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Headpods Series 3

Honest conversations. Powerful stories. A deeper look at life after brain injury. Sponsored by Hatch Brenner.

We’re back with a brand-new season of Headpods, the podcast from Headway Norfolk & Waveney, exploring the real-life impact of brain injury- one conversation at a time.

Presented by Emma Martins, who lives with a brain injury herself, Season 3 continues to shine a light on voices that are too often overlooked. Each episode features open, moving, and sometimes humorous discussions with survivors, carers, professionals, and community members navigating life after brain injury in all its complexity.

Whether you’re new to Headpods or a returning listener, this season offers deeper insights, shared experiences, and the comforting reminder that no one is alone in this journey.

With thanks to our supporters

Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Hatch Brenner Solicitors, long-time supporters of brain injury awareness and advocacy in our region.

We're also incredibly grateful to the UEA Media Studies team, whose creativity and technical expertise have helped bring this season to life.

Available on Spotify

Headpods S3 Ep1: Terry & Sharon with Speech Expert Elissa Manzi, UEA

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.

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Headpods S3 Ep 2: David Balls & OT expert, Jacky High-Caston from East Anglian Driveability

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.

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Headpods S3 Ep3 - Lisa Pitkin & Psychology Expert Stephanie Rossit

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, a speech and language expert from the University of East Anglia. Stephanie provides insights into cognitive processing and discusses her latest research into innovative brain injury treatments, shedding light on new approaches for recovery and support.

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Headpods S3 Ep5: Dr Harilal, expert Consultant, Colman Hospital

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.

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Headpods S3 Eps.6 -Emma, Denise, Betty & Chris talking about her support

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.

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