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What happens when brain trauma starts earlier than we realize—and recovery never truly begins?
 In this episode of The Broken Brains Podcast, host Bruce Parkman sits down with neurobiologist Dr. Allison Breger to examine the growing crisis of repetitive brain trauma in youth sports and military environments. They explore how repeated head impacts, poor sleep, and cumulative exposure affect mental health, neurobiology, and long-term brain function.

This conversation highlights the risks facing young athletes—especially in gymnastics and non-contact sports—the overlooked role of sleep in brain recovery, and why year-round training without off-seasons may be setting children up for lifelong neurological challenges. Dr. Breger also shares insights from research in extreme environments, emphasizing how environmental stressors compound brain trauma and recovery demands.

This episode is a call for prevention, smarter training, and better mental health protections—especially for developing brains.

🎧 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

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Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:51 The Journey into Neurobiology

05:30 The Impact of Sports on Mental Health

08:20 Understanding Concussions in Non-Contact Sports

11:25 Military Operations and Brain Trauma

13:57 Protecting Developing Brains in Sports

16:48 Environmental Impacts on Human Performance

19:45 The Importance of Sleep in Recovery

22:25 Long-Term Effects of Concussions

28:21 Conclusion and Future Directions

29:32 Understanding Brain Trauma and Methylation

30:56 The Impact of Youth Sports on Mental Health

34:10 Gender Differences in Sports Injuries

36:49 NCAA Mental Health Initiatives

39:54 The Correlation Between Sports and Suicide Rates

40:44 Fascinating Studies and Personal Accomplishments

Connect with Dr. Brager today.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-brager-80a58210/

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

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In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Daniel Pace, CEO of Invicta Prospects Group, to confront the growing crisis of repetitive brain trauma in the military. Drawing from personal experience and ongoing research, Daniel explains how blast exposure and head impacts contribute to cognitive decline and mental health issues often misdiagnosed as PTSD. The conversation highlights the urgent need for better research, cultural change in military training, and policy reform—while introducing BlastBuddy, a tool designed to reduce blast exposure and protect long-term brain health.

🎧 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/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

02:05 Daniel Pace's Background and Military Career

09:34 Understanding Mental Health and Brain Injury

12:38 The Vicious Cycle of Mental Health Issues

15:41 Questioning Military Protocols and Diagnoses

22:51 Challenges in Research and Decision-Making

26:03 Practical Solutions for Reducing Exposure

28:14 The State of TBI Research and Military Safety

30:29 The Urgency for Action on Blast Exposure

33:41 Innovative Solutions for Brain Injury Prevention

40:24 Cultural Change and Policy in Military Operations

43:01 Pilot Programs and Future Directions for BlastBuddy

Connect with Daniel today.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-p-136954111/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpace.official/

Website: https://invictaprospectsgroup.com/blast-buddy/

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  In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with George Visger, former NFL player and brain injury advocate, to expose the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma. George shares his deeply personal journey through concussions, hydrocephalus, multiple brain surgeries, and mental health struggles following his football career. Together, they discuss the risks of youth contact sports, the lack of education around brain health, and the importance of non-pharmaceutical approaches to recovery. This episode is a powerful call for awareness, prevention, and change in how we protect the brain.

🎧 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/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma
02:21 George Visger's Journey: From NFL to Advocacy
03:29 Childhood and Early Sports Involvement
11:01 The NFL Experience and Early Concussions
18:40 The Struggles with Hydrocephalus
29:13 Mental Health Challenges and Advocacy
37:19 Reflections on Youth Contact Sports
39:35 The Impact of Contact Sports on Mental Health
41:39 Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience
43:08 The Struggles of Former Athletes
50:46 Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches to Brain Health
58:06 George Visger's Mission and Book Release

Connect with George today.

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gvisger/photos

Website: https://georgevisger.com/

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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 also discuss the importance of nutrition, lifestyle, and alternative treatments in supporting brain health and the urgent need for greater awareness and research.

🎧 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/

Connect with Dr. Thodeson today.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-thodeson-481268324/

Website: https://www.mbbnresearch.org/

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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 movement, while challenging traditional approaches that often overlook root causes. This conversation sheds light on the growing role of psychedelics and microdosing as transformative tools for recovery and mental wellness.

 🎧 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/

Connect with Dr. Kryskow!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-kryskow-345a6a200/

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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 open dialogue and collective action to address this growing public health emergency.

🎧 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/

Click the link below to get a copy of Helen’s new book, “Why Live: How Suicide Becomes an Epidemic.” 

https://a.co/d/3eK1hva

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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 the future of Manatee PAL, emphasizing a holistic approach to protecting young athletes—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

🎧 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/

Support and Follow: https://www.manateepal.org/index.htm

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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, science, and support can transform lives.

 🎧 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 Travis and Project R3CONtoday!

Website: https://projectr3con.org/

Website: https://alphaeliteperformance.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectr3con

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

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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 lawmakers to prioritize safety and mental health in youth athletics.

🎧 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 Tatiana today!

Website: https://www.rl3foundation.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rl3foundation/?hl=en

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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.

🎧 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. Frueh today!

Website: https://chrisfrueh.com/

Produced by Security Halt Media