The Knock-On Effect Podcast

Can CTE be recognised during life? What does “probable CTE” actually mean? And if someone is showing signs of neurological change after years of contact sport, what can actually be done? In this episode of The Knock-On Effect, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler sit down with Associate Professor Dr Rowena Mobbs, cognitive neurologist and one of Australia’s leading clinicians working at the intersection of...

What if CTE isn’t simply something we discover after death? What if the science is beginning to show us how it develops, where to look, and one day, how we might intervene? In this episode of The Knock-On Effect, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler sit down with renowned neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research. Helen brings a rare perspective to the conver...

As the legendary former Socceroos captain who represented Australia over 100 times and famously marked Diego Maradona, Paul was known for his relentless work ethic and lethal headers. Today, Paul and Val face his toughest match yet: living with a diagnosis of probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (probable CTE).They open up about the distinction between concussion and repetitive head impacts,...

In this episode, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler delve into the pressing issue of concussion and brain health in contact sports, especially football. They explore recent media investigations, rule changes, training practices and the importance of safeguarding youth to ensure the longevity and safety of the sport. Key Topics: The recent ABC investigation into CTE and its link to Australian rules footbal...

In this episode, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler dive into the evolution of Safeguarding You, the Australian Sports Commission innovation journey, and how Charlie is helping clubs, parents, coaches and allied health professionals make smarter concussion decisions in the heat of the moment. They also discuss the gap between policy and real-world sideline decisions, why digital records matter and how thi...

What does it really take to coach safer, smarter, and more resilient athletes in today’s game? In this episode, hosts Adam Wood and Cliff Butler sit down with respected rugby coach and S2S Sports Australia director, Rob Vai, to unpack the realities of modern coaching - from grassroots to elite pathways. From being signed at just 13 by the Wests Tigers, to building one of Australia’s most impactful...

Join us as we delve into Wendy Smith's inspiring journey from tragedy to advocacy with her initiative, Happy Lids. Discover the importance of a brain-first culture in sport, the need for standardised concussion policies and how community action can foster safer sporting environments. MAIN TOPICS:* Wendy's personal story and foundation of Happy Lids* Understanding and raising awareness of s...

From the Sidelines to the Boardroom: The Truth About Concussion Management with Eddie Farah. What really happens when an elite sports physio steps out of the professional arena and into the world of business, mentoring, and community sport? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Eddie Farah - elite NRL physio - to unpack the evolution of concussion management, the cultural battle around player...

The Real Cool Runnings: From Olympic Dreams to the Brink of Suicide, and the HBOT Recovery. In this episode of The Knock On Effect Podcast, we sit down with former Team USA Bobsledder William Person. His story begins like a real-life "Cool Runnings" — a track athlete pivoting to the ice in pursuit of gold. But behind the high-speed thrill of bobsledding lay a mounting toll of concussions...

Welcome back to the Knock-On Effect Podcast, where concussion meets conversation with Adam Wood and Cliff Butler. In this episode, we are joined by Clinical Naturopath Louise Cork (The Concussion Naturopath) to discuss the critical "gaping hole" in current concussion treatment: the systemic effects of head trauma. If you are suffering from lingering symptoms, brain fog or anxiety long af...

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel. In this episode we speak with renowned neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce, one of Australia's leading concussion researchers. he's been at the centre of the national conversatio...

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel. In this episode we speak with junior footy gun Luke Eastwood about his experiences with, and how he overcame multiple concussions.

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel. In this episode: STAGES OF GRADED RETURN TO PLAYSTAGE 1: RELATIVE REST (1-2 days)STAGE 2: RECOVERYStep 1: Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms (min 1 day)Step 2: Light aer...

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel. In this episode: - PlayHQ Guidelines- Gameday Processes- Managing the First 24 Hours- How Safeguarding You is helping Clubs and Leagues

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel.04:44 - WHY THIS PODCAST EXISTS?- What triggered this podcast for you?- Was there a “this can’t keep happening” moment?- How did our paths (governance + clinical) collide?12:53 - WH...

Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel. 04:44 - WHY THIS PODCAST EXISTS? - What triggered this podcast for you? - Was there a “this can’t keep happening” moment? - How did our paths (governance + clinical) collide? 12:53...