Kandid Konversations with Dr. Kelli

In this episode, I sit down with Chef Anna’e, a veteran, expert chef, and proud mommy mogul, to explore what it means to grow through every season of life. Chef Anna’e shares her journey from military service to motherhood, how she discovered her passion for cooking, and the personal growth that came from facing her own mental health challenges. Together, we talk about resilience, reinvention, and...

In this episode, I sit down with Ebony Green, SLP, CEO, and School Contract Expert, to talk about what it means to build a meaningful career while keeping family at the center. Ebony shares what her busy life looks like as a business owner and educator, her experiences working in the school system, and what inspired her to create her own course to support other SLPs. She also opens up about naviga...

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Kelli sits down for part 1 of a more personal Q&A to share more about Brain Talk Day and what led her into the world of brain health. Diving into the passion, experiences, and turning points that shaped her journey. From the heart behind the mission to the moments that made it all click, Dr. Kelli opens up about why this work matters so deeply to her and what...

In this episode, I sit down with Jerrold Jackson, CCC SLP and CEO of the Roundtree Group, PLLC, to explore what it means to truly redefine productivity. Jerrold shares his insights on the power of deconditioning from hustle culture, the importance of setting boundaries, and the bold act of telling the world no in order to protect your peace. Together, we discuss the art of justifying rest and why...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alaina Davis, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Howard University. A licensed medical Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer, Dr. Davis shares her journey from student to educator, offering insight into how the field of speech pathology has evolved. She also reflects on...

In this episode, I speak with Mandi Dickey, a nurse practitioner, health coach, and survivor of a life-altering concussion with striking similarities to the story told in the film The Vow. Mandi shares the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges she faced on her journey to recovery, as well as the incredible strength it took to rebuild her life. Through it all, she emphasizes the power of a...

In this episode, I speak with Chaandani Khan, a leading expert in concussion brain injury and post concussion syndrome. Chaandani shares the personal accident that led her to this work and how it shaped her passion for helping others navigate the challenges of severe head trauma. She walks us through what she does to support recovery and highlights the need for a unified, compassionate approach to...

In this episode, I sit down with Vad Lee, a retired football player, missionary, and founder of the nonprofit Purpose Over Position. Vad shares his personal experiences with injury, the mental and physical toll of being a quarterback, and what he witnessed firsthand throughout his football career. He also opens up about his passion for supporting Black men’s brain health and his mission to combat...

In this bold and unfiltered episode, I sit down with Angela Gentile, a viral social media voice known for her outspoken takes on mental health, self preservation, and personal freedom. Angela dives into what it means to live life unapologetically, from choosing to be child free to challenging societal expectations around womanhood and identity. This episode is raw, real, and unlike anything we&#39...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Holloway, a pediatric sports medicine physician with a strong focus on concussion care. Dr. Holloway shares his deep passion for improving how we address head trauma, not just on an individual level, but across entire school communities and even through legislative efforts. He discusses the cultural and emotional pressures young athletes often face after a...

In this deeply moving episode, I speak with Sarah Reikowski, a fellow Speech-Language Pathologist and mother of five, as she shares the heartbreaking story of her son, Alex. Sarah reflects on the subtle but alarming changes she saw in Alex before he tragically took his own life—changes that were later linked to repeated head trauma from sports and life experiences. With incredible courage, Sarah o...

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Chisholm, a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Voice and Swallow Specialist, and the CEO of Voice Rehab. As the founder of The Foundation for Voice and Swallow Wellness, Melissa shares her passion for helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives by addressing the essential functions of speaking, eating, and breathing. Together, we explore th...

In this short, but powerful, episode, Dr. Kelli sits down with Kenny Florian, a retired UFC fighter and renowned commentator, to explore the realities of head trauma in combat sports. Kenny offers insight into how concussions can happen in the cage and what they may lead to long term—both physically and mentally. Reflecting on his MMA career and the evolving understanding of brain health, Kenny an...

In this episode, Natalie Yona, a speech and language pathologist with already 16 years of clinical experience, helps shine a light on Cognishine, a platform that is created to support occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other health professionals in delivering more engaging and personalized care. Natalie shares Cognishine’s mission to transform therapy through innovation—emp...

In the finale for season one, Dr. Kelli sits down with Mathu Gibson, a former NFL player turned educator, to discuss the power of mindset, the importance of caring for both body and brain, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Mathu reflects on his football career, life beyond the game, and how better education on brain injuries could change the future for athletes. Through it all, he emphas...

In this episode, I speak with Cam F. Awesome, a champion boxer, motivational speaker, and author who has won more championships in his weight class than anyone in USA Boxing history. Cam shares his inspiring journey from a bullied youth to a record-breaking athlete, highlighting the resilience, self-belief, and hard work that fueled his success. He challenges the way we view failure—not as the opp...

In this episode, I speak with Alex Becker, who has endured five concussions, each with its own set of symptoms and recovery challenges. Despite these obstacles, she successfully completed law school while managing the lasting effects of head trauma. Alex shares the crucial role of a multi-faceted treatment approach—including chiropractic care, vision therapy, and vestibular therapy—in her recovery...

In this episode, I speak with Lynne Becker, founder of Power of Patients and a board member of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Lynne shares her journey from knowing little about head trauma to facing it firsthand when both of her daughters suffered serious brain injuries—one so severe that it led to partial vision loss and a spiral into a deep depression. Drawing from her experti...

In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Nick Swisher, former MLB outfielder and first baseman, dedicated father, and passionate sports enthusiast. While diving into the critical topic of head trauma and concussions, Nick reflects on his career in baseball, his experiences as a parent, and the broader world of sports overall. Together, we discuss the lasting impact of these injuries...

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Brelend Wiggins, Offensive Coordinator and Director of Transportation at SLCA, to discuss his personal journey with severe head trauma, which began at just eight years old. Coach Wiggins shares his deep passion for football, his role as a father, and his commitment to guiding the players he coaches. We also explore his perspectives on head trauma education in...

In this episode, I sit down with Emmanuel Acho, an American sports analyst and former professional football player, to explore the far-reaching impacts of head trauma education. With his unique perspective from both the field and the studio, Emmanuel shares insights into how awareness and understanding of head trauma affect athletes and their communities—both directly and indirectly. Together, we...

In this episode, I speak with Jared Robinson, former professional boxer and founder of Sacred Boxing. Jared provides an insider’s perspective on the boxing profession, shedding light on the protocols fighters follow after being knocked down or out during matches. He also reflects on the gaps in education surrounding head trauma within the sport, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevent...

In this episode, I sit down with the Habecker family to discuss their son Tanner's journey through over five years of rehabilitation following a life-altering head trauma sustained during a football game. Together, we delve into the challenges of navigating recovery, the emotional and physical toll on Tanner and his family, and the critical need for awareness, early intervention, and support for y...

In this episode, I am fortunate enough to speak with Ryan, a father who lost his 13-year-old son, Cohen, due to head trauma experienced during a football practice. Together we explore the importance of recognizing subtle symptoms, seeking proper medical care and what can come of cases that are untreated, or unknown. Feel free to follow and share to promote awareness on the impacts that physical tr...

Big Announcement! 🎙️ Hey everyone, Dr. Kelli here, and I am beyond excited to finally share the news: my brand-new podcast Kandid Konversations with Dr. Kelli is launching this November! This show is all about REAL talk on the topics that matter most—brain health, concussions, entrepreneurship, mental health, and so much more. I’ll be sitting down with experts, athletes, entrepreneurs, and everyda...