Agustin Melendez is a certified athletic trainer and founder of Combat Sports Medicine. Augie has carved out a unique role working ringside and cage-side as both an athletic trainer and professional cutman, supporting some of the toughest athletes in the world. From managing injuries in the middle of a fight camp to controlling bleeding between rounds, his work demands precision, calm under pressure, and a deep understanding of what it means to keep fighters safe while helping them perform at their best. What can we learn from working ringside?

In this episode Shelby sits down with Lynn Allen, President of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy International (ARTI), to explore the growing global movement toward unified professional standards in sports medicine and athletic therapy in Ireland.

Lynn shares her journey through athletic therapy leadership and the mission behind ARTI — to promote international recognition, collaboration, and professional mobility for Athletic Therapists and Rehabilitation Therapists around the world. Together, they discuss how ARTI is bridging the gap between countries’ credentialing systems and helping clinicians gain mutual recognition across borders.

In this conversation, Shelby Daly and Albert Torres discuss the multifaceted world of athletic training, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, effective communication, and the challenges faced by athletic trainers in both educational and professional settings. They explore the evolution of athletic training programs, the debate over specialization, and the critical role of athletic trainers in youth academies. The conversation highlights the need for a well-rounded education that prepares students for the complexities of the profession, as well as the importance of fostering strong relationships within the athletic community.

In this episode, Shelby Daly interviews Jacob Swisher, the creator of EZ-EAP, a digital platform designed to enhance emergency action plans for athletic trainers. They discuss the evolution of athletic training, the gaps in traditional emergency plans, and how technology can improve athlete safety and response times. Jacob shares his journey into athletic training, the features of EZ-EAP, and the importance of regular practice and updates to emergency action plans. The conversation also touches on the legal implications of inadequate emergency preparedness and the challenges of implementing new technology in athletic departments.

www.ez-eap.com

In this conversation, Aaron Ngor discusses the importance of building relationships within healthcare systems to streamline care. He shares his journey of developing a private practice and the significance of networking and outreach in providing effective care. Additionally, he highlights the innovative approach to sideline medicine for athletes and artists, showcasing how structured systems can enhance care delivery.

Episode Skeleton:

Shelby and Corey Oshikoya discuss the importance of social determinants of health in athletic training. They explore how factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and community resources impact athletes' recovery and performance. Corey emphasizes the need for athletic trainers to incorporate these considerations into their practice, advocating for a holistic approach to care that includes mental health and nutrition. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by athletic trainers in addressing these issues and the importance of self-care and community support.

Resources:

Three screening tools for social determinants of health:

https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/blogs/inpractice/entry/social_determinants.html

Healthy People 2030: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople

Social Determinant of Health: Consideration for Athletic Health Care. Picha, et al, 2021: https://nata.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/attr/57/6/article-p521.xml?isSearch=true

Picha et al, 2024: Athletic Trainers’ Observations of Social Determinants of Health in the Collegiate Setting: A Card Study

In this two-part interview, Shelby Daly sits down with Payton McNabb, a former multi-sport student-athlete who became a national advocate for athlete safety and women’s rights after suffering a life-altering concussion during a high school volleyball game. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of competitive sports, the role of athletic trainers in protecting athletes, and the growing debate around fairness, safety, and equity in women’s athletics.

In the second part, Shelby is joined by Dr. Simi to explore how athletic trainers and athletic departments can thoughtfully navigate these complex and often polarizing situations. They discuss strategies for fostering open, respectful conversations around inclusion and identity in sport, creating spaces that encourage understanding and dialogue rather than division or “cancel culture.” Inclusion can still mean excluding certain parties.

www.independentwomen.com

EPISODE SKELETON

John Jenkins discusses the critical role of preceptors in athletic training education. He shares his journey of how he got into the profession, the challenges and rewards of being a preceptor, and the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of athletic trainers. They explore the need for formal training for preceptors, the impact of ego on the profession, and the significance of building clinical confidence in students. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating a positive learning environment and the need for continuous learning and collaboration within the field. We also address whether preceptors should be paid or not.

We also discuss if preceptors should be paid or not.

EPISODE SKELETON:Matt Campbell, an athletic trainer and founder of the virtual Midwest Concussion Clinic, discusses the evolution of concussion care, particularly in the context of telehealth. He emphasizes the importance of continuous education, the challenges faced in virtual evaluations, and the need for better advocacy and awareness in concussion management. The discussion also touches on the differences in care for athletic versus non-athletic populations, the significance of baseline testing, and the role of media in shaping public perception of concussions.

www.mwconcussion.com

EPISODE SKELETON:David Restiano the founder of Sor Soap, a unique product designed for soft tissue mobilization, shares his journey from being a graphic designer to creating a wellness product that combines hygiene with muscle recovery. He discusses the challenges of launching Sor Soap, including finding a manufacturer and educating the public about the benefits of soft tissue mobilization. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-care for athletes, the impact of Shark Tank on his business, and future product innovations.

Discount Code 15%: TTB15

www.sorsoap.com