Episodios

  • Repetitive Brain Trauma, CTE & Mental Health: What Athletes Need to Know
    Oct 20 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with researchers Gracie Recht and Claire Buddenbaum to unpack the hidden dangers of repetitive brain trauma in contact sports. They explore the mental health crisis emerging in former athletes, the science behind Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES), and the urgent need for more research—especially involving women. With personal stories and cutting-edge findings, this conversation sheds light on how education, prevention, and awareness can protect future generations from the long-term effects of neurotrauma.

    🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
    📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/


    Follow Sheila today!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thelenvts/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    47 m
  • Healing the Brain: How Vestibular Training Is Changing Concussion Recovery for Veterans and Athletes
    Oct 13 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman discusses the critical issue of repetitive brain trauma with expert Sheila Thelen. They explore the impact of vestibular training on brain health, mental well-being, and recovery from injuries. Sheila explains how the vestibular system affects balance, cognition, and sleep, and shares success stories of individuals who have benefited from her innovative training methods. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness, research, and accessibility in addressing brain trauma and mental health issues, particularly among veterans and athletes.

    🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
    📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

    Follow Sheila today!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-thelenvts/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    41 m
  • Dr. Mark Gordon on Brain Trauma, Neuroinflammation & Revolutionary TBI Treatment for Veterans and Athletes
    Oct 6 2025

    Send us a text

    What does it really take to rebuild your life after a traumatic brain injury?

    Could your mental health struggles actually be caused by untreated brain trauma?

    In this groundbreaking episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman interviews Dr. Mark Gordon, a world-renowned expert in neuroendocrinology, TBI, and neuroinflammation. Together, they dive deep into the science behind traumatic brain injury, its long-term mental health consequences, and the treatment gaps that continue to fail veterans and athletes.

    Dr. Gordon explains:

    • The devastating effects of cytokine storms and neuroinflammation on the brain
    • How neurotransmitter imbalances drive depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline
    • Why traditional medicine is slow to adopt evidence-based, hormone-focused protocols
    • How his work has changed lives for veterans suffering from invisible wounds
    • The importance of moving from research to action—and making cutting-edge treatments accessible now

    This episode is essential listening for veterans, athletes, caregivers, and anyone ready to explore what's really going on inside the injured brain—and what can be done to heal it.

    🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
    📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring real treatments to those who need them most.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/


    Follow Dr. Gordon today!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-gordon-md-63536656/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • Gail Waitkun on TBI Recovery, Brain Health & the 7 Steps That Changed Her Life
    Sep 29 2025

    Send us a text

    What does it really take to rebuild your life after a traumatic brain injury?

    In this compelling episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman speaks with Gail Waitkun, a TBI survivor, brain health advocate, and educator, who shares her journey of resilience, recovery, and reinvention after a life-altering brain injury.

    Gail opens up about:

    • The hidden struggles of living with a traumatic brain injury
    • The 7 steps to recovery that guided her healing journey
    • How nutrition, mindfulness, and neurofeedback played a role in restoring brain function
    • The emotional challenges of TBI—identity, relationships, and navigating everyday life
    • Why education, early diagnosis, and holistic care are vital for recovery success

    This episode is a must-listen for survivors, caregivers, clinicians, and anyone interested in the power of the human brain to recover and adapt.

    🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
    📲 Don’t forget to follow, like, share, and subscribe to support TBI awareness and help others find hope through healing.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

    Follow Gail today!

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gailwaitkun/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    51 m
  • CTE, Contact Sports, and Cultural Change: Paul Frase & Corey Berry on Brain Trauma Awareness
    Sep 22 2025

    Send us a text

    What if the sport you loved left a permanent mark on your brain?

    In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, we explore the life-altering impact of repetitive brain trauma in high-impact sports like football and rodeo. Bruce is joined by Paul Frase, former NFL player, and Corey Berry, former rodeo competitor, who both open up about their personal experiences with concussions, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and the mental health consequences that followed.

