WRAP IT UP Sports Medicine + More

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Ginger Mueller, Senior Vice President and Co-Owner of Mueller Sports Medicine , to discuss her journey through one of the most recognized family businesses in sports medicine. Ginger reflects on the history and legacy of Mueller Sports Medicine , the influence of her father in building the company, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding a brand...

In this episode, Eli Hallak and cohost Dr. Christopher Ludwig sit down with Dr. Scott Sailor, Professor of Athletic Training at California State University, Fresno, former President of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, and member of the NATA Hall of Fame. Together, they discuss Dr. Sailor’s journey through sports medicine, his role in building a nationally recognized athletic training p...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Christian Juzang, Founder and CEO of Cognify Health , to discuss a new approach to concussion care for youth athletes. Inspired by his sister’s prolonged concussion recovery, Christian shares how Cognify Health was created to improve access to concussion specialists and reduce the barriers that often delay proper treatment. Together, they explore the grow...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Tracie Wagman, CEO of ColdVentures LLC , to discuss the growing need for better education on heat illness, heat stroke, prevention, and emergency response. Tracie shares the personal story that led to the creation of ColdVest and explains how it serves as another critical tool when cold water immersion is unavailable, impractical, or too far away. Togethe...

This week, Eli Hallak and Victoria Chavez discuss Volunteerism, and Voluntoldism with Brianna Millard and Christina Scherr. These seasoned Athletic Trainers have a candid examination of how donating your time to others can strengthen your relationships with your community, and yourself. Frosted Faces Foundation This episode was originally released on 05/27/24

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Jasmine Haas, founder of BrainWaves Performance and Director of Mental Performance for Lakeside Aquatic Club, to discuss the growing role of mental performance in athletics. Jasmine shares her journey working with swimmers, divers, and military populations, and emphasizes the importance of proper certification to remain present on deck and embedded with a...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Erick Chen to discuss the global opportunities within athletic training and the path it takes to reach them. Eric reflects on his professional journey from the junior college setting to Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, emphasizing the importance of being willing to work where opportunities exist and mastering the fundamentals along the way. They expl...

In this episode, Eli Hallak and cohost Joel Doerning sit down with Dr. Douglas Kalman to break down the role of nutrition in both health and performance. They discuss how biases and outside influences can shape an athlete’s understanding of nutrition, and why it’s important to view food and hydration as fuel based on the demands of different sports and positions. The conversation also highlights t...

In this episode, Eli Hallak and cohost Tim Moscicki sit down with Pat Hassell, Athletic Training Manager for Atrium Health , and CJ Walker, Athletic Trainer Coordinator for Atrium Health and Athletic Trainer for 23XI Racing . Together, they discuss how Atrium Health and 23XI Racing are helping move NASCAR into the future through a more comprehensive approach to medical care. The conversation highl...

In this episode, recorded live at the CATA Annual Symposium in Anaheim, California, Eli Hallak speaks with Matt Quijano about advocacy and leadership within the athletic training profession. Together, they review recent legislative accomplishments supported by the California Athletic Trainers’ Association and discuss the importance of working within existing systems to create meaningful change rat...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Jay Hammes, President of Safe Sport Zone LLC and a longtime leader in high school athletics. Drawing from decades of experience as a player, coach, teacher, and athletic administrator, Jay shares his perspective on creating safer environments at interscholastic sporting events. Together, they discuss strategies for deescalating conflicts at high school co...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Bryan Reich of WorkCare, Inc. , for a wide ranging conversation on the evolving role of Athletic Trainers in industrial and occupational health settings. Together, they discuss prevention and ergonomics, the rapid growth and scalability of industrial medical programs, and the importance of documentation in demonstrating value. They also reflect on shared...

Eli Hallak meets with Darryl Conway and Ed Strapp of Sports Medicine Emergency Management , LLC to discuss preparedness, decision making, and professional confidence in high-pressure environments. Drawing on their experience in sports medicine and emergency response, the conversation explores what competence really looks like when conditions are unpredictable and outcomes matter. Their discussion...

