U2FP CureCast

Matthew Rodreick & Jason Stoffer

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to unite and empower the international spinal cord injury community to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. Get Educated and Get Involved.

  1. The Power of Community (Episode 139)

    JAN 30

    The Power of Community (Episode 139)

    In this episode of Curecast, Matthew Rodreick and Quinn Brett sit down with award winning hip-hop artist Brother Ali, who shares roots in Minnesota with Quinn. The conversation traces his journey from Minneapolis to Istanbul, reflecting on cultural identity, disability, and the power of community. He discusses the challenges and perspectives that come with living with albinism, the importance of art in expressing personal experiences, and the need for informed hope in the face of adversity. The conversation emphasizes the value of communication, the complexities of community, and the shared human experience of loss and resilience. More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-139.html

    1h 7m
  2. Symposium Update (Episode 138)

    JAN 9

    Symposium Update (Episode 138)

    This conversation explores U2FP's upcoming 20th Annual Science and Advocacy Symposium, reflecting on the past, present, and future of spinal cord injury research and advocacy. Jason and Matthew discuss the significance of this event, the importance of community engagement, and the need for legislative action to restore funding for spinal cord injury research. They describe some of the key speakers, sessions, and the unique opportunity for attendees to participate in advocacy efforts, starting with our in a Roll On The Capital happening on the last day of the conference. More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-138.html

    44 min
  3. The Wandering Nerve (Episode 137)

    12/19/2025

    The Wandering Nerve (Episode 137)

    Today we are chatting with Dr. Michael Kilgard, a Researcher and Professor at the University of Texas and the Director of the Texas Biomedical Device Center. Michael is a leading voice in the field of neuroplasticity, our body’s ability to structurally and functionally adapt its nervous system throughout our lifetime. We discuss the potential and limitations of neuroplasticity for functional improvement after spinal cord injury and the role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), in particular. We also cover the... More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-137.html

    1h 5m
  4. Giving A Hand (Episode 136)

    12/05/2025

    Giving A Hand (Episode 136)

    Today we are talking with Dr. Nathan Makowski, a researcher at the VA Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, and the MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio. Nathan's research specializes in the development of neuroprosthetics and the evaluation of their capacity to improve mobility outcomes after paralysis. Separate from his research roles at those institutions, Nathan is also the board chair for the non-profit organization, GiveAHand.tech. We discussed the idea of using an open-source mechanism to... More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-136.html

    53 min
  5. Taking a Stand

    11/14/2025

    Taking a Stand

    Today, we're talking to Dr. David Darrow for a second time. Check out episode 30 for our first discussion. David is a neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the departments of neurosurgery and psychiatry at the University of Minnesota. Many of you will also know that he is a researcher and the primary investigator of the successful and ongoing E-Stand trial, which uses epidural stimulation and optimization protocols for delivering functional outcomes for the SCI community. We discussed the E-Stand trial, how it's progressing, and highlights from its now eight years of running. We also talk about the FDA and the quandary of determining what is meaningful in the eyes of research participants, as well as with regulators. And we get into spinal cord stimulation data sharing, the exciting horizon of combinatorial therapies, and much, much more. As you will hear on this call, David is a smart, innovative, forward-thinking ally of the SCI community. More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-135.html

    1h 6m
  6. Neurosurgery & SCI (Episode 134)

    10/31/2025

    Neurosurgery & SCI (Episode 134)

    In this conversation, Dr. Michael Fehlings discusses his journey into neurosurgery, focusing on spinal cord injury and the challenges of balancing clinical practice with research. He emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and innovative approaches in clinical trials, particularly in the context of regenerative medicine. Dr. Fehlings also highlights the significance of understanding secondary injuries and the impact of Riluzole in spinal cord injury treatment. He advocates for a global statistical framework to... More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-134.html

    1h 5m
  7. SCI Ventures (Episode 133)

    10/17/2025

    SCI Ventures (Episode 133)

    In this episode, we reflect on the power of showing up—not just physically, but with purpose, passion, and skill. We're just getting back from Madison, Wisconsin, where our incredible advocates continue to show up for spinal cord injury legislation there. Our guest today is Adrien Cohen, the head of SCI Ventures - a philanthropic venture fund for spinal cord injury. Adrien dove into this work after his brother sustained a spinal cord injury, bringing his unique expertise in... More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-133.html

    1h 6m
  8. Be Well - Part 2 (Episode 132)

    10/03/2025

    Be Well - Part 2 (Episode 132)

    Today we are talking to Mason Branstrator in the second of a two-part series on supporting general wellness while living with a Spinal Cord Injury. Quinn Brett, U2FP’s Development and fellow wellness pursuer is joining me for the discussion. Mason Branstrator is a dynamic and influential personality in the world of Spinal Cord Injury and his mission is to improve life for our community in any way that he can. Mason’s social media presence is one platform that he uses to accomplish this goal. His reels grace my Instagram feed from time to time and I am consistently impressed with his content, especially as it pertains to health and wellness. In light of the wear and tear that full time advocacy can have on our population, it is important to remember to take care of ourselves so that we can keep showing up to the front lines and maintain our general quality of life. In these two episodes we discuss low-cost or free, accessible tools for self care that have been staples for myself, Quinn and Mason. We frame this discussion using the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, which are: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Management, Substance Management and Relationships or Purpose. In this episode we cover the last three pillars.

    1h 6m
See All (142)

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to unite and empower the international spinal cord injury community to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. Get Educated and Get Involved.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Rodreick & Jason Stoffer
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    U2FP CureCast