Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

Julia Donlin's story shows us how full life can be after concussion. Julia was one of the best freshman in the country when she played volleyball for UNC Chapel Hill. After a series of concussions forced her off the court she endured the pain, anxiety, and fear of life with post-concussion syndrome. As she slowly recovered she realized indoor was not the best move for her health. That's wh...

In September 2019, Noelle Foley suffered a concussion and neck injury after the sudden whiplash of a roller coaster ride. What started as a fun day at an amusement park quickly turned into a years-long battle with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Although she immediately sensed something was wrong, it took nearly a month for her to realize she had sustained a concussion. Noelle is the d...

In this episode, Milly Farrell joins Julia Manning in New Zealand for the first international episode of Invisible Impact. Milly shares her experience navigating life with PCS for the past four years, the challenges of being misunderstood, and what she wishes more people knew. 👤 About the guest:  Milly is a fitness instructor and former primary school teacher in Auckland, New Zealand who brings a...

In this episode of  Invisible Impact , our host Julia Manning sits down with poet, surfer, and model Kyla Jamieson for an honest and deeply personal conversation about life with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Kyla shares her nearly decade-longjourney navigating recovery, identity, and resilience after concussion.  Together, they unpack the often-overlooked factors that can shape concu...

Hannah Hall grew up with her life mapped out: play soccer, go D1, and keep chasing the sport that defined her. But at age 13, everything changed. What she initially thought was a “mild” concussion spiraled into a decade-long battle with persistent post-concussion symptoms that impacted every part of her life—school, relationships, mental health, and the sport she loved.  In this episode of Invisib...

On a freezing winter day in Chicago, architecture critic and writer Kate Wagner slipped on the ice — a fall that left her with a concussion and a long, difficult recovery. What followed was a struggle with persistent post-concussion symptoms, heightened anxiety and depression, and difficulty sleeping. In this episode of Invisible Impact, Kate joins CLF’s Julia Manning to share how an unexpected in...

In 2018, professional parkour athlete, free-runner, and Hollywood stuntman Corbin Reinhardt was touring the country with his team when he suffered a traumatic brain injury. The injury left him with lasting effects on his speech and memory, sparking a long and difficult journey through persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). In this episode of Invisible Impact, Corbin joins CLF’s Julia Manning...

Two concussions in one summer led to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and a new normal for CarmenRose Fiallo. Just before her senior year of college, what was supposed to be an exciting time turned into months of recovery and uncertainty. Living with PCS and chronic migraines meant pressing pause on school and learning how to navigate a world full of triggers.  In this heartfelt conversation, Carmen...

What happens when your dream career gets derailed in an instant and no one can see your injury? U.S. Moguls Ski Team athlete Alli Macuga shares her powerful journey through post-concussion syndrome (PCS), revealing the hidden struggles behind concussion recovery and how she found her way back. Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating your own healing, Alli’s story is a must-listen reminder tha...

In this episode, CLF’s Julia Manning is joined by professional soccer player Kennedy Faulknor of the Vancouver Rise. Kennedy opens up about the concussion that sidelined her for over a year and a half—not just from soccer, but from most all activities of her daily life. Though she had endured multiple concussions throughout her athletic career, it was her most recent brain injury that changed ever...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Anthony Bartley, a Chicago-based visual artist who transforms personal pain into creative expression. Anthony opens up about the life-altering concussion he suffered during high school soccer and the long, difficult journey that followed. From persistent post-concussion symptoms to mental health struggles and isolation, Anthony shares the un...

Stuntwoman and parkour champion Sydney Olson opens up about her journey through multiple concussions, how recovery reshaped her mindset, and the surprising ways slowing down made her stronger. She shares hard-earned lessons on brain health, resilience, and hope for anyone navigating post-concussion syndrome.  🔑 What you will hear in this episode:  Slowing down all aspects of life to recover (9:42...

A game of laser tag in 2017 changed Whole30 co-founder and CEO Melissa Urban’s life. She suffered a concussion that led to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and persistent symptoms she still manages today. In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with CLF’s Julia Manning, who also developed PCS in 2017, to share the profound impact PCS has had on her life - from her role as a mother and leade...

For about 20% of people who suffer concussion, symptoms don’t resolve within a month, and they are left navigating life with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Those symptoms are often invisible and debilitating. The recovery journey can be challenging and incredibly difficult to navigate alone.  This is a podcast for those people. We see your struggles a...