In this episode, recorded live at the CATA Annual Symposium in Anaheim, California, Eli Hallak speaks with Matt Quijano about advocacy and leadership within the athletic training profession. Together, they review recent legislative accomplishments supported by the California Athletic Trainers’ Association and discuss the importance of working within existing systems to create meaningful change rather than trying to force it from the outside. Their conversation highlights the responsibility professionals have to advocate for their field, the need to understand the political landscape and the stakeholders who can influence progress, and why answering the call to support the profession matters. Matt also emphasizes the importance of knowing CATA’s history and provides an overview of the association’s active committees and the roles they play in advancing the profession.

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Jay Hammes, President of Safe Sport Zone LLC and a longtime leader in high school athletics. Drawing from decades of experience as a player, coach, teacher, and athletic administrator, Jay shares his perspective on creating safer environments at interscholastic sporting events. Together, they discuss strategies for deescalating conflicts at high school contests, the importance of preparedness and proper training for event personnel, and how positive reinforcement can support the volunteers and staff who help make these events possible.

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Bryan Reich of WorkCare, Inc., for a wide ranging conversation on the evolving role of Athletic Trainers in industrial and occupational health settings. Together, they discuss prevention and ergonomics, the rapid growth and scalability of industrial medical programs, and the importance of documentation in demonstrating value. They also reflect on shared professional experiences, the role of manual therapy, lifelong learning, and the responsibility of being present for your team within a true community of practice.

WorkCare, Inc.

Eli Hallak meets with Darryl Conway and Ed Strapp of Sports Medicine Emergency Management, LLC to discuss preparedness, decision making, and professional confidence in high-pressure environments. Drawing on their experience in sports medicine and emergency response, the conversation explores what competence really looks like when conditions are unpredictable and outcomes matter. Their discussion highlights how professionals develop confidence through experience, adaptability, and sound decision making under pressure.

Sports Medicine Emergency Management

Eli Hallak welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Dahlmann and Dr. Kimberly White of ProTeam Tactical Performance for an honest conversation about medical coverage for first responders and tactical athletes. Together, they emphasize the critical role of multidisciplinary care and strong organizational leadership, advocate for pursuing doctoral education, and reflect on the pride and responsibility that comes with serving the men and women who serve all of us in what has too often become a thankless profession.

ProTeam Tactical Performance

Eli Hallak sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ellen Payne of Moravian University to discuss the importance of high quality medical education in athletic training. Together, they reflect on preparing students for real world clinical demands, the value of broad professional experiences, and how Dr. Payne’s work across settings like the Special Olympics, US Paralympic Ski Team, ski patrol, and higher education helps future clinicians see the bigger picture of patient care, adaptability, and professional responsibility.

Moravian University

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 week, Eli Hallak speaks with Breana Cutler, of the Weber State Spirit Squad, about the unique demands of caring for Performance Athletes in Cheer, Dance, and Spirit Teams. Breana shares how she had to relearn prehab, rehab, and daily care due to the athletes’ specialized skills, high pain tolerance, and exceptional mental toughness. They break down the distinct roles within teams and discuss the long-overdue recognition that these athletes are finally receiving, along with the mental toll of constant performance and the support resources available. Breana also offers insight into what it takes to become an ATC in the performance-athlete space.

Weber State Spirit Squad