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 la ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 at ..read more

Join us this week for a conversation​ with Dr. Willie Stewart, a distinguished consultant neuropathologist at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and an honorary professor in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience. An international guest on our show, Dr. Stewart takes us on a journey through his life, sharing personal anecdotes from his upbringing on the outskirts of Glasgow.  With a candid reflection on his childhood, he discusses finding his passion for sports​ and opens up about challenges, including the emotional hurdle of losing his father just months before completin ..read more

We’re kicking off 2024 with a brand new podcast episode featuring Kyla Zalapski, founder of Ground Zero Basics Inc. and owner of Fitness Evolution. Does the name sound familiar? Kyla is the younger sister of the late Zarley Zalapski, a former Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman from 1987 to 2010 who played on the Canadian national team and was drafted later by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Kyla takes us back in time to growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and following along as a supporter of her brother up through the ranks to the NHL and into retirement. She speaks about the har ..read more

This week we’re connecting with Dean Lori Ploutz-Snyder at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology. Before diving into her leadership at U-M, she was a lead scientist for the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures project at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, helping develop exercise protocols to maintain astronaut health. A former competitive swimmer who prefers oranges over apples, Dean Ploutz-Snyder shares her favorite and least favorite responsibilities as a leader at Michigan, and the fateful sailboat trip where she first met her husband ..read more

Meet Dr. Margot Putukian, Chief Medical Officer at Major League Soccer. Hailing from a pint-sized town outside of Boston, Dr. Putukian's upbringing was a blend of sports and music. Juggling sports like soccer, tennis, basketball, and softball, she had a game plan for every season. With a Biology degree from Yale and a knack for finding purpose early in her career through patient care, Dr. Putukian champions the importance of belonging and access to sports for all. When not strategizing medical plays for the league, she enjoys a rare filet, cuddles with her dog, and believes there's nothing qui ..read more

You’re invited to this week’s conversation with Dr. Michael Turner, Medical Director and CEO of The International Concussion and Head Injury Research Foundation (ICHIRF). From growing up in Hong Kong to moving all over the world, Dr. Turner shares his experience from a young age at boarding school to serving as a physician at the Olympics. Listeners will get a mixture of career insight for the younger generation entering the medical field and a bit of humor from across the pond. Tune in today ..read more