Brain & Life
How do you keep your brain healthy? How can you live better every day after being diagnosed with a brain condition? Brain & Life® from the American Academy of Neurology tackles those questions and more in the only podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of brain health and neurologic disease. Each week neurologist host Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with neurology experts, celebrity advocates, and people whose lives are affected by brain conditions to educate and inspire you to maintain a healthy brain and a healthy you.
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Author Mark Haddon on Living and Writing with Brain Fog
08/20/2026
Author Mark Haddon on Living and Writing with Brain Fog
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author Mark Haddon. Mark shares about the cognitive changes he experienced after bypass surgery and long COVID. He shares how brain fog affected his daily life and creative work, and reflects on resilience, recovery, and adapting to a new normal. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Jacqueline Becker, a clinical neuropsychologist and health services researcher at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Together, they discuss why cognitive changes can occur after surgery and long COVID, and explore strategies that may help people manage these challenges. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Mark Haddon @mark__haddon Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Lauren Weedman on Bell’s Palsy, Identity, and Learning to Smile Again
08/13/2026
Lauren Weedman on Bell’s Palsy, Identity, and Learning to Smile Again
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by actress, comedian, playwright, and storyteller Lauren Weedman. Lauren discusses her diagnosis of Bell’s palsy after developing a sudden facial paralysis while filming in 2024 and how it changed her outlooks on work, motherhood, and mental health. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Gary Gronseth, Professor and Chair of Neurology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Gronseth explains what Bell's palsy is, why it happens, what recovery typically looks like, and why some people—like Lauren Weedman—continue to experience lasting symptoms long after the initial diagnosis. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Lauren Weedman @lauren_weedman Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Bill Nye the Science Guy Takes on Ataxia Advocacy: Part Two
08/06/2026
Bill Nye the Science Guy Takes on Ataxia Advocacy: Part Two
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family’s experience with a rare inherited ataxia and dives into his work with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye’s family. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Bill Nye @billnye
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Bill Nye the Science Guy Takes on Ataxia Advocacy: Part One
07/30/2026
Bill Nye the Science Guy Takes on Ataxia Advocacy: Part One
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family’s experience with a rare inherited ataxia and explains why he is partnering with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye’s family. Stay tuned for part two of this conversation next week. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Bill Nye @billnye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Celebrating World Brain Day with Brain Health Tips and Listener Questions
07/23/2026
Celebrating World Brain Day with Brain Health Tips and Listener Questions
On this week’s episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters celebrate World Brain Day by sharing practical ways to support brain health, from puzzles and meditation to exercise and community. They also answer listener questions about rural access to neurologic care, support groups, and brain health through the lens of recent Brain & Life articles on epilepsy, menopause, and memory. Additional Resources _ We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Making Brain Health a Family Affair with Genein and Shawn Letford
07/16/2026
Making Brain Health a Family Affair with Genein and Shawn Letford
In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters are joined by mother-son duo Genein and Shawn Letford. Genein, the founder of Brainolicious, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting brain health in a way that’s fun, accessible, and lifelong, reveals how integrating arts and early childhood education can build resilience, prevent dementia, and even shape future leaders. Her 8-year-old son Shawn then shows us how kids can become brain advocates—speak before city councils, petition for World Brain Day, and spread awareness with confidence. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Genein Letford @brainoliciousadventures Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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How Hollywood Shapes Society’s Expectations of Disabled People with Kristen Lopez
07/09/2026
How Hollywood Shapes Society’s Expectations of Disabled People with Kristen Lopez
In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by award-winning film critic, journalist, and author Kristen Lopez. They discuss how movies shape public understanding of disability, identity, and belonging, and why storytelling can both reinforce harmful stereotypes and open the door to more honest representation. Kristen shares insights from her book, Popcorn Disabilities, including the power of media to influence how disabled people are seen and how they see themselves and the importance of authentic casting. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Kristen Lopez @kristenlopez88 Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Exploring the Strangeness and Wonder of Brains with Dr. Pria Anand
07/02/2026
Exploring the Strangeness and Wonder of Brains with Dr. Pria Anand
