Best April Bellas Podcasts (2024)

1
130. A Brain Injury is A 'Brain Injury' | Ana Hernandez - Sound Sensitivity & Cognitive Rehab 21:54

11M ago21:54

21:54

As a speech-language pathologist, Ana knew the theory behind cognitive rehabilitation, but facing the reality post-surgery was a journey she hadn't anticipated. Join for an eye-opening conversation where Ana shares the nuances of her recovery, highlighting the shared struggles of those rebounding from traumatic brain injuries. We discuss sound sens…

1
129. The Unseen Challenges of Athlete Concussions | Isabel Dwyer - Cheerleading & School 18:58

11M ago18:58

18:58

When the cheers fall silent and the stadium lights dim, the struggle of athletes with concussions truly begins. Today, Isabel Dwyer, Miss Lilac State's Teen a fierce advocate for concussion awareness, bravely unpacks her journey through the murky waters of post-concussion syndrome. Navigating the sidelines isn't just about physical recovery; it's a…

1
128. Concussion Survivor Follow Up | Chaandani Khan - Identity Shifts, Acupuncture Benefits, & Energy Management 32:29

11M ago32:29

32:29

Have you ever felt utterly transformed by time and the trials it brings? Chaandani Khan returns with an open heart to share the complexities of her ongoing battle with post-concussion syndrome/persistent concussion symptoms. Her story is one that echoes throughout our community, resonating with the silent struggles and the profound shifts in identi…

1
127. Concussion Survivor Follow Up | Ben Morton - Resilience & Recovery Journey 26:45

12M ago26:45

26:45

Returning guest Ben Morton joins us once more, bringing an inspiring update to his post-concussion journey that began with us back in episode #63. Ben's story is one of such transformation, as he opens up about the emotional and physical rollercoaster of his recovery since 2015. From the challenges of re-entering the workforce to the tender experie…

1
126. Getting Back to Work Post Brain Injury | Author Kelly Tuttle - Concussion Recovery, Neuro Fatigue 26:22

12M ago26:22

26:22

When the world fades to silence after a brain injury, finding your voice again is a monumental victory. Welcome Kelly Tuttle, a neurology nurse practitioner, who brings her expertise and personal experience to illuminate the often dark and misunderstood path of recovery. Kelly's story, beginning with a life-altering car accident, serves as a testam…

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125. Five Concussion Treatment Directions | Dr. Matheau Denner - Recovery Help & Treating Symptoms 28:25

1y ago28:25

28:25

Join us, your host Bella Paige and chiropractic physician Dr. Matheau Denner, as we navigate this complex topic, combining personal experiences with professional perspectives. We delve into the significance of post concussion syndrome and the importance of receiving appropriate treatment, especially when symptoms persist. With Dr. Denner's expertis…

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124. 10 TIPS for Post Concussion Survivors | Bella Paige - Brain Injury Help 20:15

1y ago20:15

20:15

Sometimes we don't need conversations we just need advice to help us navigate our own recovery. In this episode listen to 10 post-concussion/brain injury tips selected specially by Bella! You can also WATCH this episode on YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@postconcussioninc?si=0u99GxukakPUS7bm Join Concussion Connect! https://postconcussioninc.com/conc…

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123. Life After A Concussion | Benjamin Morton (April, 2022) 28:26

1y ago28:26

28:26

This conversation isn't just about the physical implications of concussion, but the emotional ones too. We unwrap the stigmatization of antidepressants, the isolation that comes with anxiety, and the deep feelings of loneliness and guilt that sometimes accompany the journey towards recovery. Ben's story is a testament to the power of a strong suppo…

1
122. Finding Happiness with Post Concussion Syndrome | Bella Paige - Mental Health & Habits 16:03

1y ago16:03

16:03

Imagine feeling trapped in a dark cloud, with no apparent way out. I've been there, living through the despair of depression. I'm sharing my personal journey with mental health challenges and how I've learned to find joy, even in the darkest of times. I'll be unveiling my strategies that can help you too. From advocating therapy to embracing simple…

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121. Take A Break From Therapy | Bella Paige - Living With Illness & Concussion 23:40

1y ago23:40

23:40

Battling post concussion syndrome has been quite the journey, a winding road filled with challenges and triumphs. As someone who's been there, I, Bella Paige, want to share my experiences navigating the labyrinth of recovery - from managing therapies to assessing progress. Remember, sometimes the greatest therapy is just being 'you' for a while, st…

