The Knock-On Effect Podcast

The Knock-On Effect Podcast
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Where concussion meets conversation. We’re not here to cancel contact sport. We’re here to make it safer, smarter, and sustainable - because concussion can be managed. But only if we take it seriously.

  1. Jun 30

    Is the AFL Changing Football, or Saving it? - TKOE#12

    In this episode, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler delve into the pressing issue of concussion and brain health in contact sports, especially football. They explore recent media investigations, rule changes, training practices and the importance of safeguarding youth to ensure the longevity and safety of the sport.Key Topics: The recent ABC investigation into CTE and its link to Australian rules football, highlighting the case of Nick Lowden.The significance of concussion management and the shift towards understanding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) instead of just acute impacts.Comparisons between AFL, NRL, NFL, and rugby regarding safety protocols, tackling techniques and adjustments to reduce head impacts.The role of training modifications, deliberate practice, and education at grassroots levels to prevent future brain injuries.The debate around "softening" the game versus prioritising player health, including responses to pushback from traditionalists.The importance of community-led initiatives, parent and coach education and progressive rule implementations to foster safer sporting environments.Technical discussion on tackling techniques, impact assessment and when to release players from high-impact situations.The connection between subconcussive impacts and the development of CTE, emphasising the need for proactive measures.Future steps for leagues and clubs to lead the change, advocate for safer training and protect young athletes.Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction to the surge in football concussion news(1:22) - Overview of recent ABC investigation and Nick Lowden’s story(4:10) - The impact of single versus multiple concussions and CTE risk(6:35) - Lessons from NFL and other sports' safety protocols(8:05) - AFL's initiatives and experimental protocols for head impact reduction(10:10) - The importance of limiting training exposure for young players(14:04) - Strategies for deliberate training and tackling technique refinement(16:25) - The significance of impact assessment and teaching safe tackling(20:51) - The ethical and safety considerations of tackling and game rules(35:36) - Understanding CTE: proteins, brain structure and long-term health risks(37:35) - Why the focus should shift from just managing concussion to preventing CTE(41:40) - Evidence linking subconcussive impacts to neurodegenerative conditions(44:41) - Critical analysis of dangerous tackles and rule enforcement(46:34) - The advocacy for safer game practices and training reforms(50:14) - Final thoughts on community responsibility and ongoing safety progressResources:- Concussion starring Will Smith - For understanding CTE and concussion effects: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094766/- AFL Mandates Contract Limits - From 2027 to protect the head from concussion: https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-mandates-contact-limits-at-all-training-from-2027-onwards-to-protect-the-head-from-concussion-c-22481647- ABC News - Dozens of Australian Rules players diagnosed with CTE: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-29/afl-australian-rules-players-diagnosed-cte-brain-disease/106847638Connect with Hosts:- Adam Wood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcswoody/- Cliff Butler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-butler-3049901a/Safeguarding You: https://safeguardingyou.com/Melbourne Headache & Concussion Group: https://melbourneheadacheconcussion.com.au/

  2. Jun 30

    How Charlie Is Changing Concussion Safety in Sport

    In this episode, Adam Wood and Cliff Butler dive into the evolution of Safeguarding You, the Australian Sports Commission innovation journey, and how Charlie is helping clubs, parents, coaches and allied health professionals make smarter concussion decisions in the heat of the moment. They also discuss the gap between policy and real-world sideline decisions, why digital records matter and how this system is scaling from grassroots clubs to national sporting organisations.Timestamps:00:22 - Welcome back and what’s been happening lately02:10 - Why safeguarding is now a major issue in sport05:27 - The background behind Safeguarding You07:20 - Building Charlie as a concussion co-pilot10:09 - How sideline assessments and return-to-play should work14:03 - What the assessment flow looks like in practice17:37 - Charlie’s AI chat support for concussion education20:06 - Expanding into a broader safety operating system24:38 - Why baseline testing matters at club level27:09 - The worst-case scenario parents need to understand28:17 - Rolling out through Judo, BMX, and cycling29:42 - The problem between policy and real-world sideline decisionsRelevant links:• Charlie concussion co-pilot: https://safeguardingyou.ai• Safeguarding You platform: https://safeguardingyou.com• Wendy Smith memorial fundraiser mentioned in the episode: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1597588

