Stephen Thompson…. You’re a true inspiration. Not just to the sport of rugby, but people in general. You’re achievements are etched in the history books, you’re a legend, a champion. Love to you and your family.
Your a legend as a lover of my country Ireland who are flying now lol But mate world cup winner Legend of the game You were one of my favs and you are in my all time 15
Steve is so humble. I don’t think he knows how proud of him we are. One of life’s winners. Dodge you are the best interviewer in the game. Amazing touching interview. Thankyou both.
What an incredible man. To face up to what you're living with and cope the way you are sets you apart. Please value yourself, you've done more than most can dream of and still have so much to offer your family & friends. A true legend you should be so proud of yourself.
What an amazing podcast. As an ex amateur rugby player I related to his stories of training and playing and the physicality. I really feel for Steve and hope that he gets everything he deserves from the RFU and world rugby.And it highlights the issues with the game. Keep going Steve you are an England rugby legend.
WOW, what a moving episode. It was so poignant to hear in Steves's own words the journey he goes through in his day-to-day life. Steves is an inspiration to so many people and is loved and its heartbreaking to hear about his struggle. Its hits home as a former front rower just how precious life is but we never think of this at the time we were all playing. Excellent work Dodge, you conducted this podcast with grace and caring and I wish Steve the best of luck in the future and keep up the good work Dodge. x p.s. I've just about stopped crying !
Absolutely amazing, emotional interview, such a great man, and Dodge, you showed him such kindness and encouragement, you are positively brilliant. If I lived nearer to Steve I'd look after their kids anytime so they could attend events together, you said you didn't have close family, well I think you've gained hundreds of new members xx wish you all you wish for yourself
Dodge please lass this on if you can: Steve we have never met, but if you weren't here any more I'd be devastated. I idolised you growing up through rugby as did so many. I'm ex armed forces and have seen the effect of poor mental health and understand the challenges of speaking out. When you are feeling low or overwhelmed please know how loved you are. By the fans by the rugby community and its very obvious by your family too. Stay strong never give up. We need you to be you and to continue to fight this battle for you and others who need it.
Steve you are a wonderful person. I am so proud of you and everything you do. Watching you in a Saints shirt giving 100% was a joy. Love and support to you and your family xxx
i just want to wish stephen all the best for the future ..what an honest and open interview showing how tough the sport and life was/ and still is after the game
I’m sure people watching this that are struggling with any type of illness and mental health issues will all wish Thommo well and follow and support his journey on raising awareness with Head On to help others. Sat watching I could find myself identifying with the emotions, the struggles and unfortunately the feeling worthless at times. Thank you Dogde and Steve 👏🏻
Dodge this one was one of your best, you handled it brilliantly and respectfully, my mum died from dementia and my dad now has alcohol related memory loss so I’ve seen it first hand albeit not brain injuries. My heart goes out to Steve, his wife and his four kids, I wish him the best and will donate what I can to his cause, he’s a top bloke👍
Another great interview Dodge and your kind words to Stephen when he described how he feels at his lowest moved this old boy of 72. Through you I will say to Stephen man you really are doing a wonderful thing in going into those schools and talking to those kids.I know because I was a school governor for many year s indeed a grandiose Chair of Governors and even me being a nobody I was able to tell them that I was brought up on the same rough council estate but I knew right from wrong and walked a straight path got a job etc and they could do the same and be proud of where they came from. Can you imagine how much more influence you must have on them given what you have achieved Steve. Not only do your family need you here Steve but so do those kids and now all those others you are supporting suffering like you are. Watched you Doc and I was blown away by the lack of concern your former sport governors have shown to you and your former colleagues and I hope that you are successful in receiving financial compensation for the injuries you have sustained many of which were caused by you playing rugby for our country at its highest level.
I love rugby but decided to not play this year for the first time since I was 5 (im 22). Im scared of all these risks and im only amatuer, must have been incredibly hard for steve and he is a legend for what he did in rugby and speaking out!
