FIRSTAR Let's chAT: an Athletic Therapy podcast

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! What a week. A distinct opportunity to get connected and connect. The world through the lens our the Athletic Training & Therapy profession. Leaders, thought processes, foundational knowledge, experiential wisdom. We Grow. Together. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 177 (World Congress - Dublin): Structural and Cultural Humility: A Concept and A MindsetGuests: Michael Cole and Tyrone Cassius Why do I believe what I believe? And, what do I do with what I believe? A critically reflective and meaningfully impactful discussion on the hidden curriculum of humanity within the Athletic Training and Therapy space. Michael Cole (he/they) graduated in 2001 as a Sports & Exercise Therapist and maintains a part-time private clinical practice in the UK, having previously worked in elite and grassroots sport, including with Team GB Swimming and in professional football. Previously Director and Chair of The Society of Sports Therapists, Michael currently works as a Board Trustee at NTDi, an industry consultant, and as the Principal Teaching Fellow in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the Undergraduate Primary Care Education Unit at Imperial College London. With over twenty years' experience, Michael has been awarded both a Principal Teaching Fellowship (PFHEA) and a National Teaching Fellowship (NTFS) and served multiple roles including as a BSc Sports Therapy course leader, an anti-racist pedagogy trainer, an external examiner and a national verifier. As part of his ongoing PhD research, Michael has authored several publications and founded the 'Cultural and Structural Humility in Europe Working Group' (CaSHEW). Contact Michael via email michael@aidfirst.co.uk or at www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-4b7b84292Tyrone Cassius has spent the last 12 years, since graduating with a degree in Sports Therapy, immersing himself in the health & fitness industry, gaining experience pitch-side, in clinical case management and consultancy.His therapy work spans industries including football, theatre and private practice and he currently teaches at college and university level.As one of the Directors of the Society of Sports Therapists, he is involved in the structuring and governance of the profession. He chairs the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team and works to highlight and implement many solutions to cultural and structural issues. Research includes the looking into the importance of cultural & structural humility within sport & exercise medicine and general healthcare.Contacts for Tyrone:Email: tyrone@specifeyehealth.comInstagram: t_cassh & specifeyehealthLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrone-cassius-5140b54b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_appHere are 3 links to the resources we mentioned on the pod:Inequalities across the physical activity landscape: the need for ‘structural humility' to optimise sports and exercise medicine | British Journal of Sports MedicineFrom Cultural Competency to Structural Humility | 18 | v2 | RoutledgeStructural Competency Working Group – Promoting the training of health professionals in structural competency around the country and beyond The World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy is excited to announce the next International Athletic Training & Therapy Day on February 12th, 2026 (IATTD26)!Use: #IATTD26

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 176 (World Congress - Dublin): We Are All Trying To Achieve the Same ThingJoin me in sitting down with Tyrone Cassius in discussing what this means through his lens.Tyrone Cassius has spent the last 12 years, since graduating with a degree in Sports Therapy, immersing himself in the health & fitness industry, gaining experience pitch-side, in clinical case management and consultancy.His therapy work spans industries including football, theatre and private practice and he currently teaches at college and university level.As one of the Directors of the Society of Sports Therapists, he is involved in the structuring and governance of the profession. He chairs the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team and works to highlight and implement many solutions to cultural and structural issues. Research includes the looking into the importance of cultural & structural humility within sport & exercise medicine and general healthcare.Contacts for Tyrone:Email: tyrone@specifeyehealth.comInstagram: t_cassh & specifeyehealthLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyrone-cassius-5140b54b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 178 (World Congress - Dublin): The Final Craic - With the Incoming PresidentWelcoming Matt Kutz as the new President of WFATT. In our final craic, from Ireland, he captures all of this amazing international event in a wrap up for the ages from WC13. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 175 (World Congress - Dublin): Experience Builds ExcellenceJay Ostia is the creator of Nexus Sports Medicine. He started as an art major, joined the Marine Corps, stumbled upon the Athletic Training profession and is now a supporter of ATs around the globe through a new and fashionable manner. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 174 (World Congress - Dublin): Mentor and MenteesLearning is a two-way street, with plenty of turns along the way, and even some global travel...if you do it right! Jim Mensch and his connections sit down and provide invaluable insights!

