Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman speaks with Dr. Drew Thodeson, a pediatric neurologist specializing in concussions and brain trauma. Together, they explore the hidden dangers of repetitive head injuries, their long-term impact on mental health, and the connection to neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Thodeson explains the challenges of diagnosing concussions, the complexities of post-concussive syndrome, and the promise—and limitations—of neuroplasticity. They als...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman speaks with physician and psychedelic researcher Dr. Pamela Kryskow to explore the powerful connection between brain trauma, mental health, and emerging psychedelic therapies. Dr. Kryskow discusses how psychedelics can promote neuroplasticity, emotional healing, and spiritual growth—especially for individuals facing chronic pain or trauma. She emphasizes the importance of holistic care, including community support, nutrition, and ...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman speaks with public health expert Dr. Helen Epstein about the rising suicide crisis and the complex mental health challenges driving it. They explore the societal factors that normalize suicidal thoughts, the role of long-term counseling, and how community support, art, and expression can promote healing. The conversation dives into the impact of social media, cultural expectations, and family involvement—highlighting the need for ...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, Bruce speaks with Bruce Bottorff, Board Chair of Manatee PAL, about the growing concerns surrounding repetitive brain trauma in youth sports. They discuss the shift from tackle to flag football as a safer alternative, the importance of data-driven decisions, and how mentorship, community engagement, and youth development go hand-in-hand. Bottorff shares the impact of providing free, accessible programs for kids and outlines t...
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman is joined by Travis Wilson—a 20-year Army veteran and former Green Beret—to explore the harsh realities of brain trauma in veterans. Travis shares his personal experience with blast exposure, his mental health journey, and how innovative treatments like M.E.R.T., stem cells, and psychedelics are offering new hope. He also discusses his work with Alpha Elite Performance and Project Recon, highlighting how supplements, scie...
Send us a text In this emotional and insightful episode, Bruce Parkman speaks with Tatiana McCall Wimberly, founder of the RL3 Foundation, about the tragic loss of her son Ray Ray and her mission to advocate for brain health in youth sports. They dive into the dangers of repetitive brain trauma, the cultural pressures in football, and how education, legislation, and community action are key to protecting young athletes. This conversation is a call to action for parents, coaches, and lawmaker...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman talks with Dr. Chris Frueh, a leading authority on Operator Syndrome, brain trauma, and mental health among veterans and first responders. They examine the devastating effects of repetitive brain trauma, PTSD, and hormonal imbalances, while spotlighting alternative treatments like ketamine and psychedelics. The conversation calls for urgent, holistic solutions to combat the rising mental health crisis—and save lives. 🎧...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman speaks with Trevor Millar, a leading advocate and expert in ibogaine therapy. They explore the powerful potential of this psychedelic medicine to treat brain trauma, PTSD, and addiction—especially in veterans and athletes. Trevor discusses its origins, research-backed success stories, and the urgent need for awareness and legal reform to make this life-saving treatment accessible to those who need it most. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify,...
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, pr...
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...
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 ...
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 injuryThe 7 steps to recovery that guided her healing journeyHow nu...
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 follo...
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 co...
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 ai...
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...
Send us a text In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman talks with retired Green Beret Pat Flatley, who shares his journey through traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and the shortcomings of traditional treatment. After years of pain, anger, and depression with little help from the VA, Pat found a breakthrough through psychedelic-assisted therapy with Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT, supported by VETS.org. These treatments helped him process trauma, reduce symptoms, and reconnect with his family in w...
Send us a text 🏈 In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, former NFL player Matt Skura opens up about his journey from youth sports to the biggest stage in football—and the mental and physical battles that came with it. Matt shares raw insights into the toll that injuries, concussions, and the pressures of professional sports can take on an athlete’s brain health and emotional well-being. From navigating life-changing injuries to redefining his identity afte...
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, presented by the Mac Parkman Foundation, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Super Bowl Champion and former NFL tight end Ben Utecht to uncover the harsh realities of repetitive brain trauma and life after the NFL. Ben shares his deeply personal journey through concussions, memory loss, and identity struggles—offering insight into how brain injuries can alter not just performance, but purpose. Now an author, spe...
Send us a text In this powerful episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Brigadier General Kathleen Flarity to discuss the devastating effects of repetitive brain trauma on veterans, athletes, and first responders. Drawing on her expertise and the groundbreaking work of the Marcus Institute for Brain Health, Kathleen sheds light on the complexities of diagnosing traumatic brain injury (TBI), the impact of blast exposure, and the critical conn...