Shows
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanBrain Trauma & Youth Sports: The Reality Behind the Q-Collar and Concussion PreventionSend a textAre concussion prevention devices truly protecting young athletes?In this episode, Bruce Parkman discusses:• Brain trauma in youth sports • The truth behind the Q-Collar • Why developing brains are vulnerable • Long-term effects of repetitive impacts • What parents need to understandProtecting the brain protects the future.🎧 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 spons...
2026-02-2606 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanGeoff Dardia on TBI, Toxic Exposure, and Functional Medicine for Veteran Brain HealthSend a textRetired Special Forces Master Sergeant Geoff Dardia joins Broken Brains to discuss the devastating impact of traumatic brain injury and toxic exposure on veterans.Geoff shares his personal journey and explains how functional medicine, family support, and innovative treatments are helping veterans recover and rebuild their lives.This episode is a powerful reminder that healing the brain requires treating the whole person.🎧 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 thos...
2026-02-241h 08
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanBrain Trauma, TBI & the HERO Protocol: A Special Forces Medic's Path to Cognitive RecoverySend a textCould repetitive brain trauma be the hidden cause of mental illness in veterans — and could a Special Forces medic have accidentally found the answer?Bruce Parkman sits down with Chief Warrant Officer Jacek — Special Forces medic, TBI survivor, and creator of the HERO Protocol — for a conversation about brain trauma, cognitive recovery, and what happens when the military can't help you heal. IN THIS EPISODE:• How Jacek's Special Forces career shaped his understanding of brain injuries• The real relationship between TBI and mental illness in v...
2026-02-161h 26
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanBroken Brains: Integrative Neurology, Trauma, and the Future of Brain HealthSend a textDr. Ken Sharlin joins Broken Brains to explain how integrative neurology and functional medicine redefine mental health by treating the brain’s root causes—trauma, inflammation, and injury. Topics Covered: • Brain trauma and mental health • Chronic inflammation and neurology • Childhood trauma and brain development • CTE and repetitive head injury • Functional medicine for 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 t...
2026-02-0957 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanRepetitive Brain Trauma, Moral Injury, and the Cost of WarSend a textFrank Larkin joins Bruce Parkman to discuss veteran brain trauma, moral injury, suicide prevention, and systemic failures following 9/11. A powerful call to action for reform and accountability.Topics Covered:Repetitive brain traumaVeteran mental healthMoral injurySuicide preventionVA treatment challengesLegislative advocacyChapters00:00 Repetitive Brain Trauma in Veterans 03:40 Frank Larkin’s Journey and the Impact of 9/11 15:09 From Loss to Veteran Brain Health Advocacy 25:36 Modern Warfare and Neurological Damage 32:29 Understanding Moral Injury in Combat Veterans 34:46 Recognizing PTSD, Anxiety, and Brain Injury 36:50 Life After Separation from Mil...
2026-02-021h 09
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanWaves, War, And The Hidden CostSend a text What is the hidden cost of fighting wars at sea? In this episode of The Broken Brains Podcast, host Bruce Parkman sits down with retired U.S. Navy SWCC operator Anthony Smith to expose the long-term neurological damage caused by repetitive blast exposure and high-impact boat operations. They discuss how years of sustained force on the water can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), diffuse axonal injury, and what’s now known as operator syndrome. This conversation sheds light on why many veterans are misdiagnosed, under-treated, or ignored—and why awareness, advocacy, and better...
2026-01-2649 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanWhen the Game Ends: Brain Trauma, Mental Health, and Life After SportsSend a textWhat happens to the brain—and identity—when the game ends? In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with Kurt A. David, Emmy Award–winning TV host, producer, and former professional basketball player, to unpack the often-overlooked connection between repetitive brain trauma, mental health, and life after high-performance careers.Kurt shares his personal journey from elite athletics to life beyond sports, revealing how brain injuries, identity loss, and unaddressed mental health challenges affect both athletes and military veterans. He introduces his Five Rules for Successful Transition—a practical...
2026-01-1943 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanRepetitive Brain Trauma, Sleep, and the Hidden Risks Facing Young AthletesSend a textWhat 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-ro...
2026-01-1251 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanBreaking the Silence: Brain Trauma, Blast Exposure & Veteran Mental HealthSend a textIn 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...
2026-01-0554 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanFrom the NFL to Advocacy: George Visger on Brain Trauma, Mental Health & ResilienceSend a text 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...
2025-12-291h 02
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanUnderstanding Brain Trauma & Concussions with Dr. Drew ThodesonSend a textIn 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 Spoti...
