The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase

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The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase takes you inside the reality of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through the lens of football and rodeo. With firsthand experience in one of the most punishing sports, Paul shares stories, the lasting effects of head trauma, and the fight for awareness and support.

  1. 1d ago

    OW Sports Network Interview: Football Was Good to Me—But We Didn’t Know the Cost | Paul Frase on Brain Trauma and Hope

    Football gave Paul Frase an 11-year NFL career. Decades later, it forced him to confront the unseen cost of thousands of repeated head impacts—and the question every parent, coach and athlete needs to face. Former NFL defensive lineman Paul Frase joins Vince and Stevie D of the OW Sports Network for a direct conversation about football, repeated head impacts and protecting the next generation. Paul looks back on his journey from Syracuse University to the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens—including the teammates, rivalries and unforgettable moments that shaped his career. But the most important part of this conversation begins after football. Paul shares what happened when episodes of uncontrolled rage began affecting his life at age 47, how learning about the possible effects of repeated head impacts changed his understanding of those symptoms, and why that experience helped inspire the HeadRush Podcast. The conversation examines: Why repeated head impacts—not only diagnosed concussions—matterThe risks facing children in football, hockey, soccer and other contact sportsHow parents and coaches can reduce unnecessary contactWhy athletes must be allowed to report symptoms without being shamedThe roles of nutrition, sleep and emerging brain-health therapiesWhy people struggling after brain trauma should never assume their lives are overFollow the HeadRush Podcast and share this episode with an athlete, parent, coach or caregiver who needs to hear it. Special thanks to Vince and Stevie D of the OW Sports Network for hosting this important conversation. HeadRush Podcast sponsors:Patrick Risha CTE Awareness FoundationMillennium Health CentersMillennium Health StoreParadise Behavioral Health – Brain Well ProgramMC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-SAmbio Life SciencesVielight, Inc. — Save with discount code HEADRUSHVL This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    OW Sports Network Interview: Football Was Good to Me—But We Didn’t Know the Cost | Paul Frase on Brain Trauma and Hope

  2. Aug 10

    When Love Becomes Caregiving: The Hidden Toll of Brain Trauma

    Brain trauma doesn’t only affect the athlete. It can reshape a marriage, a family, and the life of the person standing beside them. What does it really mean to care for someone living with the long-term effects of repeated head impacts and brain trauma? In this deeply personal episode of the HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase and Corey Berry are joined by Corey’s wife, Susan Berry, and Brandi Winans, wife of former NFL player Jeff Winans, for an honest conversation about the side of brain trauma that is too often overlooked: the caregiver. Susan shares what nearly 27 years beside Corey has looked like through cognitive changes, frightening neurological episodes, anger, memory loss, isolation, and his eventual diagnosis of Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES). Brandi reflects on decades beside Jeff as his physical and neurocognitive health declined, as well as the advocacy work that grew from her family's experience. Together, they talk candidly about caregiver exhaustion, walking on eggshells, raising children around neurological changes, protecting relationships, asking for help, finding support groups, and staying connected to the person you love while brain trauma changes life around you. This episode refresh isn't simply about professional athletes. It is about spouses, parents, children, veterans, first responders, and families trying to understand what may be happening to someone they love. Because awareness can change how a family responds. And caregivers need support too. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation — Raising awareness about the dangers of repeated head impacts and helping families understand, live with, and prevent CTE. • Millennium Health Centers — Supporting brain health through the Millennium Protocol and its work addressing neuroinflammation and hormone disruption. • Paradise Behavioral Health — BrainWell Program — Providing individualized support for brain health, mental health, and neurological wellness. • MC Wellness — Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S • Ambio Life Sciences — Advancing exploration of ibogaine and its potential applications involving neurological health. • Vielight, Inc. — Advancing photobiomodulation technology for brain health and wellness.Use discount code HEADRUSHVL when purchasing from Vielight. Thank you to every organization helping HeadRush continue the conversation around brain trauma, research, treatment, education, and hope. HeadRush Podcast — Brain Trauma. Brain Health. Hope.

    When Love Becomes Caregiving: The Hidden Toll of Brain Trauma

  3. Aug 3

    George Visger: 9 Brain Surgeries Changed Everything

    George Visger nearly died after multiple brain surgeries, battled decades of neurological challenges, helped influence NFL concussion safety rules, and became one of the earliest advocates for brain injury awareness. In this unforgettable conversation, Paul Frase and Corey Berry sit down with the former NFL defensive tackle to discuss CTE, repeated head impacts, addiction, brain health, Dr. Bennet Omalu, and why hope still exists for those living with traumatic brain injuries. Former NFL defensive tackle George Visger has survived what few people ever could. After playing for the San Francisco 49ers, George endured a knee injury and three emergency brain surgeries within an eight-month period during his second season. Despite those injuries, he did not qualify for NFL benefits because he had only two credited seasons and was not vested. He would ultimately undergo nine brain surgeries and become an outspoken advocate for brain injury awareness. In this episode of the HeadRush Podcast, George joins Paul Frase and Corey Berry to discuss: His NFL journey with the Jets and 49ersSurviving nine brain surgeriesLiving with traumatic brain injuryThe truth about CTE and repeated head impactsHow addiction can be a symptom—not the causeHis work alongside Dr. Bennet OmaluHelping influence NFL concussion safety rulesHyperbaric oxygen therapy, Omega-3s, red light therapy and other promising brain health strategiesWhy education, research and hope matter more than ever If you care about brain health, concussion recovery, veterans, athletes, first responders, or anyone affected by neurological injury, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about our sponsors: • Vielight, Inc. – Photobiomodulation devices designed to support brain health. Save with discount code HEADRUSHVL. • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation • Millennium Health Centers • Millennium Health Store • Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program • MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S • Ambio Life Sciences Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode to help spread awareness about brain trauma, brain health, and hope.

