R Rated Science Podcast

Latest Episodes:

EP 15: Operation Destigmatize; Interview with Chuck Eastman from Stop Soldier Suicide Aug 07, 2023

On this episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast, Ricky sits down with Chuck Eastman from Stop Soldier Suicide to discuss a topic that we are fighting hard to destigmatize.

Ricky asks Chuck why service members are dying from suicide, what the causes are, and what some of the data show. They then discuss the importance of community in the prevention of suicide, before ideation and, during crisis. Further in the episode, Chuck goes over the "black box" AI study that Triple S conducted and they found that in today's society, physical isolation is not the only form of isolating. Virtual isolation is just as high of a risk. After hearing this, Ricky explains to Chuck that he recently saw a Veteran do this exact form of isolation and was lucky to have intervened.

Ricky and Chuck share their deep passion to destigmatize this topic and hope that this open discord will begin a pathway for it.

@Rratedscience

DISCLAIMER: Suicide will be discussed in detail in this episode. Please call or dial 988 if you need assistance.

EP 14: REAL TALK. IBOGAINE AND 5-MEO DMT with Dan Orth Jul 12, 2023

In this episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast we welcome back one of our favorite guests, Dan Orth. Dan joins us to discuss his psychedelic journey of healing through the guided use of ibogaine and 5-meo DMT. This episode is heavy, vulnerable, raw, and empowering.

Dan received a grant from the Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS, https://vetsolutions.org/) non-profit to attend the Ambiolife treatment center. Dan felt he was at rock bottom at the time and needed to find a proper solution to learn to love himself and see that there is a way forward. After his journey with the medicine, Dan can confidently say that he loves himself, life, and those around him. He mentions that he has not felt that way in over 15 years. Since treatment, Dan has come off of his antidepressant and anxiolytic medications and has had no issues with his sleep apnea or diet. Please tune in for this incredibly powerful episode.

Ricky and Dan also discuss the importance of using known entities that establish the proper environment when using these medications.

***DISCLAIMER The host of this show and episode does not recommend the illegal use of psychedelic therapy ***

EP 13: Prehospital Management of Traumatic Brain Injury Mar 07, 2023

In today's episode of the R-Rated Science podcast Ricky covers the prehospital management of traumatic brain injury. He presents a patient scenario/case study and then goes on to discuss the high yield neurophysiology that is relevant for prehospital providers and then covers the signs and symptoms to assess for and treat! He discusses the future of TBI management, and busts some myths regarding certain monitoring devices.

Tune is for a listen and give some feedback!

Want to be on the pod? Send me an email @rratedscience@gmail.com

https://jts.amedd.army.mil/assets/docs/cpgs/Use_of_TBI_Plasma_Biomarkers_after_Potentially_Concussive_Event-16_Aug_2021_ID90.pdf

https://www.jsomonline.org/Citations/8AMI-B6SP.php

https://pjmed.libsyn.com/2014/07

https://prolongedfieldcare.org/

EP12: Sleep Expert, CrossFit Games Competitor, and friend, Dr. Allison Brager Feb 14, 2023

On this episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast we sit down with our friend, Dr. Allison Brager. Dr. Brager is a neurobiologist with expertise in sleep and circadian rhythms. She works on human and animal models of study. Her work examines substrates and mechanisms of resiliency to extreme environmental stress (exercise, jet lag, and sleep deprivation). She presently sits on the fatigue management and neuroenhancement working groups through NATO, US Special Operations Command, the Office of the Army Surgeon General, and inter-government (DoD, NASA, FAA, NHTSA, NIH). She co-authered the first edition of the NCAA student-athlete mental health handbook and she self published her own book, Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain (https://www.amazon.com/Meathead-Unraveling-Athletic-Allison-Brager/dp/149086444X). Dr. Brager also sits on the scientific advisory board for Whoop. More important than anything, she’s a wonderful friend, wife, and leader. Dr. Brager is an excellent example of how to break down norms and to never quit! Please check out Dr. Brager at the following links;

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36739619/

https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzz/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-brager-80a58210/

Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcast fix!

Episode 11: One Fleeting Spark is all You need with OperationRSF Jan 31, 2023

Today we sit down with OperationRSF co-founder Tyler Meade PhD. Tyler is currently an active duty service member who is responsible for the well-being, discipline, and execution of critical missions for his team. Tyler is a servant leader who has shown with action that service to others is his calling and he has no signs of slowing down. Like many, Tyler saw his teammates struggling and suffering from mental health disorders during their service and after they were discharged. Doing what SOF does best, he started up a conversation with his fellow teammates and they decided to put thought into action and provide equitable solutions. Tyler and his co-founders focus on helping those who are sedentary in life due to their struggles with mental health. They do this through accountability and physical exercise. Tyler’s team has an evidenced based approach in all that they do and they know from their own experiences the profound effects exercise can have on the brain. OperationRSF is helping people live with a higher quality of life and we could not be more proud to support them and to talk to Tyler. OperationRSF believes that one single fleeting spark is all you need to ignite a new path in life. Please follow and support OperationsRSF on instagram at OperationRSF.

