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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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Twitter: @first concussion

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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_

Subscribe, review and share for new episodes which will drop weekly

Social media:

Twitter: @first concussion

Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast

Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion

Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Hamish Brayshaw.

Hamish is a former AFL player who now stars in the WAFL with East Perth, where he serves as co-captain. In 2023, he was honoured with the Sandover Medal, recognising him as the league’s best player.

His impact on the game extends beyond the field—Hamish has lent his expertise as a midfield coach for the West Coast Eagles’ AFLW team. Off the field, he’s also made his mark as a columnist for The West Australian and as a key voice on the widely loved BackChat podcast.

- How you become involved in footy

- Your Perception and Understanding of Concussion (03:00)

- Family’s Experiences of Concussion (04:29)

- Hamish Approach to Playing (07:45)

- Implementation of AIS Stand down Policy and Personal Concussions (09:43)

- The Open Letter to the AFL (14:18)

- Football Act vs Suspension? (16:22)

- Complexities of Rule Adaptations and Changing the Way You Play (19:00)

- Favorited Memories and Moments in Footy? (25:30)

Hamish Open Letter: https://www.backchatpodcast.com.au/hamishs-open-letter

Back Chat Social Media Channels

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

IG: @backchat_

Youtube: @backchat

Twitter/X: @backchat_

Subscribe, review and share for new episodes which will drop weekly

Social media:

Twitter: @first concussion

Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast

Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion

Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com