  3. Apr 27

    Rugby League: Safety, Technique & Confidence - ROBERT VAI - TKOE#10

    What does it really take to coach safer, smarter, and more resilient athletes in today’s game?In this episode, hosts Adam Wood and Cliff Butler sit down with respected rugby coach and S2S Sports Australia director, Rob Vai, to unpack the realities of modern coaching - from grassroots to elite pathways.From being signed at just 13 by the Wests Tigers, to building one of Australia’s most impactful female rugby development programs, Rob brings raw, practical insight into what’s broken in junior sport - and how we fix it.This conversation goes beyond the headlines. It’s about:- The real impact of injuries and concussion in sport- Why coaching quality is the biggest untapped lever in athlete safety- The rise of female rugby league and the systems needed to support it- How better technique, communication, and awareness can prevent injuries before they happenIf you care about the future of sport - as a coach, parent, administrator, or player - this one matters.KEY MOMENTS- 0:00 - Welcome & intro- 0:16 - Meet Rob Vai: from prodigy to coach- 1:28 - Signing with the West Tigers at 13- 3:19 - Injuries, setbacks & lessons learned- 5:42 - Transitioning into coaching- 7:35 - University & building a coaching philosophy- 10:01 - The birth of S2S Sports Australia- 13:20 - Coaching female athletes: challenges & opportunities- 17:38 - Scaling impact across the game- 20:11 - The gaps in junior coaching systems- 30:12 - Communication & situational awareness on the field- 40:34 - New NRL training regulations explained- 50:51 - Tackling biomechanics & injury prevention- 58:13 - Final thoughts: what great coaching really looks likeWHY THIS MATTERSConcussion is still underreported. Coaching standards are inconsistent. And too many athletes are learning the hard way.This episode is part of a bigger mission - to make sport safer, without losing what makes it great.FIND ROB ON- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s2ssportsaustralia/- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/s2ssportsaustralia- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCGFhyFAs-eV33gObBpoWOyw FIND US ON- TKOE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knock_on_effect_podcast/- TKOE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Knock-OnEffectPodcast- Cliff @ https://www.instagram.com/concussionosteopath/- Adam @ https://www.instagram.com/adam.wood.safeguardingyou/👍 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in your club, team, or network who needs to hear this.#TheKnockOnEffect #ConcussionAwareness #AthleteSafety #CoachingMatters #RugbyLeague #WomensSport #GrassrootsSport #SafeguardingYou #SportsInnovation

  4. Mar 24

    From TRAGEDY to LEGACY - WENDY SMITH - TKOE#09

    Join us as we delve into Wendy Smith's inspiring journey from tragedy to advocacy with her initiative, Happy Lids. Discover the importance of a brain-first culture in sport, the need for standardised concussion policies and how community action can foster safer sporting environments.MAIN TOPICS:* Wendy's personal story and foundation of Happy Lids* Understanding and raising awareness of second impact syndrome* The importance of consistent concussion management protocols* The role of governance, education and culture in sports safety* Legislative efforts and advocacy for national concussion laws in Australia* Practical interventions like baseline testing and club-level governanceIN THIS EPISODE:* Wendy shares how her son's legacy inspired a movement for safer sports* Deep dive into the devastating impact of second impact syndrome and its preventability* The importance of standardised protocols across Australian sports organisations* Strategies for empowering young athletes and coaches about brain health* The potential of laws like Rowan's Law in improving safety standards* Community engagement: fundraising, awareness campaigns and grassroots action* How clubs can leverage governance to foster a safer sporting cultureTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview05:42 - Wendy Smith's story and the founding of Happy Lids08:15 - Antonio's death and the importance of concussion awareness12:01 - Explaining second impact syndrome and its risks16:46 - Progress in concussion protocols and legislation in Australia19:02 - The role of clubs, governance and community action24:08 - Education programs and the SASMA Sports Tick initiative29:18 - The importance of empowering young athletes and coaching staff38:30 - The value of baseline neurocognitive testing in sports44:14 - Case studies: Laurie Polamini and Australian legislation efforts48:49 - The prevalence of CTE and long-term brain health concerns52:50 - The influence of grounds, training and game speed on injury risk57:02 - Final thoughts: advocacy, legislation and community engagement59:19 - Closing remarks and how to get involved with Happy LidsRESOURCES & LINKS:* https://happylids.com.au/* https://www.instagram.com/happy_lids/* https://concussionfoundation.org.au/* Rowan's Law - https://www.ontario.ca/page/rowans-law* SASMA Sports Tick Program - https://sasma.org.au/* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753984/CONNECT WITH WENDY SMITH:* https://www.instagram.com/happy_lids/* https://happylids.com.au/