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120. The Power of Support Groups | Bo and Pam - Concussion Survivors Isolation Solution 25:12

1y ago25:12

25:12

Ever felt lost and alone after a trauma? This episode brings to light the transformative power of support groups for survivors of post concussion syndrome. Join us for an enlightening conversation with our esteemed guests, Bo and Pam, who share their personal journey from solitude to strength, and how support groups played a pivotal role in their r…

1
119. Driving & Reading After Concussion | Dr. Dan Myers - Eye Problems, Peripheral Vision, & Individualized Care 26:15

1y ago26:15

26:15

Ever found yourself struggling with eye strain, focusing issues or peripheral vision problems after a concussion? We're excited to welcome Dr. Dan Myers, a seasoned optometrist and an expert in neuro optometry with over a decade of experience. His deep understanding of the human eye and brain functions opens up a world of possibilities for understa…

1
118. Talking About PCS | Bella Paige - Post Concussion Syndrome/Persistent Concussion Symptoms, & BIG A SURPRISE! 14:27

1y ago14:27

14:27

Ever felt misunderstood or belittled due to an illness? Many struggle with talking about their diagnosis to others. I dive deep into the psychological implications of naming your illness and how doing so can pave the way to a more understanding and supportive environment. This episode is all about embracing your condition, remembering it doesn't ma…

1
117. She Looks Fine? | Roberta Campbell & Paige Knechtly - Mother & Daughter TBI Survivor Relationship 30:42

1+ y ago30:42

30:42

Have you ever wondered how a traumatic brain injury could reshape your life? Join us as we journey with mother and daughter, Roberta and Paige, through a world turned upside down by Paige's brain injury and the symptoms that followed. Roberta opens up about her journey as a caregiver, transforming her struggles into knowledge as she researched to h…

1
116. Learning Acceptance | Carole Starr - Who Am I Now? & Life After Brain Injury 28:06

1+ y ago28:06

28:06

Guest Carole Starr author of 'To Root & To Rise' joins us to share her valuable insights. As a former educator and classical musician, Carole had to navigate her invisible injury and rebuild her life from the ground up. Her powerful account of transformation from denial to acceptance is truly inspiring, offering solace to those who might be experie…

1
115. Making Movement for Concussed Athletes | Seth Mendelsohn & Ryan Sutton - Education, Athletes, & Concussion Experience 34:22

1+ y ago34:22

34:22

Join us for a talk with Seth and Ryan, two brave leaders who have walked the path of PCS. Their journey takes us through the labyrinth of physical and mental symptoms, giving us a look at the profound impacts of concussions. Educating individuals about concussions is pivotal in paving the road to recovery. Seth and Ryan, through their nonprofit, He…

1
114. From Darkness to Light | Michael Lashomb - Athlete, Concussion, & Music 30:31

1+ y ago30:31

30:31

Trigger Warning: Mention of Suicidal Thoughts Ever thought how a traumatic experience, like a severe concussion, can alter someone's life path completely? We explore this notion through the captivating story of our guest, Michael Lashomb - a musician and concussion survivor. The invisible impact of a concussion is often underestimated, affecting no…

1
113. The Impact of Concussion | Jane Cawthorne - Author, Writing, & Women 26:17

1+ y ago26:17

26:17

As we sit down with the remarkable author Jane Cawthorne, her candid discussion of living with post concussion syndrome takes us on a journey filled with resilience and strength. We explore how life must be adjusted rather than always focusing on recovery, drawing on personal experiences and challenges. From forgetting the initial two years post co…

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112. Your Questions Answered | Bella Paige - When Concussion Turns Chronic Part 2 21:48

1+ y ago21:48

21:48

Last weeks episode #111 on "When Concussion Turns Chronic" raised a lot of questions. During this episode I take the time to answer some of those lingering questions to hopefully bring you some clarity. Will step into the complex world of chronic illnesses associated with post-concussion syndrome such as autoimmune conditions, central sensitization…

1
111. When Concussion Turns Chronic | Bella Paige - The Unsaid of Chronic Illness 19:05

1+ y ago19:05

19:05

It starts as one concussion and maybe that's all it takes but for myself (Bella) it took quite a few. Then the symptoms you may know all too well came about such as chronic headaches, crippling fatigue, depression, and more. This part was the longest, or so I thought would be the longest until I recovered. But what if I didn't. I am now in the long…

