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What if we're trying to solve a mental health crisis without fully addressing the health of the brain?

In this solo episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman examines repetitive brain trauma, its potential relationship with mental health, and why better diagnosis, treatment, research, and public awareness are urgently needed.

From veterans exposed to blasts to athletes experiencing thousands of repetitive head impacts, Bruce explores the limitations of current approaches and emerging areas of treatment, including non-invasive brain stimulation and psychedelic-assisted therapies. He also makes the case that improving brain health could have implications far beyond individual patients—potentially affecting families, communities, and broader societal challenges.

🎧 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 — The Repetitive Brain Trauma Crisis
 01:00 — How Brain Injuries Impact Society
 01:59 — The Overlooked Cost of Brain Trauma
 02:55 — Why We Still Know So Little About the Brain
 03:53 — Where Current Brain Injury Treatments Fall Short
 04:52 — Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation & Emerging Treatments
 10:00 — Psychedelics, Neuroplasticity & Brain Recovery
 11:55 — Treatment Barriers & Policy Reform
 14:47 — Why Brain Health Is a Societal Issue
 17:11 — Awareness, Education & Action

Brain Health Golf Open

https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

3rd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

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Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

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What happens to the brain after years of repeated high-impact maritime operations?

In Episode 105 of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman sits down with Anthony Smith to examine the hidden neurological toll facing Naval Special Warfare personnel and other service members exposed to repetitive high-G impacts.

Anthony discusses research into neurotrauma among Special Warfare Combat Crewmen (SWCC), the cumulative effects of high-speed maritime operations, and concerning findings involving TBI, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and CTE. They also explore emerging approaches to detection and treatment, including blood biomarkers, neuroimaging, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, while making the case for earlier intervention and greater institutional awareness.

🎧 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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 CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!

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

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction & the SWCC Brain Trauma Problem
 02:58 — Life as a Special Warfare Combat Crewman
 04:21 — How High-Speed Boats Impact the Brain
 08:36 — The Evolution of the SWCC Community
 09:27 — Post-9/11 Deployments & Increased Exposure
 14:26 — The CTE Case That Changed Everything
 17:54 — Groundbreaking SWCC Brain Trauma Research
 19:23 — Study Findings: TBI & Neurological Symptoms
 21:41 — PTSD, Chronic Pain & Suicide Risk
 22:35 — Biomarkers, Brain Scans & Future Research
 24:42 — TBI Diagnosis & VA Disability Gaps
 25:53 — HBOT, TMS, Ketamine & Treatment Options
 31:00 — Connecting Affected Operators to Care
 33:43 — Treatment Costs & Access Barriers
 36:43 — Connect With Anthony & Follow the Research
 40:47 — Hope, Awareness & Action

Brain Health Golf Open

https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

3rd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

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Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

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What if military brain trauma isn't limited to combat, explosions, or diagnosed concussions?

In this solo episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman examines the growing concern surrounding repetitive head impacts among military and Coast Guard service members, including the potential effects associated with high-speed boat operations and repeated exposure to waves and impacts.

Bruce discusses emerging research, findings from brain imaging, work involving the military brain bank, new technologies designed to detect neurological changes earlier, and why protecting service members may ultimately require changes in both policy and military culture.

🎧 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!

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CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Hidden Brain Trauma Affecting Service Members

01:55 What Brain Scans Are Revealing in Coast Guard Personnel

03:51 High-Speed Boats, Waves and Repetitive Brain Trauma

09:03 Inside Military Brain Research and the Brain Bank

11:57 New Technology for Detecting Brain Changes Earlier

14:52 Why Military Policy and Culture Need to Change

17:46 The Future of Military Brain Health and Treatment

20:56 Awareness, Support and Preventing Further Damage

23:58 Progress, Policy and Hope for the Future

Brain Health Golf Open

https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

 3rd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

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What happens when the mental and physical demands of military aviation follow you long after you leave the cockpit?

In Episode 104 of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman sits down with former Navy fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and No Fallen Heroes Foundation founder Matthew “Whiz” Buckley for a deeply personal conversation about repetitive brain trauma, PTSD, addiction, military mental health, and psychedelic-assisted healing.