Head to their website to donate and find out more! https://operationrsf.org/

Remember to leave us a review on your podcast server of choice! It really helps us out!

EP 10: TBI Specialty Clinics; Who, What, How Jan 17, 2023

In this episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast, Ricky discusses some of the specialty TBI clinics available for Veterans, First Responders, and Active Duty Personnel. Ricky also discusses some of the ongoing research at the Anschutz School of Medicine in Colorado that's actively recruiting Veterans right now!

What makes a TBI clinic special? Many things! They focus on a multidisciplinary care approach that addresses the 7-pillars of TBI health management. From neuro-audiology to nutrition to neuropsychological health. These specialty clinics take a multidimensional view of your health and find ways to improve your quality of life!

Be sure to give a like, follow, and comment wherever you listen to your podcast because it helps us out!

Below are the links Ricky promised in the episode!

Mental Wellness

The Avalon Fund

THRIVE Program

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/mibh

https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Centers-of-Excellence/Traumatic-Brain-Injury-Center-of-Excellence

Home Base Program - Red Sox Foundation

Follow on instagram @rratedscience

Episode 9: Mild is for Hot Sauce, NOT TBI Jan 03, 2023

In this episode, Ricky and Kate introduce our newest series for 2023 - TBI Talk. TBI Talk begins with introducing the topic of traumatic brain injury. Kate & Ricky describe why and how they became interested in the brain, the different categories of TBI, and most importantly - the complexities associated with this injury set. Strap in for an insightful series where we all learn together! Leave a review where you like to listen to our podcast as it truly helps us grow and reach more audience members! Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/r_rated_science/

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI)? The CDC defines TBI as: A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is **an injury that affects how the brain works.**TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk for getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury.

Other definitions from DVBIC include;

https://www.cemm.af.mil/Programs/Traumatic-Brain-Injury/What-Is-Traumatic-Brain-Injury/

What is a Glasgow Coma Scale Score? 🧠

https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/resources/gcs.pdf

According to the CDC a Glasgow Coma Scale is given based on the response from the Eyes, Verbal, and Motor response to specific stimuli as shown below.

Eye Opening Response • Spontaneous--open with blinking at baseline 4 points • To verbal stimuli, command, speech 3 points • To pain only (not applied to face) 2 points • No response 1 point

Verbal Response • Oriented 5 points • Confused conversation, but able to answer questions 4 points • Inappropriate words 3 points • Incomprehensible speech 2 points • No response 1 point

Motor Response • Obeys commands for movement 6 points • Purposeful movement to painful stimulus 5 points • Withdraws in response to pain 4 points • Flexion in response to pain (decorticate posturing) 3 points • Extension response in response to pain (decerebrate posturing) 2 points • No response 1 point

Call 988 if you need to!

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAnsqdBhCGARIsAAyjYjQsHBO5Mq12Bek4qjKUu-LcolMu5FePlGnYQzJshh4PGC-62ssL90kaAvImEALw_wcB

https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/

EP 8: Fatherhood and War, the Steve Pate Story Dec 22, 2022

On this episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast, Kate sits down with her father Steve to discuss what it was like to grow up with parents who served in wars and then his own experience as a father sending his sons off to war. This episode provides unique insights that we often do not have the privilege to hear about. Steve discusses the evolution of communication during the war and how that has changed our understanding of the struggles our service men and women can go through when they return home from war.

Please follow us on Instagram @rratedscience, give us a like comment, and share, and tune in for the next episode after the holiday's.

EP7: REAL TALK: Steve Viola, The Ultimate Servant Leader Dec 06, 2022

MCPO (ret) SEAL Steven Viola joins Ricky and Kate for another episode of the REAL TALK series.

Steve is the kind of man who could easily boast about his accomplishments but chooses instead to abide by the ethos of the quiet professional, something that become increasingly rare in a world where egos clamor for attention. He explains how to learn from failure, shares what it’s like to go from being angry to being at peace, and sets the ultimate example of what it means to serve. Steve not only served for 30 years in the NAVY but he continues to serve his community daily. In 2020 Steve served as the Chief Safety Officer for the NYP-Ryan F. Larkin Field Hospital HERE , a Board member for the Prelude Prep Public School, and he was the first ever Enlisted President of the Special Operations Medical Association!

Bring a pen and paper or seek shelter in a bunker because Steve lays straight knowledge bombs, and this is an episode you do not want to miss!

Steve's affiliations:

Prelude Prep

Max Per Diem LLC

Steve's LinkedIn

EP6: Catching Up, the Holidays, and Social Media Based Medicine Nov 22, 2022

In this Episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast, Ricky and Kate catch up on things going on in their life and the projects they're working on.

Kate goes over her latest project that she is submitting to the CDMRP for military toxic exposure relating to neuroinflammation. They then discuss the holidays and some of the data regarding suicide rates and the holidays.