1
110. Being Active in Recovery | Megan Warner - Disabled Recreationist, Medical System, & Concussion 33:55

1+ y ago33:55

33:55

The complexities of the healthcare system can be a maze most of us dread, but for Megan, it was a journey of self-discovery and self-advocacy. She stresses the importance of reaching out to others who have navigated the system before, something we can all learn from. In a society that often overlooks the therapeutic power of nature, Megan's story s…

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109. Addictions Connection to Brain Injury | Evan Veron - Football, HBOT & Recovery 31:24

1+ y ago31:24

31:24

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and today's guest, Evan Veron, former Division 1 football player and now brain injury advocate, certainly knows a thing or two about that. Evan's journey from the football field to becoming a resource for concussion survivors is marked with overwhelming obstacles, personal demons, and the power of resilience. …

1
108. Combating Isolation in Concussion Recovery | Eliana Bloomfield - Community Connection & Storytelling 24:56

1+ y ago24:56

24:56

What happens when a concussion takes away more than just your physical comfort, but also severs ties with your community? You'll find out in our enlightening conversation with Eliana Bloomfield, the founder of Concussion Box. Eliana brings firsthand insights into this misunderstood area. As we peel back the layers of concussion complexities, we del…

1
107. Unseen Struggles of PCS | Mac Lawson - Invisible Injury, Life Changes, & Coping Tips 28:07

1+ y ago28:07

28:07

Mac Lawson, a former gymnast now standing tall in the world of comedy, who unravels her battle with this invisible ailment that dominated her daily life. Mac's breathtaking transparency about her journey will leave you spellbound as she recounts experiencing unexplained episodes of crying and a relentless state of déjà vu. Imagine feeling fine on t…

1
106. Preventing Brain Injuries Through Nature's Secrets | Dr. David Smith - Slosh Theory, QCollar & The Future 32:33

1+ y ago32:33

32:33

Ever wondered how an egg in a mason jar could hold the key to groundbreaking advancements in brain injury protection? Join us as we unravel this intriguing concept with our esteemed guest, Dr. David Smith, a pioneering figure in the realm of traumatic brain injury. Drawing from his diverse background in chemistry, physics, and medicine, Dr. Smith h…

1
105. Supporting Brain Injury Survivors | Jenny Clarke - SameYou, Mental Health, & Recovery Services 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

What if there was a way to truly support and understand the long-term challenges faced by young adults who have suffered from brain injuries? Join us as we welcome Jenny Clarke, co-founder of SameYou, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mental health and emotional recovery for brain injury survivors. Jenny shares her personal experience with h…

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104. Treating Visual Symptoms | Dr. Michael DeStefano - Prisms, Syntonic Therapy & Visual Snow 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

What if you could regain your balance and find relief after a concussion? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Michael DeStefano, a neurodevelopmental optometrist at Visual Symptoms Treatment Center, who specializes in helping patients after a TBI. He shares how his work, syntonic therapy, and the use of prisms have transformed lives a…

1
103. Navigating Your Hormones | Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante - Nature Therapy & Concussion 32:20

1+ y ago32:20

32:20

Ever wondered how your hormones can impact concussion recovery, especially for women? Get ready to be enlightened in our insightful discussion with Dr. Irina Fedulow Plante, a licensed physical therapist and yoga instructor specializing in neurologic physical therapy. We discuss a study suggesting that the timing of a concussion in relation to a wo…

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102. Fight Against the Unknown | Luke Jordan - Concussion, Life Changes & Mental Health 26:40

1+ y ago26:40

26:40

Imagine living with a condition that not only causes physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and migraines, but also impacts your mental health and ability to communicate with others. That's the reality for our guest, Luke Jordan, who joins us to share his journey navigating the often misunderstood world of post-concussion syndrome. Through this …

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101. Facing the Challenges of Post Concussion Syndrome | Kelsey O'Connor - A Story of Resilience 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

When faced with the invisible challenge of post concussion syndrome, how can an athlete navigate and overcome the physical and emotional turmoil of this injury? Today, we're joined by Kelsey O'Connor, a former D1 student athlete who has bravely battled multiple brain injuries and post concussion syndrome. Kelsey shares her inspiring journey, includ…

