An introduction to the Vets First Podcast

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.