In this Special Release episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Aaron Strout, Head Athletic Trainer at Colony High School, to discuss an ongoing fight to protect the Athletic Training profession in California. Aaron shares how certified Athletic Trainers in his district had their job titles changed to “Athletic Support Specialist” after raising concerns about compliance with California’s title-protection law. They discuss why this goes far beyond a job title, affecting professional recognition, appropriate qualifications, and ultimately the healthcare provided to student-athletes. Aaron also highlights the support of the California Athletic Trainers’ Association and calls on Athletic Trainers, parents, and communities to advocate for stronger protections. The discussion underscores what’s at stake when schools attempt to work around professional standards and why Athletic Trainers must stand together to protect both their profession and the students they serve.

Chaffey Joint Union High School District

California Athletic Trainers’ Association

Senators | California State Senate

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Grant Schamburg, President of the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA), to shine a national spotlight on Athletic Training in Oklahoma. Together, they discuss OATA’s work to improve heat safety through WBGT policies, modernize Oklahoma’s Athletic Training Practice Act, and pursue participation in the Athletic Training Licensure Compact. Grant also highlights the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and professional involvement, emphasizing that moving the profession forward requires Athletic Trainers to show up, build relationships, and take an active role in shaping its future.

Eli welcomes Colin Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Weather, to trace the journey from a simple idea to a professional-grade weather monitoring system trusted in safety-critical environments. Colin shares how Perry Weather evolved into a platform featuring on-site stations, real-time alerts, and highly accurate forecasts designed to protect people and operations when conditions matter most. The conversation also explores the company’s commitment to community safety, its efforts to give back to the NATA community, and how strategic partnerships are rapidly expanding Perry Weather’s technology into industrial and professional settings.

Perry Weather

This episode was originally released on 12/29/25