http://www.headway-nw.org.ukHeadpods is a podcast series from Headway Norfolk and Waveney, a Charity dedicated to improving lives impacted by brain injuries.

Through a variety of episodes, Headpods dives into topics that matter to people impacted by brain injuries, offering personal stories and insights. The podcast aims to create a platform for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and providing resources for those navigating life after a brain injury, as well as their families and caregivers.

By featuring a diverse range of voices, Headpods fosters a supportive community and helps listeners feel less isolated in their journeys. Headpods is presented by Emma Martins, who herself has an acquired brain injury.]]>enMental HealthCopyright Headway Norfolk and Waveneyhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/488ff0177af2a722db49cf0178242e61.jpghttp://www.headway-nw.org.ukWed, 16 Jul 2025 09:14:00 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyHeadway Norfolk and Waveneycommunications@headway-nw.org.ukHeadpods is a podcast series from Headway Norfolk and Waveney, a Charity dedicated to improving lives impacted by brain injuries. Through a variety of episodes, Headpods dives into topics that matter to people impacted by brain injuries, offering...Headpods is a podcast series from Headway Norfolk and Waveney, a Charity dedicated to improving lives impacted by brain injuries.

Through a variety of episodes, Headpods dives into topics that matter to people impacted by brain injuries, offering personal stories and insights. The podcast aims to create a platform for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and providing resources for those navigating life after a brain injury, as well as their families and caregivers.

By featuring a diverse range of voices, Headpods fosters a supportive community and helps listeners feel less isolated in their journeys. Headpods is presented by Emma Martins, who herself has an acquired brain injury.]]>yesepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-eps-6-emma-denise-betty-chris-talking-about-her-support--64492400
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64492400Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:12:43 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyWelcome 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...
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.]]>1751braininjury,braininjurystories,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstoriesclean36fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-ep5-dr-harilal-expert-consultant-colman-hospital--63288777
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63288777Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:10:58 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyWelcome 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,...
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.]]>1309abi,acquiredbraininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspiringstories,recoverystoriesclean35fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-ep4-colin-cook-legal-expert-from-hatch-brenner-solicitors--63288436
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63288436Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:10:37 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn 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...
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.]]>913abi,acquiredbraininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspiringstories,recoverystoriesclean34fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-ep3-lisa-pitkin-psychology-expert-stephanie-rossit--62345304


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.




]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62345304Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:10:07 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn 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...


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.




]]>2534abi,acquiredbraininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstoriesclean33fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-ep-2-david-balls-ot-expert-jacky-high-caston-from-east-anglian-driveability--63337538
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63337538Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:09:39 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyWelcome 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,...
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.]]>2113abi,acquiredbraininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstories,recoverystoriesclean32fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s3-ep1-terry-sharon-with-speech-expert-elissa-manzi-uea--61855466
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.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/61855466Mon, 16 Jun 2025 08:09:08 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyWelcome 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...
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.
]]>2651abi,acquiredbraininjury,emmamartins,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstoryclean31fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/outside-broadcast-s2-ep8-mark-keith--63125757


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.




]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63125757Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:12:06 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn 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...


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.




]]>1632abi,acquiredbraininjury,braininjurysupport,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstoriesyes28fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/outside-broadcast-s2-ep9-sean-sarah--63288494
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.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63288494Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:10:48 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn 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...
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.]]>1302abi,acquiredbraininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,inspirationalstories,recoverystoriesclean29fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep7-malcolm-mcdonnell--59631802https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59631802Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:46:36 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyMalcolm 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...1796abi,aquiredbraininjury,braininjury,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,survivorstories,survivorstoryclean27fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep6-maresa-padmore--59631336https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59631336Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:15:21 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyMaresa 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...2791abi,aquiredbraininjury,headwayclean26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep5-maggie-scrivener--59127384https://api.spreaker.com/episode/59127384Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:57:19 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyMaggie survived a blood clot in her brain only a year or so ago, which changed her life forever. She was only 20 at the time and was lucky to survive. She has recently moved in with her boyfriend in Sheffield, but I met her when she was living in...2367clean25fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep4-peter-garrood--58682381https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58682381Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:34:00 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyPeter trained as a building surveyor in London, before moving back to East Anglia.  After this he was in a car accident with his friends and wife, but they survived against all the odds.It wasn’t until they left the hospital that he had a stroke and...2897clean24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep3-andrew-harroven--58682338https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58682338Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:34:33 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyAndrew was riding his motorbike one day just outside Norwich and had a collision with a car and was left with a traumatic brain injury. Andrew survived and is here to tell us his incredible story which could have been life or death.2248clean23fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep2-james-heather--58682281https://api.spreaker.com/episode/58682281Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:34:23 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyJames was a young pilot working for BA. He was socialising in Paris with his friend and co- pilot and two cabin crew. They were scheduled to fly back the next morning. James recounts the moment when he decided to show off and jump over a bannister in...2042clean22fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s2-ep1-sam-wigg--57875884
Sam has taken on the challenge of developing his cognitive abilities and is making very good progress. It’s still early days and here is his Headpod story.