    George Visger: 9 Brain Surgeries Changed Everything

  4. Jul 27

    Ibogaine's Biggest Breakthrough Yet? Trevor Millar on Research, Recovery & What's Next

    A new federal executive order, millions of dollars in research funding, and growing momentum behind ibogaine are changing the conversation around brain injury, PTSD, addiction, and neurological recovery. In this episode, Ambio Life Sciences co-founder Trevor Millar joins Paul and Corey to explain why ibogaine is receiving unprecedented attention, how patient safety is handled, what current research is revealing, and why Corey has decided to undergo treatment himself. This is an honest discussion about hope, science, preparation, and the future of brain health. Could one of the world's most controversial plant medicines become one of the most important breakthroughs in brain health? In this episode of the HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase and Corey Berry welcome back Trevor Millar, co-founder of Ambio Life Sciences, to discuss the rapidly changing landscape surrounding ibogaine therapy. Topics include: • The recent executive order accelerating psychedelic research• Federal funding for ibogaine research• Why Texas has become a leader in advancing ibogaine studies• How Ambio screens patients and prioritizes safety• Why certain medical conditions and medications matter before treatment• Corey's personal decision to undergo ibogaine therapy• Setting intentions instead of expectations• What recovery may look like after treatment• The future of brain injury care, neuroplasticity, PTSD, addiction, and neurological recovery Whether you're a veteran, athlete, first responder, caregiver, or someone searching for hope after brain trauma, this conversation explores where science is heading and why so many people are paying attention. Sponsors This episode is made possible by: • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation• Millennium Health Centers• Millennium Health Store• Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program• MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S• Ambio Life Sciences• Vielight, Inc. — Use discount code HEADRUSHVL when purchasing your Vielight device. Please Like, Subscribe, Share, and help us continue bringing awareness, education, and hope to those affected by brain injury.

    Ibogaine's Biggest Breakthrough Yet? Trevor Millar on Research, Recovery & What's Next

  5. Jul 20

    From NHL Stardom to Brain Trauma: Ales Hemsky's Story of Hope | HeadRush Podcast

    What happens when the cheering stops—but the brain injuries don't? Former NHL All-Star Ales Hemsky spent 16 seasons at the highest level of professional hockey, represented the Czech Republic on the world stage, and competed in a Stanley Cup Final. Behind that success was a different story. Repeated concussions. Memory problems. Vertigo. Depression. Addiction. Thoughts of giving up. In this deeply personal conversation, Ales shares what life looked like after hockey, the struggles few people saw, and the journey that helped him begin finding hope again. Former NHL star Ales Hemsky joins Paul Frase and Corey Berry for one of the most honest conversations ever featured on the HeadRush Podcast. After 16 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, and Montreal Canadiens, plus representing the Czech Republic at the Olympics and World Championships, Ales achieved what many athletes only dream about. But repeated head impacts came with a cost. In this episode, Ales discusses: • Growing up in the Czech Republic and reaching the NHL• Playing in the Stanley Cup Final• Living through multiple concussions and post-concussion symptoms• Vertigo, memory loss, depression, addiction, and the difficult transition into retirement• How brain trauma affected his family and daily life• His experience searching for answers after traditional treatments fell short• Why hope matters for athletes, veterans, first responders, and anyone living with brain injury This conversation reminds us that brain trauma is often invisible—but no one has to face it alone. Special thanks to our sponsors: • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation• Millennium Health Centers• Millennium Health Store• Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program• MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S• Ambio Life Sciences• Vielight, Inc. – Learn more about photobiomodulation (red light therapy) and save with discount code HEADRUSHVL ➡️ Subscribe for more conversations bringing awareness, education, and hope to athletes, veterans, first responders, and families affected by brain trauma.

