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In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, retired U.S. Army Green Beret Chris Lessard and his wife, former police officer Marcia Lessard, open up about their deeply personal battles with traumatic brain injury (TBI), PTSD, and the mental health crisis affecting veterans and first responders. Chris shares the harsh reality of living with invisible wounds from combat, while Marcia explains how her background in law enforcement led her to explore functional medicine and holistic healing.

Together, they founded a clinic offering cutting-edge treatments like Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MERT), aiming to treat the root causes of brain dysfunction—not just the symptoms. This episode dives deep into the importance of personalized brain health solutions, trauma-informed care, and the promise of alternative therapies in the fight against PTSD and TBI.

🎧 If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone who cares about brain health—this episode is for you.

💡 Don’t forget to follow, like, share, and subscribe on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to support brain health awareness and help us reach more warriors in need.

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

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

Website: https://www.braintreatmentcenterashburn.com/

Website: https://www.marshalessard.com/

Two Days. One Mission. Protecting Brains, Saving Lives. September 3rd and 4th in Tampa, Florida.

Save the date for our international event focused on protecting young athletes and

honoring our veterans through real solutions to brain trauma.

Brought to you by The Mac Parkman Foundation.

Join us for the 1st Annual Lazzaro Legacy Classic Golf Tournament — a day of community, competition, and impact. Every dollar raised helps fund skills training, mentorship, and athletic opportunities for underprivileged high school athletes striving to reach the next level.

Saturday, June 28th, 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

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In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman engages with Dr. Annabelle Shaffer, a neurosurgery resident, to discuss the critical issues surrounding repetitive brain trauma, particularly in youth sports. They explore the impact of concussions, the importance of education for coaches and parents, and the ongoing research into brain health. Dr. Shaffer shares insights from her studies on concussions in high school athletes and emphasizes the need for awareness and preventive measures to protect young athletes from long-term neuropsychiatric effects. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with contact sports and the necessity for a cultural shift towards safety in sports participation. If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone interested in the future of trauma treatment, this episode is packed with insights and practical knowledge.

🎧 Like, share, and subscribe to Broken Brains on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to support veteran mental health and stay updated on breakthrough healing modalities.

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

Get the Head Smart App Today!

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Follow Dr. Shaffer on LinkedIn today!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelle-shaffer/

Two Days. One Mission. Protecting Brains, Saving Lives. September 3rd and 4th in Tampa, Florida.

Save the date for our international event focused on protecting young athletes and

honoring our veterans through real solutions to brain trauma.

Brought to you by The Mac Parkman Foundation.

Join us for the 1st Annual Lazzaro Legacy Classic Golf Tournament — a day of community, competition, and impact. Every dollar raised helps fund skills training, mentorship, and athletic opportunities for underprivileged high school athletes striving to reach the next level.

Saturday, June 28th, 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Produced by Security Halt Media

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In this episode of "Broken Brains," host Bruce Parkman welcomes Alexandra de Roos, a former pre-professional ballerina turned brain injury advocate. Alexandra shares her journey from the prestigious School of American Ballet to her unexpected pivot towards advocacy after a severe concussion ended her dance career. Now a student at the University of South Florida, Alexandra is on a mission to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries and mental health. She discusses the importance of brain health, the challenges of recovery, and her work with nonprofit organizations like the Blue Project. Tune in to hear her inspiring story of resilience and her efforts to make a meaningful impact in the world of brain injury advocacy.

If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone interested in the future of trauma treatment, this episode is packed with insights and practical knowledge.

🎧 Like, share, and subscribe to Broken Brains on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to support veteran mental health and stay updated on breakthrough healing modalities.

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!

Chapters

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:15] Alexandra's Background

[00:05:30] Concussion Impact

[00:12:45] Recovery Challenges

[00:20:10] Blue Project

[00:28:00] Arts and Healing

[00:35:20] Advocacy Work

[00:42:50] Future Goals

[00:50:30] Conclusion

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Follow Alexandra on LinkedIn today!

LinkedIn: Alexandra de Roos

Website: https://www.alexandraderoos.org/

Two Days. One Mission. Protecting Brains, Saving Lives. September 3rd and 4th in Tampa, Florida.

Save the date for our international event focused on protecting young athletes and

honoring our veterans through real solutions to brain trauma.

Brought to you by The Mac Parkman Foundation.

Join us for the 1st Annual Lazzaro Legacy Classic Golf Tournament — a day of community, competition, and impact. Every dollar raised helps fund skills training, mentorship, and athletic opportunities for underprivileged high school athletes striving to reach the next level.

Saturday, June 28th, 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Produced by Security Halt Media

Send us a text

In this transformative episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Christi Myers, founder of Flow Integrative and a leader in psychedelic-assisted therapy, to explore how ketamine therapy is revolutionizing mental health care for veterans and first responders suffering from repetitive brain trauma and PTSD.

