Head-Cast The Stroke Podcast

Community, connection, and lived experience sit at the heart of stroke recovery — and in this episode of Head‑Cast, Greg Hollingworth from Different Strokes brings all three to life.Greg shares his own journey as a working‑age stroke survivor and explains how peer‑led support has transformed recovery for thousands of people since the charity began in 1996. This conversation goes beyond clinical pathways and into the real, human work of rebuilding life after stroke.In this episodeGreg’s personal story and how his stroke shaped his commitment to helping othersThe founding and evolution of Different Strokes, supporting working‑age survivors for 30 yearsWhy peer support offers something that traditional medical advice often can’tHow community, shared stories, and honest conversations provide hope and realismThe charity’s approach to personalised support, exercise groups, and mental‑health resourcesHow lived experience drives volunteer leadership and shapes the charity’s directionFundraising, upcoming events, and how to get involvedThe challenges of COVID and how the community adapted and stayed connectedSetting boundaries, pacing, and learning to live in the presentThe role of humour, storytelling, and practical wisdom in emotional healingKey TakeawaysPeer support matters — it offers relatable encouragement that clinical care alone can’t provideStories reduce stigma and help survivors feel seen, understood, and less aloneVolunteer‑led organisations can create deep impact through authenticity and empathyFlexibility, patience, and presence are essential in recoverySupporting charities sustains vital community resources for survivors and familiesGreg’s journey is a reminder that recovery is not just medical — it’s communal. When survivors connect, share, and lift each other, healing becomes possible in ways no leaflet or appointment can replicate.If you or someone you know has been affected by a stroke, reach out. Support is here, and recovery is possible.

In this episode, Sheila Chingono shares her powerful story of surviving a stroke, her journey through recovery, and her mission to raise awareness around stroke prevention and inclusivity within the legal and medical communities. Her insights challenge misconceptions and highlight the importance of representation, resilience, and purpose.In this episode:• Sheila describes her experience of having a stroke while driving and how awareness and quick action saved her life.• The importance of accessible infrastructure in legal and healthcare settings is discussed, including challenges with older court buildings.• Sheila's advocacy work as a BASS Ambassador (Black and Asian Stroke Survivors) and her efforts to address health disparities in Black and Asian communities.• The emotional and physical realities of stroke recovery, including ongoing issues like limited dexterity, muscle spasms, and the use of innovative tools like functional electrical stimulation (FES).• Reflection on systemic issues, such as underrepresentation of minorities in judiciary roles and creating inclusive public services.• How her faith and purpose now guide her work and her passion for inspiring others to see their potential beyond disabilities.

This episode features an in-depth discussion between Phil and Stroke Physician Mr Paul Bolaji on the latest advancements in virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation, global disparities in stroke care, and innovative solutions in Africa. Experts share insights on how technology and policy can transform recovery outcomes.#stroke rehabilitation, #virtual reality, #healthcare innovation, #Africa health disparities, #neurorehabilitation, #stroke care policyKey TopicsVirtual reality in stroke rehabilitationGlobal disparities in stroke careInnovative healthcare solutions in Africa

summaryPhilip discusses his personal journey with stroke, the importance of fundraising for the charity 'Different Strokes,' and insights into stroke treatment advancements like thrombectomy. He shares his upcoming cycling challenge to support stroke survivors and plans to visit the Erasmus Stroke Medical Centre in Rotterdam. key topicsStroke recovery and supportFundraising for 'Different Strokes' charityAdvancements in stroke treatment: thrombectomyPhilip's cycling challenge for stroke awarenessVisit to Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam

In this conversation, Mimi Hayes shares her incrediblejourney as a brain injury survivor, detailing her experiences from the initial symptoms to the misdiagnosis, brain surgery, and the long road to recovery. She discusses the role of comedy in her healing process and how she has turned her challenges into a source of inspiration for others. Mimi's story highlights theimportance of advocacy in healthcare and the power of humour in overcoming adversity. In this conversation, Mimi Hayes and Phil Woodford explore the intersection of humour and trauma, the challenges of transitioning from teaching to comedy, and the cathartic power of writing about personalexperiences. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding disability, the struggles with healthcare and rehabilitation, and the societal perceptions of brain injuries. The conversation also touches on the complexities of datingafter trauma and the journey of returning to ice hockey after a significant life change.#brain injury #comedy #recovery #misdiagnosis #healthcare #resilience #public speaking #personal story #advocacy #mental health humour #trauma #teaching #writing #disability #healthcare #brain injury #dating #icehockey #rehabilitation #Colorado #Denver #StrokeRehab

