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Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast - Best of 2024 – Part 1 of 3

In this special episode of Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the most insightful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening moments from our past episodes. If you’ve missed any of the crucial conversations we've had about mild traumatic brain injurie's history, concussion and CTE, this episode is your chance to catch up with all the best bits. We’ve hand-picked highlights from each theme, featuring expert guests who’ve shared their knowledge and research to shed light on the complexities of concussion and its long-term impacts.

Best of 2024: PART 1 – What is a Concussion and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

*Guest and episode number where you can find the full conversation, their social media handles and latest research.

History

- Dr Stephan Townsend, Episode 34: (05.22)

- Professor Stephan Casper, Episode 30: (10:16)

What is a Concussion

- Kristen Quigley (PhD Candidate), Episode 51: (31:45)

- Dr Katie Mitchell, Episode 33: (34:19)

- Dr Jason Tabour, Episode 52: (35:54)

- Dr Julie Stamm, Episode 28 (39:48)

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

- Dr Rowena Mobbs, Episode 24: (41:48)

- Dr Alan Pearce, Episode 21: (46:22)

- Dr Helen Murray, Episode 47: (49:20)

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Twitter: @first concussion

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Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Dr. Mu Yang with us. Dr. Yang is an Assistant Professor at Columbia University and the Director of the Mouse Neurobehavior Core. With over 25 years of experience, she’s made significant contributions to the field of pre-clinical mouse models for human diseases and neurological disorders. In addition to her impressive academic work, Dr. Yang is known for her sharp skills as a research sleuth, uncovering inconsistencies and challenging false research. Dr Yang’s began sleuthing in 2020, and her investigative reports have led to over 100 retractions, including an entire book. Perhaps her most high-profile case was her work involving Eliezer Masliah, Lastly Dr Yang’s has published over 60 papers, which have been cited more than 8,500 times.

- Introduction About Dr Yang

- What is Research: (3:04)

- Integrity in Research (6:30)

- What is a Research Sleuth (8:11)

- Beginnings of Investigations (13:04)

- What Happens to Associated Authors (15:00)

- Research Field Set Backs (18:18)

- Examples of Research and Trust (20:46)

- Most Common Forms of Manipulation (23:18)

- Concussion Q-Collar and Sleuthing (25:30)

- Push Back to Sleuthing (30:25)

- Vison for the Future (35:25)

James Smoliga and Q-Collar Episode 40

Dr Mu Yang Google Scholar

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3lctnWAAAAAJ&hl=en

Mouse-ology: https://www.mouse-ology.com

Twitter/x: @mumumouse2

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we are privileged to have Dr. Jason Chan join us. Dr. Chan recently retired after a distinguished 10-year tenure as the Chief Medical Officer for the Melbourne Storm, where he oversaw the medical management of the team during an era marked by remarkable success. Under his leadership, the Storm appeared in five grand finals, securing two premierships and five minor premierships. Dr. Chan’s tenure also included overseeing nine preliminary finals and managing a total of 249 games. Despite his retirement from the role, he continues to contribute to the club as a medical consultant.

Dr. Chan holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Medical Officer in the history of the Melbourne Storm. Beyond his role with the Storm, he has applied his expertise in various high-profile positions, including with the Queensland State of Origin team, the NRL Māori All Stars, and the Sunshine Coast Lightning Netball team, among others. He is also the founder of the Surgical Assistants Group of Victoria.

With over 28 years of experience across multiple specialties, including general practice, orthopaedics, and general surgery, Dr. Chan is widely recognized as a highly regarded medical professional within the sporting and medical communities. His diverse experience and contributions to the field make him an invaluable asset in the areas of sports medicine and team health management.

- Background and the Role of Chief Medical Officer (1:30)

- Athlete Pre-Season/ Baseline Testing (5:30)

- Time to conduct a HIA and make a Clinical Decision on Game Day (12:22)

- Player Repour and Concussion Diagnosis (18:20)

- HIA’s and Recovery Process Post Concussion (22:50)

- Perceptions of the Media (27:00)

- Multifaceted Aspects of Culture and Public Acceptance of Concussion (30:40)

- Over Arching Message (38:00)

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we have the honour to be joined by Sam Peters. Sam has over 20 years of experience in sports journalism, having become a recognized figure in the field, particularly in the realm of rugby and concussion awareness. Sam led a powerful media campaign on concussion in rugby that earned notable acclaim, including a nomination for the Cudlipp Prize in 2014.

That same year, Sam was a finalist for Sports Journalist of the Year at the Press Gazette Awards and was honoured as one of Rugby World’s five most influential figures in media.

From 2014 to 2017, Sam held the position of rugby correspondent at The Mail on Sunday, where his investigative reporting earned him two nominations for Rugby Journalist of the Year and Investigative Reporter of the Year at the Sports Journalists Awards.

Lastly Sam authored the booked Concussed: Sports Uncomfortable Truth which was Winner of the Pinsent Masons Sports Writing Award, and shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year which is the topic of todays episode. Sam massive welcome and thank you for joining.

- Sam’s background (1:30)

- Beginnings of Reporting on Concussion (2:43)

- Media, Players and Risk Profile (7:20)

- Unification or Lack of & Stand Down Times Post-Concussion (12:48)

- Culture in Contact Sport (16:00)

- Challenges Faced and Push Back Reporting on Concussion (22:34)

- Personal Told and Strength to Keep Reporting (26:00)

- Ahead of the Game: Tackling the Future of Sport - 12th February, 2025, London at St Paul’s School (30:22)




Twitter/x: @plantedSam

https://www.concussed.media

Book: Available through Concussed media, amazon and all online book stores

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/concussedmedia/1468566

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we have the privilege of hosting Dr Jason Tabor, an expert in the field of concussion research. Dr Tabor has completed his PhD on biomarkers in concussion and has recently published one of the largest studies to date on plasma biomarkers in adolescents with sports-related concussions. His ground-breaking work has made significant contributions to understanding how biomarkers can possibly aid in the diagnosis and management of concussions in young athletes, laying the foundations of future research.

