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Todd Strader: The Silent Toll of Blast Exposure in the Military
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In 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.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma
03:03 Todd Strader's Military Experience and Awareness
05:48 The Impact of Blast Exposure on Health
08:54 Creating Awareness and Community Support
12:03 Legislative Efforts and the Over Pressure Warfighters Act
15:12 Understanding Mortar Exposure and Its Effects
17:50 Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans
20:56 The Need for Better Treatment Options
23:56 Conclusion and Future Directions
29:40 Legislative Gaps and Accountability in Military Health
32:58 Innovative Solutions for Blast Overpressure Exposure
36:28 Funding and Legislative Support for Veterans
39:31 Maintaining Military Effectiveness While Addressing Health Concerns
44:57 Protective Gear and Training Innovations
48:51 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 Strader
Facebook: C3M – Cohort of chronically concussed Mortarmen
Website: overpressure.com
Produced by Security Halt Media
Chapters
1. Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma (00:00:00)
2. Meet Todd Strait: Veteran and Advocate (00:02:07)
3. Personal Experience with Blast Exposure (00:05:20)
4. Creating Awareness Through Community (00:15:13)
5. The Overpressured Warfighters Act (00:21:15)
6. Protective Solutions and PELTA-6 (00:35:10)
7. Moving Forward and Final Thoughts (00:47:10)
46 episodes
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