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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, we're joined by two brilliant minds in neurosurgery and concussion research: Dr. Nitin Agarwal, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Raj Lavadi, Resident Physician and concussion researcher.

Dr. Agarwal brings a wealth of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon, educator, and prolific author with over 300 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Lavadi, currently in residency at Indian University, has already co-authored over 50 papers, with a focus on imaging biomarkers in traumatic brain injury.

Together, we dive into their recent collaborative study: “Video Analysis of Concussion Among Slap Fighting Athletes”

- Dr Lavadi & Dr Agarawal’s Involved in medicine (01:09)

- What is a concussion + Signs & Symptoms (05:20)

- Power Slap: What is the ‘sport’ and its objectives (07:35)

- Video Analysis of Concussion Among Slap Fighting Athletes (10:23)

- Common Injuries (16:51)

- Loss of Conciseness (19:01)

- Facial Dropping and Follow Up Studies (21:19)

- Your research and How Can We Support It (28:00)

Dr. Agarwal:

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitinagarwalmd/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/nitinagarwalmd/

X- https://x.com/NitinAgarwalMD

Websites-

https://nitinagarwalmd.com/

https://scoli.org/

Dr Raj Lavadi:

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajlavadi/

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rajlavadi/

X-https://x.com/RajLavadi

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we have the honour and privilege to welcome Peter Jess.

With over 40 years of experience in sports management and personal representation, Peter is a true powerhouse in the industry. As the first accredited AFL player agent in 1980, he helped shape the foundation of modern athlete representation in Australia. Globally respected for his work with high-profile athletes and professionals, Peter has been a key figure in driving industry reform. He co-founded the AFLPA’s Education and Training Board and played a pivotal role in establishing the AFL’s Agent Accreditation system. Today, he’s also a leading voice in player welfare, championing reform in concussion protocols and advocating for better long-term health outcomes for athletes.

- How Become Involved in Player Management (01:25)

- Involvement in AFLPA (02:15)

- What is Concussion and Traumatic Axonal Injury)? (04:42)

- Concussion Protocol Stand Down Times (06:40)

- Unpacking AFL litigation (09:12)

- Concussion Passports (14:19)

- Neurological Disease’s and Repercussions (16:25)

- The Role of AFL/ AFLPA in Concussion (18:59)

- Peters Lived Experience (25:06)

- Litigation Against the Club and Doctors (27:00)

- TES (30:08)

- How Do They Count Concussions (32:45)

- Where to Find/ Help (35:57)

EPISODE 70: The History of Rugby Union’s Concussion Crisis, Concussion in Sports Group and Evolution of Concussion Protocols with Professor Tony Collins

**Paul McCrory and Concussion in Sports Group Foundations (23:50)

Peter Jess:

https://www.pjaaccountants.com.au/about/

https://www.athletica.management/about-us/

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Today, we’re joined once again by Professor Alan Pearce, returning from Episode 21. A Clinical Neurophysiologist, Professor Pearce is internationally recognized for his work in sports-related concussion, employing techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to investigate neurophysiological responses to brain injury.

He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and several key texts in the field, with his research cited over 5,000 times. In addition to his academic contributions, Professor Pearce is a prominent advocate for concussion education in media and public discourse.

- What is a concussion (01:35)

- Update on Dr Pearce Research (03:20)

- Run It Straight (07:30)

- Mixed Messaging (11:41)

- How Do You Keep Advocating the Message (18:17)

- Ways We Can Help the Message and Changing Sports For Kids(21:32)

- How to Support and Help Your Work?

Alan Pearce

@alanpearcephd

https://neuropearce.com

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr. Stephen Casper, first featured in Episode 30. A globally respected medical historian, Dr. Casper is Professor of History and Associate Director of Honors at Clarkson University, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His groundbreaking research has profoundly influenced how we understand the cultural and intellectual history of neuroscience—especially in relation to concussion and traumatic brain injury.

Dr. Casper is also a prolific author, with numerous acclaimed publications including The Neurologists and his upcoming book Punch Drunk and Dementia: A Cultural History of Concussion, 1870–Present. He has published over 100 articles, chapters, and reviews throughout his distinguished career.

