Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman

Bruce Parkman
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is presented by The Mac Parkman FoundationThe mission of this show and the foundation is To serve as a source of information, resources, and communications to the community of parents, coaches/Athletic trainers, medical staff, and athletes that are affected by sports-related concussions and to raise awareness of the long-term implications of concussive and sub-concussive trauma to our children.Broken Brains will also explore how Concussive Trauma impacts our Service Members and Veterans.Join us every week as Bruce interviews leaders and experts in various Medical fields, as well as survivors of Concussive trauma.  Produced by Security Halt Media

  1. When the Game Ends: Brain Trauma, Mental Health, and Life After Sports

    2D AGO

    When the Game Ends: Brain Trauma, Mental Health, and Life After Sports

    Send us a text What 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 framework for navigating career endings, personal reinvention, and recovery. This conversation is a powerful call for awareness, proactive care, and purpose-driven recovery for anyone facing major life transitions. 🎧 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma 01:58 Kurt A. David's Journey in Sports 10:06 Transitioning from Professional Sports 12:29 The Reality of Athlete Life After Sports 19:05 Mental Health and Transition Challenges 19:41 Transitioning from Sports to Counseling 20:33 The Birth of a Book and TV Show 21:54 Inspiring Stories of Resilience 24:10 The Impact of CTE Awareness 26:46 The Emotional Toll of Transition 29:56 Five Rules for Successful Transition 37:30 The Importance of Recovery and Support   Connect with Kurt today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-david/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtadavidspeaks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromglorydaystv/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    43 min
  2. Repetitive Brain Trauma, Sleep, and the Hidden Risks Facing Young Athletes

    JAN 12

    Repetitive Brain Trauma, Sleep, and the Hidden Risks Facing Young Athletes

    Send us a text What 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-round training without off-seasons may be setting children up for lifelong neurological challenges. Dr. Breger also shares insights from research in extreme environments, emphasizing how environmental stressors compound brain trauma and recovery demands. This episode is a call for prevention, smarter training, and better mental health protections—especially for developing brains. 🎧 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma 02:51 The Journey into Neurobiology 05:30 The Impact of Sports on Mental Health 08:20 Understanding Concussions in Non-Contact Sports 11:25 Military Operations and Brain Trauma 13:57 Protecting Developing Brains in Sports 16:48 Environmental Impacts on Human Performance 19:45 The Importance of Sleep in Recovery 22:25 Long-Term Effects of Concussions 28:21 Conclusion and Future Directions 29:32 Understanding Brain Trauma and Methylation 30:56 The Impact of Youth Sports on Mental Health 34:10 Gender Differences in Sports Injuries 36:49 NCAA Mental Health Initiatives 39:54 The Correlation Between Sports and Suicide Rates 40:44 Fascinating Studies and Personal Accomplishments   Connect with Dr. Brager today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-brager-80a58210/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzz/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    52 min
  3. Breaking the Silence: Brain Trauma, Blast Exposure & Veteran Mental Health

    JAN 5

    Breaking the Silence: Brain Trauma, Blast Exposure & Veteran Mental Health

    Send us a text In 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 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma 02:05 Daniel Pace's Background and Military Career 09:34 Understanding Mental Health and Brain Injury 12:38 The Vicious Cycle of Mental Health Issues 15:41 Questioning Military Protocols and Diagnoses 22:51 Challenges in Research and Decision-Making 26:03 Practical Solutions for Reducing Exposure 28:14 The State of TBI Research and Military Safety 30:29 The Urgency for Action on Blast Exposure 33:41 Innovative Solutions for Brain Injury Prevention 40:24 Cultural Change and Policy in Military Operations 43:01 Pilot Programs and Future Directions for BlastBuddy   Connect with Daniel today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-p-136954111/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpace.official/ Website: https://invictaprospectsgroup.com/blast-buddy/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    54 min
  4. From the NFL to Advocacy: George Visger on Brain Trauma, Mental Health & Resilience

    12/29/2025

    From the NFL to Advocacy: George Visger on Brain Trauma, Mental Health & Resilience

    Send us 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 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma 02:21 George Visger's Journey: From NFL to Advocacy 03:29 Childhood and Early Sports Involvement 11:01 The NFL Experience and Early Concussions 18:40 The Struggles with Hydrocephalus 29:13 Mental Health Challenges and Advocacy 37:19 Reflections on Youth Contact Sports 39:35 The Impact of Contact Sports on Mental Health 41:39 Personal Stories of Loss and Resilience 43:08 The Struggles of Former Athletes 50:46 Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches to Brain Health 58:06 George Visger's Mission and Book Release   Connect with George today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thevisgergroup/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gvisger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gvisger/photos Website: https://georgevisger.com/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    1h 3m
  5. Understanding Brain Trauma & Concussions with Dr. Drew Thodeson

    12/15/2025

    Understanding Brain Trauma & Concussions with Dr. Drew Thodeson

    Send us a text In 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 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Connect with Dr. Thodeson today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-thodeson-481268324/ Website: https://www.mbbnresearch.org/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    55 min
  6. Healing Brain Trauma Through Psychedelics with Dr. Pamela Kryskow

    12/09/2025

    Healing Brain Trauma Through Psychedelics with Dr. Pamela Kryskow

    Send us a text In 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.    🎧 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Connect with Dr. Kryskow! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-kryskow-345a6a200/ Produced by Security Halt Media

    33 min
  7. Understanding the Suicide Crisis with Dr. Helen Epstein

    12/01/2025

    Understanding the Suicide Crisis with Dr. Helen Epstein

    Send us a text In 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 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Click the link below to get a copy of Helen’s new book, “Why Live: How Suicide Becomes an Epidemic.”  https://a.co/d/3eK1hva Produced by Security Halt Media

    50 min
  8. Protecting Kids: Brain Trauma, Flag Football & the Future of Youth Sports

    11/24/2025

    Protecting Kids: Brain Trauma, Flag Football & the Future of Youth Sports

    Send us a text In 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 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 sponsored by The Mac Parkman Foundation Support The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL  CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW!  https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/   Support and Follow: https://www.manateepal.org/index.htm Produced by Security Halt Media

    56 min
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5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is presented by The Mac Parkman FoundationThe mission of this show and the foundation is To serve as a source of information, resources, and communications to the community of parents, coaches/Athletic trainers, medical staff, and athletes that are affected by sports-related concussions and to raise awareness of the long-term implications of concussive and sub-concussive trauma to our children.Broken Brains will also explore how Concussive Trauma impacts our Service Members and Veterans.Join us every week as Bruce interviews leaders and experts in various Medical fields, as well as survivors of Concussive trauma.  Produced by Security Halt Media

Information

  • Creator
    Bruce Parkman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman
  • Show Website
    Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman