In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their moving and honest conversation with Emma Pilling, whose son Charlie was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and an acquired brain injury as a baby. Now an advocate and fundraiser, Emma shares how diagnosis is only the beginning of a long journey, one shaped by learning, grief, advocacy and extraordinary resilience.

Emma opens up about finding support through the Child Brain Injury Trust, building community through her blog, and the practical changes that make everyday life more accessible. She reflects on the emotional weight of parenting a child with complex needs, and the importance of acceptance, friendship and fighting for the support your child deserves.

They explore:

Whether you are a parent, a professional or simply someone seeking a better understanding of life after childhood brain injury, this episode offers honesty, compassion and the belief that every child deserves more than just a life; they deserve a full one.

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Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath speak with Emma Pilling, a parent navigating the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with an acquired brain injury. Emma shares the story of her son Charlie, who developed hydrocephalus as a baby, and reflects on the impact this had on her family, career and identity.

From the moment of diagnosis to advocating for her son’s education and wellbeing, Emma offers an unflinchingly honest account of the gaps in support, the grief of changed expectations, and the strength it takes to keep going. Now working for the Child Brain Injury Trust, she brings both lived and professional insight into how families can be better supported.

They explore:

Whether you are a parent, professional or someone living with the effects of brain injury, this episode offers deep empathy, practical wisdom and a call to treat families with the compassion and clarity they deserve.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with specialist dietitian Tony Ward, unpacking the myths, fads and emotional factors that influence how people eat after a brain injury.

They explore how food advice online can be confusing or even harmful, and why evidence-based guidance is crucial, especially when nutrition affects mood, memory, energy, and independence. Tony offers a practical, compassionate view of food as both fuel and comfort, and shares how personalised support can help people feel empowered, not restricted.

They explore:

Whether you are recovering from a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a down-to-earth, evidence-based look at how food can be a powerful ally in healing and self-care.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath are joined by Tony Ward, a specialist dietitian and Director of Neuro Rehab Nutrition, to explore how food, supplements and nutrition play a vital role in brain injury recovery.

Tony shares practical advice on how to meet nutritional needs after brain injury, from boosting vitamin D and managing fatigue, to rebuilding muscle, navigating appetite changes and working closely with occupational therapists. Together, they explore why eating well is not just about nutrients, but about independence, identity and long-term recovery.

They explore:

Whether you are recovering from a brain injury, supporting someone who is, or working in rehabilitation, this episode offers practical insight, thoughtful discussion and accessible guidance for making nutrition part of your recovery journey.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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Helpful links:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with specialist dietitian Sian Riley, exploring how nutrition, identity and emotional wellbeing are deeply connected after a brain injury.

They discuss how food is more than fuel — it is linked to choice, independence, identity and even grief. Sian explains how brain injury can affect planning, appetite, routine, and body image, and shares how to work with these changes in a compassionate and realistic way. From mindful eating to meal planning, she offers ways to restore joy, autonomy and balance.

They explore:

Whether you are recovering from a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers thoughtful, practical guidance on how to make food a positive and empowering part of life again.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:

Contact details:

Helpful links:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with specialist dietitian Sian Riley, delving deeper into the fascinating world of taste, smell, and how brain injury can alter the way we experience food and life.

Sian explains how damage to the brain can affect the senses, particularly smell and taste, which in turn have a huge impact on appetite, nutrition, mental health, and social connection. They also explore safety concerns, emotional well-being and practical solutions like smell training to help people navigate these changes.

They explore:

Whether you are living with a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clarity, compassion and tangible advice for adapting to sensory changes and finding joy in food again.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:

Contact details:

Helpful links:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this follow-up episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with neurological physiotherapist Colin Green as they explore the longer-term realities of recovery, motivation and finding movement that works.

Colin unpacks what makes rehabilitation stick beyond the hospital and why success often depends less on routines and more on relationships, creativity and meaning. From support workers to ski slopes, he shares the power of tailored, activity-led rehabilitation in keeping people engaged and progressing.

They discuss:

Whether you are in rehabilitation, supporting someone who is or working in neuro care, this episode offers insight, humour and hope with a few lessons about tangerines along the way.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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Contact details:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath speak with neurological physiotherapist Colin Green to explore the realities of long-term rehabilitation after brain injury.

With over three decades of experience and a passion for supporting people beyond the NHS discharge point, Colin shares powerful insights into how physio can support recovery, adaptation, and quality of life, years after injury.

They dive into:

Whether you're navigating recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or working in the brain injury space, this conversation challenges assumptions and highlights what’s possible when treatment continues beyond the hospital doors.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:

Contact details:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their conversation with occupational psychologist Suzanne Guest, diving into the real world challenges of returning to work, managing fatigue, and finding meaningful activity after a brain injury.

They explore what a phased return to work should look like — not just in hours, but in tasks, support and emotional readiness. Suzanne shares powerful insights into what makes return to work succeed or fail, and why sometimes success means choosing to leave with dignity rather than pushing through.

They explore:

Whether you are trying to get back to work or simply looking for ways to rebuild your confidence and routine, this episode offers honesty, humour and hope for adapting life to work for you — not the other way round.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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Helpful links:

Contact details:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.

In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath are joined by occupational psychologist Suzanne Guest to explore how people with brain injury can rebuild their working lives — and why purpose, self-esteem and support are vital along the way.

Suzanne shares her experience helping people return to work or find meaningful activity after brain injury, whether through job retention, career change or developing new skills. They discuss how work is not just about income — it shapes identity, structure and confidence. Brooke opens up about his own journey, from uncertainty and depression to finding meaning through contribution and connection.

They explore:

Whether you are returning to work yourself or supporting someone through rehabilitation, this episode offers practical insight, honest conversation and hope for building a future after injury.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

To keep up to date with our podcast, follow us on our social media accounts:

Helpful links:

Contact details:

Community Compass app!

Brain Injury Bites is now part of the Community Compass app! Download now and take the first step toward reclaiming your best life - because you’re not alone in this journey.

Notice:

Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.