- Historical Concepts and Activities of Brain Injury (02:00)

- Low Risk to High Risk ‘Vocational’ Activities (05:10)

- Normalisation of Dangerous Acts (09:06)

- Run It Straight/ Dwarf Throwing – Concussion Alliance (11:30)

- Consent and Bodily Autonomy Versus Fiduciary Duties (18:15)

- Socioeconomical Aspects of Dangerous Activities (27:37)

- Favourite Historical Aspects When Researching (34:00)

Stephen Casper:

- Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen-Casper

- Run It Straight:

https://www.concussionalliance.org/blog/runit-a-historical-perspective-from-stephen-casper-phd

- Run it straight white paper: https://www.repercussiongroup.com/white-paper

- Muhammad Ali in Atlanta:

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=mohamada+aali+1996+alanta+olympics&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#cobssid=s&fpstate=ive&vld=cid:7c1b4c5c,vid:80wMMFAcweQ,st:0

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Dr. Rachel Grashow, director of epidemiological research initiatives for the Football Players Health Study at Harvard University and co-lead of the Family Experiences Managing Football Lives project. A research scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Grashow’s work focuses on how environmental exposures shape brain and overall health in vulnerable groups from children and pregnant women to veterans and professional athletes. With over 40 publications and more than 2,500 academic citations, Dr Grashow is committed to translating rigorous science into real-world impact through community engagement and health equity none more so than today’s topic of ‘Perceived Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Suicidality in Former Professional Football Players’

Dr Rachel Grashow Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7KMbpPAAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39312218/

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast,

This episode, we're diving deep with Dr. Robert Cantu — world-renowned concussion expert, clinical professor at Boston University, co-founder of the CTE Center, and medical director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

With over 550 publications and 34 books to his name, Dr. Cantu has shaped the global conversation on brain trauma in sports. From the NFL to World Rugby, his advisory roles have influenced concussion protocols at the highest levels.

- How you become involved in sports and concussion space? (01:52)

- What is concussion? (03:00)

- What is Second Impact Syndrome? (04:46)

- Recovery Times (08:24)

- What is CTE and Repetitive Head Impacts? (11:05)

- Stages of CTE (15:51)

- What is TES and treatment options? (19:30)

- Ways to make the sports we love safe/ Advisory Pannels (21:42)

- How can people help support your work and research? (29:50)

Dr Cantu:

Boston University: https://www.bu.edu/cte/profile/robert-cantu/

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=PLB5X4EAAAAJ&hl=en

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Today, we’re honoured to welcome Sarah Willey—a dedicated volunteer and board member with conneCTErs, an organization raising awareness and offering support around Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Sarah brings a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership, but she joins us today in an even more personal role: as a wife and mother.

In this episode, Sarah shares what conneCTErs is all about and opens up about her family's journey with what is believed to be CTE. It’s a powerful and heartfelt conversation about the real-life impact and we’re grateful for her courage in sharing her story.

- What is CTE & Probable CTE? (01:35)

- ConnCTErs Organisation (04:35)

- Diagnosis of Probable CTE (07:50)

- Differences in Personality (15:30)

- How to Communicate and Family Dynamics (20:40)

- Conversation with Children (26:30)

- Step by Step Process (31:13)

- Help and The Organisation and Resources. (32:26)

Facebook: ConneCTErs Australia

IG: @connecteraustralia

Sarah Willey Linked in: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-willey-b13a69b2

Dr Rowena Mobbs: Episode26

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast.

Today, we’re joined by former West Coast Eagles defender Will Schofield. Over his 14-year AFL career, Will played nearly 200 games, appeared in two grand finals, won a premiership, and earned life membership with the club.

Post-retirement, he’s become a respected voice in media through Fox Footy and 6PR Perth. Will is also the co-founder and CEO of Backchat Studios, leading innovative media ventures and reshaping how athletes engage with the world beyond sport.

- From Geelong Falcons to West Coast (01:15)

- General Perception of Concussion Throughout Wills Career (04:35)

- Athlete Mentality (07:00)

- Transition of Concussion Protocol (09:20)

- Perception in the Media (11:00)

- Unrealistic Expectations of A Player (14:45)

- Rule Exploitation (18:00)

- Favourite Moments in Sport (21:04)

- AFL Premierships (26:08)

Eddie McGuire Interview on BackChat Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeCZ3YjB16Y

Back Chat Social Media Channels

Website https://www.backchatpodcast.com.au

IG: @backchat_

Youtube: @backchat

Twitter/X: @backchat_

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Social media:

Twitter: @first concussion

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Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com