Brain Health In Mixed Martial Arts with Chris Cannon of M2MMA

EPISODE 125 |  On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with Ali from The Tick Chicks to discuss Lyme disease, tickborne illness, chronic infections, diagnosis challenges, and the often nonlinear journey of healing. Ali shares the story behind The Tick Chicks, created following her Lyme disease diagnosis in 2009 and years of searching for answers. The conversation explores why tickborne illnesses can be difficult to identify, including situations where patients do not recall a tick bite or develop a bullseye rash. Topics include brain retraining, neurofeedback, biofeedback, nutrition, inflammatory foods, nervous system support, immune regulation, environmental factors, mold exposure, and approaches focused on improving overall resilience and function. The episode also highlights the upcoming Global Tickborne Illness Summit, taking place October 8–11, 2026. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Locations: Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL

On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with Dr. Mary Collings, longtime chiropractor for the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with elite athletes, Dr. Collings discusses the evolution of sports medicine, athlete recovery, load management, wearable technology, leadership, and creating championship-caliber team cultures. Listeners will gain practical insights into performance optimization, injury prevention, recovery strategies, and the qualities that help athletes and teams thrive at the highest levels of competition. Learn more or schedule a consultation: neurologicwellnessinstitute.com Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice.

EPISODE 123 | Balancing Your Brain With Dr. Ryan Worley of NeuroBalance Solutions What if chronic dizziness, anxiety, brain fog, or balance problems aren't simply symptoms to manage—but signs of dysfunctional neural pathways that can be retrained? On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster dives into the science behind Functional Neurology and how targeted neurological rehabilitation helps identify and address the root causes of persistent symptoms. Dr. Ryan Worley, of Neurobalance Solutions, shares a powerful personal story of overcoming severe anxiety, depression, dizziness, and post-concussion challenges after discovering previously undiagnosed neurological dysfunction. We discuss: • The connection between the vestibular system, balance, and anxiety • Why balance involves multiple brain regions working together • Advanced diagnostic tools including VNG and computerized balance testing • Individualized rehabilitation strategies that stimulate neuroplasticity • Virtual balance audits and remote neurological coaching • The role of inflammation, gut health, mold exposure, and metabolism in recovery • Why meaningful neurological improvement is possible at any age Whether you're dealing with chronic symptoms yourself or are interested in cutting-edge brain rehabilitation, this conversation offers valuable insight into how the brain adapts, heals, and recovers.  Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact our team today.

On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with the owner of the Infinity Neuromotor Development Center, Dr. Josh Madsen, to discuss pediatric neurological development and the importance of early intervention for developmental challenges. The conversation explores why the "wait and see" approach can be problematic, especially given how rapidly the brain develops in early childhood. The episode breaks down the clinic's developmental pyramid model, focusing on metabolic health, primitive reflex integration, vestibular and ocular systems, and higher cognitive development. Additional topics include neuroinflammation in autism, environmental and dietary stressors, reducing toxic burden in the home, and innovative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), EWOT, laser therapy, and neurologic rehabilitation technologies. The episode also provides practical insight for parents on creating engaging, movement-based therapeutic environments and limiting excessive screen exposure in young children. Neurologic Wellness Institute Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with the owner of the Infinity Neuromotor Development Center, Dr. Josh Madsen, to discuss pediatric neurological development and the importance of early intervention for developmental challenges. The conversation explores why the "wait and see" approach can be problematic, especially given how rapidly the brain develops in early childhood. The episode breaks down the clinic's developmental pyramid model, focusing on metabolic health, primitive reflex integration, vestibular and ocular systems, and higher cognitive development. Additional topics include neuroinflammation in autism, environmental and dietary stressors, reducing toxic burden in the home, and innovative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), EWOT, laser therapy, and neurologic rehabilitation technologies. The episode also provides practical insight for parents on creating engaging, movement-based therapeutic environments and limiting excessive screen exposure in young children.  Neurologic Wellness Institute Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with Chris Cannon of M2MMA to discuss how technology is transforming safety in combat sports. We explore how AI, real-time biometric tracking, and centralized medical data are improving our understanding of concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). With innovations like smart gloves and mouthguards, athletes can train smarter, recover better, and extend their careers. We also address the cultural and financial barriers that prevent fighters from reporting injuries, and why shifting toward a brain-first approach is critical for the future of combat sports. Neurologic Wellness Institute: Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL This is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

In this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster speaks with Cameron Allen of Neuro Progeny about using heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and virtual reality to retrain the nervous system. After witnessing his brother's long-term struggle with depression and traumatic brain injury, Cameron became committed to finding more effective neuro-based solutions beyond traditional fragmented care models. Topics covered include: • HRV as a biomarker for autonomic balance • Why behavior is adaptive • Real-time VR biofeedback training • Neuroplasticity and brain-body communication • Applications in post-concussion recovery • Mood and stress regulation • Future wearable diagnostics and hyperspectral imaging This episode explores how immersive biofeedback technologies may improve nervous system resilience and long-term neurological health. Neurologic Wellness Institute:  Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL Schedule a consultation to learn more. *This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

EPISODE 119 | On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with Peter McLaughlin from BlueSky Hypnosis to explore the misunderstood nature and therapeutic power of hypnosis. Topics include: • Hypnosis as a natural state of focused concentration • The subconscious mind as the true behavioral powerhouse • Why past trauma still activates fight-or-flight • Hypnotherapy for weight loss and stress regulation • Regression therapy and identifying root causes • Mental programming for elite performance • The mind-body connection in chronic illness • Cultural conditioning and holistic healing perspectives For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

EPISODE 118 | Dr. David Traster Sits Down with Allie Chandler: Chronic Illness, Lyme Disease, Mold Toxicity & POTS Recovery In this episode, Dr. David Traster interviews Allie Chandler about her journey through severe Lyme disease, mold toxicity, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). After years of neurological, cardiac, and digestive dysfunction — including nearly two years bedbound — healing began through a root-cause functional medicine approach. Topics include: • Biological drivers of inflammation • Drainage pathway optimization • Parasite protocols • Nervous system regulation • Limbic system retraining • Vagus nerve stimulation • The endocrine impact of strength training • Rebuilding belief systems after chronic illness This conversation highlights the integration of physiology, neuroplasticity, and resilience in long-term recovery. Neurologic Wellness Institute: Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL *This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

EPISODE 117 | On this episode of the Neurologic Wellness Podcast, Dr. David Traster sits down with Dr. Conner Bor of NeuroActive Spine and Rehab Center to explore neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism, ADHD, pediatric functional neurology and a proactive model for addressing developmental delays. Many children present with vestibular dysfunction, retained primitive reflexes (such as ATNR), speech delays, and impaired motor planning. Rather than adopting a "wait and see" approach, this model emphasizes early intervention through activation, nourishment, protection, and neurological challenge. Discussion Includes: Co-activation therapy Photobiomodulation (laser) PEMF and transcranial direct current stimulation Sensory-rich vestibular and proprioceptive therapies Neurocognitive eye movement training Objective tools including QEEG and fNIRS Cranial nerve stimulation for speech development Foundational lifestyle changes The mission is to empower parents with education and provide individualized, data-driven strategies to improve functional quality of life. Neurologic Wellness Institute Boca Raton, FL | Chicago, IL | Waukesha, WI | Wood Dale, IL *This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.