E13: From Concussion to Comeback with Beach Volleyball Pro Julia Donlin

E13: From Concussion to Comeback with Beach Volleyball Pro Julia Donlin

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 when she started playing beach volleyball. She transferred to Hawaii and then USC, where she won a national championship, and now she's on the AVP & FIVB Tour & competes for Team USA!! On this episode of Invisible Impact, Julia gets real about her most difficult days and reminds us healing is possible. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and hope. Listen now!

E12: Noelle Foley's Journey with PCS

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 daughter of Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley and grew up seeing concussions happen in the wrestling ring but never imagined one could come from a rollercoaster. “When I think of suffering a concussion, I think of being in a car accident, being punched in the face, getting knocked out, or being thrown off a Hell in a Cell… not riding a rollercoaster.” In this episode of Invisible Impact, host Julia Manning sits down with Noelle to reflect on her six-year recovery journey. Despite debilitating headaches, noise sensitivity, and countless setbacks, Noelle refused to give up. Her story is one of patience, resilience, and determination. By taking what she calls “in-the-womb steps,” she has slowly but steadily reclaimed her life.👤 About the guest: Noelle Foley is an actress, model, and social media influencer who shares lifestyle content while openly documenting her personal health journey. After sustaining a concussion in 2019, she has spoken candidly about living with post-concussion syndrome (PCS), using her platform to raise awareness and remind others facing similar challenges that they are not alone. Connect with Noelle: Instagram: @noellefoley [https://www.instagram.com/noellefoley/] TikTok: @Noelle_Foley [https://www.tiktok.com/@noelle_foley]Facebook: @OfficialNoelleFoley [https://www.facebook.com/OfficialNoelleFoley/] 📞 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 & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine. Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine [https://concussionandcte.org/HelpLine/] 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: @concussionandcte [https://www.instagram.com/concussionandcte/] Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org [https://concussionandcte.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.

E11: Navigating PCS in New Zealand's Care Maze with Milly Farrell

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 refreshingly honest voice to the conversation around wellness and recovery. After navigating her own experience with PPCS, she now shares her journey openly on social media, highlighting the realities of healing, the importance of balance, and what true self-care really looks like beyond the highlight reel.  Connect with Milly:  * Instagram: @milly_farrell [https://www.instagram.com/milly_farrell/] and @millyshealthdiary [https://www.instagram.com/millyshealthdiary/] * TikTok: @milly44440 [https://www.tiktok.com/@milly44440]   📞 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 & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine.  Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine [https://concussionandcte.org/HelpLine/] 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: @concussionandcte [https://www.instagram.com/concussionandcte/]  * Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org [https://concussionandcte.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.

E10: Why Concussion Recovery Is More Complicated Than You Think with Kyla Jamieson

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 concussion recovery or stand in the way, including financial barriers, access to healthcare, and the role of social support. Kyla opens up about the hidden realities of living with an invisible disability, shedding light on challenges that are rarely seen but deeply felt. As she poignantly describes it, living with PPCS can feel like your house is on fire while no one notices.  This conversation offers insight into the complexities of concussion recovery and the systemic factors that influence healing.  👤 About the guest:  Kyla Jamieson is a Ucluelet-based poet, surfer, and model. She is the author of Body Count (Nightwood Editions). Find her online [https://www.kylajamieson.com/bodycount] or in the ocean.   Connect with Kyla:  * Instagram: @kyla__jamieson [https://www.instagram.com/kyla__jamieson/?hl=en]    📞 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 & CTE Foundation offers free resources and support through the Concussion & CTE Foundation HelpLine.  Visit ConcussionAndCTE.org/HelpLine [https://concussionandcte.org/HelpLine/] 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: @concussionandcte [https://www.instagram.com/concussionandcte/]  * Website: ConcussionAndCTE.org [https://concussionandcte.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.

E9: Redefining Identity After PCS with Former D1 Athlete Hannah Hall

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 Invisible Impact, Hannah sits down with our host Julia Manning, who has her own history of concussions, to discuss navigating invisible injuries, adapting when life’s curveballs reroute your dreams, and finding purpose beyond the field.  👤 About the guest:  Hannah is a former Division I soccer player whose career was cut short by persistent post-concussion symptoms. A lifelong lover of the game, she fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the San Jose State women’s soccer team and tallied her first collegiate assist as a freshman against Cal Poly. After her sophomore year, however, she made the difficult decision to retire. Today, Hannah is thriving in a different corner of the sports world, working for a professional team and staying connected to high-performance environments while prioritizing her long-term brain health.  Connect with Hannah:  * Instagram: hannah_halll [https://www.instagram.com/hannah_halll/]    📞 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 [https://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 [https://www.instagram.com/concussionfoundation/]   * Website: ConcussionFoundation.org [https://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.