Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman

Send us Fan Mail How much more research do we need before we start taking meaningful action to protect brains? In this solo episode of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman delivers a powerful message about the growing brain health crisis affecting athletes, veterans, first responders, and millions of families across America. While decades of research have confirmed the dangers of repetitive he...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when the hits stop, but the symptoms don't? In Episode 99 of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman sits down with former NFL offensive lineman Robert Gallery for a powerful conversation about repetitive brain trauma, life after football, and the innovative treatments helping athletes and veterans recover from the invisible wounds of brain injury. Robert shares...

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest threat to your long-term health isn't what you eat or how much you exercise—but the impacts your brain experiences every day? In this solo episode of The Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman explores the complexity, fragility, and importance of the human brain. Drawing from years of research into traumatic brain injury, repetitive head impacts, and neurolo...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when personal tragedy becomes a mission to save lives? In this episode of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of the Mac Parkman Foundation and his ongoing fight to raise awareness about repetitive brain trauma, CTE, and youth sports safety. Following the loss of his son, Mac, Bruce dedicated his life to understa...

Send us Fan Mail   What if the greatest threat to a warfighter's brain isn't a visible injury—but the cumulative effects of blast exposure over time? In Episode 97 of the Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman sits down with Todd Strader to discuss the science behind blast-induced brain injury, the urgent need for greater awareness, and the innovative solutions being developed to protect m...

Send us Fan Mail Bruce Parkman discusses how parents can navigate youth sports to prioritize children's brain health, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right coaches, understanding contact practices, and focusing on fun and development over winning. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts   📲 Be sure to follow, share, like, and subscribe to support brain health awarene...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when traditional treatments fail veterans suffering from trauma, PTSD, and repetitive brain injury? In Episode 96 of The Broken Brains Podcast, Bruce Parkman sits down with retired Green Beret Scott Roessler to discuss his powerful journey through combat, trauma, identity loss, and recovery using innovative healing modalities including Ibogaine therapy, hyperbaric oxy...

Send us Fan Mail    In this deeply personal solo episode of Broken Brains , Bruce Parkman shares a powerful and emotional story about his son’s mental health journey. Through reflection, honesty, and hard-earned perspective, Bruce highlights a truth many parents face: children can struggle in silence—even when they’re right in front of us. This episode is a call to action for parents, caregivers,...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 95 of Broken Brains , host Bruce Parkman sits down with Mark Gordon, a pioneer in treating traumatic brain injuries through a functional, data-driven lens. This episode dives deep into neuroinflammation, the hidden driver behind many symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and explores cutting-edge approaches using biomarkers, peptides, and personalized treatment prot...

Send us Fan Mail Are we raising tough kids—or are we raising resilient ones? In this powerful solo episode of Broken Brains , Bruce Parkman shares raw, honest reflections on parenting, challenging the idea that children need to be “tough” to succeed. Instead, Bruce reframes the conversation around resilience, love, and allowing kids to experience life on their own terms. This episode is a must-lis...

Send us Fan Mail    In Episode 94 of Broken Brains , host Bruce Parkman sits down with William Person, a former Team USA Olympic bobsledder turned brain health advocate. This eye-opening conversation exposes the hidden dangers of extreme G-forces in bobsledding, the long-term effects of brain trauma and CTE, and how innovative treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are offering new hope...

Send us Fan Mail   In this episode of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman , Bruce dives deep into cutting-edge mental health treatments transforming the lives of veterans. From ketamine therapy to neuroplasticity-based brain supplementation, this episode explores powerful alternatives to traditional VA protocols—and why access, research, and advocacy are critical for the future of veteran care. Key T...

Send us Fan Mail   In this powerful episode of Broken Brains , host Bruce Parkman sits down with Chuck Hansen and Mary Hansen, founders of the Evan R. Hansen Legacy Foundation. Together, they share the story of their son Evan—a young athlete whose life and legacy are now driving awareness around CTE, concussion risks, and brain health in youth sports. This episode is a must-listen for parents, coa...