In addition to his extensive journal publications on mild traumatic brain injury and concussions, Dr Tabor was also awarded the prestigious 2024 NIH Outstanding Scholar in Neuroscience Program award for his innovative research. In this episode, Dr. Tabor shares insights into his research, the role of biomarkers in concussion detection, and his work as part of the panel to synthesize blood biomarkers for the Concussion in Sports Group.

- Introduction About Dr Jason Tabor (1:00)

- Rodent Models, Concussion and Anabolic Steroids (4:45)

- What is a Concussion? (8:10)

- What are Biomarkers? (12:13)

- Possibilities of Using Biomarkers (18:10)

- Prognosis of Biomarkers (20:17)

- Monitoring Recovery (22:28)

- Dr Tabor’s Biomarkers Study (25:00)

- What Are We Looking For and How Long Do We Have To Assess (33:41)

- Consensus Group (39:47)

- Future Research With Biomarker (45:45)

Twitter/x: @JasonBTabor

Dr Tabor’s Biomarker Study

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/article-abstract/2823249

BJSM biomarker specific systematic review informing the 6th CISG Consensus Statement:

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/12/789.abstract

Dr Tabor’s labs involved:

Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre:

https://ucalgary.ca/sport-injury-prevention-research-centre/sport-injury-prevention-research-centre

Brain NeuroRehabilitation Lab

https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/lab/bnr/home

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Twitter: @first concussion

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Kristen Quigley. Kristen is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Reno, where she also serves as the Assistant Director of Operations at the Neuromechanics Lab. Her research focuses on mild traumatic brain injury, concussion, and baseline testing. Kristen earned her Neuroscience degree from the University of South Dakota, where she worked as a research assistant in the Peterson Labs.

In addition to her academic work, Kristen is passionate about sports and coaching—she was the head swimming coach for Team Ontario at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, an event she herself competed in back in 2017. Kristen also served as the assistant swim coach at the University of Nevada.

- Introduction to Kristen (1:02)

- Implementation of base line testing over time (3:00)

- (6:25)

- What is Concussion (6:45)

- What is Baseline Testing & What are we looking at? (9:36)

- “Sandbagging” (14:30)

- What is The Impact test (17:00)

- Baseline Testing Take Home Message (23:22)

- Paediatric vs Adult Population (25:38)

- Guardian Caps (28:25)

Kristen’s Research and Publications: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristen-Quigley-2

Kristen’s Website: https://kristenquigley.wixsite.com/kristenquigley

X/Twitter: quigley_kristen

Instagram: kquigley07

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/kristen-quigley-178336202

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! This Episode, we have the extreme honour and privilege to be joined by ESPN journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada.

Mark is an esteemed investigative journalist whose ground-breaking work has shaped the conversation around sports integrity and athlete health. He is the co-author of two New York Times bestsellers: Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports, written with Lance Williams, and League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth, co-authored with his brother Steve. The latter even became a documentary featured on PBS’s Frontlie, further amplifying its impact.

Mark’s impressive accolades include the prestigious George Polk Award and the Peabody Award, recognizing his excellence in journalism. He also received the 2014 PEN Award for Literary Sports Writing, highlighting his exceptional skills.

We’re excited to delve into his insights on concussion and the importance of truth in journalism

- What lead to “The League of Denial” (1:18)

- Start of CTE and Concussion Investigations (3:39)

- Investigation and The Push Back (5:31)

- Reporting on Concussion Crisis (8:40)

- Cultural Shift Since Writing the Book (9:40)

- Effects on Players and Family (12:12)

- State of the Research (15:00)

- Take Home Message (19:10)

Frontline League of Denial Documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW8nmS_RBT8]

League of Denial Book: Available on Amazon and in Spotify Audiobooks Free if you have Premium Subscription.

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Welcome to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! We're excited to reintroduce Dr. Eric Windholz, a prominent expert in regulatory theory and sports law. With numerous publications in esteemed journals and significant contributions to various books and chapters, Dr. Windholz has made a remarkable impact in the field. He currently serves as a senior lecturer at Monash University's Faculty of Law and holds/ held key positions on the Editorial Board for the Australia New Zealand Sports Law Journal and the Law Institute of Victoria Sports Law Committee.

In today’s episode, Dr. Windholz will delve into complex issues such as athlete coverage and workers' compensation in sports. He previously joined us in Episode 26 in April 2024, where he shared valuable insights on sports insurance, athletes' rights to workers' compensation and the perception of professional sports as leisure rather than a vocation. Since then, significant updates have emerged, and Dr. Windholz is here to clarify what these changes mean for both individuals and the broader public.

- Introduction

- Updates in Australian Sports Commission – Position Statement (2:52)

- Zurich Health Cover Removes Concussion Policies, what does this mean? (10:00)

- Who is Liable for A Player Not Leaving the Field After Suspected Concussion? (17:32)

- Can a Player Take Retrospective Action Against Another Player for Foul Play? (22:48)

- Everyday Individuals; Intersection of Contact Sport Injury vs Normal Day Job (27:41)

Dr Eric Windholz:

First Conversation Episode 26: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2171297/episodes/14805754-sports-law-and-concussion-with-dr-eric-windholz.mp3?download=true

- https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/eric-windholz

- Twitter/X: @ELWindholz

-

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