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 173 (World Congress - Dublin): Do Your HomeworkDaniel Morales travelled the globe with his collaborators and professor from Messiah University to present his research and findings and connect with leaders from around the globe. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 172 (World Congress - Dublin): Evidence-Based Practice, Our Perspective Joined by 7 leaders from across the globe in this "quick-hitter' style capture of the AT perspective and valuation of evidence-based practices. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 171 (World Congress - Dublin): It's A Small World After AllAcross an ocean, having never met before, we find people that know people that know us. Craig Switzler is the Director of Clinical Education at the University of Utah and has a placement student with a former student of mine! He is joined by current student Nicole Peden sharing just how small a world it can be! 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 170 (World Congress - Dublin): Intersections of Public Health and Athletic Training & TherapyA brilliant capture of what AT is and where and how it can serve in all aspects of public health. Katie Sniffen discusses the inarguable elements of what practitioners have to offer and can bring to the table anywhere and everywhere. Katie Sniffen is the Director of the Masters of Athletic Training at Saint Louis University. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 169 (World Congress - Dublin): PBATS - A Global AcronymThe Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers' Society (PBATS) is a proud advocate of the Athletic Training and Therapy profession and a Charter Member of WFATT. International immersive experiences are the forefront of PBATS education. Rick Griffin shares stories and experiences and the reason that PBATS is such a proudly supportive and integrated member within this global profession. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 168 (World Congress - Dublin): No Bull! This Profession Fits EverywhereIt took an international flight to meet a fellow Canadian! Brooke Jensen is an Athletic Therapist who works in a multidisciplinary clinic and in the Canadian Pro Rodeo scene. She shares her valuable insights through this lens and from the international scene here in Ireland. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 167 (World Congress - Dublin): Breasts: Hidden in Plain SightSiobhan O'Donovan presents her research, her clinical and application findings and her story of an issue that faces more than half of the human population, yet has had very little attention for the right reasons. "The Booby Physio", Siobhan O'Donovan is specializing in breast weight management, and its impact on women and girls, which very much covers the biopsychosocial spectrum. In addition to speaking at public-facing events and professional conferences, she has created a therapy service called PostureFitting to address this issue, which includes both internal and external breast weight support.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 166 (World Congress - Dublin): Cannabis: Misconceptions and Informing A ProfessionRisk/Reward or Be Informed? The approach is always educational first! Jeff Konin sits down to discuss cannabis in sport and the reality of its usage, including misconceptions. Jeff Konin is a Clinical Professor at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He serves as the Director of the Doctor of Athletic Training Program and leads the Global Initiative for Cannabinoid Research and Education. As a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Konin served on the clinical staff for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games in 1996 and was the head athletic trainer for the USA wheelchair Paralympic Team that won a world championship gold medal in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 2010. He is a frequent volunteer at the Disney World Marathon races. Jeff advises individual athletes, healthcare professionals, sport organizations, educational institutions, school districts, and companies within the cannabis industry. Nationally, he served as the founding chair of the cannabis task force for the National Athletic Trainers' Association. Jeff is also a member of the American Cannabis Nurse's Association (ACNA), the American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association (AMMPA), the Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC), and the Florida CCORC Scientific Program Committee. The World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy is excited to announce the next International Athletic Training & Therapy Day on February 12th, 2026 (IATTD26)!Use: #IATTD26

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 165 (World Congress - Dublin): A Family Profession- Passion & DesireShane Dalton is an Irish Athletic Therapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach. He discusses the growth of the profession in Ireland and a global scale through his lens: a family of Athletic Therapists! Shane's father is known across the country for his work in the field, which was mainly self taught; Shane himself learned empirically and then navigated "the evidence"; his daughter is currently a second year athletic therapy student at DCU, blending evidence with empirical knowledge. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 164 (World Congress - Dublin): Acknowledging the Voice of the ChildExpertise in the adolescent space. Gemma and David ran a workshop on the adolescent athlete and how to measure and monitor growth and maturation. An absolute passion project: the topic of adolescence and the developing child is rarely covered in initial training, yet is an area most people get their first job in. Which firstly, leaves practitioners massively vulnerable and this population massively underserved. Gemma Parry is a dual-qualified Physiotherapist, Sport Rehabilitator, and pracademic holding MSc degrees from the University of Birmingham and the University of Salford. She has worked extensively in elite sport, including as Lead Physiotherapist for GB Short Track Speed Skating at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Team GB at several Youth Olympic Games, and Team England for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her clinical experience spans roles from boxing to ballet and everything in between, having supported 14 different olympic and Paralympic sports at the UK Sports Institute. Following her PhD, Gemma's research focuses on MSK profiling and understanding movement quality during growth and maturation in adolescents. She was the driving force behind The Developing Child, an online digital health course co-created with teachers to support those working with young people through critical stages of developmentDavid Hartley is a Graduate Sports Rehabilitator, with an MSc in Strength & Conditioning from the University of Salford. He has worked in professional soccer for over a decade, at senior and academy level, with a special interest in adolescent development and it's implications on injury risk and physical performance. The World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy is excited to announce the next International Athletic Training & Therapy Day on February 12th, 2026 (IATTD26)!Use: #IATTD26