Episode 16 – The TRICEPS Trial: Can Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improve Arm Recovery After Stroke?In Episode 16 of Head-Cast, host Phil Woodford speaks with Professor Arshad Majid from the University of Sheffield about the groundbreaking TRICEPS Trial — an innovative stroke rehabilitation research study exploring whether Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TVNS) paired with therapy can significantly improve arm function after stroke.Upper limb weakness is one of the most common and life-changing consequences of stroke. The TRICEPS Trial is investigating whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, delivered alongside targeted rehabilitation, can enhance neuroplasticity and support meaningful functional recovery.In this episode, Phil and Professor Majid discuss:What the TRICEPS Trial is and why it matters​How vagus nerve stimulation works in stroke recovery​The science behind neuroplasticity and motor rehabilitation​Who may benefit from this approach​What this research could mean for the future of stroke treatment in the UK and beyondThis is a must-listen for stroke survivors, clinicians, therapists, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of stroke recovery, rehabilitation innovation, and neuroscience research.#LifeAfterStroke #StrokeStrategy #StrokeResearch #NIHR #Spasticity #StrokeTherapy #VagusNerve

Welcome to Episode 15 of Head-Cast.In this episode, I reflect on recent challenges travelling by train with a disability, highlighting the ongoing barriers faced by disabled passengers across the UK rail network. I also discuss stroke care in the North West, acknowledging the important progress made by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in delivering a 24/7 Stroke Thrombectomy Service. While this is a major and welcome step forward, I speak candidly about the harm caused to local families by the prolonged delay—despite funding being agreed nearly five years ago—and why timely access to thrombectomy is critical for saving lives and reducing long-term disability.I’m joined by Mathew Berryman, a stroke survivor from Adelaide, Australia, who shares a deeply honest account of the events surrounding his stroke. Together, we explore stroke recovery, volunteering, the importance of stroke research, and what it feels like to live with a less visible disability. We also have an open and necessary conversation about sexual intimacy after stroke, and why clinicians should not shy away from discussing intimacy and relationships during rehabilitation.This episode brings together lived experience, systemic challenge, and global perspectives on stroke care, disability, recovery, and life after stroke.#stroke podcast #Head-Cast #stroke survivor story#disability and transport #accessible rail travel#stroke thrombectomy#24/7 thrombectomy service#Lancashire Teaching Hospitals#invisible disability#stroke recovery#sexual intimacy after stroke#rehabilitation conversations#volunteering after stroke#stroke research

in Episode 14 of Head-Cast, Phil Woodford talks with stroke survivor and thriver Simon Harris about life after stroke, personal care challenges, the limits of the FAST campaign, digital inclusion, and the need for a digital home for stroke survivors to connect, share experiences, and access support online.

Episode 13 – Jason Parker: Stroke Survivor & New Chair of the Stroke Association UK** Note this Episode includes discussion around suicide***In this inspiring episode of Head-Cast, host Phil Woodford sits down with Jason Parker, who survived a life-changing stroke in December 2019 and has recently taken on the prestigious role of Chair of the Stroke Association UK.Jason shares his powerful stroke experience, his remarkable rehabilitation journey, and how surviving a stroke reshaped his purpose. Phil and Jason explore what it means to lead one of the UK’s most important stroke charities, Jason’s vision for improving stroke care, his focus on supporting survivors and carers, and the ambitions he brings to this vital national role.This episode offers hope, leadership insight, and an honest look at life after stroke—perfect for stroke survivors, carers, clinicians, and anyone interested in stroke recovery, charity leadership, and patient-centered advocacy.

*** Note - Sound quality issue for this episode, sorry ***In Episode 12, I sit down with Professor Arshad Majid, a leading voice in stroke rehabilitation research, to explore the groundbreaking TRICEPS RESEARCH trial — a study investigating whether Trans-Cutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS), paired with rehabilitation therapy, can help improve arm function in people experiencing upper-limb weakness after stroke.Professor Majid explains how tVNS works, why stimulating the vagus nerve could enhance neuroplasticity, and what this could mean for the future of stroke recovery.

