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.

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What Hamlet and the operating theatre reveal about automaticity, high performance, rehearsal and life after brain injury.
The Lancet Global Health logo in black and magenta text on a white background
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An ICU doctor who became a brain injury survivor on why the world must finally count TBI as the chronic, lifelong condition it is.
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A traumatic brain injury exposed the ADHD that once powered my career. A raw, honest story about when a superpower turns curse
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A restless boy, nuns, Christian Brothers and a mind that refused to sit still. A childhood story about intelligence, shame and difference.
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An ICU doctor becomes the patient after a brain injury, and finds the language of burnout and trauma too thin for what's actually been lost.
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Former intensive care doctor turned brain injury patient and advocate reflects on recovery, identity, rehabilitation and life after survival.
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By Bruce Powell May 12, 2026
A brain injury survivor reflects on friendship, identity and uncertainty after trauma, where survival can feel lonelier than loss.
Red question marks blocking a blue arrow path between two rows of directional buttons
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Experience teaches doctors how to stay calm when everything feels chaotic. High performance is often just structured thinking under pressure.
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