    From TRAGEDY to LEGACY - WENDY SMITH - TKOE#09

  5. Feb 27

    From the Sidelines to the Boardroom - EDDIE FARAH - TKOE Ep #08

    From the Sidelines to the Boardroom: The Truth About Concussion Management with Eddie Farah.What really happens when an elite sports physio steps out of the professional arena and into the world of business, mentoring, and community sport?In this powerful episode, we sit down with Eddie Farah - elite NRL physio - to unpack the evolution of concussion management, the cultural battle around player honesty and the uncomfortable “gray areas” that still exist in sport today.This isn’t just a clinical discussion.It’s a raw, honest conversation about pressure, responsibility and the tension between a player’s desire to return… and the long-term risks they may not fully understand.What We Cover The transition from professional sport to business leadershipMentoring the next generation of physiosThe biggest gaps in concussion management todayThe “Category One vs Category Two” grey zoneWhy players still hide symptomsThe cultural shift required to truly protect athletesConcussion isn’t just a professional sport issue.It affects local clubs, junior leagues, parents and volunteers.Why lower-level concussions are often under-managedThe role governing bodies like the NRL and AFL play in setting standardsHow education, culture and honest reporting are just as critical as medical protocolsIf we want safer sport, it starts with better conversations - and better systems.Community sport challenges vs professional sport systemsPrevention, rule changes and what the future must look likeWhy This Episode MattersWe explore:Chapters0:21 – Introduction0:47 – Meet Eddie Farah1:57 – Eddie’s journey and concussion experience in rugby5:26 – Professional vs Community Sport differences8:29 – The grey area between Category One & Two concussions13:27 – Current protocols in NRL & AFL24:24 – Return-to-play explained29:20 – Community sport challenges43:12 – The future: prevention, rule changes & education50:05 – Final reflectionsWhether you’re a coach, physio, administrator, parent, or athlete - this conversation will change how you think about concussion.🎧 Listen now.Because protecting players starts long before the final siren.Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult yo3ur healthcare team for your specific situation.

    From the Sidelines to the Boardroom - EDDIE FARAH - TKOE Ep #08

  6. Jan 31

    William Person: Team USA Bobsled - TKOE Ep #07

    The Real Cool Runnings: From Olympic Dreams to the Brink of Suicide, and the HBOT Recovery. In this episode of The Knock On Effect Podcast, we sit down with former Team USA Bobsledder William Person. His story begins like a real-life "Cool Runnings" — a track athlete pivoting to the ice in pursuit of gold. But behind the high-speed thrill of bobsledding lay a mounting toll of concussions that eventually pushed William to the absolute brink. After years of suffering from late-onset symptoms, William found himself contemplating suicide. That all changed when he discovered Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). In this episode, we dive deep into: The Bobsled Toll: The physical reality of "micro-concussions" at 90mph.The Mental Health Crisis: Why William reached a breaking point and how he clawed back.The Kanye West Connection: We discuss Ye’s recent public struggles and why many "mental health" diagnoses may actually be undiagnosed Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).The Invisible Epidemic: The connection between brain trauma and military veterans, road trauma victims, and domestic violence survivors.HBOT as a Solution: How oxygen therapy is changing the game for athletes and anyone suffering from the devastating symptoms of MTBI.William is now on a mission to ensure no one else has to suffer in silence. Whether you’re an athlete, a veteran or someone who has hit their head in a "minor" accident, this conversation could save your life. 🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The "Cool Runnings" Dream04:20 - The hidden danger of Bobsledding: Micro-concussions12:45 - The Spiral: Late-onset symptoms and suicidal ideation22:10 - Misdiagnosing Kanye West: Is it Bipolar or TBI?31:30 - The link between brain trauma and societal violence42:15 - Discovering HBOT: The science of healing the brain55:00 - William’s mission to help the world heal1:05:00 - Closing thoughts: There is hope.Check Out Williams socials and Go Fund Me: GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/93ff9c6e Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://www.facebook.com/william.person.792233LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-person-4072b417/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrYouTube: https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQCTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_Check out The Knock On Effect on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knock_on_effect_podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Knock-OnEffectPodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4k9sNUWIaNtml0TRA9xEX8?si=oAZEnKgARjitoytYadaCuwApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-knock-on-effect-podcast/id1824556614#Concussion #HBOT #MentalHealth #Bobsled #TeamUSA #TBI #TheKnockOnEffect #KanyeWest #BrainHealth

