Brandt McCartney on CTE, The 38 Challenge, and Healing from Invisible Injuries

Send us Fan MailIn this emotional and eye-opening episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman is joined by Brandt McCartney—founder of The 38 Challenge—for an in-depth conversation about the devastating effects of repetitive brain trauma, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), and the mental health crisis among athletes and veterans.Brandt shares the deeply personal story of his brother, Navy football player and Marine Captain Matthew Brewer, whose tragic passing inspired The 38 Challenge. Together, Bruce and Brandt unpack the link between repeated head impacts, emotional volatility, and CTE, while challenging the silence around mental health struggles.This episode highlights the critical need for alternative treatment solutions, early intervention, and cultural change in how we view invisible injuries. From actionable solutions to hope-filled recovery stories, this conversation is a call to action for those suffering in silence—and those who support them.Follow, share, like, and subscribe to Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts to join the mission of saving lives and changing minds.Support brain injury advocacy and join the conversation about changing the future of sports safety. Broken Brains with Bruce Parkman is sponsored by The Mac Parkman FoundationSupport The Mac Parkman Foundation by donating today!https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=CR24MY2GDUCZL CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW! Chapters00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma02:45 The 38 Challenge: Honoring a Legacy06:07 Matt's Life and Impact12:02 Cautionary Tales of Brain Trauma16:06 The Genesis of the 38 Challenge20:10 Conversations on Mental Health and CTE29:13 The Struggles of Athletes with CTE31:01 Transitioning from Awareness to Action32:30 Providing Hope and Solutions33:38 Exploring Alternative Treatments37:19 The Importance of Patient Feedback40:02 Cultural Shifts in Health Awareness44:20 Investing in Brain Health for Future Success48:55 Stories of Hope and Recoveryhttps://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/ Follow  on LinkedIn and follow her on social media today!LinkedIn: Brandt McCartneyInstagram: brandtmccartneyWebsite: the38challenge.comProduced by Security Halt Media