2025-12-1555 min
The Resilient Warrior NationEpisode 4- The Green Beret Who Healed PTSD and Found Purpose Again | Sgt. Major Bruce Parkman’s StoryIn this very powerful episode, Mike speaks with Bruce Parkman, a former Green Beret Sgt. Major about his career, life, loss, mental health, resiliency, and healing using plant based medicines. Bruce details his journey from an extremely difficult childhood, through his military career, including his 911 deployment to the Middle East in support of Joint Special Operations Command.
Bruce also speaks about the heartbreaking loss of his 17 year old son, Mac to suicide and the resulting revelation that Mac had been suffering from unknown mental illnesses caused by repeated head injuries due to the various sports he had participated in...
2025-12-101h 40
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanHealing Brain Trauma Through Psychedelics with Dr. Pamela KryskowSend a textIn 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....
2025-12-0933 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanUnderstanding the Suicide Crisis with Dr. Helen EpsteinSend a textIn 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 App...
2025-12-0150 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanProtecting Kids: Brain Trauma, Flag Football & the Future of Youth SportsSend a textIn 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 Spo...
2025-11-2455 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanTravis Wilson on Brain Trauma, Healing, and Project R3CONSend a textIn 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 foll...
2025-11-1756 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanThe Legacy of Ray Ray: Fighting for Safer Youth Sports"Send a textIn 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 Spot...
2025-11-1040 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanOperator Syndrome, Brain Trauma & the Fight for Veteran Mental HealthSend a textIn 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...
2025-11-0358 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanThe Healing Potential of Ibogaine: Brain Trauma, PTSD & Recovery with Trevor MillarSend a textIn 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, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts 📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awareness and bring rea...
2025-10-2755 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanRepetitive Brain Trauma, CTE & Mental Health: What Athletes Need to KnowSend a textIn 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, prevention, and awareness can protect future generations from the long-term effects of neurotrauma. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcas...
2025-10-2046 min
The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey BerryListen to the catalysts of the Repeated Head Impact movement; Bruce and Perri Parkman! There must be change!Bruce and Perri Parkman lost their son, Mac Parkman when he took his own life. Mac had brain damage and mental health issues which were caused by Repeated Head Impacts from playing concussive sports for 10 months out of every year. Bruce and Perri speak about their tragedy, so no parent in the future will have to experience the same thing, IF they listen to the message. #MacParkman #CTEAwareness #ConcussionPrevention #BrainHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthSportsSafety #AthleteWellness #SportsSafety #HeadTrauma #AthleteMentalHealth #CTE #SportsInjury #SuicidePrevention #ProtectOurAthletes #BrainInjuryAwareness
2025-10-131h 04
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanHealing the Brain: How Vestibular Training Is Changing Concussion Recovery for Veterans and AthletesSend a textIn 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, research, and accessibility in addressing brain trauma and mental health issues, particularly among veterans and athletes. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podc...
2025-10-1341 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanDr. Mark Gordon on Brain Trauma, Neuroinflammation & Revolutionary TBI Treatment for Veterans and AthletesSend a textWhat 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 gaps that continue to fail veterans and athletes.Dr. Gordon explains:The devastating effects of cytokine storms...
2025-10-061h 09
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanGail Waitkun on TBI Recovery, Brain Health & the 7 Steps That Changed Her LifeSend a textWhat 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 nutrition, mindfulness, and neurofeedback played a role in restoring brain functionThe emotional challenges of...
2025-09-2951 min
Voices for the BrainEpisode 58 ~ The Mac Parkman FoundationJoin Katie Sale, ABC's Executive Director, as she sits down with Bruce Parkman, President of The Mac Parkman Foundation for Adolescent Concussive Trauma. Uncover the hidden dangers of excessive repetitive impacts and extended contact sports seasons on children's brain health. Understand how subconcussive impacts can lead to long-term physiological changes. Learn how you can help make a difference.
2025-09-2643 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanCTE, Contact Sports, and Cultural Change: Paul Frase & Corey Berry on Brain Trauma AwarenessSend a textWhat 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 followed.Together, they discuss:The long-term risks of repeated subconcussive impactsHow CTE symptoms affect everyday...
2025-09-221h 00
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanDr. Robert Baric on Concussions, TBI, and Holistic Brain Health for Veterans and AthletesSend 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 cognitive recovery⚠️ Why TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) is often ignored outside of sports arenas🧘 How neurofeedback, nutrition, and holistic care are changing the ga...
2025-09-1553 min
Broken Brains with Bruce ParkmanCTE in Sports: Dr. Judith Gates on HeadSafe Football, Brain Trauma, and Saving the GameSend a textIn 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 aimed at preventing CTE and protecting current and future generations of athletes.From youth football to the NFL...
2025-09-0859 min