In this episode of What Happens in Vagus podcast, Dr. Stephanie sits down with her long-time friend and client, former NFL lineman Jared Odrick, to explore the complexities of life as a retired professional athlete. Jared, who transitioned from football to racing in 2020, shares his journey of self-discovery and how his identity evolved post-retirement. The conversation delves deep into the challenges that athletes face, particularly concerning their mindset during and after their careers.

Jared opens up about the serious issue of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalitis), shedding light on the realities that many professional athletes face, often without adequate support. He challenges the common perception that professional sports teams provide the best care for their players, sharing his personal experiences that led him to become an advocate for CTE awareness and self-advocacy.

The discussion takes a critical look at the hero narrative often associated with professional athletes and the harsh reality that once they no longer serve the team's bottom line, they are quickly cast aside. Jared candidly talks about how athletes' bodies are treated as commodities in the sports industry, emphasizing the importance of seeing and treating the body as a whole, rather than in isolation.

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