Whiz shares his journey from military aviation to Wall Street, the personal losses and struggles that followed him into civilian life, and how psychedelic therapies, including ibogaine, became part of his path toward healing. Today, he has transformed those experiences into a mission to help veterans and others struggling with trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges.

🎧 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 Repetitive Brain Trauma and the Hidden Cost of Service

02:57 Life as a Navy Fighter Pilot

06:04 Why Mental Health Is Difficult to Discuss in Aviation

09:07 Repetitive Head Injuries and Brain Health

11:55 Bringing Attention to the Fighter Pilot Brain Health Crisis

15:00 Military Culture, Institutions and Mental Health

17:51 The Personal Reality of Trauma

21:08 Leaving the Military and Entering Civilian Life

32:32 Loss, Trauma and Years of Compartmentalization

34:29 From Fighter Pilot to Wall Street

36:25 Turning Professional Success Into a Greater Purpose

37:51 Discovering Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

39:42 Healing, Transformation and Reconnecting With Faith

41:04 Why Whiz Founded No Fallen Heroes

43:53 How Healing Changed His Perspective on Life

46:11 The Growing Psychedelic Therapy Movement

49:07 Ibogaine, Addiction and Breaking Destructive Cycles

51:35 Whiz’s Experience With Psychedelic Medicine

54:01 Turning Personal Healing Into Service

57:22 Fighting for Better Options for Veterans

01:00:14 The Future of Veteran Mental Health and Healing

Brain Health Golf Open

https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

3rd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

Connect with Matthew “Whiz” Buckley

Matthew “Whiz” Buckley on LinkedIn

Whiz Buckley on Instagram

Whiz Buckley Website

Support Broken Brains

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation.

Mac Parkman Foundation

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A concussion may happen in an instant, but its effects aren't always limited to that moment.

In this educational solo episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman examines the long-term consequences of concussions, repetitive head impacts, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and blast exposure—particularly among military veterans and contact sports athletes.

Bruce addresses common questions surrounding brain trauma, including whether an old concussion can contribute to symptoms years later and whether blast exposure can affect the brain even when a service member was never knocked unconscious.

He also discusses symptoms such as brain fog and attention difficulties, misconceptions surrounding TBI, and why veterans should document blast exposures, concussions, and other head injuries in their medical records.

The conversation then turns to contact sports and the cumulative effect of repetitive impacts. Bruce explains why the concern isn't limited to diagnosed concussions. Repeated smaller impacts can also matter, making awareness and monitoring especially important for parents and young athletes.

The central message is simple: pay attention to your brain.

Understanding your history, recognizing changes, documenting exposures, and seeking appropriate evaluation can be important steps toward protecting 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/

00:00 Understanding Brain Trauma and Its Long-Term Impact

00:30 What Veterans and Contact Sports Athletes Need to Know

01:28 Answering Your Questions About Concussions

02:28 Can an Old Concussion Affect You Years Later?

05:26 Blast Exposure Without Losing Consciousness

09:21 Common TBI Misconceptions Among Veterans

13:22 Youth Sports, Concussions, and Repetitive Head Impacts

17:35 What You Can Do to Protect Your Brain Health

Resources

MPFACT – Repetitive Brain Impact in Youth Sports
https://www.mpfact.org

Learn More

Mac Parkman Foundation
https://www.mpfact.org

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For veterans and athletes living with the effects of repetitive brain trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or addiction, conventional approaches don't always provide the answers they're looking for.

Could ibogaine become part of a new approach?

In Episode 103 of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman welcomes Trevor Millar, a social entrepreneur and expert in ibogaine-assisted therapy, for an in-depth discussion about the history of ibogaine, its use in addiction treatment, emerging research involving veterans, and the growing movement to study its potential neurological and psychological effects.

Trevor traces ibogaine's history from the iboga plant and its traditional ceremonial use to Howard Lotsoff's discovery of its anti-addictive properties in the 1960s.