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 163 (World Congress - Dublin): Student LeadersGuests: Rylee Bloser & Mylina CastilloWe sit down at the end of a jam-packed WC13 and hit on takeaways, life lesson and what this profession means to the eyes of the future!Rylee Bloser is a student at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA, USA.  Mylina Castillo is a student at Alvernia College in Reading, PA, USA. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 162 (World Congress - Dublin): The Champs Are Here! Our winners of the 1st WFATT International Student Quiz Bowl, sponsored by BeyondBoards. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 161 (World Congress - Dublin): Growing Locally, Learning InternationallyGuests: Panagiota Karanika & Stavros Daoukas, the Greek Athletic Therapy AssociationWe sit down to discuss the GATA and its growth potential with the support of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. Panagiota Karanika is the current President of the Greek Athletic Therapy Association and presented her research on circadian rhythm and human function here at WC13. Stavros Daoukas is the current Treasurer of the GATA and past President. He is delivering multiple lectures and workshops relevant to his blended professional approach in Sports Rehabilitation and Sonography. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 160 (World Congress - Dublin): A Needed Healthcare Profession Guests: Mollie Pillman and AJ DuffyWe sit down with two esteemed leaders from within the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) to discuss the growth of the Athletic Training and Therapy profession on a global scale. The depth and breadth of education and expertise land us as a valued and needed healthcare profession. Mollie Pillman is the Executive Director of NATA. She is a champion for the profession and brings a wealth of experience in healthcare and organizational strategy. AJ Duffy is the President of the NATA and has over 50 years of service as an Athletic Trainer. He has been instrumental in the growth of the profession, both stateside and internationally.  The World Federation of Athletic Training & Therapy is excited to announce the next International Athletic Training & Therapy Day on February 12th, 2026 (IATTD26)!Use: #IATTD26

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 159 (World Congress - Dublin): Expanding Credentialling Excellence GloballyMike Carroll is the Chair of the Board of Certification (BOC) International Committee. He sat down to discuss the growth of the profession and how the BOC is supporting the credentialling process globally. An International Event is an opportunity to make new connections and reinforce previous relationships. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 158 (World Congress - Dublin): Human Performance and Manual Therapy: A ContinuumMichael Higgins sits down to discuss the continuum of human performance and what the World Congress event is all about: learning, sharing and connecting. Michael is the Athletic Training Program Director at the University of Virginia. His two interactive workshops at WC 13 are: "Optimizing Squat Mechanics for Rehabilitation Success" and "Thoracic Manual Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Pain". 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 157 (World Congress - Dublin): Breadth & Depth in Education, Impact and GrowthPete Dewar, Chair of World Congress, takes a breath to join us in providing the layout of this amazing international event. From Pre-Conference Workshops to Global Speakers, World Summit meeting to Pints in the Pub...it's all here! 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 156 (World Congress - Dublin): It's More Than The 9-to-5WFATT President, Brian Zeller offers his approach to the 13th World Congress. A learning environment, a networking opportunity, growth potential for a profession, across the entirety of the globe. Brian is currently the Dean of the College Nursing and Health Sciences at Winona State University in the USA. He is the current President of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. 

