🎙️ Episode 1: Melissa Urban 

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 leader, to her relationships and mental health. 

Through honesty, vulnerability, and insight, Melissa opens up about the challenges of navigating an invisible injury, and what has helped her cope and heal along the way. 

🔑 What you will hear in this episode:  

• Realizing it was PCS and symptoms were persistent (4:15) 

• Doubting yourself and pushing through symptoms (9:32) 

• What vision and cognitive symptoms can feel like (13:31) 

• Exercise challenges and dysautonomia (25:06)  

• Finding your new normal, navigating social and emotional impact (33:35) 

• Motherhood with a concussion (41:46) 

• Strategies to feel better (47:56) 

💬 About the guest: 

Melissa Urban is the co-founder and CEO of Whole30 and an authority on helping people create lifelong healthy habits. She is an eight-time New York Times bestselling author and has been featured by People, Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNBC. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Connect with Melissa: 

• Website: melissau.com 

• Do the Thing Podcast: Listen here 

• Instagram: @melissau 

• TikTok: @melissa_u 

📞 Need support after a concussion? 

If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine. 

Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs. 

💬 Connect with us 

• Instagram: @concussionfoundation  

• ConcussionFoundation.org 

⭐ Enjoyed the episode? 

If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury. 

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 and understand what you’re going through. 

Each episode, we’ll sit down with someone who has been there and knows what it’s like to have their life dismantled by an invisible injury. We’ll tackle the emotional, cognitive, and physical toll of a brain injury and share the real struggles, and incredible stories of resilience. We’re here to share relatable experiences, coping strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible.

Invisible Impact is hosted by CLF’s Julia Manning and produced by Katelyn Walker.