Bruce and Trevor then examine how medically supervised ibogaine treatment is administered, why patient screening matters, and what research involving veterans has reported regarding PTSD, depression, anxiety, and brain health.

They also discuss ibogaine's potential relationship to neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration, stories from veterans and athletes who have undergone treatment, and the legislative and regulatory barriers currently limiting research and access in the United States.

This conversation isn't simply about psychedelics. It's about finding better answers for people living with brain injuries, trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges—and ensuring promising approaches receive the research necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness.

🎧 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
01:39 Understanding Ibogaine Therapy
02:19 The Origins and Discovery of Ibogaine
05:40 Ibogaine's Impact on Addiction and Mental Health
11:38 Mechanisms of Ibogaine's Effectiveness
16:55 Administration and Treatment Protocols
24:23 Case Studies and Success Stories
29:48 Research and Future Directions
31:36 The Push for Ibogaine Research Funding
33:56 Barriers to Accessing Psychedelic Treatments
37:32 The Role of Nonprofits in Psychedelic Advocacy
40:19 Psychedelics and Mental Health Rehabilitation
43:01 Success Stories: Athletes and Psychedelic Treatment
46:21 The Impact of Ibogaine on Veterans
50:04 Future Directions for Psychedelic Research and Treatment

Resources

MPFACT – Repetitive Brain Impact in Youth Sports
https://www.mpfact.org

Learn More

Mac Parkman Foundation
https://www.mpfact.org

 Support the Mission

If you found this episode valuable, share it with a parent, coach, athletic trainer, teacher, or anyone involved in youth sports.
 
 

Subscribe to Broken Brains on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen to podcasts as we continue bringing awareness to repetitive brain trauma, blast exposure, concussion research, and brain health.

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What if one of the leading causes of mental illness is also one of the most preventable?

In this powerful episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman explores the growing brain health crisis caused by repetitive head impacts in youth and professional sports.

From football and soccer to hockey, wrestling, and lacrosse, Bruce explains how repetitive brain trauma—even without a diagnosed concussion—can fundamentally change brain function, increase the risk of CTE, and contribute to depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and other long-term neurological disorders.

More importantly, this isn't a conversation about ending sports.

It's about making them safer.

Bruce discusses the latest research, why early diagnosis and education are critical, and what parents, coaches, athletic organizations, and policymakers can do today to better protect the next generation of athletes.

If you care about youth sports, brain health, or the future of athlete safety, this episode is essential listening.

Chapter Titles:
00:00 Why Brain Trauma in Sports Demands Attention

01:54 The Rise of Youth Contact Sports and Early Exposure

03:56 Understanding CTE and Long-Term Brain Damage

06:03 Why Early Diagnosis Changes Outcomes

07:57 The Real Stories Behind Youth Brain Injuries

09:46 Why We've Failed to Address the Brain Injury Crisis

11:49 Education and Awareness Save Lives

13:54 Building Safer Sports for Future Generations

15:54 New Hope Through Brain Health Innovation

17:59 A Call to Protect Every Young Athlete

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What happens when one of the toughest players in professional hockey begins speaking openly about brain trauma?

In Episode 102 of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman welcomes former NHL player, mental health advocate, and entrepreneur Daniel Carcillo for a candid conversation about repetitive brain injuries, concussion recovery, and the emerging science behind psychedelic-assisted therapy.

After years of playing one of the most physically demanding roles in professional hockey, Daniel experienced the devastating effects of repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries. His personal search for healing ultimately led him to explore innovative treatments, including psilocybin-assisted therapy, fundamentally changing the course of his life.

Together, Bruce and Daniel examine the growing similarities between athletes and military veterans living with repetitive brain trauma, why traditional treatment models often fall short, and how neuroscience is reshaping the future of mental health care.

If you care about brain health, concussion recovery, mental resilience, or advancing innovative treatments for TBI and PTSD, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Support the Mission

Broken Brains is proudly sponsored by the Mac Parkman Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing brain health awareness, education, research, and advocacy.

Support the Foundation's mission by making a donation today:
 https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL

If this episode made an impact, share it with a veteran, athlete, coach, healthcare professional, or someone navigating concussion recovery.

Subscribe to Broken Brains on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts as we continue exploring the science, solutions, and stories behind brain health.

Chapters:

00:00 Why Brain Health Advocacy Matters

02:47 Daniel Carcillo's Journey from NHL Player to Advocate

11:22 The Lasting Impact of Repetitive Concussions

15:52 Discovering Psilocybin as a Path to Healing

21:10 Where Professional Sports Falls Short on Brain Health

24:04 The Physical and Mental Demands of the NHL

24:48 How Psilocybin May Support Brain Recovery

25:10 The Science Behind Neuroplasticity and Healing

27:00 Why Therapeutic Guidance Matters

29:22 Life After Treatment: Integration and Lasting Recovery

31:15 Clinical Research Supporting Psilocybin Therapy

32:08 Challenges to Innovation in Mental Health Care

35:07 Why Long-Term Research Is Essential

38:15 Real Stories of Healing and Transformation

40:03 The Future of Alternative Brain Trauma Treatments

42:23 Expanding Access to Innovative Therapies

46:24 Resources, Community, and Final Thoughts

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For years, the conversation surrounding repetitive brain trauma focused almost entirely on the problem.

Today, there's something we've never had before—hope.

In this episode of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman shares why the upcoming Third International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma represents a major turning point in how we understand, prevent, diagnose, and treat brain injuries.

Bringing together world-renowned physicians, neuroscientists, military leaders, researchers, policymakers, and advocates, the summit will address one of the most pressing public health challenges affecting veterans, athletes, first responders, and millions of Americans living with the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and blast exposure.

Bruce also discusses why brain health should become as routine as cardiovascular health, the importance of early intervention, and how collaboration across medicine, sports, education, and government is creating real momentum toward better outcomes.

If you care about protecting brains, preventing injury, and improving lives, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🎧 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 Why the Third International Summit Matters

01:13 Inside the Summit: Speakers, Research, and Innovation

02:11 From Tragedy to Hope in Brain Health

03:08 Protecting Veterans from Blast-Related Brain Trauma

04:55 Making Contact Sports Safer for Future Generations

06:55 Why Brain Optimization Is the Future of Healthcare

07:48 How to Attend and Support the Summit

09:17 The Brain Health Golf Open and Community Impact

10:44 Final Thoughts: Building a Healthier Future Together

Brain Health Golf Open

https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

3rd Annual International Summit on Repetitive Brain Trauma
https://givebutter.com/brain-health-golf-open-5vzj5v

Produced by Security Halt Media

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Dr. Chris Frueh on Operator Syndrome, Brain Trauma & Veteran Mental Health

What if what we've been calling PTSD is only part of the story?

In this Season 1 Remix of Broken Brains, Bruce Parkman revisits one of the podcast's most impactful conversations with Dr. Chris Frueh, a nationally recognized expert on Operator Syndrome, brain trauma, and veteran mental health.

Originally released in Season 1, this episode remains as relevant today as ever. Dr. Frueh explains how repetitive blast exposure, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), hormonal dysfunction, and chronic stress can create symptoms that are often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. Together, Bruce and Dr. Frueh discuss why a more comprehensive approach to brain health is essential for veterans, special operations forces, first responders, and anyone exposed to repeated head trauma.

They also explore emerging treatment options—including ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapies—and why innovation is critical in addressing today's mental health crisis.

If you care about brain health, veteran wellness, or the future of mental health treatment, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In This Episode

• What is Operator Syndrome?
• The relationship between PTSD and traumatic brain injury
• The long-term effects of repetitive blast exposure
• Hormonal health and its role in recovery
• Why many veterans aren't receiving the right treatment
• Ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy for healing
• A holistic approach to improving brain health
• The future of mental health care for veterans and first responders

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube.

If this conversation helped you better understand brain health, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode. Every share helps spread awareness and supports those searching for answers.

Support The Mac Parkman Foundation

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

The Mac Parkman Foundation is committed to advancing awareness, research, education, and treatment for repetitive brain trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and blast-related injuries affecting veterans, first responders, athletes, and their families.

Donate today:
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