  7. Jan 5

    Gut Health, Inflammation & Naturopathy | TKOE Ep #6 with Louise Cork

    Welcome back to the Knock-On Effect Podcast, where concussion meets conversation with Adam Wood and Cliff Butler. In this episode, we are joined by Clinical Naturopath Louise Cork (The Concussion Naturopath) to discuss the critical "gaping hole" in current concussion treatment: the systemic effects of head trauma.If you are suffering from lingering symptoms, brain fog or anxiety long after a head impact, this conversation explains why standard care might be missing the root cause. Louise explains that a concussion is not just an injury to the head, but a full systemic injury that affects your gut, immune system and inflammatory pathways.In this episode, we cover:* The Systemic Injury: Why a concussion causes intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and how the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier allows toxins to enter the brain.* The "Gaping Hole" in Care: Why standard medical approaches often fail to address the chronic neuroinflammation that leads to long-term decline and mental health struggles.* The Glymphatic System: Understanding the brain’s "waste removal" system, how it clears debris while you sleep, and what happens when glial cells get stuck in "prime" mode.* The Vagus Nerve & Anxiety: How the gut-brain axis influences neurotransmitters (like GABA) and why you can’t just "think your way out" of post-concussion anxiety or depression.* Naturopathic Solutions: How herbal medicine, specific supplementation (like Specialised Pro-Resolving Mediators), and microbiome testing can close inflammatory loops and restore balance.* Proactive Protection: The concept of optimising your microbiome 'before' the season starts to mitigate the risks of future impacts.Louise emphasises that "nothing is random, everything is connected," and that by addressing the whole person, (not just the head), we can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent long-term degeneration like CTE.About Our Guest:Louise Cork is a Clinical Naturopath specialising in concussion and brain health. She works with patients worldwide to resolve chronic inflammation and optimise recovery.* Instagram: @concussionnaturopath* Website: theconcussionnaturopath.comConnect with The Knock-On Effect:Brought to you by SafeguardingYou.com and the Melbourne Headache and Concussion Group.Disclaimer:The content in this podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for your specific situation.#Concussion #Naturopathy #GutHealth #TBI #PostConcussionSyndrome #Neuroscience #HolisticHealth #MentalHealth #Inflammation #KnockOnEffectPodcast

    Gut Health, Inflammation & Naturopathy | TKOE Ep #6 with Louise Cork

  8. 11/28/2025

    Dr Alan Pearce - TKOE Ep #05

    Welcome to the Knock-On Effect Podcast: ‘Where Concussion Meets Conversation”... with Adam Wood & Cliff Butler. Thanks to https://safeguardingyou/ and https://melbourneheadacheconcussion/ for supporting the channel.In this episode we speak with renowned neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce, one of Australia's leading concussion researchers. he's been at the centre of the national conversation on brain health - and most recently, his voice has been heard around the Eli Katoa incident that's shaken both the NRL and grassroots sport. Links discussed in the pod: - AIS Concussion Guidelines: https://www.ausport.gov.au/concussion- Play.AFL Concussion Resources: https://play.afl/concussion - PlayHQ Concussion Incident Reporting: https://support.playhq.com/hc/en-au/articles/44504766754329-Concussion-Management-in-PlayHQ- Safeguarding You: https://safeguardingyou.com/- Melbourne Headache and Concussion Group: https://melbourneheadacheconcussion.com.au/- Alan Pearce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanpearcephd/

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Where concussion meets conversation. We’re not here to cancel contact sport. We’re here to make it safer, smarter, and sustainable - because concussion can be managed. But only if we take it seriously.

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  • Creator
    The Knock-On Effect Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Knock-On Effect Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Knock-On Effect Podcast