Brain & Life

Episodes

• It's All in Your Head with Author and Advocate Sabina Nordqvist 04.06.2026 51m

  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 Sabina Nordqvist- It's All in Your Head Understanding the Mysteries of POTS and Other Autonomic Disorders A Swimmer Returns to the Pool After Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Diagnosis   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice Outdoors Woman Crystal Gail Welcome on Nature and Chronic Pain Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Sabina Nordqvist @nordqvistbooks; Dr. Cutsforth-Gregory @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment with Isabelle and Eliza Woloson 28.05.2026 44m

  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 My Friend Isabelle- Book 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor When Moving Out of Pediatric Care How Parents Advocate for Their Children with Rare Diseases   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt Raising Awareness for a Rare Cancer with Love4Lucas President Hide Harashima   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Izzy Woloson @askIZZE; Eliza Woloson @elizawoloson Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Musician Amy Grant on Memory Loss, Healing, and Music 21.05.2026 1h 2m

  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 Amy Grant After a Traumatic Brain Injury, Work Challenges May Last Longer Than Expected Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Brain Injury   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is Reaching New Heights with Traumatic Brain Injury U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Amy Grant @amygrantofficial; Dr. Datta @nyulangone Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Talking Parkinson's Symptoms and Brain Health with Actor Ryan Reynolds 13.05.2026 33m

  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 More to Parkinson's What Is Parkinson's Disease?   Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson's Disease Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part One   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Ryan Reynolds @vancityreynolds; Dr. Fleisher @rushmedical Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt 07.05.2026 37m

  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 Samantha Lee Schmall- Beyond the Shunt Understanding Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options Average Joe- Speak Up   Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor Movement and Healing with Adventure Athlete, Author, and Activist Rebecca Rusch   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Samantha Lee Schmall @beyondtheshunt; Dr. Kahle @mgbneurosurgery Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• What Happens Behind the Scenes? A Brain and Life Podcast Q&A 30.04.2026 27m

  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 Matt and Kanlaya Cauli on Rebuilding Life After StrokeWe Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay Strength on Stage: Actor Michael Patrick's Motor Neuron Disease Journey Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson's Disease Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice Lauren Miller Rogen on Facing a Parent's Early-Onset Alzheimer's Diagnosis   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Neurologists Share What It's Like to Live With a Neurologic Condition 23.04.2026 58m

  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 Neurology® Podcast Switching Roles: A Neuro-oncologist Reflects on his Own Experience with a Brain Tumor 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Less Panic, More Practice: Building Brain-Healthy Routines 16.04.2026 36m

  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 Neurologists Share Tips on Recovering from Jet Lag The Gut-Brain Connection: Why a Healthy Microbiome Is Key to Disease Prevention Why Taking Care of Yourself Is One of the Most Important Things Caregivers Can Do Everyday Wearables May Offer New Insight Into Multiple Sclerosis Progression 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part Two 09.04.2026 50m

  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 Allie Signorelli: Living With Young Onset Parkinson's What is Parkinson's Disease? Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part One 02.04.2026 43m

  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 Allie Signorelli: Living With Young Onset Parkinson's What is Parkinson's Disease? Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org Social Media Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD  
• When Art Imitates Life: Caregiving and Creating with Christine Ebersole 26.03.2026 54m

  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 What is a Brain Tumor? Acoustic Neuroma Association What is Neurofibromatosis?   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors Lawyer, Model Victoria Vesce Uses Her Platform for Brain Tumor Advocacy Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Christine Ebersole @christine.ebersole.official; Dr. David Kaylie @dukeschoolofmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Living Loudly With Tourette Syndrome: James Durbin's Story of Finding His Voice Through Music 19.03.2026 1h 2m

  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 What is Tourette Syndrome? Jerry Gidner Raises Awareness of Tourette Syndrome in Underrepresented Groups How this Nurse Practitioner Tames Tics in People with Tourette Syndrome James Durbin's Music   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics From Obstacle to Opportunity: David Begnaud on Living with Tourette Syndrome The Singing Surgeon: Dr. Elvis Francois on the Power of Music in Healing 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: James Durbin @jamesdurbinofficial; Dr. Tamara Pringsheim @ucalgarymed Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey Part Two 12.03.2026 43m

  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 At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible What Causes Color Blindness? Molly Burke - Official Website   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey 05.03.2026 49m

  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 At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible What Causes Color Blindness? Molly Burke - Official Website   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Conversations That Matter on Rare Disease Day 26.02.2026 29m

  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 In the Mix with Rob Floyd: Lessons on Mixology and Moyamoya What is Pompe Disease? Surviving Stroke: A Story of Perseverance and Grace CADASIL Foundation Pompe Disease News   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Uncovering Huntington's Disease with Author and Advocate Lori Jones 19.02.2026 36m

  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 Lori Jones What is Huntington's Disease? Promising Therapies May Help Huntington's Disease   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition   We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Lori Jones @lorijoneswrites; Dr. Katie Moore @DukeNeuroRes Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• When Life Changes the Tempo: Gloria Gaynor's Recovery Story 12.02.2026 1h 4m

  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 How Spinal Surgery Helped Gloria Gaynor Beat Chronic Pain and Return to the Stage What is Spinal Cord Injury? HEP2go Rehabilitation   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Answering Your Spinal Cord Injury Questions with Dr. Shelly Hsieh "Roll with Cole & Charisma" On Building a Life Together as an Interabled Couple How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Gloria Gaynor @gloriagaynor ; Dr. Shelly Hsieh @MontefioreHealthSystem Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant 05.02.2026 52m

  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 Expert Insights and Practical Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis How Ultra-processed Foods Can Have a Negative Effect on Brain Health Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard Embracing Each Day with Author and MS Advocate Lilibet Snellings Kyte Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community   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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media Guests: Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant @ucsfmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Strength on Stage: Actor Michael Patrick's Motor Neuron Disease Journey 29.01.2026 41m

  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 What are motor neuron diseases? Developments in ALS Research Michael Patrick: Actor and Writer   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Focusing on Hope: Answering your ALS Questions with Dr. Rick Bedlack Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media:   Guests: Michael Patrick @michaelpatrick314; Dr. Harms @osdib_cuimc Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
• Resilience in Motion: Olympic Stories of Strength, Adaptation, and Hope 22.01.2026 29m

  In this Olympics‑themed episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters explore what resilience looks like in the bodies, minds, and everyday lives of both Olympians and our listeners. First, they answer your listener submitted questions on concussion and Charcot‑Marie‑Tooth disease. Then, they look back on how former guests faced profound challenges and found a way forward through a collection of standout moments from past conversations with Olympians and Paralympians.   Brain & Life Podcast Episodes Mentioned Olympic Swimmer Rowdy Gaines on His Career and Guillain-Barré Syndrome Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living Her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia Getting Back in the Game After a Concussion with Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor Resilience and Recovery with Olympic Skier Colby Stevenson Paralympian Jamal Hill on Winning Bronze with Charcot-Marie-Tooth       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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org   Social Media:   Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD