Todd Strader: The Silent Toll of Blast Exposure in the Military

Author: Bruce Parkman
Published: Mon 12 May 2025
Episode Link: None

In this compelling episode of Broken Brains, host Bruce Parkman sits down with U.S. Army veteran and C3M policy advocate Todd Strader to confront one of the military’s most urgent and overlooked crises: repetitive brain trauma from blast overpressure.

Strader shares his personal journey—from enduring chronic headaches and memory issues to becoming a leading voice in the push for blast injury recognition and legislative reform. The discussion explores the hidden costs of training and combat-related blast exposure, and how this silent epidemic has gone unaddressed for far too long.

Together, they break down the Over Pressure Warfighters Act of 2025, the importance of wearable blast dosimeters, and how current legislation like the PACT Act could be expanded to provide real solutions for veterans. Strader outlines innovative proposals for protective gear, smarter training protocols, and the pressing need for government accountability and funding.

This episode is a call to action—for policymakers, service members, and the public—to recognize and treat the neurological injuries many warriors carry home.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Repetitive Brain Trauma

03:03 Todd Strader's Military Experience and Awareness

05:48 The Impact of Blast Exposure on Health

08:54 Creating Awareness and Community Support

12:03 Legislative Efforts and the Over Pressure Warfighters Act

15:12 Understanding Mortar Exposure and Its Effects

17:50 Mental Health Challenges Among Veterans