March 22, 2022

Episode 61 - HeadsupCAN (concussion awareness, Seth & Ryan)

I have an informative, interesting and engaging podcast with HeadsupCAN founders, Seth Mendelsohn and Ryan Sutton. The organization began in 2016 with the goal of raising awareness through concussion education and the sharing of experiences. CAN stands for Concussion Advocacy Network. HeadsupCAN has recently begun an "Advocates" program, to which…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 57 - Concussion Corner Podcast & host (Dr. Jessica Schwartz, PT, DPT, CSCS)

On episode 57, I talk to Dr. Jessica Schwartz PT, DPT, CSCS (previously on episode 10). Dr. Schwartz is the host of Concussion Corner Podcast, a national spokeswoman for the American Physical Therapy Association, CEO of Physical Therapy To Go PLLC, and has first-hand experience dealing with her own concussion.…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 59 - Concussion Treatment & more (Molly Parker, DPT & Natasha Wilch, PT)

On episode 59, I talk to Natasha Wilch, PT, and Molly Parker, DPT (Molly was also my guest on episode 50) about their journeys to concussion-focused physiotherapy and their approaching webinar! We talk all things concussion and brain injury! Molly recently, in February 2020, moved to Nanaimo, B.C. to work…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 58 - ConcussionMtl (McGill, Concussion Legacy Foundation, Emily Gittings)

On episode 58, I talk to Emily Gittings, Director of the McGill Chapter of Concussion Legacy Foundation. Emily joins me for a very interesting conversation in which we talk about brain injury/concussion, grief, and mental health, among other things! Concussion/brain injury does not occur instead of some other important moment…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 60 - Physical Distancing, COVID19 & Brain Injury (Michelle McDonald, Brain Injury Canada)

After almost five years of solo-hosting, I'm joined in my efforts by Charli Skinner. Charli was on episode 56 - Getting There. Our guest is the Executive Director of Brain Injury Canada, Michelle McDonald. Michelle, Charli and I talk about how those with brain injury, post concussion syndrome (PCS), and…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 64 - The Concussion OTs (Occupational Therapy, Jenni, Gabi , Neurology Centre of Toronto)

Jenni Diamond and Gabi Kaplan are occupational therapists (OTs) at the Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT). They join me for episode 64 and we talk about OT, post-concussion difficulties that occupational therapy can address, and how OTs can help. While Jenni sees adults at NCT, Gabi sees pediatric clients. They…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 63 - Team Up Against Concussions U of T (CLFC, Edina Bijvoet, President)

Edina is the enthusiastic president of the U of T concussion education program (University of Toronto – Concussion Legacy Foundation, Team Up Against Concussions Chapter). Edina and I talk about concussions at U of T and about the great work they’re doing (not now, obviously) educating young athletes and young…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 65 - Coping with COVID (Allie & Felicia, Keep Your Head Up)

On this episode Felicia and Allie from @keepyourheadupKW (Episode 55) share their insight on how brain injury recovery has unexpectedly helped them to cope with the pandemic. They draw from their experiences to share tips and coping strategies they have found helpful and offer inspiration to anyone going through a…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 69 - Innovation & Rehabilitation (Motus Nova; David Wu & Nick Housley)

Brain injury and stroke survivors often have a difficult time in rehab for numerous reasons (some of which were described by Lauren in her latest podcast series on chronic pain). Motus Nova CEO David Wu, and Director of Clinical Research Nick Housley, are trying to address several of these reasons,…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 66 - Introducing a Co-host! (Tara Bradbury, reporter, The Wounded Brain)

I've been doing this podcast since June of 2015 and, although I've interviewed many people, I haven't been joined by an actual co-host. That is where Tara Bradbury comes in! In 2011, Tara wrote a six-part series titled, The Wounded Brain (check back here for link) in the local newspaper,…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 71 - Concussion Comunicación (Dr. Alejandra Merriman y Oscar Lopez-Huerta LAT, ATC)

I completed Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) in 2014, but geography, along with other circumstances, mean that my exposure to Spanish is limited, and I'm far from fluent. Nevertheless, it was a great course, I learned a lot, it wouldn't take long to get up to speed, and at the…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 67 - Ryerson Concussion Legacy Foundation Chapter (Mohammed Mall, concussion awareness)

Mohammed Mall of Ryerson University in Toronto joins me for episode 67 to talk about spreading concussion awareness and education. Mohammed Mall is entering his 4th year studying Biology at Ryerson University. Experienced in child care and summer camp settings, along with coaching sports such as soccer, hockey, and basketball.…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 70 - Neuroplasticity (Surrey Neuroplasticity Clinic, Melissa Medeiros)