In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters are joined by author, educator, and neurologist Dr. Pria Anand. Together, they discuss the wonder and complexity of the human brain, and how storytelling, culture, and curiosity shape our understanding of neurologic illness and identity. Pria shares insights from her book, The Mind Electric, including the role of narrative in medicine, the resilience of memory, and why humility matters in neurologic care. They also explore the future of neurology, the importance of sleep and self-care, and how science and the humanities can work together to improve patient care. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Dr. Pria Anand @bmcneurology Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Continuing the Race to Erase MS with Nancy Davis
06/25/2026
Continuing the Race to Erase MS with Nancy Davis
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is once again joined by Nancy Davis, founder of Race to Erase MS. Nancy discusses bringing leading scientists together through the Center Without Walls to collaborate rather than compete, and the “invisible” symptoms of MS, including depression, mood changes, fatigue, and other issues that can be hard to say out loud. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Adam Kaplin, a physician-scientist whose work sits at the intersection of psychiatry, neurology, neuroimmunology, and the lived experiences of the community with multiple sclerosis. Dr. Kaplin explains more about these invisible symptoms, especially depression, and how treating them can make a difference. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Nancy Davis @nancypeaceandlove Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Delving Into Dad Brain with Dr. Darby Saxbe
06/18/2026
Delving Into Dad Brain with Dr. Darby Saxbe
On this week’s episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Dr. Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California who is known for her research on the neurobiological underpinnings of the transition to parenthood. She is also the author of the book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How it Shapes Men's Lives. Tune in as they discuss exactly what “Dad Brain” is and how quality relationships affect the brain. Additional Resources Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Darby Saxbe @darbysaxbephd Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Neurology Advocacy Out Loud: Live from the AAN’s Annual Meeting
06/11/2026
Neurology Advocacy Out Loud: Live from the AAN’s Annual Meeting
This episode of the Brain & Life Podcast was recorded live at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting. Co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters were joined by Jen Pollack from Alzheimer’s Association, Rich Brennan from ALS Association, and Julienne Verdi from Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy to discuss how advocacy and sharing stories makes a difference. Tune in to hear these field experts share the positive effects of collaboration and advocacy! Additional Resources We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: ALS Association @als; Alzheimer’s Association @alzassociation; Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy @allianceforheadacheadvocacy Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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It’s All in Your Head with Author and Advocate Sabina Nordqvist
06/04/2026
It’s All in Your Head with Author and Advocate Sabina Nordqvist
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by novelist and disability advocate Sabina Nordqvist. Sabina discusses her personal 12-year battle with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. She shares the profound impact of misdiagnosis, the importance of self-advocacy, and how her experiences in support groups led her to write a novel called It’s All in Your Head that puts disabled characters front and center. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jeremy Cutsforth-Gregory, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, working in the Division of Neurologic Education. Dr. Cutsforth-Gregory explains cerebrospinal fluid and IIH, highlighting the treatments that are available and where research is going next. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Sabina Nordqvist @nordqvistbooks; Dr. Cutsforth-Gregory @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment with Isabelle and Eliza Woloson
05/28/2026
Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment with Isabelle and Eliza Woloson
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Isabelle Woloson and her mother, Eliza to talk about Izzy’s work to promote inclusion, challenge stereotypes, and embrace individuality as a young woman with Down syndrome. Together, they share practical insights on self-advocacy, community acceptance, and creating meaningful opportunities. They also discuss practical approaches to community acceptance, self-advocacy, and the evolving landscape of support and opportunities. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Seth Keller, a nationally recognized leader in developmental neurology, for a conversation about supporting meaningful and fulfilling transitions into adulthood. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Izzy Woloson @askIZZE; Eliza Woloson @elizawoloson Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Musician Amy Grant on Memory Loss, Healing, and Music
05/21/2026
Musician Amy Grant on Memory Loss, Healing, and Music
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by musician Amy Grant. Amy discusses her inspiring journey of recovery following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2022. She shares her personal stories of resilience, the symptoms she felt and how she dealt with them, and how music continues to be a source of connection and healing. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Shae Datta, co-director of the NYU Langone Concussion Center. Dr. Datta shares expert knowledge on concussion and TBI management, recovery, and innovative therapies, highlighting how personalized care can make a difference in prognosis. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Amy Grant @amygrantofficial; Dr. Datta @nyulangone Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Talking Parkinson’s Symptoms and Brain Health with Actor Ryan Reynolds
05/13/2026
Talking Parkinson’s Symptoms and Brain Health with Actor Ryan Reynolds
