Concussion Headliners: Behind the Scenes with the Experts, Hosted by Steve Broglio University of Michigan Concussion Center

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 shares stories of his past in this entertaining and inspiring episode. 
"I want to die young as late as possible", says Maroon

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 conversation that brings together passion, laughter, and vanilla ice cream.

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 the medical field among his siblings, attributing his career path to a passion for science at an early age. He discusses the evolving landscape of neurosurgery, emphasizing the importance of staying updated on advancements in the field, and notes a future characterized by smaller, faster, and more technologically driven procedures. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Bailes emphasizes lifelong learning and shares the importance of finding your passion and giving it your all.

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 as being identified as "the CTE guy", and to explore new passions. With a background as a multisport athlete, Odrick emphasizes the importance of diversifying sports interests at a young age to find one's true calling. He walks us through the transition from college to professional football, highlighting the shift from pure enjoyment to a more job-oriented mindset in the world of professional sports.

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, influencing his decision to attend law school and later, spend a decade on Capitol Hill. In 2016, he was the first league official to publicly connect football and CTE during congressional testimony, showcasing his commitment to addressing crucial health issues in the sport.