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 155A Nomadic Profession with Adaptable and Ample SkillsetsOur final pre-Ireland chAT. Sitting down to discuss the multitiered approach to emergency care and on-field injury with expert Meghan McKay. She will be presenting at this year's World Congress in Dublin-Maynooth, Ireland. Meghan McKay is a board-certified and licensed athletic trainer based out of Houston, Texas, USA with more than 15 years of experience in professional, international, and collegiate sports medicine. She has served as Director of Sports Medicine and Lead AT for the Houston SaberCats of Major League Rugby, Head Athletic Trainer for the Wales Men's National Lacrosse Team, and as medical staff USA Rugby for both Men's and Women's 15's.   In addition to her extensive clinical and leadership roles, she is a World Rugby Medical Educator and an active contributor to the National Athletic Trainers' Association International Committee, serving as Liaison to the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association as well as the AT Representative to the Major League Rugby Medical Committee.   Meghan's area of expertise is emergency action planning, on-field injury management, and elite athlete performance, with a proven commitment to advancing interdisciplinary care and professional education worldwide.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 154Care Coordination Makes Our Profession Highly ValuedWe sit down and chat on the value of the Athletic Training and Therapy profession; how and where it fits and can be valued based on what we actually do! Anthony Breitbach has used over 20 years of clinical and sideline experience to inform his empowering and powerful current work in driving our profession forward. Dr. Anthony Breitbach is a Professor and Director of Interprofessional Education atSaint Louis University. He is a Distinguished Fellow and President of the NationalAcademies of Practice (NAP) representing NAP at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education. He is an Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) Fellow, chairing their Interprofessional Committee and represents them on Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC); also serving as Deputy Chair of the Interprofessional Global Board. Dr. Breitbach is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Interprofessional Care and the Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 153Empowering Minds and Uniting HeartsIn a continued build-up to World Congress Dublin, 2025, we sit down with two leaders in the fields of mental and behavioural therapy. Alyssa Anderson and Jessica Huett will present their expertise and an organizational approach to delivering meaningful material in mental health avenues in Dublin. We discuss the path to this expertise, the excitement of being a part of an international event and the profession of Athletic Therapy and Training. Alyssa Anderson, PhD, LAT, ATC currently serves as an Associate Professor of Athletic Training and the Clinical Education Coordinator at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois. She earned her PhD in Health Sciences with a concentration in Healthcare Professions Education from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2022. She holds degrees in athletic training from North Park University and Ohio University. Alyssa is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and is passionate about equipping students and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed for holistic care of patients, particularly related to mental health. She periodically provides patient care to secondary school and collegiate athletes. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Dave, and their dog, Sherlock.Jessica Huett, EdD, LAT, ATC works as the Director of Health Systems Technology and Simulation for Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio. Jessica's professional background includes teaching in health science and athletic training programs and caring for patients in varied practice settings. Her contemporary expertise within behavioural health has been developed over 20 years in clinical practice, an advanced degree in Sport & Exercise Psychology, and certification as a suicide prevention gatekeeper instructor for the QPR Institute. Jessica and her husband, Rob, and daughter, Elise, live in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they enjoy being active outdoors, watching a good movie, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 152 From Carlow and Dublin - Perspective Always CountsStudent Zak Farrell and recent grad, Fabiano Portelas sit down (from Ireland) to discuss the profession of Athletic Therapy and Training through their lenses. With World Congress, Dublin just over three weeks away, we dive into the excitement and opportunities at hand with this International event.  WFATT World Congress is coming: October 16-18, 2025 in Dublin, IrelandWe will be bringing you speakers, the hosts from ARTi, guests and the pulse of this global event. FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Session 151 Countdown to World Congress I sit down with Lynn Allen, the President of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) and discuss the planning, prep and excitement leading up to this international event. World Congress 2025 lands 16-18 October in Dublin, Ireland. Ms Lynn Allen is the Programme Director, Lecturer and Placement Co-Ordinator on the BSc in Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy in TUS, Athlone. Lynn has a BSc in Sport Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy from SETU, a Masters in Exercise Physiology from Trinity College Dublin and has Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning from TUS. Lynn has just submitted her Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sports) in Dublin City University, examining metacognition in Athletic Therapy Education. Lynn is a Certified Athletic Therapist with over 10 years clinical and academic experience. Lynn is the current President of ARTI since September 2022, having previously sat on the board and acted as Vice Secretary and Ethics Chair from 2018. Lynn also is the Vice Chair of the Education and Research Committee for the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. Lynn's research interests include clinical education, clinical reasoning, reflective practice and psychology of sport injuries.For more information on WFATT and the World COngress, please visit: https://www.wfatt.org/world-congress And, reach out to our guest at: Lynn.Allen@tus.ie

