In today’s episode of the Richard Listens Podcast, we’re joined by Robert “Bob” Mangine, one of the most accomplished and influential figures in American sports medicine, with nearly five decades of experience spanning elite athletics, clinical leadership, education, and applied research. Bob currently serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, where he oversees comprehensive medical care, injury prevention, and performance services for Division I student-athletes. He also works directly with athletes as Head Athletic Trainer for men’s basketball and men’s golf, operating at the intersection of performance, health, and high-level decision-making. In parallel, Bob is the National Director of Sports Physical Therapy Clinical Residency for NovaCare Rehabilitation, where he has helped build one of the nation’s premier residency programs, mentoring clinicians now working across collegiate, professional, and elite sports worldwide. Bob is widely recognized as a pioneer in applying neuroplasticity to athletic performance, injury recovery, and return-to-play decision-making—helping shift sports medicine toward a brain-based, integrated understanding of how elite performance is developed and sustained. His experience includes serving as Head Athletic Trainer at the Olympic and international level, spending over 23 years with the USA Diving Olympic Program, and supporting athletes across multiple Olympic cycles. Most recently, Bob has played a key role in advancing neuroperformance analytics in elite sport, contributing to multi-year, IRB-approved studies tracking brain function, recovery, and performance across hundreds of Division I athletes. Known for bridging neuroscience, clinical rigor, and real-world performance, Bob Mangine has helped redefine how modern sports medicine understands readiness, recovery, and long-term athlete development. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/richardlistens/donations
