Insight Out with Richard and Allan

About Insight Out with Richard and Allan

Welcome to Insight Out with Richard and Allan – the place where a clinical neuropsychologist and a victim of a road traffic accident, discuss his experience of life post-accident. Allan has had support from many people to get to where he is in recovery today, and he wants to offer his own insight to what he has gone through, helping not only people with brain injuries and those who care for them, but anyone going through mental health difficulties. Whilst there are plenty of available resources from professionals and well-known individuals, Allan and Richard hope to use this opportunity to offer relatable experiences from an ordinary person. They hope to validate the unique pathway that each individual takes on their journey to recovery and share insight into life with a brain injury. We will follow the journey Allan has had since the moment he woke up in hospital, covering topics such as anxiety, fatigue, body dysmorphia, financial vulnerability and more, largely in the context of adjustment. Having since run a marathon and climbed the 4 highest peaks in Britain – Allan has had a truly remarkable journey! Words from Allan: I was a young guy who acquired his brain injury following the result of a car accident I was only a front seat passenger in. I was a very fit, young and active guy and when I woke up out of my coma, this is where my life began – but nowhere close to what I had before that awful afternoon! I have got to a point in my life and recovery that I would like to talk about, share my personal experiences and to guide those with an A.B.I. (acquired brain injury) or who support or know someone with neuro issues. I have been very fortunate in my recovery that I have managed to do so well in such a short period of time, but I wish I had podcasts like I am creating to guide me, to explain what I feel isn’t bad or wrong and that just listening to a bit of support can make a big difference in your future.

Publisher

Psychology Chartered

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Aug 2023

Latest episode

13 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

23 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Pushed Away, Stayed Close: Healing After Trauma

   A candid talk about boundaries, guilt, and the slow work of healing after traumatic brain injury. Diving into feelings of panic, the relief of eventual visits, and the surprising tension that emerged when Allan reclaimed independence — even if that meant cutting James, his long term friend, off for a year. James shares how he coped without direct access, relying on social updates and mutual friends, whilst Allan explains being overwhelmed during intensive support and recovery. The episode is a practical, emotional guide for friends and family: be patient, stay available, respect space, and remember reconnection can take time but is often possible.

2. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Hanging On: Friendship After a Brain Injury

   This episode unpacks how close friendships weather the shock of a traumatic brain injury. Allan, his longtime friend Nick, and psychologist Richard reflect on why some friends stayed while others drifted away. They explore early family and clinical conversations that framed people's choices, the role of youth and time in sustaining contact, and how small shared routines (like a walk to school) preserved connection. The discussion emphasizes patience, belief, and mutual effort as key ingredients in maintaining relationships through recovery, and highlights the unpredictable, unique nature of every brain injury.

3. 

   25 Feb 2026

   Friendship After Brain Injury: Nick and Allan's Story

   Allan's story of perseverance through adversity is brought to life in this podcast episode, where he recounts his long road to recovery from a debilitating brain injury. Joined by his steadfast friend Nick, who recounts receiving the life-changing phone call about Allan's accident, the two discuss how their friendship evolved amidst enormous challenges. The episode provides an intimate look at the emotional and physical hurdles Allan overcame and the profound impact on not only family, but friends. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and compassionate friendships for anyone facing similar life-altering events.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Insight Out with Richard and Allan

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.