A Newfoundlander who suffered a traumatic brain injury in British Columbia in 2003 is using his experience as a springboard to spread the word about brain injuries.

Nick Mercer was an active and athletic student pursuing his master’s degree in Victoria, B.C. when his life took a turn.

He was training for the local triathlon team during his studies but suffered a serious brain injury when he struck a tree while out on his bike. His helmet, which was broken in the collision, saved his life, but the injury put him in hospital in a coma.

The injury he suffered was life-threatening, but all brain injuries are considered to be serious.

Mercer came back home in 2010 and remains active and athletic. While the injury still has an effect on his speech, that hasn’t stopped him from hosting a Concussion Talk podcast to spread the word about brain injuries.

He lines up a variety of experts in the field to allow people a better understanding of the effects of injuries on the brain. So far, he has spoken to 136 experts on his podcast.