Cogent Conversations

Cogent Steps LLC
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Cogent Conversations, a new podcast that explores the dynamic world of emergency management in sports. This podcast features special guests from the medical field to talk about practical strategies, challenges, and success stories that they encounter while navigating the unpredictable terrain of emergency care.

  1. 4D AGO

    Ep. 21 Supporting Those Who Serve at the Warrior Games

    Each summer, the Warrior Games bring together service members and veterans from across the branches of the U.S. military to compete in adaptive sports and celebrate resilience, teamwork, and recovery. This episode of Cogent Conversations discusses the history of the Games and the behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps them running safely each year.  Our host, Dr. Shelly Weinstein, is joined by Dr. Chris Meyering, medical director of the Warrior Games; Dr. Jessy McLean, sports physical therapy resident with the U.S. Navy in Quantico; and returning guest Dr. Megan Mitchell, physical therapist and instructor at Cogent Steps. Together, they discuss emergency action planning, on-site medical support, athlete rehabilitation, and interagency collaboration—reflecting on the powerful connections forged through adaptive competition and the lessons learned from serving those who serve.

    39 min

  2. NOV 20

    Ep. 20 Caring for the Next Generation with Pediatric Sports Medicine

    In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Dr. Shelly Weinstein welcomes Dr. Nailah Coleman, a board-certified pediatrician and sports medicine specialist based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Coleman shares insights from her wide-ranging career spanning clinical practice, sports medicine leadership, and health equity advocacy. The discussion explores her roles with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Sports Medicine, her work with underserved youth athletes, and her leadership in major endurance events. Together, they discuss the evolving field of pediatric sports medicine, strategies for community-based athlete care, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in advancing the next generation of sports clinicians.

    32 min

  3. OCT 13

    Ep. 19: Beyond the Octagon — How UFC Clinicians Build a Safer, Stronger Athlete

    How does the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization keep its athletes healthy, prepared, and protected? In this special episode, Dr. Shelly Weinstein and Dr. Mike Turnwald speak with Dr. Heather Linden and Dr. Jennifer Neudorfer from the UFC Performance Institute about the intersection of performance science and emergency medicine.  The discussion explores how the Institute sets a new standard in athlete health and safety, covering emergency response training, the development and implementation of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), injury prevention, and performance optimization. The group shares lessons learned from Cogent Steps’ Emergency Response for the Athlete course, insights into high-stakes event medicine, and what it takes to prepare world-class athletes to perform safely at the highest level.

    36 min

  4. SEP 10

    Ep. 18: Inside the Game-Day Duties of NFL Spotters

    In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Dr. Shelly Weinstein sits down with Brian McGuire, who serves as the lead athletic trainer for the NFL Scouting Combine as well as an injury spotter in the league’s Player Health and Safety Program. Brian takes listeners behind the scenes of the combine, explaining the evolving role of athletic trainers in protecting athletes and highlighting the importance of preparation, communication, and emergency action planning at every level of sport. He offers an inside look at how spotters work behind the scenes to protect players and shares insights on how the role has evolved, the technology and training that support it, and why spotters are a crucial part of game-day safety in the NFL.

    44 min

  5. JUL 31

    Ep. 17: Inside Duke’s Fellowship for Sports PTs

    In this episode of Cogent Conversations, host Dr. Shelley Weinstein speaks with Ann Marie Husk, Kerry Mullenix, and Jenna Austell—three dual-credentialed clinicians from Duke University—about the development and structure of Duke’s Sports Physical Therapy Residency and Division I Athletics Fellowship. The panel discusses the origins of the fellowship, its unique emphasis on immersive training within a Division I setting, and the critical role of mentorship in shaping future sports physical therapists.  In addition to collegiate-level exposure, fellows also gain valuable experience working with high school athletes and engaging in care at the community level. Their conversation sheds light on how Duke’s program equips fellows with the experience needed to thrive in high-performance environments and contributes to the evolution of the field.

    44 min

  6. MAY 31

    Ep. 16: Understanding ECAST and Exertional Collapse

    In this episode of Cogent Conversations, Dr. Shelley Weinstein welcomes Dr. Fran O’Connor, a medical director for the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP), as well as a professor for military and emergency medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The conversation focuses on Exercise Collapse Associated with Sickle Cell Trait (ECAST) and exertional sickling, as Dr. O’Connor shares insights from his decades of experience treating endurance athletes and military personnel.  Together, they explore the critical differences between sickle cell disease and trait, and highlight the underrecognized risks associated with the trait, particularly in athletic and military settings. In having this conversation, we hope to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public about sickle cell disease and trait to prevent avoidable tragedies. The Director's Letter referenced in the podcast can be found here, and Dr. O'Connor's video on Sickle Cell Trait Implications on Exercise and Military Service, which was also mentioned, can be watched here.

    39 min

  7. MAY 18

    Ep. 15: Rethinking Rehab for Performance

    This episode of Cogent Conversations features Dr. Brian Fischer, a sports physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Host Shelley Weinstein and Dr. Fischer discuss the long-term impact of inadequate care and the importance of specialized training in sports rehab. The conversation also touches on Dr. Fischer’s professional journey, his certifications, and his emphasis on ensuring athletes receive individualized and knowledgeable treatment plans. They highlight the need for collaboration among providers and the value of continuing education in sports-specific rehab to improve outcomes and prevent long-term injury, and Dr. Fischer’s work supporting the health and readiness of tactical athletes like firefighters and EMS personnel.

    35 min

  8. APR 28

    Ep. 14: Coordinating Crisis: Strategies for Managing Mass Casualty Events

    This episode of Cogent Conversations features a comprehensive discussion on mass casualty preparedness and the critical role of stress management in emergency training. Host Shelly Weinstein is joined by Cogent Steps Instructors Dr. Megan Mitchell and Joel Bannister, as well as Dr. Kristina Stanich, a physical therapist who works for the US government. The episode underscores the need for proactive training to ensure readiness for large-scale emergencies. The conversation highlights the value of stress management during training, as well as the benefits of training focused on mass casualty preparedness, using Cogent Steps' recent course with Rocky Mountain University to train students for a potential mass casualty event as an example. The panelists of guests also discuss the lack of prioritization for mass casualty preparedness at large-scale events and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration among agencies when doing so.

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Cogent Conversations, a new podcast that explores the dynamic world of emergency management in sports. This podcast features special guests from the medical field to talk about practical strategies, challenges, and success stories that they encounter while navigating the unpredictable terrain of emergency care.

Information

  • Creator
    Cogent Steps LLC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Cogent Conversations
  • Show Website
    Cogent Conversations