{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey Berry","title":"Before We Judge: Brain Injury, CTE & The Human Behind the Headlines","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/8844dedb\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":6132,"description":"When former NFL player Aldon Smith passed away, public conversation quickly shifted toward his past struggles. \nBut is that the complete story?\nIn this episode of the HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase, Corey Berry, and former Oregon State linebacker Rico Petrini explore the growing tendency to blame character before considering brain health. Together they discuss repeated head impacts (RHI), CTE, addiction, impulsivity, mood changes, and why neurological injury deserves serious consideration—not dismissal.\nThe conversation also examines recent public comments questioning CTE, why broad assumptions can harm families seeking answers, and why compassion and scientific investigation should come before judgment.\nThis episode isn't about excusing harmful behavior.It's about recognizing the complex relationship between brain injury, mental health, addiction, and the lives of former athletes.\nSpecial thanks to our sponsors who help make these conversations possible:• Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation\n• Ambio Life Sciences\n• Millennium Health Centers\n• Millennium Health Store\n• Paradise Behavioral Health – Brain Well Program\n• MC Wellness – Cristal Clark, MA, LPC-S\nTogether, we remain committed to one mission:How to Cope. Find Hope.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8iQQL0pmbn9GDogaSYtu8cBlDkudJEnQSkDfg0pDXyU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wNDhj/ZjEwNThkMWZhMzQ3/MTZlMzA0MDIxZTk5/ZDAxYy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}