Jesus that was sobering. It’s a story that needs to be heard and you helped him tell it really well. Professionalism made rugby unrecognisable to me. Steve properly articulated how I felt as a casual viewer seeing the changes
Well done, that's such a difficult battle, sure your family and friends are hugely proud of you Steve. I'll be coming for a walk at some point . "HEAD ON" great cause. Here is to more easy days than tough, keep fighting the good fight. Thanks again both ❤
Well that one got me. Fantastic Interview Dodge, can see what that one meant to you personally! And Steve Thompson. Man, what do you say. Its just plain not right or fair that this has happened to him. I work on an Elderly ward at a hospital and have dealt with dementia care and brain injuries on a regular basis but usually in the elderly. When you see Steve here, in his prime still, its just so cruel. But, what a dignified, brave and fantastic way Steve is dealing and coping with this, incredible really, im not sure id have Steves courage in his situation but im real glad he does!! Much respect to him and we all really need to get as many eyes on dementia and brain injuries as possible so as to keep progressing with treatments, diagnosis etc and one day hopefully find the way to reverse or at least halt the progress of brain injuries and damage. Thanks as always for the episode Dodge and much love and respect to Steve Thompson, wish you all the very best!!!
That was so hard to watch but just flew by. Rugby League is my favourite sport but i used to watch Union back in the days of Bill Beaumont etc and loved the commentary of Bill Mclaren I think it was. I came away from Union and got more into League but always watched the games against the Southern hemisphere teams and against Wales as well as the Lions tours. Its heartbreaking that I can remember having a boozy breakfast watching the World Cup win and this legend can't recall being a part of that amazing victory. I hope he is successful in his court battle and that he can stay strong with the love and support of his beautiful family and that he is around for a good long time. Take care Tommo and keep battling mate x
What a sad but amazing story. What a brave man. Rugby really does need to wake up these lads are putting their lives on the line to play for their countries for the sake of entertainment. Im ex rudgy player myself and have seen the it week in week out at training. Everything is faster harder and more extreme. All the best to steve and his family.
Just caught up with this one. He was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. Sobering interview with ST! His fight is now off the pitch. Thanks yet again for the riveting content Dodge.
Great job on this 1@Dodge Woodall so much patience with the 1 unbelievable listening what he went through all the way through his career I can wait for the next episode this for me is the number 1 uk podcast out there so much diversity & thought going into every episode great job keep up the great work @Dodge Woodall much love & respect to you fella 👍 👏
This bloke was a great player. CTE is a real thing. Got a bit of it myself through rugby , dirt bike riding pub sports. It’s a hard one but needs to be compensated some what.
You gotta new subscriber. Thanks dodge for doing this podcast with steve and getting this out to more people . I'm also a former rugby pro from Steve's time and have the same dementia diagnosis. It's a life destroyer and the way you have done the podcast was brilliant in your questioning n allowing steve to tell his story , a massive thankyou
Very poignant and moving interview, Dodge, very skillfully managed by you. Tommo is obviously a very genuine bloke and you could see the frustration that he feels is totally genuine. Really hope the court case has a positive outcome for him. I love watching rugby and the physical aspects of the game but it's clear that the players health must come first (even if they object to having a HIA at the time etc). It's great to see you tackling some difficult issues when it would be easy to skip on, also how you used prompts so well. One of your very best interviews, even if very difficult at times. Got emotional at the end when he was talking about feeling useless and thinking about suicide, very moving. I'm sure this resonates with lots of people having a rough time at the moment.
Big respect for Steve Thompson. I remember getting concussed playing rugby aged 12 after putting my head in the wring place when making a tackle. I remember the feeling that I did not know where I was as I continued playing and then felt I had awoken and found myself on the field. I told nobody about the incident and although I remember it, thought little of it at the time.
