Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast

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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast, today we have the honour and privilege to welcome Chris Cannon. 
Chris is the General Manager of M2MMA, a combat sports organisation using artificial intelligence to improve athlete wellbeing across physical, psychological, and financial domains. A key focus is reducing major risks in the sport—particularly weight cutting and concussion (mild traumatic brain injury), which is the focus of today’s discussion.

01:14 - Chris’s Journey into M2MMA 
05:50 - What is M2MMA & How is AI involved?
08:52 – What Data is Being Collected?
13:40 – Protection of Data
14:50 – Athlete Perception’s to Data Collection
18:00 – Examples of Data Collection
20:40 – Understanding the Whole Issue
26:45 – Outside Perception on AI Tracking from Other Sports
30:45 – Chris’s Favourite Sporting Moment and Moving Forward in Sport

M2MMA: 
Website: https://m2mma.com
IG: @m2mmaofficial and @cccannon10
Facebook: M2MMA Official
 
Social media:
Twitter: @firstconcussion
Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast
Instagram: Headfirst_Concussion  
Email: [email protected]

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Dr McManus is the Medical Director of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, overseeing world-class competitions including MotoGP, motocross, and superbike racing. He also leads the FIM International Medical Commission, driving global standards in medical care and rider safety.
With a background in sports and emergency medicine, Dr McManus is a key figure in advancing injury surveillance and concussion management in high-speed motorsport, helping shape best-practice care for elite riders worldwide.
 
01:30 - Journey into Medicine and Motorsport’s      
04:00 - What is FIM?
07:10 – History of Concussion Guidelines in Motorsports
10:55 - What is a concussion and Significance?
16:30 – Acceptance of Concussion Policies Amongst Athlete's
18:40 – Publishing and Implementation of Concussion Guidelines
26:00 – When to Respect Autonomy and When to in Force Protocol 
33:45 – Removal from the Track for An Assessment 
39:40 – General Things We Should Know About Motorsports and Concussion

FIM: https://www.fim-moto.com/en/
 
Guidelines https://www.fim-moto.com/en/news/news-detail/article/fim-launches-motorcycle-sport-specific-concussion-assessment-and-management-guidelines

Professor Jon Patricios – Concussion in Sports Group: Episode 65 
 
 
Social media:
Twitter: @first concussion
Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast
Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion  
Email: [email protected]

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Tom had an outstanding junior career, winning state championships for Western Australia and multiple league best and fairest awards. He was drafted to St Kilda in 2010, spending three seasons at the club and playing with Sandringham in the VFL.
He later returned to WA, becoming a key player for Claremont over eight seasons in the WAFL.
Off the field, Tom completed a law degree and now works as a Special Counsel at Pragma Lawyers in Perth.

01:30 - Journey into Sports and Experiences of the AFL Draft
04:50 – Process Once Drafted
06:30 – Experience of Being In ‘AFL System’ and First Game 
08:12 – Comparison of AFL to State Level
10:28 – Head Injury Assessment and Experiences 
12:50 – Confounding Factors of Playing Through Injuries
14:40 – Attitude Now Towards Concussion Now
15:55 – Changes in Playing Style
17:47 – Perception Changed on Concussion?
19:50 - Favourite Memories of Career
21:50 – Transition from AFL to Everyday Life
23:00 – Where to Find Tom

Social media:
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Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast
Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion  
Email: [email protected]

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Natasha is a registered physical therapist with more than a decade of clinical experience. She holds degrees in Health Science and Kinesiology, along with a Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia. Over the course of her career, she has developed specialised expertise in concussion recovery, neurological rehabilitation, chronic pain management, vestibular therapy, and functional neurology. She is the founder of Symphony Brain Performance, a clinic that has become a sought-after destination for individuals seeking specialised care for concussion and brain health. Natasha’s innovative work has earned significant recognition, including Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Physiotherapist Leadership Award of British Columbia, and Vancouver Island’s Top 20 Under 40 Business and Community Achievement Award. She has also recently been nominated for the Women of Influence Award. In addition to her clinical work, Natasha is the founder and host of the Concussion Nerds podcast and program, where she shares insights and conversations focused on brain health, concussion recovery, and performance.
 
01:35 - How Natasha Become a Physical Therapist
05:30 - Integration into Concussion Rehabilitation 
12:50 - What is a Concussion?
16:40 - What are the Phenotypes of Concussion? 
22:00 - Approach in Treating Concussion/ Misconceptions
30:00 – Psychology and Terminology of Concussion
37:35 – Myths Around Concussion
42:55 – Rewards of Natasha’s Job
44:30 - Where Can People Find Concussion Nerds and Natasha
 
 
Concussion Nerds – Natasha Wilch 
https://www.natasha-wilch.com/concussion-nerds
Podcast: The Concussion Nerds Podcast – Spotify/ Apple 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natasha.wilch.concussioncoach/
 
IG: @natash.wilch & @concussionnerds
 YouTube:
@NatashaWilch-ConcussionNerd

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Social media:
Twitter: @first concussion
Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast
Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion  
Email: [email protected]

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**This Episode is a Re-Release from Late 2024,  information may have change since recording** 
 
Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast. Today, we are privileged to have Dr. Jason Chan join us. Dr. Chan recently retired after a distinguished 10-year tenure as the Chief Medical Officer for the Melbourne Storm, where he oversaw the medical management of the team during an era marked by remarkable success. Under his leadership, the Storm appeared in five grand finals, securing two premierships and five minor premierships. Dr. Chan’s tenure also included overseeing nine preliminary finals and managing a total of 249 games. Despite his retirement from the role, he continues to contribute to the club as a medical consultant.
Dr. Chan holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Chief Medical Officer in the history of the Melbourne Storm. Beyond his role with the Storm, he has applied his expertise in various high-profile positions, including with the Queensland State of Origin team, the NRL Māori All Stars, and the Sunshine Coast Lightning Netball team, among others. He is also the founder of the Surgical Assistants Group of Victoria.
With over 28 years of experience across multiple specialties, including general practice, orthopaedics, and general surgery, Dr. Chan is widely recognized as a highly regarded medical professional within the sporting and medical communities. His diverse experience and contributions to the field make him an invaluable asset in the areas of sports medicine and team health management.
 
01:34 - Background and the Role of Chief Medical Officer
05:47 - What Happens with An Athlete in Pre-Season & Baseline Testing 
12:23 - Time to conduct a HIA and Make a Clinical Decision on Game Day 
20:00 - Player Repour on Concussion Diagnosis 
23:00 - HIA’s and Recovery Process of Concussion 
27:20 - Perceptions of the Media 
30:35 - Multifaceted Aspects of Culture and Public Acceptance of Concussion 
38:17 - Over Arching Message 
 
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Social media:
Twitter: @first concussion
Facebook: Headfirst: A concussion podcast
Instagram: Headfirst_ Concussion  
Email: [email protected]