E8: Redefining Purpose Through PCS with Kate Wagner

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Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

Concussion & CTE Foundation

11 episodes

3 days ago

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. We’re here to share relatable experiences, coping strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible.

Self-Improvement

Education

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All content for Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast is the property of Concussion & CTE Foundation and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Self-Improvement

Education

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E8: Redefining Purpose Through PCS with Kate Wagner

Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

36 minutes 20 seconds

1 month ago

E8: Redefining Purpose Through PCS with Kate Wagner

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 injury forced her to confront questions of identity and purpose when the work that had always defined her suddenly became impossible.

👤 About the guest:

Kate Wagner is the architecture critic for The Nation Magazine. She is also a writer and purveyor of the blog and social account McMansion Hell. Kate has struggled mightily since suffering a concussion in January of 2025, which she detailed in an essay which is linked below.

Read Kate’s essay here: https://www.late-review.com/p/the-hairshirt-doldrums

Connect with Kate:

Instagram: @KateGWagner & @McMansionHell

📞 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

Website: ConcussionFoundation.org

⭐ Enjoyed the episode?

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