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100! A Reflection On The Story Behind The Podcast | Bella Paige 27:30

1+ y ago27:30

27:30

100 EPISODES! Your host Bella Paige goes back in time and listens to the first Post Concussion Podcast episode released over two years ago. She gives some reflection on perspectives and things that have changed since then. Bella also shares some of her background and her personal experiences of concussion, talking about the various head injuries sh…

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S3, Ep. 17: Squawkin' Sports with Timothy Bella (April 20, 2023) 1:02:35

1+ y ago1:02:35

1:02:35

Created and hosted by writers Patrick Sauer and David J. Roth, Squawkin’ Sports is an ongoing series featuring book chats with grown-up authors writing about grown-ups playing kiddie games. For this installment, Sauer and Roth chat with staff writer and editor at The Washington Post, Timothy Bella, about his new book Barkley: A Biography. Informed …

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99. Losing Who You Are with Jennifer Margell - Concussion, PTSD, & Meditation 23:03

1+ y ago23:03

23:03

Today’s guest is concussion survivor Jennifer Margell. Since her concussion, Jennifer has experienced many symptoms including non-epileptic seizures, PTSD, overstimulation, and chronic pain. She has found healing through practicing mindfulness, yoga, and making time for the things she enjoys. Jennifer shares details about the PTSD that effects her …

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98. Understanding Vision Post Concussion with Dr. Bryce Appelbaum - Eyes, Sports, & Nutrition 28:33

1+ y ago28:33

28:33

You may have 20/20 eye sight but how is your vision post-concussion? Today's guest Dr. Bryce Appelbaum keeps it straightforward: Eye Sight = Glasses Vision = Brain Dr. Bryce Appelbaum is a board certified fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Southern College of Optometry. He joins us t…

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S3, Ep. 16: Sarah Fawn Montgomery & James Tate Hill (April 13, 2023) 1:00:24

1+ y ago1:00:24

1:00:24

When she left a chaotic home at eighteen, author Sarah Fawn Montgomery chased restlessness, claiming places on the West Coast, Midwest, and East Coast, while determined never to settle. Now her family is ravaged by addiction, illness, and poverty; the country is increasingly divided; and the natural worlds in which she seeks solace are under siege …

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S3, Ep. 15: Ryan Lee Wong & Megha Majumdar (April 6, 2023) 47:47

1+ y ago47:47

47:47

How can we live with integrity and pleasure in this world of police brutality and racism? In author, activist, and our own Brooklyn neighbor Ryan Lee Wong's extraordinary debut novel, an Asian American activist is challenged by his mother to face this question amidst generational change, a mother’s secret, and an activist’s coming-of-age. As humoro…

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97. Learning to Heal with Bella Paige - Invisible Illness & Concussion Recovery 23:27

1+ y ago23:27

23:27

Today Bella Paige gives us an insight to how she's been feeling lately and all that she's overcome. Advice is given on many things that are often missed in concussion recovery. If anyone understands what it's like to experience life changes from their health it's Bella, make sure you don't miss out on this personal episode! Bella also goes on to sh…

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S3, Ep. 14: Saeed Jones & Adam Falkner (March 30, 2023) 1:03:10

1+ y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Greenlight was thrilled to welcome award-winning author and long-time friend of the store Saeed Jones back to our store to celebrate the release of his new poetry collection, Alive at the End of the World. In haunted poems glinting with laughter, pierced by grief and charged with history, Jones explores the public and private betrayals of life as w…

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96. The Mental Game of Recovery with Daniel MacQueen - Brain Injury, Goal Setting, & Mindset 30:04

2y ago30:04

30:04

Taking three steps backwards and one step forward is something you may be familiar with as a brain injury survivor. Today's guest Daniel MacQueen knows this process all too well. After an optometrist appointment to identify the cause of his persistent headaches was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to the hospital. …

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S3, Ep. 13: Chris Belcher & Chloé Cooper Jones (March 23, 2023) 55:16

2y ago55:16

55:16

In her utterly profound and thought-provoking debut memoir and companion to her viral 2018 Salon article “What a Dominatrix Knows about #MeToo,” writer, professor, and former sex worker Belcher retraces her journey from broke gender studies PhD student in Los Angeles who remakes herself as L.A.’s Renowned Lesbian Dominatrix, specializing in male cl…

1
95. Enjoying Movement with Shelley Latendresse - Yoga, Exercise, & Concussion 28:02