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Master(s)ing Athletic Therapy in Canada Sitting down to discuss the launch of the Masters of Athletic Therapy at Brock University. This program is the first of its kind offered in Canada, in English.Dr. Chimera provides a rundown on its creation, development and overview. Dr. Nicole Chimera the Graduate Program Director for the Master of Athletic Therapy Program and an Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Brock University. Prior to coming to Brock in 2018, Dr. Chimera was the Program Director for an Athletic Training Master's degree program in New York. She also has experience as a faculty member in undergraduate athletic training and exercise science programs as well as 20 years of clinical experience. Additionally, she is a clinical biomechanist with a focus on understanding how the interaction between tissue functionality and neuromuscular control impact movement and injury.Online Information Dates: September 25 , 2025 & October 28 , 2025 (RSVP on website below)Program Website: https://brocku.ca/programs/graduate/athletic-therapy-mat/Email: mat@brocku.ca WFATT World Congress is coming: October 16-18, 2025 in Dublin, IrelandWe will be bringing you speakers, the hosts from ARTi, guests and the pulse of this global event. FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Red Light = Go? John Graham Harper, CEO of Lumaflex. He is the founder of the company and is known for his work in health and fitness technology, specifically red light therapy devices. With a background in sales, marketing and fitness, John has gone down the path of finding meaningful ways to help with pain. He  developed the company's red light therapy technology after experiencing personal injuries and recognizing a need for more portable, durable, and powerful devices. His goal is to make wellness and recovery accessible to everyone, using red light therapy for pain relief, injury prevention, and overall well-being. If interested, send a note to host James Gardiner for Discount Code for 10% Off Lumaflex products, OR follow links:The Essential https://www.lumaflex.com/products/lumaflex-essential?sca_ref=9503623.72yxMoZs08The BodyPro https://www.lumaflex.com/products/lumaflex-body-pro?sca_ref=9503623.72yxMoZs08Lumaflex Foundations Course https://www.lumaflex.com/products/the-foundations-course?sca_ref=9503623.72yxMoZs08  John@lumaflex.com https://www.lumaflex.com WFATT World Congress is coming: October 16-18, 2025 in Dublin, IrelandWe will be bringing you speakers, the hosts from ARTi, guests and the pulse of this global event. FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care. FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Make it Sticky - Backing Athletes In A Collaborative ApproachFrom different physical locations and through different lenses, we aim to provide best outcomes through best practices, caring counts! We sit down and discuss the value in experience, networks, resources and communicating in a collaborative approach to athlete support.  Dr Scott Howitt holds an Honors degree in Physical Education from the University of Western Ontario and a Masters degree in Human Health and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Guelph. He graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and completed a post-graduate residency in Sports Sciences, and a post-graduate program in Rehabilitative Sciences. Dr. Howitt has a special interest in exercise and concussion. He is a Professor in Clinical Education at CMCC and has a research program in sports injury management. He is a lecturer for undergraduate and post-graduate sports medicine, rehabilitation, nutrition, and fitness. Dr. Scott Howitt is the Past-President of the RCCSS(C), a Co-Chair for the National Advisory Council of EIMC, and continues to work in sport as the medical coordinator for the Toronto Triathlon and as a member of our Canadian Men's National soccer medical team. WFATT World Congress is coming: October 16-18, 2025 in Dublin, IrelandWe will be bringing you speakers, the hosts from ARTi, guests and the pulse of this global event. FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! A quick ramble while commuting from up North back to the facility, car signals and all! I unscramble my thoughts (sort of), discerning the value of our eyes as the greatest tool of progression/regression/programming.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! A FASCIAnating story: Healing through connection  Simone Fortier is a pioneer in brain-based healing and the founder of the Fascia Training Institute, where she has been training health professionals for over 30 years. Her groundbreaking work has helped elite athletes from the NFL, NHL, MLB, and Olympic teams — but it's not just her client list that sets her apart.Simone is the creator of the Dynamic Brain Healing™ protocols and has completed six years of clinical trials on brain nutrition. Her system targets chronic pain, post-concussion symptoms, and the hidden trauma stored in fascia — delivering real results where traditional methods fall short.She's also a best-selling author, international speaker, and healer— a rare and powerful fusion of science and intuition. Having personally recovered from multiple head injuries, Simone brings deep empathy and lived experience to her mission: helping those who've been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told to just "push through."Simone is changing the conversation about what it truly means to heal — not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT?Join this chAT to learn what it means to be an Athletic Trainer/Therapist around the globe and how this can lead to international work, collaboration and growth of our profession. Our distinguished panel discusses how to navigate the agreement, which countries are currently connected through the agreement and how it serves our profession around the globe.  The Panel: Steve Aspinall is a registered Sport Rehabilitator and has been the Chief Executive Officer for BASRaT since 2018 and prior to that he was Chair of the Executive Committee for 13 years. Previously, he was a lecturer in Sport Rehabilitation in the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford for over 20 years and was also an Associate Editor at the British Journal of Sports Medicine from 2015 to 2023; the worlds leading Sports and Exercise Medicine journal. (BASRaT)Pete Dewar currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). He is also a Board Member of the Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC), contributing to the oversight and development of accreditation practices across a broad range of disciplines. In addition to his leadership roles in Canada, Pete is internationally engaged as the Chair of the World Congress Committee for the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy (WFATT), where he helps shape global collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field. Pete holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Purdue University and a Master's in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona. He has been a Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) since 2008. (CATA)Shannon Fleming is the Sr. Vice President of Credentialing for the BOC. Shannon began a career in athletic training as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Nebraska Wesleyan University from August 1999 to May 2000. Educational credentials include a Master of Arts in Health and Physical Education/Fitness from Tennessee Technological University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University. (BOC)Enda Whyte is an assistant professor in the School of Health and Human Performance and currently programme chair for the BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training at Dublin City University. Enda is the co-founder of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Performance in the School of Health and Human Performance. His research themes include determining risk factors for common musculoskeletal injuries related to physical activity and the subsequent development of injury prevention programmes which he has published widely on. (ARTI)

