Guest Introduction:

Sarah Wuebbolt is a student rower, brain injury advocate, and aspiring anesthesiologist from Toronto, Canada. After sustaining three concussions—the first at just 12 years old—she has spent years navigating post-concussion syndrome while continuing to pursue her passions. Sarah is a national-level coxswain, working toward her private pilot’s license, and mentors younger students on topics like mental health and resilience. She is also the creator of Hope Post Injury, an Instagram platform offering support and relatable content for young brain injury survivors. Through her advocacy, Sarah emphasizes that healing starts with being believed and that recovery is possible, even when progress feels slow.

Sarah shares:

• The challenges of sustaining her first concussion at 12 and the isolation she felt due to lack of awareness.

• How her symptoms evolved across three concussions, including headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and sensory sensitivities.

• The importance of self-advocacy in school and sports, especially when faced with skepticism from teachers and peers.

• Strategies that helped her manage symptoms, including deep breathing, meditation (using Insight Timer), cold air exposure, and therapy.

• The mental and emotional toll of PCS and how she learned to reframe setbacks as part of the healing process.

• How activities like rowing and flying helped her rebuild her identity and find joy post-injury.

• Her advocacy work, including her Instagram page (@hopepostinjury) and a recovery pamphlet she created for concussion survivors.

Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to look injured to deserve care—and that hope and persistence are key to recovery.

1. Sarah’s Instagram: @hopepostinjury – A platform for young brain injury survivors with tips, personal stories, and support.

2. Meditation App: Insight Timer – Sarah’s go-to for guided meditations.

3. Recovery Pamphlet: Sarah’s free PDF on 6 common concussion symptoms + daily strategies (Click Here).

4. Rowan’s Law: A Canadian law mandating concussion protocols in youth sports (inspired by Rowan Stringer’s story).

• Recovery is not linear—setbacks are part of the process.

• Advocacy is exhausting but necessary—find supportive communities.

• Small wins matter—celebrate progress, even if it’s slow.

• Acceptance is transformative—living with symptoms doesn’t mean giving up.

Additional Resources from Bethany:

• Free Guide: 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One with Concussion – Download at https://theconcussioncoach.com/

Resources Mentioned:Key Takeaways:Concussion Coaching Program: Sign up for a free consultation here.

Jack Fonderwhite is a licensed acupuncturist and the creator of PeakMIND, a groundbreaking electroacupuncture approach to neurostimulation. Specializing in brain-first care, Jack works with elite athletes—including UFC champion Max Holloway—and everyday individuals struggling with concussions, anxiety, PTSD, and other neurological challenges. His unique method blends traditional acupuncture with cutting-edge technology to restore brain function, offering hope to those with lingering post-concussion symptoms. Jack’s personal journey of healing his own chronic concussion inspired his mission to help others reclaim their cognitive health and performance.

In this eye-opening episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Jack Fonderwhite to explore his revolutionary PeakMIND electroacupuncture protocol for brain healing. Jack shares his personal story of recovering from undiagnosed post-concussion syndrome and how it led him to develop a treatment that has helped athletes, dementia patients, and even those with severe mental health challenges.

You’ll learn:

• How electroacupuncture stimulates the brain to repair itself.

• Why so many people live with undiagnosed concussion symptoms—and how to spot them.

• The surprising connections between concussions, anxiety, and other "invisible" struggles.

• Practical advice for caregivers supporting loved ones with brain injuries.

  
  

Jack also opens up about his work with fighters, stroke survivors, and long COVID patients, proving that brain healing is possible even years after injury. Whether you’re seeking solutions for yourself or someone you love, this episode is packed with hope and actionable insights.

Resources Mentioned by Jack:

• Website: https://jackupuncture.com/

• Instagram: @jackupuncturehi

• Email: jack@jackupuncture.com

  
  

Additional Resources from Bethany:

• Free Guide: 5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One with Concussion – Download at https://theconcussioncoach.com/

• Concussion Coaching Program: Sign up for a free consultation here.

Tune in to discover how electroacupuncture could be the missing piece in your or your loved one’s recovery journey! 🧠✨

Friendships are a cornerstone of our lives, but what happens when a concussion changes how we connect with others? In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, Bethany Lewis welcomes back Thea James, MSLP, a passionate advocate for brain injury awareness and a survivor of multiple concussions. With her warm and open-hearted approach, Thea offers invaluable insights into how concussions impact friendships—both old and new—and how to navigate these relationships with grace, vulnerability, and self-compassion. Thea shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, advocating for needs, and finding joy in new kinds of relationships—including unexpected bonds with older neighbors. She also reflects on the importance of vulnerability, the pitfalls of people-pleasing, and how to show up authentically in friendships, even when capacity is limited. Whether you're a concussion survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and real-life examples of how to nurture connections through the ups and downs of recovery.

Resources Mentioned:

• Thea’s Previous Episodes:

• • Episode 52: Thea’s personal concussion journey

  • Episode 66: Thea interviews Bethany about her work in the concussion space

• Bethany’s Concussion Coaching Program:

• • Free consultation sign-up: www.theconcussioncoach.com

• Book Reference:

• • The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown (mentioned in the context of deepening friendships)

• Key Takeaways:

• • For Survivors: Set alarms (e.g., with a star emoji) to check in with your capacity during social interactions.

  • For Friends/Family: Meet loved ones where they are—trust their needs (e.g., quieter environments) without requiring explanations.

  • New Connections: Seek low-stimulus, consistent touchpoints (e.g., volunteering) to build friendships at your own pace.

Free Guide To Supporting Your Loved One With Concussion:

• www.theconcussioncoach.com

Contact Thea:

You can hear more from Thea on Instagram at YourBrainBFF or email her at hello@yourbrainbff.com

Final Thought: As Thea reminds us, friendship after brain injury might look different, but it can still be deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s embracing slower-paced connections or learning to ask for help, the journey is about honoring your limits while staying open to the love and support around you.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can speed up your recovery and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website, www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact