Todd Strader: The Silent Toll of Blast Exposure in the Military

Send us Fan MailIn this compelling episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with U.S. Army veteran and C3M policy advocate Todd Strader to confront one of the military’s most urgent and overlooked crises: repetitive brain trauma from blast overpressure.Strader shares his personal journey—from enduring chronic headaches and memory issues to becoming a leading voice in the push for blast injury recognition and legislative reform. The discussion explores the hidden costs of training and combat-related blast exposure, and how this silent epidemic has gone unaddressed for far too long.Together, they break down the Over Pressure Warfighters Act of 2025, the importance of wearable blast dosimeters, and how current legislation like the PACT Act could be expanded to provide real solutions for veterans. Strader outlines innovative proposals for protective gear, smarter training protocols, and the pressing need for government accountability and funding.This episode is a call to action—for policymakers, service members, and the public—to recognize and treat the neurological injuries many warriors carry home.👉 Follow, like, and subscribe to Broken Brains on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to stay informed and inspired as we continue to shine a light on brain trauma and veteran health.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 Trauma03:03 Todd Strader's Military Experience and Awareness05:48 The Impact of Blast Exposure on Health08:54 Creating Awareness and Community Support12:03 Legislative Efforts and the Over Pressure Warfighters Act15:12 Understanding Mortar Exposure and Its Effects17:50 Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans20:56 The Need for Better Treatment Options23:56 Conclusion and Future Directions29:40 Legislative Gaps and Accountability in Military Health32:58 Innovative Solutions for Blast Overpressure Exposure36:28 Funding and Legislative Support for Veterans39:31 Maintaining Military Effectiveness While Addressing Health Concerns44:57 Protective Gear and Training Innovations48:51 The Path Forward for Veterans and Military Health https://www.mpfact.com/headsmart-app/ Follow Todd on LinkedIn and follow her on social media today!LinkedIn: Todd StraderFacebook: C3M – Cohort of chronically concussed MortarmenWebsite: overpressure.comProduced by Security Halt Media