Lastly, Ricky and Kate go over the risks associated with social media "med-fluencers" and how they can create distrust in the healthcare system.

Non Profits Organizations Mentioned in the Podcast

https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate?gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_KbBhDLARIsANx7wAw5o6Fl_WsgitxPOUdlGc1403ys8YGl6HK0wPYjImOznw3wVNP73eMaAqQkEALw_wcB

https://1strcf.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAg_KbBhDLARIsANx7wAzHptodayEYFBmk6n7YxV9Eqi4EBRhfS6vE_LHMcElf7M0cYmsvpUgaAtlWEALw_wcB

https://www.google.com/search?q=vfw&oq=VFW&aqs=chrome.0.0i355i433i512j46i199i433i465i512j0i433i457i512j0i402l2j0i131i433i512j0i512j69i60.623j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://operationhomefront.org/holiday-meals-for-military/

Make sure to like/comment/subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating! It truly helps us out!

EP5: My First Time Seeing Their Name on the Wall Nov 01, 2022

In this solo-cast episode of the R-Rated Science Podcast Ricky recounts his experiences seeing his friend's name on their memorial wall for the first time. He describes the emotions he felt before, during, and after seeing their name. The purpose of this episode it to help the listener navigate their own emotions regarding events like these, and know that they are NOT alone in their feelings as well.

It is important that we never forget those who have gone before us. NSDF.

EP4: Understanding Grief with Joanne Cacciatore PhD Oct 18, 2022

“Her therapeutic interventions are always presence-and-mindfulness based and include narrative, dialectical, and trauma-focused therapies.”

For so many people, therapy is a dirty word. In my experience, people are unaware of the various types of therapy beyond just talk therapy available to them these days.

Would you please explain the differences between the types of therapy you offer, and perhaps others you know of that you feel our audience should be aware of?

The world pursues happiness. The world avoids grief. This equation creates more suffering and loneliness for grievers than imaginable.

How should we approach delayed grief? Most of our service members HAVE to delay their grief.

https://www.missfoundation.org/staff/dr-joanne-cacciatore/

https://wisdomexperience.org/wisdom-article/the-me-you-cant-see/

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/grief-guru-oprah-prince-harry-documentary-120038633.html

https://www.facebook.com/drjoannec

EP3: REAL TALK: Healing Through Poetry, The Dan Orth Story Oct 04, 2022

In this episode, Ricky and Kate sit down with Dan Orth, a man who is as real, nuanced, and deep as the vivid poetry that pours from his soul. Dan doesn’t choose to share his emotions through writing for recognition; he does it solely to help others so they know they’re not alone. Words fall short of describing how impactful this episode is to our hosts, and we know many of you will feel the same. Trust us when we say that you do not want to miss this one. Some of the topics covered during our conversation include:

Dan’s background and military career
The struggles of living with traumatic brain injury and what to do about it
The costs associated with a high-stakes, high stress profession and how to deal with the dark and painful nights that inevitably come calling for us all
The criticality of friendship and tribe
How writing poetry can simultaneously enable us to feel our painful emotions and transform them

Apple Podcasts

Instagram

EP2: Moral Injury with Ricky and Kate Sep 20, 2022

In this episode, Ricky and Kate introduce the topic of Moral Injury (MI) and discuss it in the context of military service members, first responders, and healthcare providers, although the term is not exclusive to these populations. MI is a very real cognitive and emotional response that individuals may experience following a violation of their moral or ethical code. These violations can occur when a person acts or fails to act, witnesses someone else act or fail to act, or is betrayed by a trusted individual in situations of significant consequence. The hosts describe the current state of research around MI, stressing the importance of family and various therapeutic approaches to healing, and they reference ongoing clinical trials. Ricky shares his own experiences with MI, and the two touch on how they’ve seen MI affect those they know. Research articles and books referenced in this episode are listed below.

https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp#:~:text=Moral%20injury%20is%20the%20distressing,individual%27s%20values%20and%20moral%20beliefs

https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/nchav/resources/trauma/Moral_Injury.asp

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=moral+injury&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03764033?cond=moral+injury&draw=2&rank=1

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05001542?cond=moral+injury&draw=2&rank=8

https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.neuropsych.19020036

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00443/full

https://oneop.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Griffin-MI-integrative-review.pdf

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/moral-injury-in-a-context-of-trauma/82DE047143C9669BDFEDC81E614A8CA5

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(21)00113-9/fulltext

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10567-013-0146-y

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine

EP1: Meet the Hosts of R-Rated Science Sep 12, 2022

In this introductory episode you meet R Rated Science Hosts Kate Pate PhD and Ricky Ditzel Jr.

Kate and Ricky discuss how they came up with the concept for R Rated Science, what it means to be R Rated, and you learn about their upbringings and where they are today!

The views and opinions of this podcast are of the hosts only and do not reflect the organizations they represent.

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