Send us a text with your feedback from this session! Modalities: Myth, Magic or Meritorious? Cindy Trowbridge, PhD, ATC, LAT, CSCSIn this episode, we reconnect with Cindy Trowbridge to discuss the validity and application of therapeutic modalities in rehab and performance.  Cindy was recently inducted into the Southwest Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame. She is also the recipient of the 2022 NATA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. She currently works at UT-Arlington (since 2004) and has served in both the MSAT program and the Exercise Science Program. Cindy's expertise is in investigating the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic modalities and has received industry research funding in doing so. She has been involved with the USOC, National bobsled and skeleton teams, served on sport medicine teams for World University Games, the Beijing Paralympics and USA Basketball. https://www.uta.edu/academics/programs/athletic-training-ms 

As the host of this podcast, I have the opportunity to deep dive and explore the journeys of others, growing with each conversation. I don't often speak to what I'm up to; so, in the interest of the move up from pro to amateur sport, give this a listen, reach out to connect, and stay tuned...there's some pretty cool things percolating over here! Our spot is feature on Instagram @everest_trainingcentre for a bit more of a "live look in". Our host was the SPORTi Podcast, give them a follow too. In this episode ofThe SPORTi Podcast, host Pam explores Everest Academy, a private sports-focused school in Vaughan, Ontario, that blends elite athletic training with strong academics for students in grades 4-12.The academy supports multi-sport athletes, with a staff of former pros, strength coaches, therapists, and mental health experts, ensuring balanced development on and off the ice or field.Everest also prioritizes quality training over excessive workloads, helping young athletes advocate for themselves and build lifelong skills.Everest's new U18 Prep Model helps athletes train, study, and recover—all within the school day - reducing late-night practices and burnout.For parents seeking an alternative to traditional schools, Everest offers small class sizes, academic flexibility, and a holistic support system to help student-athletes thrive.Resources:https://www.everestacademy.com/For any comments, questions or feedback you can email us at SPORTicanada@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram: @thesportipodcast

Protect Ya' Neck (and brain)Dr Theo VersteeghIn this episode, we reconnect with Theo and catch up on the successes and direction of TopSpin Technologies Ltd. With an innovative approach and a training and therapy tool that is under-utilized in the applicative space, we discuss real world value of TopSpin 360, where and how it's being used and what the hangups are in adopting new and novel ways of treating and training in the sports space. Check us out. Check out Theo and TopSpin https://topspin360.com/how-it-works/ and be sure to send some feedback. Thank you being a part of our community. 

Thinking Globally: Recruiting Internationally and Identifying Partners for Clinical ExperiencesIn this episode, our panel discusses the international opportunities within our profession through the lens of collaborative partnerships and international experiences within academic institutions. We discuss common challenges, themes that resonate across the globe and how the Athletic Therapy/Training profession continues to erase borders through impactful relationships and opportunities. Panel: Dr. Aoife Burke is an Assistant Professor in the Athletic Training programme at Dublin City University, Ireland. She is currently acting as Chair and Clinical Education Coordinator at DCU, while serving as chair of the Accreditation Committee within Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI). Dr. Valerie Herzog is the Chair of the Department of Athletic Training at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. She also serves as the District 7 representative on the National Athletic Trainers' Association Board of Directors. Dr. Jim Mensch is the Athletic Training Program Director at the UNiversity of South Carolina, where he has served for the past 23 years. Coordinated by: Matt Lewis, Chair of WFATT Academic Institutions CommitteeHe is the Athletic Training Program Director at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.  FIRSTAR Therapy. You-Centric. FIRSTAR: Redefining the Performance Wellness continuum. A holistic approach to athlete care.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

WFATT Impact Award Winners Series, Part 5 of 5:Award Winner: Gal ZmoraGal is a certified sports therapist and athletic trainer, pursuing a rigorous academic path, completing a B.Sc. in Athletic Training/Sports Therapy with honors through a collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington. He specializes in personal training, medical sports techniques, and sports rehabilitation. He has managed a physiotherapy department and led educational programs for athletes to date. His research focuses on the psycho-social well-being of wheelchair basketball players, reflecting his commitment to improving athletic care across all abilities.Gal currently directs content development for the Israeli Association of Athletic Training and Sports Rehabilitation (ISRAT), contributing to advancements in sports medicine.Nominator: Orbital HadarIs a seasoned Athletic Therapist renowned for her ability to empower clients to excel in their athletic pursuits. With diverse experience in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athlete development, she brings a unique blend of expertise to my practice. She began with a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College Institute in Canada, honed skills with training in holistic Swedish and medical massage at Reidman College in Israel. At Kiryat Ono College, OritaI plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Sports Therapy in Israel by imparting knowledge to aspiring therapists and educating students in the clinic and on the field.  Support the Show.