On this week’s episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters sits down with actor Ryan Reynolds, who opens up about his father’s Parkinson’s-related hallucinations—an often overlooked but common symptom for many people living with the disease. Ryan also reflects on the care-partner experience and shares the steps he’s taking to support his own brain health. Later, Dr. Peters is joined by Dr. Jori Fleisher, a movement disorders neurologist and associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who explains why hallucinations and other non-motor symptoms can occur in Parkinson’s disease and what patients and care partners should know. Additional Resources Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Ryan Reynolds @vancityreynolds; Dr. Fleisher @rushmedical Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt
05/07/2026
Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt
On this week’s episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters talks with Samantha Lee Schmall, author of Beyond the Shunt, about her personal journey with hydrocephalus. Samantha reflects on growing up with the condition, what inspired her to share her story, and how she’s found connection and support within the hydrocephalus community. Dr. Peters is also joined by Dr. Kristopher Kahle, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, who explains what causes hydrocephalus, common symptoms, and current treatment options, including shunts. Additional Resources Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Samantha Lee Schmall @beyondtheshunt; Dr. Kahle @mgbneurosurgery Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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What Happens Behind the Scenes? A Brain and Life Podcast Q&A
04/30/2026
What Happens Behind the Scenes? A Brain and Life Podcast Q&A
On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer questions they received at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting in Chicago last week! They explain how podcast topics are chosen, guest stories that have stuck with them, how they handle discussing ever-evolving science, and more. Mentioned Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Neurologists Share What It’s Like to Live With a Neurologic Condition
04/23/2026
Neurologists Share What It’s Like to Live With a Neurologic Condition
This week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast was recorded live at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting in 2025! Hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters were joined by Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAN, Andrea Lendaris, MD, MS, Andrew M. Southerland, MD, FAAN, and Eric J. Seachrist, MD to share what it's like living and practicing neurology with their own neurological condition(s) and neurodiverse perspectives, and explore how their experiences serve as a window into the patient and community perspective. Brain & Life Articles Mentioned We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Less Panic, More Practice: Building Brain-Healthy Routines
04/16/2026
Less Panic, More Practice: Building Brain-Healthy Routines
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters respond to a listener question about simple, low-stress actions to support brain health using recent BrainandLife.org articles to guide you through a brain healthy day! Brain & Life Articles Mentioned We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson’s Story, Part Two
04/09/2026
Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson’s Story, Part Two
In part two of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by influencer and podcaster Allie Signorelli. She shares her entrance into the world of advocacy and why she chose to speak up about her experiences and participate in research opportunities. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rodolfo Savica, who explains what some of those research opportunities are, why they matter, and what’s next for the Parkinson’s community. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson’s Story, Part One
04/02/2026
Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson’s Story, Part One
In part one of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by influencer and podcaster Allie Signorelli. She shares her experience living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease, from noticing early symptoms to receiving a diagnosis at a time when she didn’t see people her age represented in the Parkinson’s conversation. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rodolfo Savica, who explains the importance of early diagnosis, non-motor symptoms, and environmental and genetic factors. Come back for part two next week to hear about Allie’s entrance into the world of advocacy and upcoming research. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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When Art Imitates Life: Caregiving and Creating with Christine Ebersole
03/26/2026
When Art Imitates Life: Caregiving and Creating with Christine Ebersole
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Emmy and Tony Award–winning actor Christine Ebersole. She shares a deeply personal side of her story: how caring for her husband during his recovery from an acoustic neuroma changed her life and her craft. Christine reflects on how that experience informed her approach to acting, deepening her empathy, emotional range, and understanding of vulnerability. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. David Kaylie, Professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences at Duke University. Dr. Kaylie explains what an acoustic neuroma is, how it differs from other similar conditions, treatment options, and the importance of hearing and vestibular rehabilitation. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Christine Ebersole @christine.ebersole.official; Dr. David Kaylie @dukeschoolofmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Living Loudly With Tourette Syndrome: James Durbin’s Story of Finding His Voice Through Music
03/19/2026
Living Loudly With Tourette Syndrome: James Durbin’s Story of Finding His Voice Through Music