Christi shares her personal journey from working in emergency medical services to pioneering psychedelic wellness, and the science behind how ketamine promotes neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and trauma healing. The conversation dives deep into the physiological effects of trauma, including adrenal fatigue and catecholamine depletion, and explains how understanding brainwave states and consciousness can unlock new paths to recovery.

They also tackle the real-world challenges of accessing treatment—from insurance coverage limitations to the lack of standardized care protocols—and highlight the urgent need for better mental health education within clinical communities. Christi outlines her mission to train future providers and expand awareness around safe, ethical psychedelic therapy.

If you're a veteran, first responder, or someone interested in the future of trauma treatment, this episode is packed with insights and practical knowledge.

🎧 Like, share, and subscribe to Broken Brains on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to support veteran mental health and stay updated on breakthrough healing modalities.

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!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:45 The Journey into Ketamine Therapy

06:18 Transitioning from Pain Management to Mental Health

12:21 Building Protocols for Ketamine in the Workplace

17:27 Understanding Ketamine's Impact on Mental Health

22:01 Adrenal Fatigue and Its Symptoms

28:09 Catecholamines and Their Role in Stress

35:31 Neuroplasticity and Ketamine's Effects on the Brain

41:23 Understanding Brainwave States and Trauma Adaptation

44:39 The Role of Ketamine in Restoring Consciousness

46:28 Protocols and Practices in Ketamine Therapy

51:30 The Importance of Provider Presence in Therapy

55:10 Insurance and Accessibility of Ketamine Treatment

01:00:21 Evolving Consciousness Through Ketamine

01:07:20 Integrating Therapy with Ketamine Treatment

01:13:39 Christi Myers' Educational Initiatives

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Follow Christi on LinkedIn today!

LinkedIn: Christi Myers

Two Days. One Mission. Protecting Brains, Saving Lives. September 3rd and 4th in Tampa, Florida.

Save the date for our international event focused on protecting young athletes and

honoring our veterans through real solutions to brain trauma.

Brought to you by The Mac Parkman Foundation.

Join us for the 1st Annual Lazzaro Legacy Classic Golf Tournament — a day of community, competition, and impact. Every dollar raised helps fund skills training, mentorship, and athletic opportunities for underprivileged high school athletes striving to reach the next level.

Saturday, June 28th, 1:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Produced by Security Halt Media

Send us a text

In this groundbreaking episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman sits down with author, scientist, and veteran advocate Dino Garner to expose what’s really happening inside the brains of those affected by repetitive trauma, PTSD, and invisible injuries.

Dino brings a rare combination of military experience and scientific expertise to the table, challenging outdated mental health treatments and urging a shift in focus toward the molecular and neurological roots of trauma—particularly neuroinflammation. He explains why so many veterans and athletes are suffering in silence and how science can light a path toward healing.

They also explore the financial barriers to care, the societal disconnect around brain health awareness, and the emerging role of AI in therapy. Dino makes a powerful case for holistic, science-backed solutions—and calls on listeners to advocate for change in the way we treat and talk about brain injuries.

🧠 This is more than a conversation—it's a call to action. Tune in for a raw, insightful, and thought-provoking dialogue that will reshape how you think about mental health, trauma, and healing.

🎧 Like, Share, Subscribe, and Follow on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to be part of the movement for change in brain health advocacy.

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!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:58 Dino Garner's Journey: From Science to Military Service

05:58 The Intersection of Science and Military Experience

08:50 Advocacy for PTSD and Mental Health Awareness

11:54 Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries

14:48 Challenging Conventional Mental Health Approaches

18:04 The Molecular Basis of Mental Health Issues

21:01 The Role of Neuroinflammation in Mental Health

23:55 Changing Perspectives on PTSD Treatment

27:02 The Importance of Storytelling in Healing

29:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

35:22 Understanding the Brain's Processing of Information

36:48 Changing Beliefs Through Chemistry

38:13 The Battle Against Established Medical Norms

39:39 The Importance of Holistic Approaches

41:03 Challenges in Brain Health Diagnosis and Treatment

43:37 The Role of Data in Changing Perspectives

45:54 Advocacy and the Power of Education

48:49 The Rise of AI in Therapy and Companionship

50:48 The Financial Burden of Brain Health Solutions

52:54 Authenticity in Advocacy

56:38 The Disconnect in American Society

58:33 The Need for Collective Awareness and Action

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LinkedIn: Dino Garner

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In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce dives deep into the hidden wounds of war with U.S. Army veteran and mental health advocate Nicholas Allen. From a life-altering training accident to living with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Nicholas shares his raw, unfiltered journey through pain, purpose, and personal growth.