WFATT Impact Award Winners Series, Part 4 of 5:Award Winner: Kerri DownerKerri has been the Head Athletic Therapist at Mount Royal University since 2018.  She has worked with football, hockey, rugby, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and field hockey teams at various universities in Ontario and Alberta since 2001Kerri also works part time as a Clinical Assistant at the Benson Concussion Institute, located in the Markin MacPhail Centre at Winsport.  Nominator: Mark Lafave, PhD, CAT (C)Mark is the current Program Coordinator in Athletic Therapy at Mount Royal University. He has been instrumental in the profession and in developing the design and development of the clinic and athletic therapy program at MRU.  Support the Show.

WFATT Impact Award Winners Series, Part 3 of 5:Award Winner: Kaori Tamura, PhD, ATCKaori is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Master of Science in Athletic Training at University of Hawai'i at Manoa. She is a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and has completed a Doctor of Philosophy Master of Science while impacting the International vision of the profession of Athletic Training. Growing up in Japan, she moved stateside to study Athletic Training. As a Japanese speaker, she studied this in a non-native language in living out her passion of helping others. Kaori utilizes her lived experience in communicating and investing in the international growth of the profession. Nominator: Kumiko Hashida, PhD, ATC Kumiko is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Kinesiology at University of Georgia, following the completion of her PhD in Education at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Support the show

WFATT Impact Award Winners Series, Part 2 of 5:Award Winner: Jim Mensch, PhD, ATCDr Mensch is Director of the Professional Athletic Training Program and teaches classes in the AT program and EXSC Department at the University of South Carolina. Mensch's research interests are in pediatric sports medicine and socialization of athletic training professionals into the workforce, specifically non-traditional settings. Dr. Mensch has several current projects related to sports medicine care and epidemiological research in youth sport athletes. Nominator: Zachary Winkelmann, Ph.D., SCAT, ATCDr. Winkelmann teaches within the professional and post-professional athletic training program. He uses simulation, standardized patients, and case-based learning to develop athletic trainers in his courses. Support the show

WFATT Impact Award Winners Series, Part 1 of 5:Award Winner: Rick Griffin Rick was named the Mariners Head Athletic Trainer in 1983, and served in that capacity for 35 years until 2016. He was then given the Title of Mariners Athletic Trainer Emeritus for the next three years, overseeing the medical aspects of the MLB draft for the Mariners until his retirement in 2019. - 2018: Awarded the Al “Moose” Clausen Community Service Award - 1999:  awarded the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society AwardRick has made 25 trips to Japan with MLB Teams and has been an advisor to Japanese teams and trainers in Japan over the last 3 decades. He has also served as a trainer at an All-Star game in each of the last 4 decades.A wealth of experience and knowledge, Rick continues to contribute to the AT profession globally through numerous channels. Nominators: Ron Porterfield Ron is entering his sixth year as Director of Player Health with the Los Angeles Dodgers after serving the previous twelve years as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Tampa Bay Rays, and three years as the Assistant Athletic Trainer before that. He is also the president elect of PBATS. Larry Starr Larry is the President - Starr Athletic Solutions and the lead ATC Injury Spotter with the NFL. He is well known for his vision, and the creation of, the entire sports medicine element of Nova Southeastern University athletics, embedding the concept of the Sports Medicine Interdisciplinary Team. He also served as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Florida Marlins from 1993-2001 and the Cincinnati Reds for 21 years prior to that. 

Where You AT? See. Go. Learn. Grow: Short Term International Opportunities (Part 3)The Athletic Training experience, internationally. Join the conversation with Meghan McKay and Rick Griffin.  We discuss the international opportunities of the AT profession through the experiences of these two highly-qualified and well-respected guests. Meghan has worked with the Wales Men's National Lacrosse Team and is currently a consultant with them. She is a Senior Athletic Trainer at Baylor College of Medicine, Head of Medical at Houston SaberCats Rugby, a founding franchise of Major League Rugby, and an Adjunct Faculty at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania for the MAT program. She joined the NATA International Committee in 2017 and became the CATA Liaison in early 2021.Rick was named the Seattle Mariners Head Athletic Trainer in 1983 and served in that capacity for 35 years until 2016 he was given the Title of Mariners Athletic Trainer Emeritus for the next three years overseeing the medical aspects of the MLB draft for the Mariners until his retirement in 2019. He is deeply involved with international projects and progress through his work on the PBATS International Committeeand the NATA International Committee.This episode can also be found on “The NATA-Cast” feed wherever podcasts are found. Something like This is an exclusive sneak peek into another podcast I hosted with NATA called “Where You AT? which is a special 4-part series on “The NATA-Cast”. 

