Dr. Jeff Barth, the creator of sport concussion research, joins us to discuss his groundbreaking work that has reshaped athlete safety worldwide. From his roots in New Jersey playing basketball and lacrosse to founding the UVA Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute, Dr. Barth shares his journey, his impact on professional sports, and his vision for the future of neuropsychology.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring path of Dr. Geoff Manley—Chief of Neurosurgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Vice Chair of Neurological Surgery at UCSF. Dr. Manley shares how growing up in Kentucky with a love for fixing things shaped his unique journey into medicine. Dr. Manley’s work spans groundbreaking TBI research, including the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) and TBI Endpoints Development (TED) Initiative pr...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carolyn Emery, a leading expert in injury prevention in youth sports and concussion research. Growing up in Ottawa, Dr. Emery's love for sports ranging from alpine ski racing to water polo fueled her career in physiotherapy, which later sparked her transition into injury epidemiology. Hear how her journey from clinical training at Queen's University to a professorship at the University of Calgary has shaped her groundbreaking research, leading initiatives...

In this episode, we sit down with Czech-Swiss neurologist Dr. Jiří Dvořák, one of the world's foremost experts in sports medicine and spinal health. Born in a small village in Czechoslovakia, Jiří's path changed dramatically after the Soviet invasion in 1968, leading him to complete his medical studies in Switzerland. Over his 40-year career at the Spine Unit of the Schulthess Clinic in Zurich, he specialized in spinal disease prevention and sports medicine, eventually serving as FIFA’s...

In this episode of Concussion Headliners, Dr. Donna Broshek, a renowned neuropsychologist, shares her journey from aspiring engineer to leading expert in sports concussions and epilepsy. She discusses her clinical work at UVA, where she directs multiple neuropsychology and concussion programs, and her significant contributions to organizations like the Sports Neuropsychology Society and the NBA Concussion Committee. Dr. Broshek also reflects on her experiences with leadership and mentorship i...

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Mark Lovell, a Grand Rapids native whose pioneering work in concussion management has transformed the field. From his early days as a music major at Northern Michigan University to developing the ImPACT test, Lovell's impact is profound. Discover his career highlights, from working with the Pittsburgh Steelers to leading ImPACT Applications, and hear about his lifelong passion for music. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of the ...

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Dr. Michael Collins, from his small-town upbringing in Maine to his influential role as the Clinical and Executive Director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Learn how his dedication to neuropsychology and the creation of ImPACT transformed baseline testing and concussion management. Tune in to hear about his inspiring career path, from Michigan State University to UPMC, and the groundbreaking advancements in brain health he has sp...

This week, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Gavin Davis, from his life in Australia to becoming a global leader in neurosurgery. Discover his international training experiences and what inspired his career choice. Tune in to hear about his remarkable resilience, dedication, and the passion driving his success.

Join us as we dive into a fascinating conversation with David Maddocks, an experienced medical lawyer with a unique background in neuroscience. Discover how these two fields intertwine in his groundbreaking work. David shares intriguing insights from his career, including high-profile cases, his career journey, and more. Don't miss this episode packed with compelling stories and expert analysis!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Grant Iverson, a neuropsychology specialist and clinician scientist in mild TBI and mental health, on this week's Concussion Headliners episode. Dr. Iverson shares his unique journey from growing up on a 35-acre farm in Northern Iowa, where his family had up to 40 horses at their peak! He takes us through his educational journey, from exploring various majors at the University of Northern Iowa to earning his Master's and PhD in clinical psychology ...

On this week's episode of the Concussion Headliners Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Kathryn Schneider, Associate Professor and Clinician Scientist (Physiotherapist) at the Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary. In this episode, Kathryn shared the journey of her family's travels that ultimately led her to Calgary, discussed her diverse background in multiple sports, and provided valuable insights on possible improvement...

Tune in as we speak with Dr. Robert Cantu, Medical Director and Director of Clinical Research at the Cantu Concussion Center at Emerson Hospital. A California native, Dr. Cantu shares his love for jazz music and baseball, along with his journey into concussion care.

Join us this week as we speak with a true pioneer in the field of neurosurgery and concussion research, Dr. Joe Maroon. Not only a board-certified clinical professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center but also a co-developer of the ImPACT computer test for concussion. Joe spent over forty years as the team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and believes that adversity is one of the greatest teachers. He talks about growing up in Bridgeport, Ohio, and ...

It’s National Athletic Training Month and we caught up with John Ciecko III, MBA, ATC, President of the Michigan Athletic Trainers’ Society (MATS) and Health and Well-being Specialist with Personify Health. John shares stories of his family history and provides some valuable tips for clinicians on working with patients effectively. A Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and believer in self-care, John lives by the quote “Nobody cares, work harder”.

We’re talking with Nichole Shotwell, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan on this week’s Concussion Headliner’s Podcast. From her unexpected academic journey at the University of Michigan to her love for The Big Bang Theory and Barenaked Ladies, Nichole's story is musically interesting and diverse. Raised in Metro Detroit, she reflects on meeting her husband online and shares insights into running the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. Join us for a pleasant conver...

Join us today as we speak with Dr. Julian Bailes, Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the North Shore University Health System and Co-Director of the North Shore Neurological Institute in Chicago, IL. With a successful career spanning three decades, Dr. Bailes brings extensive experience as a sideline physician for both NFL and NCAA teams. Born and raised in Louisiana and a graduate of LSU Medical School, Dr. Bailes shares insights into his journey, being the sole representative in ...

Join us as we chat with Jared Odrick, a former defensive end in the NFL who grew up in Lebanon, PA. Jared was a standout athlete in college at Penn State before he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2010. Beyond football, he also made appearances on the popular TV series Ballers, and more recently showcased his acting in the 2022 action/fantasy film, Samaritan. In recent years, Odrick has found solace in racing cars, particularly Porches and Miatas, as a means to escape what he referred to ...

Meet Jeff Miller, a seasoned executive who has been an integral part of the NFL since 2008 and currently serves as the executive VP of communications, public affairs and policy, as well as overseeing health and safety initiatives. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago Law School, this Bayside, Wisconsinite roots for all NFL teams. Miller, a self-proclaimed mediocre college tennis player, developed a passion for presidential politics in high school, influen...

Join us this week for a conversation​ with Dr. Willie Stewart, a distinguished consultant neuropathologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and an honorary professor in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience. An international guest on our show, Dr. Stewart takes us on a journey through his life, sharing personal anecdotes from his upbringing on the outskirts of Glasgow. With a candid reflection on his childhood, he discusses finding his passion for sports​ and open...

We’re kicking off 2024 with a brand new podcast episode featuring Kyla Zalapski, founder of Ground Zero Basics Inc. and owner of Fitness Evolution. Does the name sound familiar? Kyla is the younger sister of the late Zarley Zalapski, a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman from 1987 to 2010 who played on the Canadian national team and was drafted later by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kyla takes us back in time to growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and following along as a...