Episode 11 of the Head-Cast podcast, hosted by Phil Woodford, features a powerful and uplifting conversation with stroke survivor Peter Hooper. Peter opens up about the moment his stroke struck, the fear and uncertainty that followed, and the extraordinary medical intervention that saved his life.Peter describes receiving life-saving and life-changing thrombectomy treatment at Royal Stoke Hospital, where specialists were able to remove the clot with remarkable speed. The results were almost immediate — his symptoms improved dramatically, and he regained full use of his limbs. In a story that continues to inspire clinicians and survivors alike, Peter was able to return home within just 36 hours of the procedure.The discussion explores the emotional and physical realities of stroke recovery, including fatigue, communication changes, psychological impact, and the role of determination and community support. Peter also reflects on the importance of rapid stroke recognition, access to advanced treatments, and raising awareness to help others receive timely care.This episode offers invaluable insight for stroke survivors, carers, clinicians, and anyone interested in real-world recovery journeys, advanced stroke treatment, and the human side of rehabilitation.The British Heart Foundation (BHF) highlights that atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of stroke, potentially by up to five times, and is a contributing factor in about 20% of all strokes. An irregular heartbeat in AF can cause blood clots to form, which may travel to the brain and cause a stroke. Early detection and management with anticoagulant medication, such as warfarin, apixaban, or rivaroxaban, can reduce this risk by as much as two-thirds. How AF increases stroke risk:In AF, the top chambers of the heart (atria) don't pump blood effectively, leading to blood pooling.This can cause a blood clot to form within the heart chamber.If the clot dislodges, it can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke.The risk of stroke from AF is not necessarily related to the severity of symptoms; many people with AF are unaware they have it. 

Host Phil Woodford talks with Dr George Harston from Brainomix about how AI-powered imaging is transforming stroke care in the UK and beyond. They explore real-world findings from the 2024 ESOC evaluation, including faster diagnosis times, improved access to mechanical thrombectomy, and how Brainomix 360 Stroke is helping clinicians make life-saving decisions when every second counts. A must-listen for stroke survivors, carers, clinicians, and anyone interested in the future of AI in healthcare.

In this episode (9) of Head-Cast, we shine a light on a growing concern in UK stroke care — the lack of follow-up appointments with stroke specialists after hospital discharge. Despite clear NICE guidelines recommending specialist reviews for every stroke survivor, thousands are being left without the critical support needed to monitor recovery, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of a second stroke.Join Phil as he explores why these post-stroke follow-ups matter, what the latest data reveals about gaps in care, and what needs to change within the NHS to ensure every stroke survivor gets the long-term support they deserve.Phil has also been attending the recent Political Party Conferences of Labour and the Conservatives, and provides feedback following his conversations with MPs on the state of Stroke Services in their constituencies.

This episode Phil has a wide ranging discussion with Dr Ali a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Cerebrovascular Disease He's also a Stroke Consultant. They discuss the research the Dr Ali is leading into Post-Stroke Fatigue in Stroke Survivors and the role of Remote Iscaemic Conditioning might play in helping to alleviate this issue for Survivors through the use of a simple blood pressure cuff!

This week Phil talks with Ronen from the Global Technology company, Rapid Medical about their innovative product to save lives of Stroke Patients. Phil also talks about Research and the letter he's writing to Wes Streeting, about the empty commitment of the NHS to deliver a ten fold increase in Thrombectomy in England.

This week Phil is out and about at Royal Stoke Hospital to meet with Dr Nayak, Consultant Interventional Radiologist. They talk Ai, Mountains, Poor rates of remuneration for Nursing and other staff 'on-call'. but the big news is Dr Nayak classes Phil as a 'young' man! :)

It's been a few weeks and Phil talks about his health; being interviewed by ITV/ Granada reports news; 10 developments from the global world of stroke, and Phil starts to take the podcast on the road starting on Friday 25 visiting an NHS Hospital and thrombectomy centre.News link: https://www.itv.com/news/granada/2025-04-02/widow-calls-for-247-stroke-treatment-that-could-have-saved-her-husbands-life

this episode Phil talks to Amy Bean from specialist Neurological and Stroke Rehabilitation equipment supplier saebo (UK). Phil also talks about his concerns surrounding the narrative for disabled people in the press currently, particularly around PIP he also passes comment on the announcement NHS England is to be abolished.

This week I chat with the inspirational Kate Allatt, International Author, TedX speaker and most importantly mum to three.Kate describes her journey to overcome Locked In Syndrome following a catastrophic Brain Stem stroke at 39 years young, and she talks very openly about the impact it's had on her life, her career and her marriage,

In this episode Phil rants about Blue Badges and the reaction he sometimes gets when using his badge. Juliet Bouverie join's Phil as a guest on this first Episode and Phil learns he's a lot to learn yet about Podcasting and acoustics. But he will improve, It's a promise!

Trailer episode, letting listeners know what to expect.