Brain Injury Conversations

How do you prepare yourself for the sudden, unpredictable death of someone very close? The simple answer is - you can’t.Even a former NSW Premier and Australian Foreign Minister, used to the uncertainty of politics has no answers for unforeseen grief.The Honourable Bob Carr talks frankly and extensively about the very sudden loss of his wife of 50 years, Helena, to a ruptured brain aneurysm. Also, the reason for writing about his grief in his book Bring Back Yesterday .Many affected by partner grief will take solace from his reflections. Will I get through this? Should I have seen this coming? Will I ever feel optimistic about the future? Reflections made on a regime of late night walks across the city, and constant searching to voice his loss.

Brain injuries can cause a complete ‘flip’ of our lives.Our abilities change – whether they are physical, cognitive, or even emotional - and they become our ‘new normal’.Today’s guest shares his extraordinary experience. A ‘flip’ from being a doctor working in intensive care and organ donation to someone now living with a brain injury.Dr Bruce Powell talks about his doctor-to-patient experience - and the reasons it has led to his strong advocacy for more and targeted support for brain injury survivors.

A warning, that for some people, this conversation may be difficult to hear; but it’s a conversation definitely worth listening to as it also gives hope and inspiration.Peter Rudland was involved in an horrific Black Hawkehelicopter crash that changed his life. Now he’s very much full of life and humour. He's an Ambassadorfor the RSL and has co-captained the Australian Team at the Invictus Games.

Djen was a contributor to the Art after Brain Injury exhibtion held at the Manning Regional Art Gallery. She is recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

Djen’s survival and recovery from her traumatic brain injury have astounded doctors, family and friends. She describes her ‘new’ life and some of the challenges and wonders it has brought her. Djen was a contributing artist to the “Art after Brain Injury’ exhibition held at the Manning Regional Art Gallery.

Scott Pollock survived a ruptured brain aneurysm that led to an obsessive spate of painting and drawing - something he had not done before! Scott was a contributor to the 'Art After Brain Injury' exhibition.

Scott Pollock shares his experience of surviving a ruptured brain aneurysm that led to an obsessive spate of painting and drawing - something he had not done before! Scott was a contributing artist to the 'Art after Brain Injury' exhibition held at Manning Regional Art Gallery, NSW.

Brain injuries take many forms and can change our lives – and the lives of those around us.  This is the one family's story. Chris and Andrea Rowsell's experience in caring for their daughter Lillian is so inspiring. Lillian had life saving brain surgery at just six months of age and  still requires her her parents special care. That care, love and dedication has allowed Lillia to complete primary and high school, enjoy dance lessons and horses – and so many other things a young woman might like to enjoy. 

Good food and rest is usual remedy for any ailment, and its true for brain injuries too. In this episode we discuss the types of foods and simple healthy treatments that can help support our brain and function. Cynthia talks to Lydia Irving, a nutritionist who aims to help us choose what food to eat and how to best prepare it for optimal nutrient absorption including when there is a big change in our life due to brain injury.

"I want to push the boundaries of what my body can do. When you grow up with a disability, the language is all around what you cannot do. Whereas competing in teh Paralympics is defined by what you can (do)." Paralympian runner James Turner is the best in the world. He's hoping to repeat his world beating performances in the T36 category of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics. James tells us that he’s always been active despite living with cerebral palsy. He took up ballet, Tai Kwon Do and even football as a child but now running is what he excels at. And his able-bodied, athlete twin sister Hayley has always kept him competitive! "I want to push the boundaries of what my body can do. When you grow up with a disability, the language is all around what you cannot do. Whereas competing in teh Paralympics is defined by what you can (do)."