Neuroplasticity one of the first words I remember hearing from my physiotherapist, Jen Shears. Given the importance I place on her words, it is no surprise that "neuroplasticity" has been one of, if not the most recognizable rehab terms for me. Melissa Medeiros, Registered Occupational Therapist, and Clinical Operations Supervisor…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 68 - Brain Injury Awareness Month (Brain Injury Canada, NLBIA)

June is Brain Injury Awareness in Canada and new co-host Tara Bradbury and I talk about all that entails with Michelle McDonald, Executive Director of Brain Injury Canada, and Marina White, President of the Board of NLBIA (Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association). We talk about the effect brain injury…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 72 - Concussion & Post Concussion Syndrome as a teen/pre-teen (Alexandra Di Persio)

Alexa Di Persio was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with a concussion. Now, six and a half years later, she has entered her second year at the University of Toronto in French and Drama, but still dealing with post concussion syndrome (PCS). Alexa talks about the challenges PCS…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 74 - Post Concussion Syndrome and Being Happy (Ryan Phillips)

On episode 74, Erin and I talk to Ryan Phillips as he delves into his love of hockey, concussions that derailed his burgeoning career as a pro hockey player, and his subsequent off-ice challenges. Ryan talks about his ongoing experience with PCS (post concussion syndrome), how he deals with it,…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 73 - Introducing & Interviewing New Co-Host Erin Guilfoyle

A brief introduction and interview to my new co-host Erin Guilfoyle. Erin has a background in Behavioural Neuroscience, criminology and brain disorders management. We chat about her background, current work and hopes for the future, as well as her role as Coordinator of Programs & Services at the Newfoundland &…

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March 22, 2022

Concussion Talk Podcast - Episode 75 - Helping out at Memorial University of Newfoundland Med School

On episode 75 Erin interviews me about being a Standardized Patient at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) Med School (St. John's, NL, Canada). I've been doing this since 2018, thanks to my GP Dr. Jessica Bishop. It's an excellent program where second year medical students are able to interact/"examine" people…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 76 - Talking Brain Injury, Concussion Awareness & Recovery with Curtis Anderson

On episode 76 of Concussion Talk Podcast, Erin and I talk to Curtis Anderson about concussion awareness and how being aware is so important in averting another brain injury. Curtis talks about his how his brain injury occurred in at a rodeo bull riding competition just weeks after he sustained…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 78 - Intimate Partner Violence & Traumatic Brain Injury

In this important podcast, Dr. Angela Colantonio, Lin Haag, Karen Mason, Dr. Paul Van Donkelaar, Lauren Ziaks (Phoenix Concussion Recovery), ABI Reasearch Lab, and the SOAR Project, discuss the intimate partner violence (IPV) and the all-too-often ignored connection with traumatic brain injury (TBI)! Sophia Gutierez - episode 3 of BRANIAC…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 77 - Brain Injury Challenges; Mountains of my Mind (Jill Wheatley)

On episode 77 Jill Wheatley, Mountains of my Mind, tells the story of how a baseball to her head in Germany has led her to Nepal. Jill's story is about hopes, dreams, and their fluidity. How they change, yet bring even greater joy!

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March 22, 2022

Episode 79 - Making Headway Podcast (Mariah Morgan & Eryn Martin)

Eryn and Mariah were good friends, then Mariah was brain injured, then Eryn was brain injured. Now they're good friends with a podcast! Inspired by their own, unique, but bonding experiences! Check out Mariah and Eryn on Making Headway Podcast! Subscribe and review!

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March 22, 2022

Episode 81 - Two Different Stories, One Book (Ethan O'Brien & Dr. Sasha Blaskovich)

On episode 81 Erin and I talk to Ethan O'Brien and Dr. Sasha Blaskovich. Although each have unique concussion stories, and followed different paths, the two came together to co-author, "Dr. B's Concussion Breakthrough" (a #1 Amazon Best Selling Book)! We discuss their stories, concussion symptoms, Dr. Blaskovich's practice and…

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March 22, 2022

Episode 80 - Brain Injury and the U.S. Legal System (Michael Kaplen)

On episode 80, Erin and I talk to Michael Kaplen of De Caro & Kaplen, a law firm in New York that specializes in brain injury. We talk to Michael about his legal background that lead him to a focus on brain injury, and what he has learned along the…

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