Matt Kadow: Brain Injuries, Anxiety, and the Power of Communication
Ultimately it makes you a better teacher and a better human when you know when life forces you to take that examination of things.
Imagine being a coach and suddenly realizing you're losing words and forgetting your thoughts mid-sentence. That's exactly what happened to Matt Kadow, a soccer coach, teacher, and political strategist. In this episode of '40,000 Steps Radio', Matt shares his eye-opening journey with host Christopher Heimerman. After noticing troubling signs in his virtual teaching lessons, Matt sought medical advice and discovered he wasn't facing the long-term effects of multiple traumatic brain injuries from his athletic past.
Instead, he learned valuable tools to manage his anxiety and maintain brain health. Now, he's passing these lessons on to the athletes he coaches, emphasizing the importance of concussion protocols and encouraging open communication about mental struggles. This approach is yielding remarkable results in his teams. The episode also introduces Allison Grady, a clinical psychology student and college track sprinter who has battled mental illness and an eating disorder.
Her perspective adds depth to the conversation, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, brain health, and the critical role of communication in sports.