In this episode you are introduced to the hosts of the Vets First Podcast, Levi Sowers and Brandon Rea. They discuss the origins of the podcast and their goals surrounding it. You will get to know the hosts as they discuss their backgrounds and what brought them to this point in time. You will also hear about the research they work on and its relevance to Veterans.
Along the way in their work, Levi and Brandon noticed a disconnect between Veterans and research. Many Veterans did not know research was being done at the VA at all. Additionally, a major concern of Veterans was not being earnestly listened to. As researchers wanting to give back, they felt a need to convey research focus and findings to Veterans in an easily understood manner and well as provide a platform for Veterans to talk about their experiences. We’d like to thank the Iowa City VA research foundation for funding this endeavor and giving us a chance to build bridges in understanding.
Levi grew up in rural central Iowa near a town called Perry. He went to the University of Iowa where he graduated in 2012 with his PhD in molecular and cellular biology. In 2014 he joined the VA Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss and Dr. Andrew Russo’s laboratory at The University of Iowa where he now studies traumatic brain injury induced headache and migraine. Levi’s work aims to identify brain regions that are important in the development of post-traumatic headache and photophobia (light sensitivity) in Veterans. A great profile of Dr. Sowers’ research interests can be found here.
Brandon Rea grew up in a small rural town called Bernard, Iowa. He went to the University of Iowa where he graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He is now a researcher in Dr. Russo and Levi’s lab where he works closely with Levi on multiple migraine-related projects. Brandon’s research expertise focuses on pain-related behaviors in migraine, particularly facial grimace. Brandon and Levi were recently co-first and senior authors, respectively, of a paper published on these findings in the publication PAIN.
Season 2 Episode 9 – Supporting our active-duty military, Veterans, and first responders: Jim Ravella and the Gary Sinise Foundation
Season 2 Episode 4 – Two candid discussions about drug use disorders: Trever Siver and Henry Uken
Season 2 Episode 8 – Exploring treatment of PTSD, headache, and depression through brain stimulation: Wave Neuro and TMS
Season 2 Episode 6 – The ongoing battle: Josh Marino and Rob Otto share about PTSD, depression, and suicide
Season one in the books!
A leader in kidney disease and transplant: Dr. Christie Thomas.
Extraordinary circumstances: Son donates kidney to father and Jack Jones receives the first Hepatitis C positive kidney
When our blood filtration system goes bad: two Veteran viewpoints on kidney disease
Out of the dark and into the light: Life after successful treatment of post-traumatic headache
An introduction to the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Loss and an interview with its director Dr. Randy Kardon
A life turned upside down: One Veteran’s story of life after traumatic brain injury.
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