Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Episode: Chris Nowinski on CTE Release Date: May 14, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard sits down with Chris Nowinski, a neuroscientist, author, and retired professional wrestler, to delve deep into the pressing issue of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The conversation navigates through Nowinski's unique journey from the wrestling ring to the forefront of concussion research, shedding light on the devastating effects of repetitive head injuries.
Chris Nowinski's Journey: From Harvard to Wrestling
Background and Early Life
Chris Nowinski hails from Chicago, where his father worked in hotel restaurant management, allowing Chris to immerse himself in the football culture from a young age. "My dad worked at Northwestern in food service. That’s actually my first love—football," Chris shares [00:50].
Despite excelling academically with a remarkable GPA, Nowinski chose Harvard University not only for its prestigious education but also for its football program. "I was a student first," he emphasizes, highlighting his commitment to academics over athletics [07:03].
Transition to Professional Wrestling
After Harvard, Chris ventured into life sciences consulting but found himself yearning for the excitement of wrestling. "I took a plane ticket before we even graduated to Atlanta, to the Power Plant where Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorff just beats me up for a day," Chris recounts [12:47]. His stint on MTV's Tough Enough reality show marked his entry into professional wrestling, although he initially faced challenges, including a significant shoulder injury [13:55].
The Dark Side of Wrestling: Concussions and Their Aftermath
Experiencing Repeated Head Injuries
Chris's wrestling career was cut short due to multiple concussions, which he initially mistook for mere headaches and dizziness. "I thought as long as my vision went normal or the headache went away, I was okay," he admits [19:03]. However, persistent symptoms like REM behavior disorder and chronic headaches forced him to reassess his future in wrestling [20:16].
Understanding CTE
Transitioning from athlete to researcher, Nowinski pursued a Ph.D. in neuroscience to uncover the truths about CTE. "CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repetitive traumatic brain injuries," Chris explains [27:14]. He outlines the complex biochemical processes involved, emphasizing that while the brain can repair itself to some extent, damaged neurons do not regenerate [21:19].
Research Breakthroughs and Discoveries
Establishing the Concussion Legacy Foundation
Chris co-founded the Concussion Legacy Foundation, aiming to advance CTE research and promote brain donation among athletes. "We have a brain bank now with 1,600 brains, close to 500 former NFL players," he states, highlighting the extensive research efforts underway [53:15].
CTE Prevalence in Sports
In his studies, Chris found an alarming prevalence of CTE among professional athletes:
- NFL Players: Out of 111 brains studied, 110 exhibited signs of CTE [37:48].
- NHL Players: 18 out of 19 brains showed CTE, even exceeding rates in NFL players [46:14].
He contrasts this with lower incidences in other sports but cautions that data is still emerging, especially in global sports like rugby and Australian rules football [58:01].
Impact on Athletes and Broader Implications
Behavioral and Cognitive Decline
CTE manifests through cognitive decline, memory loss, and severe behavioral changes. "The number one thing you see is personality change," Chris notes, underscoring the profound personal and familial disruptions caused by the disease [40:25].
High-Profile Cases
Chris shares the tragic story of wrestler Chris Benoit, whose battle with CTE preceded his horrific actions. "He gave me his phone number. He goes, call me next week... and then months later, he killed his wife and son," Chris reveals, highlighting the dire consequences of untreated brain injuries [42:02].
Beyond Sports: Other Affected Occupations
While sports like football and hockey are primary focus areas, Chris acknowledges that other professions involving repetitive head trauma, such as the military and firefighting, are also at risk. "We’ve seen it in some military people who do not play sports but were exposed to explosions," he explains [70:23].
Advocacy and Future Directions
Preventative Measures and Policy Changes
Chris advocates for significant changes in youth sports to mitigate CTE risks. "Let's not repetitively hit, hit kids in the head probably till 14," he urges, advocating for earlier intervention and protective measures [59:45].
Brain Donation Campaigns
To advance research, Chris initiated a pledge for athletes to donate their brains post-mortem. "We have 13,000 people who've pledged to donate their brains," he announces, emphasizing the crucial role of brain donations in understanding and combating CTE [54:11].
Global Research Expansion
Expanding beyond the United States, Chris has established brain banks in Australia and Europe to study CTE in a variety of sports globally. "We diagnosed the first cases in Australian Rules football and rugby league," he states, indicating the international scope of their research efforts [56:35].
Call to Action
Chris Nowinski concludes with a heartfelt plea for support and participation in the fight against CTE. "Go to concussionfoundation.org or find us on social media. We are always looking for support, brain donors, and advocates," he urges, emphasizing the collective effort needed to address this epidemic [72:25].
Notable Quotes
- Chris Nowinski: "CTE is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by repetitive traumatic brain injuries." [27:17]
- Dax Shepard: "It has some value that needs to be acknowledged." [59:16]
- Chris Nowinski: "It’s not just CTE. Brain injury itself in the absence of CT can cause a lot of this stuff." [44:31]
- Chris Nowinski: "We need to make reasonable reforms. Start later and hit less." [59:45]
Conclusion
This episode of Armchair Expert provides a profound exploration of CTE through the lens of someone deeply affected by the condition. Chris Nowinski's transition from athlete to advocate underscores the urgent need for awareness, research, and systemic change to protect athletes and individuals in high-risk professions from the long-term consequences of head injuries.
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