    Together, they discuss:

    • The long-term risks of repeated subconcussive impacts
    • How CTE symptoms affect everyday life, relationships, and identity
    • The cultural resistance to change in sports communities
    • The urgent need for education, awareness, and advocacy—especially for parents and youth programs
    • Why mental health support and early intervention are critical for athletes, veterans, and survivors

    This conversation is a wake-up call for athletes, families, coaches, and policymakers. If you care about the future of sports and the minds of those who play them, this episode is a must-listen.

    🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts
    📲 Don’t forget to like, share, follow, and subscribe to help us spread awareness and protect the next generation.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/


    Follow The Head Rush Podcast today!

    Website: https://headrushpodcast.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheadrushpodcast

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/headrush-podcast-llc

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    1 h y 1 m
  • Dr. Robert Baric on Concussions, TBI, and Holistic Brain Health for Veterans and Athletes
    Sep 15 2025

    Send us a text

    🎧 In this eye-opening episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, we sit down with Dr. Robert Baric, a leading expert in concussion care and brain wellness, to uncover the hidden crisis of repetitive brain trauma affecting veterans, athletes, and everyday people.

    Dr. Baric breaks down:

    • 🧠 The long-term effects of untreated concussions and subconcussive impacts
    • 🩺 Why early intervention is critical to prevent permanent brain dysfunction
    • 🥦 The shocking link between gut health and cognitive recovery
    • ⚠️ Why TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is often ignored outside of sports arenas
    • 🧘 How neurofeedback, nutrition, and holistic care are changing the game in brain injury treatment

    This isn’t just about sports. It’s about how millions are living with undiagnosed or untreated brain trauma—and what we can do to change that narrative.

    If you're a veteran, parent, coach, or mental health advocate, this episode delivers crucial insights and actionable resources for protecting the brain and improving lives.

    📲 LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to join the movement for smarter brain health.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/


    Follow Dr. Baric today!

    Website: https://myconcussiondr.com/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    54 m
  • CTE in Sports: Dr. Judith Gates on HeadSafe Football, Brain Trauma, and Saving the Game
    Sep 8 2025

    Send us a text

    In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, we dive into the urgent conversation around repetitive brain trauma in sports with Dr. Judith Gates—founder of HeadSafe Football and fierce advocate for athlete brain health.

    Dr. Gates opens up about the devastating impact of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on her late husband, Bill Gates, a former professional footballer. Through her personal loss, she has transformed grief into action—launching a movement aimed at preventing CTE and protecting current and future generations of athletes.

    From youth football to the NFL, this episode unpacks why it's time for real reform—safer play practices, helmet innovation, and policy change that puts brain safety first.

    🎯 Topics Covered:

    What is CTE and why does it matter?

    How repetitive sub concussive hits change the brain.

    How HeadSafe Football is rewriting the playbook for athlete protection.

    The role of education, research, and family advocacy in tackling sports-related brain injuries.

    🧠 Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or advocate—this conversation will change how you view the game.

    👉 Don't miss this eye-opening discussion.
    📲 Like, share, and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to join the movement for athlete brain safety.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    59 m
  • Sharon Gilmartin on Brain Trauma, Sports Safety, and Public Health Solutions
    Sep 1 2025

    Send us a text

    In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Sharon Gilmartin, Executive Director of the Safe States Alliance, to tackle one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time—repetitive brain trauma. Together, they break down the hidden dangers of head impacts in sports and everyday life, exposing the serious gaps in care, education, and prevention.

    Sharon shares key insights into how brain injuries affect not just athletes and veterans, but families, communities, and the nation’s economy. The conversation highlights why advocacy, awareness, and collaboration across healthcare, sports organizations, and policymakers are essential to protecting brain health.

    If you care about mental health, athlete safety, and creating real change, this is a must-listen episode.

    👉 Don’t forget to follow, share, like, and subscribe to Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to stay informed and join the movement for better brain health.

    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation

    Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

    CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

    https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/

    Produced by Security Halt Media

    Más Menos
    45 m