2y ago28:02

28:02

Finding an enjoyable movement practice whether it's something adventurous or calming can be a challenge when working through post-concussion recovery. Today's guest Shelley Latendresse, has more than 20 years of experience as an occupational therapist in neurology and has spend the past 10 years growing her own private practice while adding yoga ce…

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S3, Ep. 12: Laura Silverman & Marisa Kanter (March 16, 2023) 54:44

2y ago54:44

54:44

Hannah used to be all about focus, back before she shattered her ankle and her Olympic dreams in one bad soccer play. These days, she’s all about distraction. Enter Bonanza, the local entertainment multiplex and site of Hanna’s summer employment. Under the neon lights of Bonanza--with flirty co-workers, ex-best friends, and her brother's hot best f…

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94. Life After A Concussion with Benjamin Morton (April 2022) - Challenges, Therapy, & Work 29:15

2y ago29:15

29:15

If you are living with post-concussion symptoms and experiencing emotional challenges, then today’s episode is for you. The physical and emotional symptoms that people experience after a concussion can be difficult to manage, leaving people feeling emotionally distressed. This was the experience of today’s guest, Benjamin Morton, who went through a…

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S3, Ep. 11: Larissa Pham & Sally Wen Mao (March 9, 2023) 54:22

2y ago54:22

54:22

Like a song that feels written just for you, Pham's debut work of nonfiction captures the imagination and refuses to let go. Pop Song is a book about love and about falling in love—with a place, or a painting, or a person—and the joy and terror inherent in the experience of that love. Named a Best Book of the Year by Time, Electric Literature, and …

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93. Let's Talk About CBD with Colton Luther - Cannabis, Addiction, & Post Concussion Syndrome 22:08

2y ago22:08

22:08

Cannabidiol widely known as CBD is a substance derived from the hemp plant. CBD is the active ingredient in cannabis that does not cause a high and is not addictive. What a win for concussion and brain injury survivors! Today we have guest CBD entrepreneur and concussion survivor Colton Luther from Texas. Colton has dedicated himself to spreading a…

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92. Improving Your Sleep with Dr. Brigitta Ziemba - Concussion, Medications, & Natural Options 29:04

2y ago29:04

29:04

Trouble falling asleep? Feeling tired all day and awake all night? These are frequent experiences of post-concussion and brain injury survivors. Many lean towards melatonin, so listen in to learn more about why that may not be the best option for you. Join us today for a talk on why your sleep can be affected post-concussion and what you can do abo…

1
91. Moving Forward with Veronique Theberge - Encephalitis, Mental Health, & Brain Injury Recovery 29:41

2y ago29:41

29:41

Brain injuries can occur in a number of ways, but the pathway to recovery can often look remarkably similar. Our guest today, Veronique Theberge, is a French Canadian living in New Zealand and is an encephalitis and brain injury survivor. In our conversation, Veronique recounts how a rare case of encephalitis (which causes swelling in the brain) re…

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90. Be Your Own Hero with Caroline Rakus-Wojciechowski - Mental Health, Careers, & Concussion 38:35

2y ago38:35

38:35

Normalizing concussion experiences can help minimize the feeling of being alone for other survivors. Our guest today is Caroline Rakus-Wojciechowski. Caroline is a passionate young professional and global citizen in the field of international education and international development. She is a champion for Global Youth Empowerment and well-being and …

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89. Dealing with Grief as a Brain Injury Survivor with Dr. Jen Blanchette - Concussion, Emotion, & Therapy 34:59

2y ago34:59

34:59

Oftentimes, the aftermath of a brain injury is filled with loss. Loss of relationships, loss of mental and physical abilities, and loss of one's sense of self. Losses like these are usually associated with grief, but unfortunately, people who experience brain injuries often don’t receive the help that they need to manage this kind of suffering. Tod…

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88. Post Concussion Recovery at CognitiveFX with Dr. Jaycie Loewen & Dr. Tyler Hanak 38:04

2y ago38:04

38:04

After decades of research, Cognitive FX has discovered the secret to understanding and recovering from a concussion or traumatic brain injury: neurovascular coupling (NVC). Today, we are joined by two NVC experts, Dr. Jaycie Loewen and Dr. Tyler Hanak from Cognitive FX, the world's most advanced clinic for post-concussion syndrome treatment, and th…

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