Eli Hallak and Gabriel Hallak experience The Autumn Wind as Nick Wiseman of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Michael Carter of the Moorpark College Raiders, join the show. Together, they discuss medical care for athletes, the importance of finding the right Clinic to be at, and getting kicked out of an NFL Training Camp.

This episode was originally released on 08/19/24

This week, Eli Hallak sits down with Katie Perez and goes in-depth on Katie’s diverse professional background, exploring how her experiences have shaped her approach to care and professional development. Together, they discuss the importance of the four core muscles, patient self-efficacy, and self-advocacy, while highlighting the many positives that come with working in an industrial environment. Whether it’s advancing patient care or reshaping the perception of the profession, Katie makes it clear: ATs are more than just professionals supervising stretches, warm-ups, or foam rolling sessions—they are educators, advocates, and experts in human performance.

This week, Pat Hassell sits down with Eli Hallak and Kristen Dizon to reflect on the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped his path to becoming the Athletic Training Manager for Atrium Health. Together, they dive into all of the incredible things that Atrium Health is doing in the Greater Charlotte area for middle schools, high schools, colleges, the NFL, MLS, and the entertainment industry. In addition, they discuss how 23XI Racing is transforming medical care for their drivers and pit crew members by adopting an innovative approach that breaks away from the traditional racing mindset, ensuring comprehensive support for the entire team both on and off the track.

Atrium Health

This week, Danielle York, owner of York Orthopedic Recovery, joins Eli Hallak to discuss her journey as a business owner, the importance of adapting care to different age groups, and why seeking guidance from experienced professionals is essential before taking big steps. They also explore how those around us often recognize our potential before we do—and what it means to grow a family, both in business and at home.

York Orthopedic Recovery

This week, Eli Hallak welcomes Garrett Hedeen, member of the NAEMT Workforce Committee and Safety Specialist at Austin-Travis County EMS, for a look into the often-overlooked world of EMS safety. They explore the little things that are often taken for granted but make a big impact, the need for bold change, and key differences between safety in EMS and athletic training settings. Garrett also highlights the importance of trust, constant readiness, and addressing common misconceptions about emergency care.

National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services

In this episode, Dr. Mary Mundrane-Zweiacher, a Certified Hand Therapist at Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, joins Eli Hallak. Together, they explore her journey from a Pre-Med Biology major aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a practitioner of the "Holy Trinity" (PT, ATC, and CHT). They discuss how to bring Sports Medicine to Hand Therapy—and Hand Therapy to Sport—why marching bands need Athletic Trainers just as much as athletic teams do, how giving patients a modicum of control fosters greater therapy “buy-in,” and why it’s essential to always believe in yourself and your knowledge. After all, unless there’s an orthopedic surgeon present, you are the expert.

In this episode, Darryl Conway, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director / Chief Health & Welfare Officer at the University of Michigan and Co-Owner of Sports Medicine Emergency Management, joins Eli Hallak. Together, they discuss the evolution of the profession, the importance of autonomy, and the critical role of a strong work ethic. They examine how the profession has transformed from a focus on ice and stem treatments to embracing movement-based rehabilitation and innovative modalities that support comprehensive athletic health and performance.

University of Michigan

Sports Medicine Emergency Management

Recognize SCA in Athletes

In this episode, Marshall Knowles of Perry Weather joins Eli Hallak to share his professional background and highlight the critical role of accurate, real-time weather data—covering lightning, humidity, wet-bulb globe temperature, and air quality. Together, they explore the expanding role of weather technology in athletics and how Perry Weather, while often starting as a tool for sports programs, quickly evolves into a comprehensive, campus-wide safety solution with broad applications.

Perry Weather