This was amazing im 74 and i know its begining to happen to me im the same as steve got a brilliant wife but i do feel so ashamed that she has to do so much extra because of how certain things i need so much help with Once again this was brilliant thankyou
Dodge, love your podcast and this interview hit hard. Big rugby fan so to hear Steve’s story was an emotional rollercoaster for me. My father in law played a lot of rugby and he is showing the same signs as Steve. Is there a way of contacting him or his charity to see what help/support I could get for him as he’s going through tests as we speak. Please send my best wishes to Steve and keep up the great work
@@stephenthompson6789 bless you brother... you are, as has been mentioned in the comments here, very much loved and highly regarded and well received by those who are privileged to have heard you speak openly and frankly here... I was volunteered to hook once when when I played colts and could not believe the amount of pressure on the neck and was pleased to return to the relative safety of the wing... In my humble opinion hooker is the toughest position! And to be able to put the ball straight in a line out after a scrum deserves and commands the greatest of respect... I hung my boots up at the age of 36 after a skiing accident twisted my knee... i had played for 25yrs... I was sad because as you know your life revolves around club rugby... as a winger if i was watching a game by the touch line... in my head I'm in the game and it just became a frustration to watch and no longer play.... I've got a couple of mates who are in wheelchairs from rugby injuries... so there but for the Grace of God go we.... I'm just north of Bristol these days so if you happen to do any of your 'Head on' walks over this way I'd happily walk a few with you and if you need digs in the area you've always got a roof over your head here mate! Thank you for what you are doing as the voice for those of this collective class... it's not a mantel you'd necessarily choose to champion but it's a breeze compared to the pressure you've had on your shoulders... You're a different kind of posterboy now mucker! 😝🤗❤ never feel and think you don't have a purpose brother! Walk a mile in my shoes - Elvis Cheers Jimi Ps I played Colts with Garry 'Flash' Povel at Southport RUFC before he went to Orrel... Might tell you a few stories one day 😁❤
First I'm IRISHMAN and I love this legend on the turf but when he said no memory of final that broke my wife's heart body&soul and then I started this has too be sorted our legend's have to be look after with more care
There’s 100+ more episodes on our Eventful Lives Podcast on Spotify or Apple, that aren’t on our TH-cam channel. 👇
PodFollow.com/DodgeWoodall
Thank you everyone for such amazing comments. Dodge you were amazing. Thank you ❤
It was an emotional and powerful podcast episode mate.
You are loved by so many 💛
Dodge you are my hero...
Carl hayman is suffering the same thing, legendary AllBlack.....
Stephen Thompson…. You’re a true inspiration. Not just to the sport of rugby, but people in general. You’re achievements are etched in the history books, you’re a legend, a champion.
Love to you and your family.
Your a legend as a lover of my country Ireland who are flying now lol
But mate world cup winner
Legend of the game
You were one of my favs and you are in my all time 15
Mate this one hit hard, I'm a 48yr old man watching with tears in my eyes, brilliant job Dodge, hope this guy gets the help he so deserves.
Steve is so humble. I don’t think he knows how proud of him we are. One of life’s winners. Dodge you are the best interviewer in the game. Amazing touching interview. Thankyou both.
What an incredible man. To face up to what you're living with and cope the way you are sets you apart. Please value yourself, you've done more than most can dream of and still have so much to offer your family & friends. A true legend you should be so proud of yourself.
What an amazing podcast. As an ex amateur rugby player I related to his stories of training and playing and the physicality. I really feel for Steve and hope that he gets everything he deserves from the RFU and world rugby.And it highlights the issues with the game. Keep going Steve you are an England rugby legend.
WOW, what a moving episode. It was so poignant to hear in Steves's own words the journey he goes through in his day-to-day life. Steves is an inspiration to so many people and is loved and its heartbreaking to hear about his struggle. Its hits home as a former front rower just how precious life is but we never think of this at the time we were all playing. Excellent work Dodge, you conducted this podcast with grace and caring and I wish Steve the best of luck in the future and keep up the good work Dodge. x p.s. I've just about stopped crying !
