Shift Happens

August 21, 2025

In this new series of podcasts, Bruce chats to some of the interesting, funny and resilient people he has met since his accident 6 years ago.


Medicine can be a very limiting and intensely personal career. Bruce now has the opportunity to listen and learn from other’s experiences.

Episode 1:

In this first episode, we hear from Bruce himself.

Episode 2:

In this episode of Shift Happens, we meet Cam, a remarkably brave and generous man.

Episode 3:

Alex is one of Fremantle Dockers doctors, looking after the well-being and fitness of the players both on and off the pitch. Engaging and modest, Alex shares some of his journey and his leadership skills.

Episode 4:

Will is a highly regarded senior arts, travel and music journalist as well as a warm generous fellow. We chat about music, writing and a host of other topics.

Episode 2:

In this episode of Shift Happens, we meet Cam, a remarkably brave and generous man.

Episode 3:

Alex is one of Fremantle Dockers doctors, looking after the well-being and fitness of the players both on and off the pitch. Engaging and modest, Alex shares some of his journey and his leadership skills.

Episode 4:

Will Yeoman joins Bruce to discuss creativity, art, journalism and quantum physics in a wide-ranging and engaging conversation with one of Western Australia’s most respected journalist and presenter.

Episode 5:

Geoff chats about his long career at the ABC and his new book. Insightful, funny and thought-provoking conversation.

Episode 6:

In this episode, Bruce is joined by Christie, an AI expert who breaks down what artificial intelligence really means for our lives today – and tomorrow.

The DonateLife logo: a fuchsia heart shape formed by three rotating arrows, with the text
By Bruce Powell March 17, 2026
Reflective insights from a former ICU doctor on organ donation, community trust, ethics, and the quiet realities behind transplantation.
Watercolor painting of a rusty blue and orange kettle with a wooden handle. Splattered with blue and red paint.
By Bruce Powell March 10, 2026
Scammers rely on urgency and confusion. The Kettle Rule shows how slowing down, even making tea, can break the spell and protect vulnerable people.
Man at a microphone, in a recording studio, holding a coffee and working on a laptop.
By Bruce Powell March 5, 2026
AI has industrialised deception, making scams harder to detect. As trust becomes procedural, can AI also help us defend ourselves without replacing human judgement?
Person touching cheek, arrow pointing down. Signifying 'to think'.
By Bruce Powell February 26, 2026
Sometimes the hands hold stories that the mind can not carry.
Boy  swimming in ocean, facing away, head above water, blue sky.
By Bruce Powell February 6, 2026
High performance is about managing cognitive load to make good decisions.
Wrinkled alien face with a glowing blue eye, wearing a metal headpiece.
By Bruce Powell January 20, 2026
Why everyday life after brain injury demands elite performance skills. Cognitive load, fatigue management and system design explained by Dr Bruce Powell
Split image comparing NASA cockpit and supermarket aisle to show cognitive overload in brain injury
By Bruce Powell December 15, 2025
A powerful reflection on cognitive overload, showing why brain injury patients must use high-performance strategies just to shop at Christmas.
AATPHRM conference logo
By Bruce Powell December 7, 2025
Trauma reshapes the brain and identity itself. A former critical care doctor reflects on PTSD, humour as armour, and why honesty is the first step toward recovery.
By Bruce Powell November 29, 2025
Up to 70% of WA prisoners have a brain injury yet lose Medicare, GP access and oversight. A human rights crisis affecting identity, PTSD and survival.
An unfinished path are stones
By Bruce Powell November 24, 2025
A personal story of rebuilding life after brain injury, told through the process of creating a home, rediscovering identity, and finding renewed meaning.
Show More