Crisis What Crisis? Rugby Star Alix Popham on early onset dementia and starting a revolution in sport
Grand Slam-winning rugby hero, Alix Popham took hundreds of thousands of hits on the pitch – but the biggest came years after retirement. Diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE, he’s now leading a powerful campaign to expose the truth about brain injury in sport to ensure its safety and longevity for generations to come. Still proud of his career, Alix is using that same warrior mindset to fight for change, purpose and the lives of others.
This is a story of crisis and clarity. Of choosing purpose over bitterness. And of how the mindset that wins matches can also save lives.
LESSONS YOU’LL LEARN
- Control what you can. Let go of what you can’t. Alix refuses to dwell on lost memories – and focuses instead on shaping a better future.
- Pain with purpose = power. He’s turned personal trauma into a mission to reform the sport he still loves.
- Your mindset in crisis is shaped long before it begins. The “next job” mentality that drove his phenomenal career now fuels his recovery and activism.
- Anger burns fast. Purpose lasts longer. Alix refuses to let rage define his fight – instead, he leads with calm resolve and truth.
- Even when the odds are stacked, you still get to choose your response. From experimental treatment in Mexico to completing an Ironman, Alix refuses to be defined by diagnosis.
This podcast is brought to you by Crisis What Crisis? Productions and Coulson Partners
Host: Andy Coulson
CWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Mabel Pickering and Rex Fisher
With special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at Global
For all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com