Thanks Steve and glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Absolutely amazing, emotional interview, such a great man, and Dodge, you showed him such kindness and encouragement, you are positively brilliant. If I lived nearer to Steve I'd look after their kids anytime so they could attend events together, you said you didn't have close family, well I think you've gained hundreds of new members xx wish you all you wish for yourself
Dodge please lass this on if you can: Steve we have never met, but if you weren't here any more I'd be devastated. I idolised you growing up through rugby as did so many. I'm ex armed forces and have seen the effect of poor mental health and understand the challenges of speaking out. When you are feeling low or overwhelmed please know how loved you are. By the fans by the rugby community and its very obvious by your family too. Stay strong never give up. We need you to be you and to continue to fight this battle for you and others who need it.
Hey James - I’ve just taken a screen shot and sent it to Tommo for you.
Lovely words mate 👍🏼👍🏼
James, thank you so much. I really appreciate you messaging. It means a lot to me. 👍🏻❤️
Absolute legend of English rugby. Thank you for playing your part in that special year of English rugby. Rfu need to step up. All the best thomo
Two awesome gents sharing an important issue and experience. Wishing you and your family all the best Stephen 💪🏼👏🏼
Steve you are a wonderful person. I am so proud of you and everything you do. Watching you in a Saints shirt giving 100% was a joy. Love and support to you and your family xxx
i just want to wish stephen all the best for the future ..what an honest and open interview showing how tough the sport and life was/ and still is after the game
I’m sure people watching this that are struggling with any type of illness and mental health issues will all wish Thommo well and follow and support his journey on raising awareness with Head On to help others.
Sat watching I could find myself identifying with the emotions, the struggles and unfortunately the feeling worthless at times.
Thank you Dogde and Steve 👏🏻
What a great interview and top bloke. I wish you all the best Steve from a Welsh rugby supporter
Much respect to all these old warriors speaking out. It's hard seen all these retired athletes struggling so much, best wishes to them.
Another brilliant podcast Dodge😊 !
I have never really played much rugby but have become a fan over the years...feel for Steve and his struggles.
Dodge this one was one of your best, you handled it brilliantly and respectfully, my mum died from dementia and my dad now has alcohol related memory loss so I’ve seen it first hand albeit not brain injuries. My heart goes out to Steve, his wife and his four kids, I wish him the best and will donate what I can to his cause, he’s a top bloke👍
Listened to this one a few times over the night. Great interview as always. ❤
Dodge what a cracking interview and what a nice genuine and brave guy ..very sad for him.cheers dodge .
Another great interview Dodge and your kind words to Stephen when he described how he feels at his lowest moved this old boy of 72. Through you I will say to Stephen man you really are doing a wonderful thing in going into those schools and talking to those kids.I know because I was a school governor for many year s indeed a grandiose Chair of Governors and even me being a nobody I was able to tell them that I was brought up on the same rough council estate but I knew right from wrong and walked a straight path got a job etc and they could do the same and be proud of where they came from. Can you imagine how much more influence you must have on them given what you have achieved Steve. Not only do your family need you here Steve but so do those kids and now all those others you are supporting suffering like you are. Watched you Doc and I was blown away by the lack of concern your former sport governors have shown to you and your former colleagues and I hope that you are successful in receiving financial compensation for the injuries you have sustained many of which were caused by you playing rugby for our country at its highest level.
Powerful Story Thank You For Sharing
Very special man, thanks for sharing your story.
I love rugby but decided to not play this year for the first time since I was 5 (im 22). Im scared of all these risks and im only amatuer, must have been incredibly hard for steve and he is a legend for what he did in rugby and speaking out!
Harry, thank you for speaking up and saying that. ❤👍🏻
Monster of a player, and a great bloke. Keep going mucka, good luck for ya future
Unbelievable player and an even better bloke 💪🏼
Jesus that was sobering. It’s a story that needs to be heard and you helped him tell it really well. Professionalism made rugby unrecognisable to me. Steve properly articulated how I felt as a casual viewer seeing the changes
Both of you were wonderful. Emotional and inspirational. An excellent watch, which I will recommend to those close to me.
Thanks Lewis 💛
Well done, that's such a difficult battle, sure your family and friends are hugely proud of you Steve. I'll be coming for a walk at some point . "HEAD ON" great cause. Here is to more easy days than tough, keep fighting the good fight. Thanks again both ❤
Thank you Jonathon. Looking forward to walking with you. ❤
Stay strong, you're not alone, thank you for sharing your story.
