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Welcome Back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today we have the honour and privilege to be joined by Dr Matt Ventresca and Dr Kathryn Henne.

Dr. Ventresca is a critical sports studies scholar and Research Associate at Western University and Brock University, as well as a Visiting Fellow at Australian National University. His decade-long research focuses on how social and cultural inequalities shape our understanding of brain injuries in sport, especially concussions and CTE, examining the roles of media, science, and public narratives. He has also held research positions at Georgia Tech and the University of Calgary.

Professor Kathryn Henne directs the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) at ANU and is a leading expert in regulatory governance. Her work explores how science and technology influence health, safety, and social policy, with a special focus on concussion and CTE regulation. Dr. Henne has published over 76 academic articles, cited more than 1,700 times.

00:30 - Episode Introduction

01:30 - What is a Concussion, Repetitive Head Impacts and CTE?

06:30 - Biopsychosocial Models/ Qualitative Research with Concussion?

13:14 – What is Meant by Functionalism in Concussion?

19:05 - Concussion Across Gender

32:44 - CTE a defence for murder or A Criminal mind?

42:24 – Cultural Aspects of CTE

45:23 – Violent Impacts: How Power and Inequality Shape the Concussion Crisis

Dr Matt Ventresca:

https://mattventresca.ca

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

Dr Kathryn Henne:

https://katehenne.com

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

Books

Violent Impacts: How Power and Inequality Shape the Concussion Crisis:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Violent-Impacts-Inequality-Concussion-Crisis/dp/0520396987/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Sociocultural Examinations of Sports Concussions:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Sociocultural-Examinations-Sports-Concussions-Ventresca/dp/1032085320

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Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com

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In this episode of Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, we welcome Dr. Tommy Wood. A neuroscientist and physician, discussing his journey into human optimization and brain health. We explore the complexities of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), the role of inflammation in brain health, and the nuances of cognitive decline and dementia. Dr. Wood emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes and actionable steps to improve brain health, introducing his 3S model: stimulus, supply, and support. The conversation also highlights the Better Brain Fitness podcast, where listeners can find more resources and insights on brain health.

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Tommy Wood

01:50 - Journey into Human Optimization and Brain Health

07:12 - Understanding Concussions, MTBI and The Egg Analogy: Explaining Brain Trauma

15:00 – Teaching and Conveying the Message About Concussion

19:10 - Inflammation in the Brain: Causes and Effects

23:38 - Understanding Cognitive Decline

33:40 - The 3S Model for Brain Health

39:21 - Exploring the Better Brain Fitness Podcast and Dr Wood’s Up and Coming Book

-Better Brain Fitness Website: https://www.betterbrain.fitness/about

-Better Brain Fitness Podcast: https://www.brainjo.academy/the-better-brain-fitness-podcast/

-Dr Tommy Wood’s Website: https://www.drtommywood.com

-@drtommywood

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Twitter: @first concussion

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Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com

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**Re-Release Episode with Dr Stephen Townsend. Original air date: July 2nd, 2024**

Welcome to HeadFirst: A Concussion Podcast In this episode, we are privileged to host Dr. Stephen Townsend as our special guest. Dr. Townsend holds the position of Lecturer and Research Fellow at Queensland University with the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences specializing in sport social studies. Dr Townsend is renowned for his work in sports history, with his extensive academic contributions including multiple journal publications, authored books, and published chapters. Notably, his PhD dissertation titled Becoming Ali: A Digital History, Newspaper Discourse, and America's Most Famous Boxer, 1969-1975 reflects his deep exploration of sports history.

Dr. Townsend brings a unique perspective to our discussion, providing expert opinions and analytical insights into the history of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Join us as we explore the intersection of history, sports, and concussion research with Dr. Stephen Townsend.

- What is a concussion and lack of consistent definition? (2:20)

- Earliest reports/ history of concussion/ History of concussion in Australia (6:58)-

- Boxings Role in awareness and Brief NFL History on “Death Harvest of 1905” (9:35)

- Cultural Relationship with Concussion, Societal Perceptions & Possible Sensitization to Violence (13:10)

- World War 1 Divergence Point in Concussion (19:00)

- Historical lessons or insights that can inform our approach to preventing and managing concussions in the future (26:10)

Dr Stephen Townsend:

Article:

“‘The Tragedy of the Punch Drunk': Reading Concussion in Australian Sporting Newspapers, 1843–1954”: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2021.676463/full

Twitter/X: @historycarb

Instagram: bigcrab_oncampus

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Social media:

Twitter: @first concussion

Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast

Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion

Email: headfirstconcussion@gmail.com