In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath continue their rich and insightful conversation with specialist speech and language therapist Catherine Davies, diving deeper into the subtleties of communication, voice, identity and recovery after a brain injury.

They explore how difficulties with speech, tone, social interaction and humour can have a profound impact on confidence and relationships. Catherine shares her experiences working across a wide spectrum of communication needs, including how small changes, such as using emojis or practising karaoke, can help rebuild self-expression, self-awareness, and connection.

They explore:

Whether you are navigating recovery, working in healthcare or simply curious about the power of communication, this episode offers warmth, clinical clarity and real human stories that shine a light on the less visible sides of brain injury.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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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 are joined by Catherine Davies, a specialist speech and language therapist from SLT for Life, to explore the wide-ranging impact of communication and swallowing difficulties after a brain injury.

Catherine explains how speech and language therapy goes far beyond speech, helping with everything from breath control and word finding to emotional expression, social interaction and safe swallowing. Brooke reflects on his own journey through therapy, sharing real-life challenges and surprising insights, including how video feedback, dysarthria, and even jokes about venison played a role in his recovery.

They explore:

Whether you are adjusting to life after brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clinical insight, personal experience, and real compassion for the complex role communication plays in recovery.

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 occupational therapist Julie Meigan, exploring what meaningful rehabilitation really looks like and how progress is built through collaboration, honesty and small practical steps.

Julie shares how working in a multidisciplinary team helps turn big goals into realistic plans, and why therapy should always be something done with, not to, a person. Together, they reflect on setbacks, unrealistic expectations and the power of celebrating small wins that add up over time.

They explore:

Whether you are recovering from a brain injury, supporting someone who is, or working in rehabilitation, this episode offers warmth, realism and professional insight into how recovery is rarely a straight line but always worth the journey.

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 are joined by Julie Meigan, a specialist occupational therapist who supported Brooke during his early rehabilitation. They reconnect to explore the real value of occupational therapy and the challenges of rebuilding everyday life after a brain injury.

Julie explains how occupational therapists help people regain independence by breaking down daily tasks into manageable steps, setting meaningful goals, and tackling barriers such as fatigue, memory loss and lack of insight. Brooke shares how strategies like meal planning, structured rest and activity pacing helped him navigate the fatigue and overwhelm of recovery.

They explore:

Whether you are living with a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical tools, professional insight and a heartfelt look at what it takes to rebuild life after injury — one step at a time.

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 continue their conversation with solicitor and professional deputy David Hilton, diving deeper into how the Court of Protection works and what it really means to manage someone’s affairs after a brain injury.

David explains the oversight and responsibilities that come with being a deputy, whether professional or a family member, and shares real life examples of how decisions are made, challenged and supported. The conversation covers financial safeguarding, unusual requests, emotional boundaries and the need for trust when supporting someone who lacks capacity.

They explore:

Whether you are a deputy, a family member or someone supported by the Court of Protection, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and real world insight into a system designed to protect and empower.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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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 David Hilton, a solicitor and professional deputy, about the legal and financial support available to people who are no longer able to manage their own affairs after a brain injury.

David explains what the Court of Protection does, how deputies are appointed, and why these roles are essential when someone lacks capacity to make important decisions. Brooke shares his personal experience of living under the Court of Protection and how this support has helped him stay safe, financially stable and independent.

They explore:

Whether you are navigating brain injury yourself or helping someone who is, this episode offers practical advice, legal insight and honest conversation about trust, support and making life work when you need help.

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 insightful conversation with consultant clinical neuropsychologist Russell Sheldrick, exploring recovery, acceptance and the role of family support in brain injury rehabilitation.

They discuss how unrealistic expectations can hinder progress, and why true recovery often begins when people accept how life has changed. Russell explains how neuropsychology works with families to create the right environment for recovery, and why small adjustments can make a big difference.

They explore:

Whether you are navigating brain injury yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode offers honest discussion, practical strategies and encouragement to embrace progress, however slow it may seem.

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 consultant clinical neuropsychologist Russell Sheldrick for a powerful conversation about recovery, resilience and the emotional journey after a brain injury.

Russell shares his experience working on an acute rehabilitation ward and explains how neuropsychology helps patients build awareness, develop coping strategies and regain confidence during early recovery. Brooke reflects on the pivotal role Russell played in his own rehabilitation, from memory exercises and emotional support to building realistic goals.

They explore:

Whether you are recovering from a brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers professional insight, real-life experiences and encouragement to keep moving forward, at your own pace.

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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

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 explore the hidden challenges of living with an invisible disability, as part of Action for Brain Injury Week and its theme, “See the Hidden Me.”

They discuss what it means to live with a brain injury that may not be obvious to others, and how common assumptions about disability often ignore the reality of symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, memory problems and sensory loss. Brooke shares his personal experience of looking fine on the outside while dealing with difficulties that are often misunderstood or dismissed.

They explore:

Whether you are living with a brain injury or supporting someone through their recovery, this episode offers understanding, empathy and simple ideas to help manage the unseen effects of brain injury.

Helpful links:

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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

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 talk openly about depression after a brain injury — how it shows up, why it is often misunderstood, and what can help.

They explore the emotional crash that comes after the hospital bubble, the pressure to be grateful for surviving, and the quiet burden of invisible symptoms like fatigue, low mood and memory problems. Brooke shares what helped him manage darker days, from seeing a neuropsychologist to using simple tools like notes, structure and social connection.

They explore:

Whether you are living with a brain injury or supporting someone through recovery, this episode offers clarity, reassurance and small but powerful steps to support emotional health.

Resources:

Helpful links:

For a transcript, follow the link below:

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

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.