🙏
Well that one got me. Fantastic Interview Dodge, can see what that one meant to you personally! And Steve Thompson. Man, what do you say. Its just plain not right or fair that this has happened to him. I work on an Elderly ward at a hospital and have dealt with dementia care and brain injuries on a regular basis but usually in the elderly. When you see Steve here, in his prime still, its just so cruel. But, what a dignified, brave and fantastic way Steve is dealing and coping with this, incredible really, im not sure id have Steves courage in his situation but im real glad he does!! Much respect to him and we all really need to get as many eyes on dementia and brain injuries as possible so as to keep progressing with treatments, diagnosis etc and one day hopefully find the way to reverse or at least halt the progress of brain injuries and damage. Thanks as always for the episode Dodge and much love and respect to Steve Thompson, wish you all the very best!!!
Good man 👍🏼👍🏼
@@DodgeWoodall if you haven't already I reckon a great interview would be Sgt Craig Harrison!
Brilliant interview, Dodge, Best wishes to you Thomo
Thank you Neal appreciate it.
That was so hard to watch but just flew by. Rugby League is my favourite sport but i used to watch Union back in the days of Bill Beaumont etc and loved the commentary of Bill Mclaren I think it was. I came away from Union and got more into League but always watched the games against the Southern hemisphere teams and against Wales as well as the Lions tours. Its heartbreaking that I can remember having a boozy breakfast watching the World Cup win and this legend can't recall being a part of that amazing victory. I hope he is successful in his court battle and that he can stay strong with the love and support of his beautiful family and that he is around for a good long time. Take care Tommo and keep battling mate x
Excellent podcast, thanks for sharing 👍
What a sad but amazing story. What a brave man. Rugby really does need to wake up these lads are putting their lives on the line to play for their countries for the sake of entertainment. Im ex rudgy player myself and have seen the it week in week out at training. Everything is faster harder and more extreme. All the best to steve and his family.
Just caught up with this one. He was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. Sobering interview with ST! His fight is now off the pitch. Thanks yet again for the riveting content Dodge.
Good man Marcus 👍🏼👍🏼
Great job on this 1@Dodge Woodall so much patience with the 1 unbelievable listening what he went through all the way through his career I can wait for the next episode this for me is the number 1 uk podcast out there so much diversity & thought going into every episode great job keep up the great work @Dodge Woodall much love & respect to you fella 👍 👏
Kind words Michael and much appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a message and glad you are enjoying 👍🏼👍🏼
top interview! he should look into the rehab for brain injuries done by NASCAR champ dale ernhardt jnr, saved his career.
Haven't watched all but very informative,well done for bringing it too the table,👍
This bloke was a great player. CTE is a real thing. Got a bit of it myself through rugby , dirt bike riding pub sports. It’s a hard one but needs to be compensated some what.
Hi Clarky, thank you for messaging. Hope you are well.
You gotta new subscriber. Thanks dodge for doing this podcast with steve and getting this out to more people . I'm also a former rugby pro from Steve's time and have the same dementia diagnosis. It's a life destroyer and the way you have done the podcast was brilliant in your questioning n allowing steve to tell his story , a massive thankyou
Kind words mate and it’s great to have a platform where we can share Steve’s story 💛
@@DodgeWoodall 👊👍
Another great interview, poor man , you handled it lovely, well done
Dodge Ur a top bloke the way interview people the compassion and empathy u have comes across really well such a sad story but he's a true warrior
🙏
Excellent podcast Steve a courageous inspiring man.
The pod cast get better and better
Thanks Martin 👍🏼👍🏼
Very poignant and moving interview, Dodge, very skillfully managed by you. Tommo is obviously a very genuine bloke and you could see the frustration that he feels is totally genuine. Really hope the court case has a positive outcome for him. I love watching rugby and the physical aspects of the game but it's clear that the players health must come first (even if they object to having a HIA at the time etc).
