Head Noise

4.8 (141)
SPORT
COMPLETE SERIES

NRL superstar James Graham discovers the truth about what football has done to his brain - and faces up to deeply confronting questions about risk, reward, masculinity and responsibility. Head Noise is exclusive for subscribers to The Australian. Join us at theaustralian.com.au/subscribe.

EPISODE 1 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

What have I done to my brain?

Football superstar James Graham begins a gripping journey to confront sport's hottest issue: concussion. In this series, we'll meet the stars of AFL, Olympic sports and rugby union as they face the truth about head trauma. Graham, one of rugby league's greatest ever hard men, reveals the day he feared he was losing his mind, even as he was fulfilling the dream of stardom born in his Liverpool childhood. And we meet league stars including Immortal Wally Lewis, who reveals a shocking secret. For more, go to here.

34 min
EPISODE 2 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Matty Johns' badge of honour

James Graham interviews superstar Matty Johns, who shocks James with some revelations: he was first knocked out cold at the age of six, and suffered 80 concussions during his glittering league career. Johns, Australia's most successful ex-footballer, tells James he has no regrets, and shares his thoughts on how to protect players from themselves.

41 min
EPISODE 3 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Hard knocks and broken hearts

NRL great James Graham takes us inside one of the most brutal concussions he suffered on the field. Graham also interviews former Roosters captain Boyd Cordner, who retired at age 29 because of concussion. Boyd opens up on his toughest moments in his final seasons in his most revealing interview on the issue yet and explains how the paralysing headaches caused by concussions affected his day-to-day life. James also reveals the results of his brain test with Dr Alan Pearce.

30 min
EPISODE 4 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Days of Thunder

James Graham opens up in-depth about his mental health battles like never before. Former Wallaby Berrick Barnes reveals the hidden toll of concussions on his stellar rugby union career - and why he followed his heart to play bush footy after retirement. It’s a decision Barnes now says was ‘f…ing stupid’.

29 min
EPISODE 5 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

A Dad’s dilemma

Football saved James Graham from straying to the wrong side of the law - but was it worth the risk? We hear what his own Dad, John, thinks. James confronts every parent’s choice: do I let my own kids play contact sport? We bust some myths - and superstars Matty Johns, Berrick Barnes and Shaun Smith open up on kids playing sport. All the while James gets closer to discovering what 100 concussions in rugby league did to his brain.

35 min
EPISODE 6 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

The moment of truth

James Graham receives the news no one wants to hear in a neurologist's rooms. The impact of his glorious 17-year playing career, which also yielded around 100 concussions, has taken a toll but how does he feel about it? In this episode James also calls for changes across the game to protect both present and past players.

25 min
EPISODE 7 BONUS • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

‘Am I going to die?’

One of the hardest men to have played rugby league, Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll, joins NRL great James Graham for a special one on one interview. Spudd reveals to Graham his ‘probable CTE diagnosis’ and pleads for the NRL to pay for brain scans for all former players. ‘Spudd’ also reveals some very dark times.If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), or see a doctor.Macquarie University’s Concussion Connect email: neurology@mqhealth.org.auIf you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, call Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), or see a doctor.Macquarie University’s Concussion Connect email: neurology@mqhealth.org.au

26 min

See All Season 1 (7)

TRAILER

Introducing Head Noise

NRL superstar James Graham discovers the truth about what football has done to his brain - and faces up to deeply confronting questions about risk, reward, masculinity and responsibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23/08/2022

•

2 min

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3.9 (158)

TRUE CRIME
The Teacher’s Pet creator Hedley Thomas returns with a new podcast investigation for The Australian. Bronwyn Winfield disappeared 31 years ago from the idyllic surf town of Lennox Head. She was a devoted mother of two little girls, and was going through a painful separation from her husband, Jon Winfield. Jon Winfield has always maintained Bronwyn just went away and denies any wrongdoing. Subscribers to The Australian and registered users hear episodes of ‘Bronwyn’ first. Plus, you can read more about this case and see exclusive stories, maps, timelines, graphics, video and more at bronwynpodcast.com If you have information which may help solve this cold case, you can contact our team confidentially by emailing bronwyn@theaustralian.com.au

4.5 (2183)

TRUE CRIME
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2.3 (147)

NEWS
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3.6 (239)

RUGBY

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James Graham

Host
Matty Johns

Guest

4.8

out of 5

141 Ratings

Absolutely riveting

21/11/2022

MerryMeagan

James Graham is a fantastic presenter who engages the listener, shares his and others stories with authenticity, and simply but intelligently outlines improvements that can be made to the game to protect it and the players. James makes you think about your why to life. Thank you for a thought provoking podcast.
Great Podcast

17/10/2022

MaFro2763

Interesting topic, clearly laid out as with most podcasts by The Australian. Easily listened to the whole season in one day.
So important

16/10/2022

Aussielittlebuddy

This is something that everyone involved in any sport should listen to. It is informative and thought provoking and is on a topic that is so important. I wish it was compulsory listening for all parents and athletes before their next season.
Thank you

15/10/2022

Gerry PL

Great post cast and very appropriate. Thank you for doing it James. Your honesty and openness will make a big contribution to current and future players.

NRL superstar James Graham discovers the truth about what football has done to his brain - and faces up to deeply confronting questions about risk, reward, masculinity and responsibility. Head Noise is exclusive for subscribers to The Australian. Join us at theaustralian.com.au/subscribe.