From Incidental Finding to Champion: Rafael Barbosa

The Accident That Saved His Life: Steve Trifletti

What does a minor car accident have to do with saving your life? For Steve Trifletti, a Plymouth, Massachusetts, trial attorney, the answer is everything. A routine ER visit after being rear-ended led to an unexpected discovery: a brain aneurysm. In this episode of the Brain Aneurysm Foundation's The 1 in 50 podcast, host Christine Buckley sits down with Steve to discuss his diagnosis, his recovery, and the awareness model he has built in his community ever since. He shares how speaking openly about his experience prompted family members to get tested - with life-saving results. His advice to other survivors: lean into your strengths and share your story, because it can save lives. To watch the video version, visit our YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube [https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube]

From Incidental Finding to Champion: Rafael Barbosa

In this episode, we’re joined by professional MMA fighter Rafael Barbosa, fresh off winning the Pancrase Lightweight Title. Known for his grit and determination inside the cage, Rafael’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2022 when routine pre-fight medical testing revealed two brain aneurysms—an incidental finding that changed everything. What followed was a battle far beyond the octagon. Rafael opens up about receiving his diagnosis, navigating treatment and recovery, and the mental and physical challenges of stepping away from the sport he loves. Now back in the cage, he shares what it meant to return to fighting, how his perspective has shifted, and why prioritizing your health can be life-saving. To watch the video version, visit our YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube [https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube]

The Road to Neurosurgery with Dr. Zayed Almadidy

Chicago-based neurosurgeon and social media educator Dr. Zayed Almadidy, MD — known to more than 1 million followers as Dr. Z Neurosurgery — joins us to share what life behind the scenes in neurosurgery really looks like. He opens up about the demands of training, the moment that inspired him to pursue this path, and the dedication and commitment required to care for patients. Dr. Z also discusses the realities of delivering life-changing news, explains key risk factors for brain aneurysms, and reflects on the 16-year journey of discipline, education, and empathy it takes to operate on the human brain and spine. A candid and insightful conversation about medicine, purpose, and the dedication behind saving lives. To watch the video version, visit our YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube [https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube]

The Future of Brain Aneurysm Research: Insights from Dr. Edgar A. Samaniego

Christine Buckley sits down with Dr. Edgar A. Samaniego, MD, MS, from the University of Iowa to discuss the future of brain aneurysm research—and the challenges holding it back. While treatment tools for brain aneurysms have advanced significantly, our understanding of biology, genetics, and screening remains in the early stages. Dr. Samaniego shares why better screening tools, improved diagnosis of unruptured aneurysms, and clearer guidance on who needs treatment versus monitoring are critical next steps. The conversation also highlights how declining research funding at both the industry and government levels threatens progress and delays potential breakthroughs in understanding why brain aneurysms form and how to prevent rupture.   To watch the video version, visit our YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube [https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube]

A Life Saved, A Community Built: Dr. Cooper and Janine Durso

Dr. Jared Cooper and brain aneurysm survivor and advocate, Janine Durso come together for an honest conversation about survival, care, and community. Janine shares her personal experience with a brain aneurysm and how Dr. Cooper played a key role in her lifesaving care. They explore the signs and symptoms of brain aneurysms, the realities of both ruptured and unruptured diagnoses, and why ongoing support is just as important as medical treatment. The episode also spotlights their involvement in building a brain aneurysm support group at White Plains Hospital, creating a space where patients and families can feel seen, supported, and understood. To watch the video version, visit our YouTube channel, https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube [https://bit.ly/1in50Youtube]