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Welcome back to Headfirst: A Concussion Podcast! This Episode, we have the extreme honour and privilege to be joined by ESPN journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada.

Mark is an esteemed investigative journalist whose ground-breaking work has shaped the conversation around sports integrity and athlete health. He is the co-author of two New York Times bestsellers: Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal That Rocked Professional Sports, written with Lance Williams, and League of Denial: The NFL, Concussions and the Battle for Truth, co-authored with his brother Steve. The latter even became a documentary featured on PBS’s Frontlie, further amplifying its impact.

Mark’s impressive accolades include the prestigious George Polk Award and the Peabody Award, recognizing his excellence in journalism. He also received the 2014 PEN Award for Literary Sports Writing, highlighting his exceptional skills.

We’re excited to delve into his insights on concussion and the importance of truth in journalism

- What lead to “The League of Denial” (1:18)

- Start of CTE and Concussion Investigations (3:39)

- Investigation and The Push Back (5:31)

- Reporting on Concussion Crisis (8:40)

- Cultural Shift Since Writing the Book (9:40)

- Effects on Players and Family (12:12)

- State of the Research (15:00)

- Take Home Message (19:10)

Frontline League of Denial Documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW8nmS_RBT8]

League of Denial Book: Available on Amazon and in Spotify Audiobooks Free if you have Premium Subscription.

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