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Dahlmann and Dr. Kimberly White of ProTeam Tactical Performance for an honest conversation about medical coverage for first responders and tactical athletes. Together, they emphasize the critical role of multidisciplinary care and strong organizational leadership, advocate for pursuing doctoral education, and reflect on the pride and responsibility that comes with...

Eli Hallak sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ellen Payne of Moravian University to discuss the importance of high quality medical education in athletic training. Together, they reflect on preparing students for real world clinical demands, the value of broad professional experiences, and how Dr. Payne’s work across settings like the Special Olympics, US Paralympic Ski Team, ski patr...

Eli welcomes Colin Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Weather , to trace the journey from a simple idea to a professional-grade weather monitoring system trusted in safety-critical environments. Colin shares how Perry Weather evolved into a platform featuring on-site stations, real-time alerts, and highly accurate forecasts designed to protect people and operations when conditions matter most. The co...

This week, Eli Hallak speaks with Breana Cutler, of the Weber State Spirit Squad , about the unique demands of caring for Performance Athletes in Cheer, Dance, and Spirit Teams. Breana shares how she had to relearn prehab, rehab, and daily care due to the athletes’ specialized skills, high pain tolerance, and exceptional mental toughness. They break down the distinct roles within teams and discuss...

In this episode, Eli Hallak talks with Dr. Vanessa Shannon, Ph. D., Sport Psychology, about creating better experiences for athletes during challenging moments. They discuss how the pandemic spotlighted the need for mental health and mental performance in sport, the global impact of the “twisties” and the “yips” in reducing stigma, and the ongoing question of whether the goal is helping athletes f...

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Christopher Schmidt, PhD, ATC, Director of Faculty Development & Support, and ATu Education Lead at ATu.health , to discuss his professional journey and the evolving landscape of athletic training education. Dr. Schmidt shares how his path led him to his current role and offers insight into the state-of-the-art education technology powering ATu. The conversation explore...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Dr. Ashley Sink to discuss the value and impact of pursuing advanced degrees in athletic training. They break down the key differences between a DAT and a PhD, explore the benefits of higher education, and highlight why it’s essential for athletic trainers to stay academically informed as the profession continues to evolve. Dr. Sink also shares insight in...

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Destinee Grove to explore how athletic training bridges public health and community health. Together, they discuss the role of inclusion, diversity, and equity in the profession, the importance of being brave enough to get involved, and how interstate licensure and collaboration can strengthen care across communities. Destinee also shares why NATA members...

In this emotional episode, we pay tribute to Jim Bonds, who left us too soon. Eli Hallak and Gabriel Hallak sit down with coaches and former players of the St. Francis High School Golden Knights, Pat Carroll, John Carroll, and Dietrich Riley. Together, they discuss the legacy and the loss of a friend and mentor. This episode was originally released on 10/28/24 The SCV Signal: Jim Bonds Pasadena St...

Julie Rudy and Brian Gallagher talk with Eli Hallak and Joel Doerning about the transition of Athletic Trainers from College to High School. These seasoned professionals discuss the evolving roles of Athletic Trainers while debating the need for better work-life balance, improved compensation, and the multiple roles that they need to play to ensure quality care. This episode was originally release...

Athletes who are often ignored are brought to light as Eli Hallak meets with Professional dancers, choreographers, and entertainers, Effie Tutko and Chase Bowden. Together, they discuss life as Competition Dancers, dancing’s physical toll on the body, and ways to improve the industry. This episode was originally released on 04/01/24

In this episode, Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Ryan Comeau, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Kinetisense . They dive into the growing role of technology in healthcare, explore how motion analysis is revolutionizing clinical care, and discuss how data-driven approaches are enhancing injury prevention and rehabilitation across multiple levels of the healthcare industry. Kinetisense This episode w...