The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey Berry
The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey Berry
Podcast Description
The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey Berry takes you inside the reality of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through the lens of football and bull riding. With firsthand experience in two of the most punishing sports, Paul and Corey share their stories, the lasting effects of head trauma, and the fight for awareness and support.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the realities of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its impact on athletes, with episodes discussing personal experiences in football and bull riding, as well as exploring awareness and support topics through heartfelt narratives and expert insights.
The HeadRush Podcast with Paul Frase and Corey Berry takes you inside the reality of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) through the lens of football and rodeo. With firsthand experience in two of the most punishing sports, Paul and Corey share their stories, the lasting effects of head trauma, and the fight for awareness and support.
A 9/11 survivor with a fractured skull and years of concussion fallout, Mike Dempsey shares the real cost of trauma—and the tools, people, and hope that helped him rebuild his life.
Mike Dempsey’s life is the definition of resilience. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he chased elite athletics—football, baseball, even boxing—before building a successful corporate career. Then September 11, 2001 changed everything.
Mike was inside the World Trade Center complex when the first plane hit. Minutes later, near Tower One, he was knocked unconscious as the second plane struck—suffering a fractured skull and internal bleeding. What followed wasn’t just survival. It was years of navigating PTSD, memory loss, brain fog, vertigo, executive function challenges, and the terrifying experience of not recognizing your own brain.
In this powerful episode of The HeadRush Podcast, Paul Frase and Corey Berry sit down with Mike to unpack:
- What it was like inside the WTC on 9/11
- The hidden aftermath of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Repeated head impacts (RHI) and long-term brain health
- A later concussion that “broke the camel’s back”
- The darkest months—and how he fought back
- Neurofeedback therapy and emerging recovery modalities
- Why “finding your helpers” can save your life
This conversation is raw, honest, and hopeful. If you or someone you love is dealing with TBI symptoms, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or post-trauma life, this episode delivers clarity and courage.
Mantra: How to cope and find hope.
👉 Learn more about Mike: themikedempsey.com
👉 More episodes & resources: headrushpodcast.com
Proudly Supported By:
• Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation
• Millennium Health Centers
• Millennium Health Store
• Paradise Behavioral Health
• McWellness – Cristal Clark
Disclaimer: This podcast/video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
#9/11survivor #WorldTradeCenter #traumaticbraininjury #TBIrecovery #PTSDrecovery #brainfog #neurofeedbacktherapy #concussions #repeatedheadimpacts #CTEawareness #traumarecovery #executivefunction #mentalhealthsupport
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