Emma Martins, Lived Experience Communicator
Headway, Norfolk & Waveney]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/57875884Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:49:30 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn early 2022 Sam Wigg was riding his pushbike home late one evening after socialising with friends. He was found unconscious in a ditch with no recollection of what happened, but he had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Sam has taken on the...
Sam has taken on the challenge of developing his cognitive abilities and is making very good progress. It’s still early days and here is his Headpod story.

Emma Martins, Lived Experience Communicator
Headway, Norfolk & Waveney]]>2534abi,aquiredbraininjury,braininjury,braininjurycharity,braininjuryinterview,headpod,headway,headwaynorfolk&waveney,samwiggclean21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep8-james-piercy--53107875
To find out more about James Piercy:

TedTalk - https://youtu.be/jJ3BwZPhyMM
Twitter - @thepiercy
Radio 4 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05w3xpk
Ways of Speaking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRwdeeZIW4Y&list=PLtlg_22h4On6I7bj-0RSqhtD0pj54uBG-]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/53107875Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:32:52 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn 2011 James Piercy was involved in a car accident with his family. Thankfully, James' three children were not injured, but his wife was tragically killed and he was left unconcious with a serious traumatic brain injury. James has now re married and...
To find out more about James Piercy:

TedTalk - https://youtu.be/jJ3BwZPhyMM
Twitter - @thepiercy
Radio 4 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05w3xpk
Ways of Speaking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRwdeeZIW4Y&list=PLtlg_22h4On6I7bj-0RSqhtD0pj54uBG-]]>1749clean18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep7-robert-sistern--52581771https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52581771Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:04:03 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyRob grew up in Norwich and fell into drug addiction from a young age. Luckily Robert survived falling from a second floor onto concrete, he now lives independently with a brain injury. He tells us his story of addiction and coming out the other side....1808clean17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep6-tamara-bond--52451773https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52451773Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:05:22 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyTammy got kicked in the head by a horse as a small child. Twenty years later she started having epileptic fits which were then linked to her accident. She worked at Headway but is now a teaching assistant in Norfolk. Her story is incredible and shows...2636clean16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep5-mark-baldwin--52225546https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52225546Mon, 19 Dec 2022 11:04:40 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn todays Headpod we are meeting Mark Baldwin, who survived an aneurysm at the age of only 23. Mark and I will be talking about how Headway have supported him over the last two years, his recovery and getting back in the driving seat. Disclaimer: this...1889clean15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep4-mandy-hathway--52097390https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52097390Mon, 05 Dec 2022 10:05:06 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyIn todays Headpod we are speaking to Mandy Hathway, who suffered a stroke at just 20 years old. Mandy's story underlines the fact that strokes don't just happen later on in life they can happen at any time at any age. Today Mandy is a support worker...2137clean14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep3-jeremy-goss--51810535https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51810535Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:32:12 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyThis episode features Norwich City FC Legend Jeremy Goss. In his HeadPod, Jeremy talks about his childhood, family and of course, football career. He explains that whilst playing in the 90's, he suffered many concussions from heading the ball and on...1759clean13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep2-chris-clark--51550087https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51550087Wed, 12 Oct 2022 09:33:23 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyThis episode features Chris who changed his career from London carpenter to Headway Area Manager after his Brain Injury. Receiving life support and being in a coma with no recollection, Chris has made a miraculous recovery.2806clean12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/headpods-s1-ep1-stacey-whatling--49708855https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49708855Sun, 08 May 2022 08:38:27 +0000Headway Norfolk and WaveneyThe episode features Stacey, who at 63-years old, working as a construction insurance broker, fell from three steps down an entire flight of stairs at home, whilst rushing to be on time for her Pilates group. She suffered a traumatic brain injury...2715clean11full