It's great to see you tackling some difficult issues when it would be easy to skip on, also how you used prompts so well. One of your very best interviews, even if very difficult at times. Got emotional at the end when he was talking about feeling useless and thinking about suicide, very moving. I'm sure this resonates with lots of people having a rough time at the moment.
Big respect for Steve Thompson. I remember getting concussed playing rugby aged 12 after putting my head in the wring place when making a tackle. I remember the feeling that I did not know where I was as I continued playing and then felt I had awoken and found myself on the field. I told nobody about the incident and although I remember it, thought little of it at the time.
All hail the knew king of the podcasts Mr Dodge 🙌
Kind words 🙏
Hard watch at the end, getting on top, can't imagine how frightening it must be. Wish you all the best Thommo. Interview was expertly managed Dodge 👍👍
How has this not got more views? Great interview and a story that needs telling. Onto Dylan’s interview next.
Such a powerful and emotional episode 🙏
What a legend steve is 💙 all the best bigman!
This was amazing im 74 and i know its begining to happen to me im the same as steve got a brilliant wife but i do feel so ashamed that she has to do so much extra because of how certain things i need so much help with Once again this was brilliant thankyou
Glad you enjoyed it Bruce 🙏
Legend in the game
He sure is 🏉🙏
Dodge, love your podcast and this interview hit hard. Big rugby fan so to hear Steve’s story was an emotional rollercoaster for me. My father in law played a lot of rugby and he is showing the same signs as Steve. Is there a way of contacting him or his charity to see what help/support I could get for him as he’s going through tests as we speak. Please send my best wishes to Steve and keep up the great work
Thomo what an amazing legend you are mate...
Keep going strong...
God bless you and restore you ❤
Ex Waterloo RUFC left winger
James, it means a lot you messaging. ❤
@@stephenthompson6789 bless you brother... you are, as has been mentioned in the comments here, very much loved and highly regarded and well received by those who are privileged to have heard you speak openly and frankly here...
I was volunteered to hook once when when I played colts and could not believe the amount of pressure on the neck and was pleased to return to the relative safety of the wing...
In my humble opinion hooker is the toughest position! And to be able to put the ball straight in a line out after a scrum deserves and commands the greatest of respect...
I hung my boots up at the age of 36 after a skiing accident twisted my knee... i had played for 25yrs...
I was sad because as you know your life revolves around club rugby... as a winger if i was watching a game by the touch line... in my head I'm in the game and it just became a frustration to watch and no longer play....
I've got a couple of mates who are in wheelchairs from rugby injuries... so there but for the Grace of God go we....
I'm just north of Bristol these days so if you happen to do any of your 'Head on' walks over this way I'd happily walk a few with you and if you need digs in the area you've always got a roof over your head here mate!
Thank you for what you are doing as the voice for those of this collective class... it's not a mantel you'd necessarily choose to champion but it's a breeze compared to the pressure you've had on your shoulders...
You're a different kind of posterboy now mucker! 😝🤗❤ never feel and think you don't have a purpose brother!
Walk a mile in my shoes - Elvis
Cheers
Jimi
Ps I played Colts with Garry 'Flash' Povel at Southport RUFC before he went to Orrel...
Might tell you a few stories one day 😁❤
Horrible to see a legend of rugby losing his memory like that. What a hard tough bloke. Cheers Dodge.
Thank you for messaging John.
Brilliant podcast very inspiring to those suffering with health issues
Matty, thank you for messaging
One of my fave england players Tommo, lurking on the wing😂
Good luck big fella . Heartbreaking
i read your book now im watching the documentary.
Great podcast he reminds me of Adam bishop the strongman sounds exactly like him
Makes me think asi played rugby at a good level as a prop and I have trouble with my memory for a couple of years now I’m 49
Do you remember your Old Scouts Team?
Yes 👍🏻
c jab ?
First I'm IRISHMAN and I love this legend on the turf but when he said no memory of final that broke my wife's heart body&soul and then I started this has too be sorted our legend's have to be look after with more care
@stephenthompson6789 thank you for doing this interview and being vulnerable very powerful ❤
I love rugby but this is so bad man I'm crying here dude