Headpods Podcast

Welcome to Headpods, proudly sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors. In this final episode of the series, presenter Emma Martins invites listeners to hear the other side of her own brain injury story.

Emma is joined by her mother, Betty, and her support worker, Denise, as they reflect on their roles in her recovery and ongoing journey. Together, they explore the personal and emotional impact of brain injury- not just for Emma, but for those closest to her.

The episode also features a conversation with Chris Price from the University of East Anglia, who led the Media Studies students that helped produce all three seasons of Headpods over the past three years. This heartfelt episode offers a unique perspective on support, resilience, and collaboration and brings the series to a thoughtful and inspiring close.

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 5 of Headpods, proudly sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors.In this episode, we meet Dr. Harilal, who has been a Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the Coleman Hospital in Norwich since 2005.

Between 2018 and 2024, he took on a management role within the NHS but returned to clinical practice in April 2024. Following this transition, he embraced the opportunity to join Headway Norfolk and Waveney as a Trustee.

Emma Martins shares a bit about her own experience with an acquired brain injury 10 years ago and asks Dr. Harilal about his day-to-day responsibilities and insights.

In Episode 4 of Headpods Season 3, sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors, Emma sits down with Colin Cook, Managing Partner at Hatch Brenner and a seasoned Personal Injury solicitor. Colin shares his experience representing clients across a wide range of injury claims, with a special focus on complex cases involving brain injuries, fatal accidents, and medical negligence.

They also discuss his role as a Headway Trustee and Hatch Brenner’s support in funding this season of Headpods. Colin even shares his own fundraising adventures, from abseiling to skydiving, all to support Headway's mission.

In Episode 3 of Headpods Season 3, sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors, we meet Lisa Pitkin, a dedicated staff member at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. After sustaining a brain injury from a fall down the stairs at home, Lisa shares her journey of resilience and determination to continue working, despite the challenges she faces.

Emma then speaks with Stephanie Rossit, Associate Professor in Psychology at University of East Anglia.. She is a speech and language expert. Stephanie provides insights into cognitive processing and discusses her latest research.  This is around innovative brain injury treatments, shedding light on new approaches for recovery and support.

Welcome to Episode 2 of Headpods Season 3, sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors. Today, we hear from David, whose life took an unexpected turn 11 years ago when he suffered a stroke. He opens up about his journey before and after his brain injury, sharing the challenges he’s faced and his triumphs, including his inspiring return to driving.

Emma then connects with Jacky High-Caston, a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Business Development Manager at East Anglian DriveAbility (EAD). Covering all of East Anglia, EAD is part of the Driving Mobility network, helping people like David regain their independence. Jacky shares how their assessments and support enable individuals with brain injuries to get safely back on the road.

Welcome to Season 3 of Headpods, proudly sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors. This season, we delve into life after brain injury, sharing inspiring personal stories and expert perspectives. 

In our first episode, we meet Terry, who bravely navigates life with Aphasia after a stroke. Despite the daily challenges, Terry’s resilience shines, and with the support of his wife, Sharon, he shares his powerful story with our host, Emma.

To deepen our understanding of Aphasia, Emma also speaks with Elissa Manzi, a speech and language therapist at the University of East Anglia, who provides insights into the condition and offers guidance on effective support and development.

In November 2023, Emma Martins visited Headway’s Norwich centre at the Methodist Church on Bowthorpe Road. During her visit, she spoke with two clients, Mark and Keith, to learn about their stories, challenges, and experiences as part of the Headway community.

Mark, formerly a courier driver, was diagnosed with a deep brain tumour three years ago. Although he is no longer able to drive, he stays active by volunteering and playing walking football. He shares his story in a podcast.

Keith, originally from Thirsk, Yorkshire, attended college at the MOD in Malvern. Now based in Norfolk, he has two children. Keith experienced two brain injuries, the first at age 19 in a motorbike accident and the second much later. He recounts his experiences in his podcast.

In November 2023, Emma Martins visited Headway’s Norwich centre at the Methodist Church on Bowthorpe Road. During her visit, she spoke with two clients, Mark and Keith, learning about their stories, challenges, and experiences as part of the Headway community.

Sean, who was born with cerebral palsy, attended university and achieved impressive qualifications. He now works as a therapist in addition to holding a social communications role at Headway, a position he has held for 17 years. Sean shared insights into his experiences at the centre.

Emma also met Sarah, who grew up with a visual impairment but pursued a successful career as a nurse in Norfolk, a role she cherished. However, a stroke and aneurysm a few years ago drastically changed her life. Sarah discussed her rehabilitation journey, recovery process, and the vital role Headway has played in her life since then.

Malcolm McDonnell grew up in Liverpool and was an engineer by trade. He met his wife in Bournemouth but travelled around the country for his work, eventually settling in Norwich, Norfolk with his family. Malcolm will be 78 this year but had a stroke a couple of years ago. He is very keen to get back in the driving seat and to share his story of recovery.

Maresa Padmore worked at the UEA for 20 years returning after she had her children. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her she had cluster veins in her brain, which led to an acquired brain injury in the form of a stroke, in January 2023.  Maresa still attends The Coleman Hospital in Norwich and in the next stage of her recovery.