Podcast Summary: The MSing Link – Episode 276 Neuroplasticity for Mindset: How to Respond Differently When Life Feels Hard Host: Dr. Gretchen Hawley, PT, DPT, MSCS
Guest: Kelsea Koenreich, Business and Mindset Coach
Date: March 18, 2026

Episode Overview

In this empowering episode, Dr. Gretchen Hawley is joined by her long-time business coach and mindset specialist, Kelsea Koenreich. While Gretchen typically focuses on neuroplasticity for movement in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Kelsea brings a complementary perspective: neuroplasticity for mindset—how we can rewire our brains to respond differently when life feels hard. They explore practical strategies to move beyond feeling stuck, the true meaning of neuroplasticity, and actionable steps to challenge and heal thought patterns—especially relevant for those navigating MS and chronic illness.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

1. Neuroplasticity for Mindset vs. Movement

• Kelsea’s Approach (04:09): Kelsea specializes in supporting women, particularly business owners, through mindset changes using neuroplasticity principles.
  • “We can have the best strategy in the world. But if we do not believe we can execute that strategy… those things are always going to be hard stops for us.” – Kelsea (04:23)
  • Focus is on the intersection of professional and personal development: confidence, communication, asking for help, and choices.
• Relating to MS (05:34): Gretchen draws parallels with the unpredictable journey of MS—changes in life require constant mindset adaptation.

2. What is Neuroplasticity?

• Definition and Application (08:11): Neuroplasticity means our brains can change—via exercises, thoughts, questions, responses.
  • “You are the creator once again. Like, you can make choices … you can truly change the wiring of your brain.” – Kelsea (08:16)
• Catch in Daily Life (10:00): Most neuroplastic changes occur in small, everyday moments—how you respond to challenges, become aware of thoughts, and choose different actions.

3. Practical Steps to Change Your Mindset

• Awareness (11:54): First, become conscious of your thoughts, especially right after a physical limitation or setback.
  • “Are you being mean to yourself? … Are you letting that touch the next moment of your life?” – Kelsea (12:38)
• Challenge Thoughts (14:20): After awareness, practice questioning the negative beliefs—ask “Is that true?” to interrupt spirals of negativity.
  • Apply this at any stage or age; change is always possible with effort, consistency, and time (15:05).
• Consistency & Practice (18:14): Regular practice is required—the process is ongoing, not a quick fix. It’s normal to revisit old patterns or slip up; have compassion for yourself.

4. Handling Real Loss, Trauma & Grief

• Acceptance vs. Resistance (21:23): For those grieving loss of function, changing mindset isn’t about “just being positive.” True healing comes from accepting facts, not resisting them.
  • “Acceptance is saying, these are the facts and what do I want to do with them? … What kind of life do you want to have?” – Kelsea (23:25)
• Personal Story (22:00): Kelsea shares how acceptance helped her change her own life trajectory after repeated legal troubles.

5. Neuroplasticity vs. Toxic Positivity

• Difference Explained (24:45): Changing your brain isn’t about fake positivity or ignoring pain. Real, sustainable transformation is based on genuine belief, not surface affirmations.
  • “The undertone is belief. If you don’t actually believe that, then you won’t.” – Kelsea (26:21)
• Fake It Till You Make It? (25:25): Some repetition of positive self-talk can help, even if it feels forced at first, but repeating without belief doesn’t rewire the brain fully.

6. The Power of Support and Asking for Help

• Accountability is Essential (39:13): Changing thought patterns alone is very difficult—support and accountability are crucial.
  • “To expect yourself to create change by yourself… our brains are built to stay the same. So, knowing that, accountability for most people… it works.” – Kelsea (39:19)
• Who Can Help? (40:23): Coaches, therapists, accountability partners, or qualified friends/family can help—but clarity in roles and boundaries is key for effectiveness.

7. Actionable “How-To” Roadmap

Kelsea’s Framework (34:57):

• Write down your current beliefs (about MS, happiness, etc.)
• Write what you want to believe instead
• List thoughts that align with your desired belief
• Choose actions that support those new beliefs/thoughts
• Repeat and practice—change occurs with daily, consistent effort
  • “What it is, is it’s developing a roadmap for change.” – Kelsea (38:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Human Commonality (06:11):
  • “At the core, we are all humans facing change and loss and the need to adapt.”
• On Victimhood and Responsibility (07:08):
  • “It wasn’t until I was like, you know what? I’m putting myself here. I’m making the choices to get myself here. And I took that responsibility that I realized … I shift my mindset from this is happening to me or this is bad, to okay, what is this teaching me?”
• On Intention and Energy (31:47):
  • Gretchen shares the rice experiment: “If we can change rice with our thoughts, imagine what we’re doing to our bodies.”
• On Acceptance (23:25):
  • “Acceptance is saying, these are the facts and what do I want to do with them? … While you may be physically restricted … that doesn’t have to dictate what you can do with your life, who you can become, who you can impact.”
• On Compassion for Setbacks (18:14):
  • “The expectation that because you know better, you should always do better, that I think kills us, because then we’re actually making things worse when we respond in a way and beat ourselves up.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:09] – Kelsea explains her coaching and personal approach
• [08:11] – Defining neuroplasticity for mindset
• [11:54] – First steps: awareness and challenging thoughts
• [14:20] – Applicability at any age or stage, process duration
• [21:23] – Responding to grief, loss, and trauma with neuroplasticity
• [24:45] – Toxic positivity vs. true brain change
• [34:57] – Practical roadmap for changing beliefs and actions
• [39:13] – Importance of support and accountability
• [40:23] – Who should provide support and boundaries
• [31:47] – The Rice Experiment—energy, intention, and health

Recommendations & Resources

• Connect with Kelsea Koenreich:
  • Instagram: @kelseakoenreich
  • Podcast: The Mom Founders Table
  • Website: kelseakoenreich.com
• Book Mentioned:
  • Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work on science and “woo” in neuroplasticity and healing
• For More MS Support:
  • Dr. Gretchen’s Missing Link Program

Final Takeaways

• Change is possible at any stage in life or chronic illness journey.
• Belief, awareness, and support are key pillars for rewiring thought patterns.
• Consistency and compassionate self-reflection create lasting transformation.
• Accepting hard realities and focusing on what you can choose empowers healing and growth.
• Asking for—and receiving—help is a strength, not a weakness.

“You will never, ever get anything that you don’t ask for. … It’s worth asking; the worst case is someone says no, and then you’re in the same boat you are now.” – Kelsea (42:42)

If you’re navigating MS or any major life challenge, let this episode remind you: You have more agency over your mindset and your future than you may realize. Start with awareness, lean on support, and trust in your capacity to grow and change.