Dr Melissa CorsoCommunity & Championing Your PassionMelissa is a Sports Specialist Chiropractor and recently opened her own sports medicine clinic, THE HIVE Sports Medicine + Performance, which focuses on education, rehabilitation and performance training of young and developing athletes. Melissa is also a research associate at the Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research and is completing her PhD in Community, Population and Public Health at Ontario Tech University. Recently, she undertook organizing the RCCSS(C) conference in Toronto, ON, an annual education weekend for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking. 

Ali KershnerThe Power Of Choice Ali Kershner is a seasoned professional in both sport performance and business. As a director at Art of Coaching, she has played a pivotal role in shaping marketing, education, and mentorship initiatives with a focus on power dynamics, leadership, and human behavior.Prior to Art of Coaching, Ali was the Associate Sports Performance Coach for Stanford Women's Basketball, spent time at University of Kansas and played 4 years at Duke University on the women's soccer team, serving as Captain. www.artofcoaching.com/whatdrivesyou ali@artofcoaching.com@kersher.ali on Instagram

Where You AT? Athletic Training Around The Globe The Athletic Training experience, internationally. Join the conversation with Jenn Rizzo and Anto Felippo as they share the international lens, providing services on different continents, in South America and Asia. This episode can also be found on “The NATA-Cast” feed wherever podcasts are found. Something like This is an exclusive sneak peek into another podcast I hosted with NATA called “Where You AT? which is a special 4-part series on “The NATA-Cast”. 

Ben Sporer, PhD Facilitate, Integrate, Recalibrate OUTPUT You don't need to be an elite athlete to be at the top of your game. By understanding the dynamic relationship between your objectives and the actions required to achieve them, you can perform at the highest level in your profession— consistently, on demand, when it counts. If you've got your eyes locked on your outcome, you need to get your mind set on your output.In Output, Olympic physiologist and performance consultant Ben Sporer combines his scientific expertise with decades of experience in sport and business to simplify the strategies of high- performing athletes and how they can apply to anyone, in any field. By explaining the mechanics of the Core 4 performance factors and reframing the link between preparation, action, and purpose, Sporer reveals a performance solution that empowers you to prize output over outcome.Sustain high performance through what you can control: your output.Book released October 24, 2023Twitter: @Ben_Sporer (also search via LinkedIn)Instagram: @outputbook Website: www.output-book.com 

Session 133 (October 2023): Don't Wait For The EulogyGuest: Scott LivingstonA returning guest, a mentor, friend and colleague, Scott sits down to discuss gratitude, appreciation and authenticity in the performance space. Making room for real conversations isn't easy, working with people is tough. Knowing the Self allows us to better connect with others and Scott and I discuss these matters in this conversation. Join in. Join the community. 

Where You AT? Athletic Training Around The Globe This episode can also be found on “The NATA-Cast” feed wherever podcasts are found. Something like This is an exclusive sneak peek into another podcast I hosted with NATA called “Where You AT? which is a special 4-part series on “The NATA-Cast”. Guests: Rusty McKuneRusty is the Ambulatory Supervisor for the Sports Medicine Program at Nebraska Medicine.  He serves as the Chair of the BOC International Committee.  He is also the Past President for the Mid-America Athletic Trainers Association and the Governmental Affairs Chair for the Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association.  He has been an NATA Member for 32 years. Alvaro Garcia-RomeroAlvaro is a MSAT Program Director at Camilo Jose Cela University in Madrid Spain, which is home to the First International Program Accredited by CAATE. He serves as Chair of the International Committee at CAATE. Also is Head of Medical and Performance Department at Watford Football Club in English Football League. Matt KutzMatt is a Clinical Professor at Florida International University in the Doctor of Athletic Training program. He serves as Chair of the NATA's International Committee and VP of WFATT. Matt is a Senior Associate Editor of the ATEJ. He has numerous awards and books, and is a 28+ year member of the NATA.This episode can also be found on “The NATA-Cast” feed wherever podcasts are found. Something like “This is an exclusive sneak peek into another podcast I hosted with NATA called “Where You AT? which is a special 4-part series on “The NATA-Cast”. Enjoy!”