Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 19 hours ago
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 (2:50)
Doubting yourself and pushing through symptoms (8:02)
What vision and cognitive symptoms can feel like (11:27)
Exercise challenges and dysautonomia (21:56)
Finding your new normal, navigating social and emotional impact (29:00)
Motherhood with a concussion (37:00)
Strategies to feel better (41:45)
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.
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 (2:50)
Doubting yourself and pushing through symptoms (8:02)
What vision and cognitive symptoms can feel like (11:27)
Exercise challenges and dysautonomia (21:56)
Finding your new normal, navigating social and emotional impact (29:00)
Motherhood with a concussion (37:00)
Strategies to feel better (41:45)
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.
