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.

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Episodes

Introducing Dear Rachelle

For two decades, the family of murdered 23-year-old woman Rachelle Childs have fought for answers. Though her killer is still at large, they believe her case case can be solved. Dear Rachelle is hosted and investigated by journalist Ashlea Hansen, together with retired detective and cold case specialist Damian Loone, who appeared in The Australian’s award-winning podcast series The Teacher’s Pet and The Teacher’s Trial. Search 'Dear Rachelle' to listen now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Apr 09, 2025•4 min

From The Front: Footy’s concussion ‘loophole’

Head knocks are finally taken seriously by sports - or are they? We examine the handling of superstars Tom Trbojevic and Robbie O’Davis. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou, and original music composed by Jasper Leak. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Jun 19, 2023•15 min

‘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: neuro...

Mar 26, 2023•26 min•Ep. 7

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 07, 2022•25 min•Ep. 6

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 02, 2022•35 min•Ep. 5

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’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2022•29 min•Ep. 4

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. See omnystudio.com/lis...

Sep 18, 2022•30 min•Ep. 3

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 11, 2022•41 min•Ep. 2

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 m...

Sep 05, 2022•34 min•Ep. 1

Introduction

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.

Aug 23, 2022•2 min

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