Eli Hallak sits down with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ellen Payne of Moravian University to discuss the importance of high quality medical education in athletic training. Together, they reflect on preparing students for real world clinical demands, the value of broad professional experiences, and how Dr. Payne’s work across settings like the Special Olympics, US Paralympic Ski Team, ski patrol, and higher education helps future clinicians see the bigger picture of patient care, adaptability, and professional responsibility.

Moravian University

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 week, Eli Hallak speaks with Breana Cutler, of the Weber State Spirit Squad, about the unique demands of caring for Performance Athletes in Cheer, Dance, and Spirit Teams. Breana shares how she had to relearn prehab, rehab, and daily care due to the athletes’ specialized skills, high pain tolerance, and exceptional mental toughness. They break down the distinct roles within teams and discuss the long-overdue recognition that these athletes are finally receiving, along with the mental toll of constant performance and the support resources available. Breana also offers insight into what it takes to become an ATC in the performance-athlete space.

Weber State Spirit Squad