts Discussed:

• • Multisensory Integration (Whole-Brain Therapy)

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)

  • Intensive Therapy Model (vs. traditional once-a-week therapy)

  • The "Just Right Challenge"

  • Healthy Brain Habits (novelty, passion, getting outside)

  • Recovery for Stroke, Anxiety, Depression, and Long COVID

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com

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

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE

Today’s guest is Reverend Eleanor Shell, the founder of Resilient Magnolia. After surviving a traumatic brain injury in 2024, Eleanor began sharing her powerful story of recovery and reflection. She weaves together her background as a pastor, fundraiser, and community builder with her lived experience of healing. Through writing, speaking, and creative projects, Eleanor sparks conversations about what it means to move through bad days, grow in the dark, and bloom anyway. At the heart of her work is a belief that resilience is not about enduring in silence, but about growing authentically and finding new ways to flourish even when life doesn't go according to plan.Summary:

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Bethany Lewis talks with Reverend Eleanor Shell about her life-altering concussion after being hit by a car while walking with her infant daughter. Eleanor shares the shocking and often frustrating journey of getting diagnosed, the "blooming" of her symptoms days after the injury, and the profound impact it had on her identity as a high-achieving professional, community leader, and mother.

We discuss:

• The initial denial and the challenge of getting a proper diagnosis.

• The drastic shift from being the "franchise player" in her family to being on the "injured reserve."

• The emotional toll, including depression and the struggle with identity.

• The treatments and therapies that helped, including intensive programs at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta and UPMC in Pittsburgh.

• The concept of "resiliency" and how Eleanor redefined it from "bouncing back" to a journey of "sustained growth through honesty, rhythm, and renewal."

• Practical advice for caregivers and loved ones.

Description:

What does it truly mean to be resilient after a life-changing event like a brain injury? In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, Bethany Lewis sits down with Reverend Eleanor Shell, who shares her raw and powerful story of surviving a traumatic brain injury. Eleanor opens up about the invisible struggles, the mourning of her former self, and the difficult but beautiful journey of redefining her purpose. She explains her "Resiliency Arc"—a framework for moving through bad days, seasons of endurance, and ultimately finding a way to "bloom anyway." If you or someone you love is navigating a difficult season, whether from a concussion or another life-altering event, this conversation is a beacon of hope, honesty, and practical wisdom. Learn how to move through hardship with authenticity and discover that resilience is a journey, not a destination.

Resources & Contact Info Mentioned by Guest:

Eleanor's Platforms:

• Resilient Magnolia on Substack: Where Eleanor writes about resilience, bad days, and her journey. https://resilientmagnolia.substack.com/ (Free subscription available)

• Resilient Magnolia Website: Find free resources, worksheets, affirmation cards, and more. www.resilientmagnolia.com

• Instagram (Personal Journey): Follow her ongoing journey at @reclaimingmybrain

Treatment Centers & Specialists Eleanor Mentioned:

• Shepherd Center (Atlanta): Complex Concussion Clinic. https://shepherd.org/treatment/services-clinics/concussion-clinic/

• UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program (Pittsburgh): A leading clinic in concussion treatment. https://www.upmc.com/services/sports-medicine/conditions/concussion

Other Helpful Concepts & Tools:

• Fair Play Method: A system to help couples divide the invisible labor of running a household. https://fairplaylife.com/

• Automatic Email Response: Eleanor uses an auto-reply to manage communication: "As I continue to recover from my accident, my time on email is limited. Please excuse any delay in response."

Podcast Host Contact Information:

Bethany Lewis, The Concussion Coach

• Coaching: Sign up for a free consultation for Bethany's concussion coaching HERE