Why Mild TBI Is the Most Overlooked Injury of Modern Warfare

Why Mild TBI Is the Most Overlooked Injury of Modern Warfare

Author: David Morrow June 18, 2026 Duration: 47:05

What happens when a former CFL player and combat veteran turns his lived experience with brain trauma into a mission to help others?


In this conversation, I sit down with Ryan Carey — former professional football player, retired Army officer with combat experience in Afghanistan, and advocate with the Concussion Legacy Foundation — to talk about one of the most overlooked injuries affecting veterans and athletes today: mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).


🎟️ Live Event — Montreal, June 28th (https://ticketscene.ca/events/60673/)

Join me, Ryan Carey, and Hal Hughes for a live conversation on mental health, concussions, and what it means to be a healthy man in the 21st century— don't wait, this will sell out. https://ticketscene.ca/events/60673/


Ryan brings a rare dual perspective: he's felt the cumulative effects of both elite collision sport and combat deployments. In this episode, we break down what mTBI actually is, why it's the signature injury of the global war on terror, and — most importantly — what you can do if you suspect you're dealing with one.


We cover:


What mild TBI looks like and why it often goes undiagnosed

The link between blast exposure, repetitive subconcussive impacts, and long-term neurological decline

How symptoms like irritability, fatigue, and cognitive fog may have a biological cause

Practical steps veterans can take to start helping themselves

Ryan's work with Operation Purify and Emergent Savage — programs helping veterans heal through plant medicine and men's retreats


You find conversations that matter on The Hard To Kill Podcast with Dave Morrow. Host Dave Morrow-a veteran and biochemist himself-doesn’t shy away from the difficult topics that shape our lives, from physical health and mental resilience to the societal structures that often hold us back. Each episode brings you unfiltered dialogue with guests who have been tested in extraordinary ways: special operations soldiers, unconventional researchers, and individuals who have faced profound personal trauma. The discussions are raw and direct, focusing on practical wisdom over theory. This isn't about easy answers or surface-level advice. Instead, you'll hear deep explorations into nutrition, fitness, and the mindset required to navigate a complex world. Morrow’s background allows him to bridge the gap between hard science and lived experience, asking the questions that get to the core of what it means to be strong, healthy, and free. If you're tired of polished, scripted content and want substance from people who have earned their perspective, this podcast provides that space. It’s a resource for anyone committed to genuine self-improvement and understanding the interconnected nature of our physical and mental well-being. The goal is to equip you with insights that are both actionable and profound, drawn from the hardest lessons learned.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Hard To Kill Podcast with Dave Morrow
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