    From NHL Stardom to Brain Trauma: Ales Hemsky's Story of Hope | HeadRush Podcast

  6. Jul 13

    CTE Isn't the Only Risk: How Repeated Head Impacts Increase the Risk of ALS, Parkinson's & Dementia

    Everyone has heard about CTE. But what if that's only one piece of the puzzle? In this episode, former NFL player Paul Frase and former professional rodeo athlete Corey Berry examine growing research connecting repeated head impacts and blast exposure to neurodegenerative diseases including ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and more. From football and rodeo to soccer, boxing, hockey, rugby, military service, and domestic violence, they discuss why brain trauma isn't confined to one sport—and why education may be the greatest form of prevention. If you're an athlete, parent, coach, veteran, first responder, caregiver, or simply want to better understand brain health, this conversation could change how you think about repeated head impacts forever. Everyone knows about CTE—but far fewer people realize that repeated head impacts may also increase the risk of ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other neurodegenerative conditions. In this episode of the HeadRush Podcast, former NFL player Paul Frase and former professional rodeo athlete Corey Berry explore the expanding body of research surrounding repeated head impacts (RHI), repeated blast exposure (RBE), and long-term brain health. The discussion covers: • Why CTE is only part of the brain injury conversation • The connection between repeated head impacts and ALS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia • Why football isn't the only sport at risk • Brain trauma in soccer, rodeo, hockey, rugby, boxing, military service, and domestic violence survivors • Why age of first exposure matters • Genetics, hormones, inflammation, and recovery • Personal stories from decades in professional sports • Hope through education, research, treatment, and faith The HeadRush Podcast exists to educate, raise awareness, and provide hope for individuals and families affected by brain trauma. Please Follow, Subscribe, Like, Share, and Leave a Review. Every share helps someone learn that brain injuries are treatable, brain health matters, and hope is real. Thank You to Our Sponsors The HeadRush Podcast is made possible through the generous support of: • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation • Millennium Health Centers • Millennium Health Store • Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program • MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S • Vielight, Inc. — Learn more about photobiomodulation (PBM) and save 10% by using discount code HEADRUSHVL. • Ambio Life Sciences

    CTE Isn't the Only Risk: How Repeated Head Impacts Increase the Risk of ALS, Parkinson's & Dementia

  7. Jul 6

    Can Light Heal the Brain? Dr. Larry Carr's Groundbreaking Football & Brain Recovery Research

    What if the future of treating brain injuries isn't another medication—but light? Former BYU Hall of Fame linebacker Dr. Larry Carr shares how brain trauma nearly destroyed his life before an experimental light therapy changed everything. Today, he's helping lead groundbreaking research showing measurable improvements in brain inflammation, cognition, mood, and athletic performance. From football and CTE to PTSD, depression, and the future of brain recovery, this conversation explores why many experts believe we're entering a completely new era of brain health. For decades we've been told that brain injuries simply have to be managed. What if that isn't true? In this powerful episode of the HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase and Corey Berry sit down with former BYU Hall of Fame linebacker and exercise physiologist Dr. Larry Carr to discuss his remarkable journey—from debilitating symptoms believed to be related to repetitive head trauma to becoming part of groundbreaking research into photobiomodulation (near-infrared light therapy). Dr. Carr shares: • His football career and the cognitive demands of elite athletes• The devastating symptoms that forced him to retire• Meeting Dr. Ann McKee and Dr. Robert Stern at Boston University• How photobiomodulation changed his own life• The University of Utah research• The BYU football study showing remarkable MRI findings• What inflammation really means after repetitive head impacts• Why athletes, veterans, first responders, and others living with brain trauma deserve hope Whether you're an athlete, veteran, first responder, caregiver, or simply interested in brain health, this episode offers an honest discussion about emerging science and the future of recovery. Please Like, Subscribe, Follow and Share. Every share helps us reach someone who may be searching for hope. A special thank you to our incredible sponsors: • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation• Millennium Health Centers• Millennium Health Store• Paradise Behavioral Health• MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S• Ambio Life Sciences• Vielight, Inc. Interested in photobiomodulation? Visit Vielight, Inc. and use discount code: HEADRUSHVL to receive your exclusive HeadRush community discount.

    Can Light Heal the Brain? Dr. Larry Carr's Groundbreaking Football & Brain Recovery Research

  8. Jun 29

    Before We Judge: Brain Injury, CTE & The Human Behind the Headlines

    When former NFL player Aldon Smith passed away, public conversation quickly shifted toward his past struggles.  But is that the complete story? In this episode of the HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase, Corey Berry, and former Oregon State linebacker Rico Petrini explore the growing tendency to blame character before considering brain health. Together they discuss repeated head impacts (RHI), CTE, addiction, impulsivity, mood changes, and why neurological injury deserves serious consideration—not dismissal. The conversation also examines recent public comments questioning CTE, why broad assumptions can harm families seeking answers, and why compassion and scientific investigation should come before judgment. This episode isn't about excusing harmful behavior. It's about recognizing the complex relationship between brain injury, mental health, addiction, and the lives of former athletes. Special thanks to our sponsors who help make these conversations possible: • Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation• Ambio Life Sciences• Millennium Health Centers• Millennium Health Store• Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program• MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S Together, we remain committed to one mission: How to Cope. Find Hope.

    Before We Judge: Brain Injury, CTE & The Human Behind the Headlines
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About

The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase takes you inside the reality of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through the lens of football and rodeo. With firsthand experience in one of the most punishing sports, Paul shares stories, the lasting effects of head trauma, and the fight for awareness and support.

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