In this Special Release episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Aaron Strout, Head Athletic Trainer at Colony High School, to discuss an ongoing fight to protect the Athletic Training profession in California. Aaron shares how certified Athletic Trainers in his district had their job titles changed to “Athletic Support Specialist” after raising concerns about compliance with California’s title-protection law. They discuss why this goes far beyond a job title, affecting professional recognition, appropriate qualifications, and ultimately the healthcare provided to student-athletes. Aaron also highlights the support of the California Athletic Trainers’ Association and calls on Athletic Trainers, parents, and communities to advocate for stronger protections. The discussion underscores what’s at stake when schools attempt to work around professional standards and why Athletic Trainers must stand together to protect both their profession and the students they serve.

Chaffey Joint Union High School District

California Athletic Trainers’ Association

Senators | California State Senate

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Grant Schamburg, President of the Oklahoma Athletic Trainers’ Association (OATA), to shine a national spotlight on Athletic Training in Oklahoma. Together, they discuss OATA’s work to improve heat safety through WBGT policies, modernize Oklahoma’s Athletic Training Practice Act, and pursue participation in the Athletic Training Licensure Compact. Grant also highlights the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and professional involvement, emphasizing that moving the profession forward requires Athletic Trainers to show up, build relationships, and take an active role in shaping its future.

Eli welcomes Colin Perry, founder and CEO of Perry Weather, to trace the journey from a simple idea to a professional-grade weather monitoring system trusted in safety-critical environments. Colin shares how Perry Weather evolved into a platform featuring on-site stations, real-time alerts, and highly accurate forecasts designed to protect people and operations when conditions matter most. The conversation also explores the company’s commitment to community safety, its efforts to give back to the NATA community, and how strategic partnerships are rapidly expanding Perry Weather’s technology into industrial and professional settings.

Perry Weather

This episode was originally released on 12/29/25

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Christina Scherr, Interim President of the California Athletic Trainers’ Association, and Sarah Goble, CATA Secretary, to discuss the issues currently shaping Athletic Training in California. Together, they break down California AB 1703, the purpose of the CATA Symposium, and the challenge of attracting new members while continuing to serve established ones. They also discuss Athletic Training companies and per diem status, the use of high school student aides, and why collecting and using meaningful data is critical when advocating for the needs of the profession.

California Athletic Trainers’ Association

In this special episode, Eli Hallak, Brianna Millard, Tim Moscicki, Cindi Kramer, and Sarah Goble unpack the recently released California Interscholastic Federation’s Heat Guidelines for High School Athletics mandated by California AB 1653. Join them for a very candid discussion on understanding the law and its current impact on ATC’s, students, parents, and schools.

National Weather Service WetBulb Globe Temperature

Perry Weather

Kestrel Instruments

Kori Stringer Institute

California Interscholastic Federation

This episode was originally released on 08/07/24

In this episode, District Directors from the National Athletic Trainers' Association-Vicky Graham, Tanya Dargusch, Rob Marshall, and Valerie Herzog-join Eli Hallak for a candid conversation about the future of the athletic training profession and what's taking place in their Districts. Together, they explore how progress in clinical settings can elevate practice across the board, emphasize the power of volunteering over complaining when it comes to creating change, and challenge the narrative of a workforce shortage. They make it clear: it's not a shortage of athletic trainers, but a shortage of athletic trainers willing to work in environments that overwork, underpay, and undervalue them as medical professionals.

National Athletic Trainers' Association

This episode was originally released on 06/23/25

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Ginger Mueller, Senior Vice President and Co-Owner of Mueller Sports Medicine, to discuss her journey through one of the most recognized family businesses in sports medicine. Ginger reflects on the history and legacy of Mueller Sports Medicine, the influence of her father in building the company, and the responsibility that comes with stewarding a brand that has served generations of healthcare professionals. The conversation also highlights the importance of expanding access to quality sports medicine and clinical care in high schools and the lasting impact those services have on the health and well-being of student athletes.

Mueller Sports Medicine

In this episode, Eli Hallak sits down with Susan Taah, President and Founder of the Industrial Athletic Trainers' Society and Work Factor Health, to discuss her journey into the industrial athletic training setting. Susan shares how her specialization in ergonomics allows her to adapt processes to better fit the people performing the work, improving both safety and performance. The conversation explores the role of OSHA in industry and its interaction with Athletic Trainers, the tremendous growth projected for the profession in emerging settings, and the unique position Athletic Trainers occupy in making both direct and indirect impacts on the health and well-being of workers and communities.

Industrial Athletic Trainers' Society