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by singer and songwriter James Durbin. James shares his powerful story of living with Tourette syndrome, navigating stigma, and finding strength through music. He also explains how performance became a transformative tool for self-acceptance and resilience. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, a neurologist and clinician-researcher at the University of Calgary who specializes in Tourette syndrome and tic disorders. Dr. Pringsheim explains how tic disorders manifest, evolve, and what misconceptions need to be dispelled. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: James Durbin @jamesdurbinofficial; Dr. Tamara Pringsheim @ucalgarymed Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey Part Two
03/12/2026
Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey Part Two
In part two of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares how her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has led her to create online content and write a book. She shares more about her mental health journey and the importance of finding joy. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs dives into the importance of advocacy and exciting research for people living with RP. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey
03/05/2026
Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey
In part one of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and how it led her to create online content and write a book. She shares the importance of representation, advocacy, and rethinking societal perceptions of disability to create a more inclusive world. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs explains inherited retinal diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated. Come back next week for part two to learn about the importance of advocacy and upcoming research! Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Conversations That Matter on Rare Disease Day
02/26/2026
Conversations That Matter on Rare Disease Day
In this special Rare Disease Day episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters respond to your listener questions. They explore how rare diseases can affect relationships, offer guidance on planning for the future, and share tips for explaining complex medical conditions to others. Resources Mentioned We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Uncovering Huntington's Disease with Author and Advocate Lori Jones
02/19/2026
Uncovering Huntington's Disease with Author and Advocate Lori Jones
In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters speaks with advocate and author Lori Jones about growing up in a family affected by Huntington’s disease (HD), reflecting on stigma, isolation, caregiving, and the inspiration behind her memoir, Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Katie Moore, assistant professor of neurology at Duke University Medical Center, who explains what Huntington’s disease is and how genetic testing can impact individuals and families living with HD. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Lori Jones @lorijoneswrites; Dr. Katie Moore @DukeNeuroRes Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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When Life Changes the Tempo: Gloria Gaynor’s Recovery Story
02/12/2026
When Life Changes the Tempo: Gloria Gaynor’s Recovery Story
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by musical legend Gloria Gaynor. Gloria talks about her journey in music and opens up about living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), undergoing surgery, and navigating the long road to recovery. She shares what the experience taught her about resilience and adapting when life doesn’t go as planned. Next, Dr. Correa is once again joined by Dr. Shelly Hsieh, attending physician and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Hsieh dives further into the multifaceted approach to rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and the lifestyle factors that support healing. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Gloria Gaynor @gloriagaynor ; Dr. Shelly Hsieh @MontefioreHealthSystem Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant
02/05/2026
Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, professor of neurology at UCSF and Director of the UCSF Regional Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. Together, they explore how diet, microbiome, and environmental factors influence the progression of multiple sclerosis, with a special focus on pediatric cases. Dr. Waubant also discusses the role of dietary patterns and vitamin D and highlights how emotional well-being and physical activity can impact disease outcomes. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media Guests: Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant @ucsfmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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Strength on Stage: Actor Michael Patrick’s Motor Neuron Disease Journey
01/29/2026
Strength on Stage: Actor Michael Patrick’s Motor Neuron Disease Journey
In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by award-winning actor and playwright Michael Patrick, who shares his journey from studying science at Cambridge to becoming a celebrated actor. Michael also discusses his diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease (MND), his participation in a clinical trial, and how he continues to find hope and support from his network. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Matthew Harms, an Associate Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Harms explains the complexities of diagnosing Motor Neuron Disease and ALS, the genetic factors involved, and the importance of early detection and treatment. He also discusses the importance of advocacy and what exciting research is happening now. Additional Resources Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? · Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206 · Email us at Social Media: Guests: Michael Patrick @michaelpatrick314; Dr. Harms @osdib_cuimc Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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