You’ll hear firsthand about the long-term effects of repetitive brain trauma, the barriers veterans face in seeking care, and the cultural stigma that prevents many from speaking up. Nicholas unpacks how alcohol became a temporary crutch—and how storytelling and service helped him reclaim his path. He also discusses his work with the Lesser Known Operators podcast and his impactful TEDx talk on resilience.

Together, Bruce and Nicholas tackle the urgent need for better TBI awareness, mental health advocacy, and veteran-centered innovation—from peer support to nonprofit impact and beyond.

👉 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation about healing, courage, and the battle beyond the battlefield.
🎧 Listen, Follow, Share, Like & Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube today to support the Broken Brains mission.

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!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:26 Nicholas Allen's Journey to the Army

07:24 Experiencing TBI: The Training Accident

14:59 Navigating Military Support and Mental Health

21:12 Advocacy and Recovery Journey

22:59 The Weight of Sacrifice

24:21 Lesser Known Operators Podcast

27:13 Gaps in TBI Treatment

32:38 The Role of Nonprofits

35:58 Innovative Treatments for Mental Health

40:00 Nicholas Allen's TEDx Talk

43:52 Empowering Veterans Through Storytelling

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Follow Nicholas on social media and check out his podcast today!

Instagram: lesserknownoperators

Podcast: Lesser Known Operators

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In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman welcomes Dr. Michael Lovich, a concussion specialist and expert in neurological rehabilitation, to explore the hidden complexities of repetitive brain trauma.

From the sidelines of youth sports to the frontlines of military training, concussions and sub-concussive impacts are often overlooked—and underestimated. Dr. Lovich dives deep into the science behind brain injury recovery, breaking down phenomena like dysautonomia and glutamate excitotoxicity, and why observation and nuanced assessment are essential for early diagnosis.

They discuss the long-term effects of concussions, the danger of premature return-to-play protocols, and the rising concern of pediatric brain trauma. Dr. Lovich also shares why a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, including chiropractic care, is critical to healing from traumatic brain injuries.

Whether you're a veteran, athlete, parent, or practitioner, this episode delivers the tools, insights, and hope needed to navigate the invisible wounds of brain trauma.

Follow, share, like, and subscribe to Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to stay informed and support the movement for better brain health awareness.

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!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:33 Dr. Michael Lovich's Journey into Brain Care

04:24 Understanding Concussion Symptoms

07:41 Observation Skills in Concussion Diagnosis

10:33 Tools for Assessing Concussions

11:19 Dysautonomia and Its Impact on Concussions

12:10 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Systems

14:40 The Effects of Concussions on Autonomic Function

15:07 Identifying Hidden Concussions

17:42 Return to Play Protocols and Their Limitations

20:57 The Brain's Healing Process

24:28 Repetitive Head Impacts and Long-term Effects

28:30 Inflammation and Brain Health

30:51 Protecting Children's Brains from Trauma

31:50 Understanding Glutamate Excitotoxicity

34:13 The Impact of Sports on Brain Health

36:43 Concussion and Mental Health

39:57 The Role of Chiropractic Care in Recovery

51:48 Integrating Chiropractic Techniques for Brain Health

57:49 Finding the Right Care for Brain Health

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LinkedIn: Michael Lovich

Instagram: deltasperformance

Website:deltasperformance.com

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In this emotional and eye-opening episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman is joined by Brandt McCartney—founder of The 38 Challenge—for an in-depth conversation about the devastating effects of repetitive brain trauma, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and the mental health crisis among athletes and veterans.

Brandt shares the deeply personal story of his brother, Navy football player and Marine Captain Matthew Brewer, whose tragic passing inspired The 38 Challenge. Together, Bruce and Brandt unpack the link between repeated head impacts, emotional volatility, and CTE, while challenging the silence around mental health struggles.

This episode highlights the critical need for alternative treatment solutions, early intervention, and cultural change in how we view invisible injuries. From actionable solutions to hope-filled recovery stories, this conversation is a call to action for those suffering in silence—and those who support them.

Follow, share, like, and subscribe to Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to join the mission of saving lives and changing minds.

Support brain injury advocacy and join the conversation about changing the future of sports 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

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:45 The 38 Challenge: Honoring a Legacy

06:07 Matt's Life and Impact

12:02 Cautionary Tales of Brain Trauma

16:06 The Genesis of the 38 Challenge

20:10 Conversations on Mental Health and CTE

29:13 The Struggles of Athletes with CTE

31:01 Transitioning from Awareness to Action

32:30 Providing Hope and Solutions

33:38 Exploring Alternative Treatments

37:19 The Importance of Patient Feedback

40:02 Cultural Shifts in Health Awareness

44:20 Investing in Brain Health for Future Success

48:55 Stories of Hope and Recovery

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Follow on LinkedIn and follow her on social media today!

LinkedIn: Brandt McCartney

Instagram: brandtmccartney

Website: the38challenge.com

Produced by Security Halt Media