Send us Fan Mail What if the rage, depression, and suicidal thoughts so many veterans carry are not PTSD at all, but physical brain damage from blast exposure? In this episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman opens up about his own battle with traumatic brain injury and walks through the neuroimaging diagnostics and treatments that are finally giving veterans a real shot at healing. He also pr...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 92 of Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman features Dr. Shauna Springer, one of the most respected voices in trauma psychology and veteran mental health. Bruce and Dr. Springer dig into why so many veterans and athletes get misdiagnosed, what repetitive brain trauma actually does to the nervous system, and which emerging treatments, ketamine therapy, stellate ganglion blocks,...

Send us Fan Mail What is really causing CTE—and can it be prevented? In this episode, Bruce Parkman discusses: What CTE is and why it matters  The role of repetitive head impacts  Brain trauma in youth sports  The science behind tau proteins  Behavioral and psychological effects  Prevention strategies for athletes and parents  Key Takeaways: CTE is a condition diagnosed after death  Repetitive imp...

Send us Fan Mail What are repetitive blasts and head impacts really doing to the brain? In Episode 91, Corey Russell and Peyton Smith join the show to discuss brain trauma, military blast exposure, and the science behind supporting brain health. Topics include: Repetitive blast exposure in military environments  Brain trauma and long-term cognitive effects  Contact sports and repetitive head impac...

Send us Fan Mail What should parents know before putting their kids into contact sports? In this episode, Bruce Parkman discusses: Brain trauma and concussions in youth sports  Risks associated with contact sports  Why helmets do not fully prevent brain injuries  How repeated head impacts affect children  Safer sports alternatives for young athletes  Why parents should prioritize long-term brain h...

Send us Fan Mail What if the sports we encourage our children to play are creating long-term risks for brain injury? Bruce Parkman sits down with Kimberly Archie to discuss repetitive brain trauma, youth sports safety, cheerleading, football, and the reforms needed to protect young athletes. In this episode, they discuss: Repetitive impacts in youth sports  Cheerleading injuries and contact sports...

Send us Fan Mail Bruce Parkman discusses practical habits that can improve brain health, reduce inflammation, and support long-term cognitive performance. In This Episode, We Cover: Sleep and brain detox  Exercise and neuroplasticity  Healthy fats and hydration  Stress management techniques  Brain training and limiting head impacts  Key Takeaways: Sleep is critical for brain repair  Exercise boost...

Send us Fan Mail Stephanie Samuels joins Bruce Parkman to discuss repetitive head trauma, PTSD, concussions, and the mental health challenges affecting first responders and veterans. In This Episode, We Cover: Brain trauma and repetitive head impacts  PTSD in first responders and veterans  Concussions and blast exposure  The importance of early detection  Mental health support and recovery options...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: Bruce Parkman discusses why proper recovery after a concussion is essential and why returning to activity too quickly can increase the risk of long-term damage. In This Episode, We Cover: Concussion recovery protocols  The dangers of premature return to sports  Neuroinflammation and brain healing  Why light activity can aid recovery  Practical advice for athletes...

Send us Fan Mail Bethany Lewis joins Bruce Parkman to discuss the realities of concussions, the dangers of repetitive brain trauma, and how parents can better protect their children. In This Episode, We Cover: Concussions and repetitive brain trauma  Neuroplasticity and brain recovery  Symptoms and warning signs of concussion  Mental health and brain injury  Advice for parents, coaches, and athlet...

Send us Fan Mail Bruce Parkman breaks down the limitations of helmets in contact sports and explains why they fail to prevent brain injury. This episode highlights the importance of understanding brain mechanics and improving safety practices. In This Episode, We Cover: The limitations of helmets in preventing brain injury  The true purpose of helmets  Repetitive head impacts and long-term damage ...

Send us Fan Mail TaitFletcher joins Bruce Parkman to discuss the impact of traumatic brain injury, the hidden dangers of subconcussive trauma, and innovative approaches to healing and recovery. In This Episode, We Cover: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health  Subconcussive trauma and long-term effects  Contact sports and brain health risks  Emerging treatments: stem cells & psychedeli...