HEADCHECK Health Talks

Randy O'Shaughnessy has spent nearly 25 years in junior football — co-founding the Regina Thunder, rising through the ranks, and eventually becoming President of the Prairie Football Conference. In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks, Randy talks about what volunteer league leadership actually looks like day-to-day, how he pushed all six PFC clubs onto a unified concussion protocol, and the rem...

On this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks , we’re joined by Matt Campbell, concussion expert and owner of Midwest Concussion Clinic. Matt breaks down how he conducts full concussion evaluations remotely and why recovery is far more complex than just resting in a dark room. He also discusses his multi-system treatment approach, the role of nutrition and supplements in brain healing, and why educati...

On this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks , we’re joined by Kiara Jefferies, President of the North Bay & District Girls Hockey Association. Kiara discusses minor hockey leadership, putting player safety first, and building a strong, respectful culture. She also touches on day-to-day operations, volunteer burnout, tough board decisions, and balancing long-term vision with immediate challenges.

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talk, researchers Kaleigh Pennock and Braeden McKenzie join the show to discuss their new study on concussion (mis)education, youth athlete responsibility, and why knowing the signs and symptoms doesn’t always lead to safer choices. We dig into fear-based messaging, ethical implications, and what meaningful, equitable concussion prevention in sport should actual...

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks , we're joined by EOJHL Commissioner Marc Franche. Marc discusses his career journey, daily responsibilities as a league commissioner, and tough decisions he has to make. We cover league leadership, player safety, concussion protocols, handling discipline, and how he stays passionate about his work.

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks , host Eric VanderHelm is joined by former OHL player Ben Fanelli to share his remarkable journey from a near-fatal head injury to becoming a leading voice in athlete well-being. After rebuilding his life beyond hockey, Ben founded the Heroic Minds platform, pursued psychotherapy, and now supports players across major Canadian leagues as an Advisor of Play...

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks, host Eric VanderHelm sits down with athletic therapist and educator Tristan Sandhu. We talk with Tristan about his experience working as an athletic trainer in the CFL, his approach injury prevention and treatment, advice for future ATs, and how HEADCHECK helped make his job easier. ✅ Join Tristan for an amazing educational conference the Impact to Recov...

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks, host Eric VanderHelm sits down with research fellow Sophie Prosser from the University of Birmingham to discuss biomarker variability following concussion. We talk with Sophie about her latest study on NfL and GFAP biomarkers in university athletes post-concussion and how these proteins could shape future return-to-play decisions. Additionally, Sophie dis...

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks, host Eric VanderHelm sits down with Dr. James Stavitz from Kean University to discuss critical gaps in concussion care at the high school level. With growing awareness around brain injuries in youth sports, why do so many schools still lack proper protocols, staffing, or resources? Dr. Stavitz shares insights from his research and experience, highlighting...

A preview of our first episode where Dr. James Stavitz joins us to discuss the critical gaps in high school concussion care uncovered in his research.