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 co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Audrey Nath speak 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.
Playwright Sarah Ruhl Finds Inspiration in her Bell’s Palsy Journey
In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters and playwright Sarah Ruhl discuss her Bell’s Palsy diagnosis (Idiopathic seventh nerve palsy) and the book she wrote about her experience, Smile: The Story of a Face. Sarah discusses the onset of her symptoms after giving birth to twins, how this diagnosis has affected her work life, and the importance of asking for help. Then, neurologist Dr. Gary Gronseth joins Dr. Peters to discuss just what Bell’s Palsy is, what the risk factors are, and reminds listeners that with a diagnosis also comes with lots of hope for the future. Additional Resources Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl Playwright Sarah Ruhl on Losing the Ability to Smile Due to Bell's Palsy What Doctors Know About Bell's Palsy Bouncing Back from Bell’s Palsy 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: Sarah Ruhl @sarah_ruhl_ Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
2/22/2024 • 35 minutes, 15 seconds
Actor Craig Russell on Staying Positive during his Brain Tumor Diagnosis
In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters and actor Craig Russell discuss his brain tumor story. He shares the symptoms he experienced that lead him to see a doctor, the process of scheduling his meningioma removal surgery, and his return to work with the support of his family and friends. Then, neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan Sherman discusses management plans for meningiomas that include Artificial Intelligence and how he ensures patients feel like a “part of the team” throughout the treatment process. Additional Resources How My Robotic Brain Surgery Resembled Space Travel Different, But the Same Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics BMX Athlete Josh Perry's Perseverance Living with Brain Tumors 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: Craig Russell @russandchips Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
2/15/2024 • 40 minutes, 53 seconds
Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson’s Disease
In this week’s episode, prolific actor Ed Begley Jr. joins Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters to discuss his Parkinson’s Disease journey and his new memoir To the Temple of Tranquility… and Step On It! Ed shares his unique diagnosis experience, how he has found himself in rooms with Hollywood icons throughout his life, and the diet and exercise regime that keeps him healthy and working. Next, movement disorders neurologist Dr. Jori Fleisher explains the history of Parkinson’s, risk factors, caregiver tips, and surprising activities that can help patients. Additional Resources To the Temple of Tranquility… and Step On It!: A Memoir by Ed Begley Jr. Swimming Helps to Manage Parkinson’s Disease How a Plant-Based Diet May Lower Risk of Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson’s Disease Can Parkinson's Disease Disrupt Sleep? Phase IIb Study of Intranasal Glutathione in Parkinson's Disease NR-SAFE: a randomized, double-blind safety trial of high dose nicotinamide riboside in Parkinson’s disease Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson’s Disease How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with 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: Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center Arts @lincolncenter Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
2/8/2024 • 44 minutes, 15 seconds
Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center
In this week’s episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa discusses the Lincoln Center Arts Programs with their Director of Accessibility Miranda Hoffner. She shares the Lincoln Center’s commitment to transforming performing arts spaces to be more inclusive of audiences’ identities and access needs by design, not as an afterthought or add-on. They discuss the Lincoln Center’s accessibility programs and how they have evolved over time with accommodations like online performances and relaxed showings, as well as Lincoln Center Moments, a free performance-based program specially designed for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Additional Resources Lincoln Center Event Calendar Lincoln Center Moments Invoke: Songs are Stories Navigating Life with Dementia Art Programs Engage Patients and Educate About Neurologic Disorders Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Accessibility Advocate Cory Lee on Traveling the World as a Wheelchair User How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community Journalist Greg O’Brien on Chronicling His Life with Alzheimer’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: Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center Arts @lincolncenter Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
2/1/2024 • 33 minutes, 5 seconds
Mulling over Migraines with Photographer Bill Wadman
In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters interviews Bill Wadman, a photographer who has been living and working with migraines since he was a teenager. He discusses his medication journey, ways he relieves the pain in his daily life, and what he has learned about himself by working through migraines. Then, Dr. Peters discusses the science behind migraines with Bill’s personal headache specialist, Dr. Susan Broner. Dr. Broner is Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology at Weill Cornell Medical College and Medical Director of the Weill Cornell Medicine Headache Program. She explains risk factors, unique symptoms, and how to begin the migraine treatment journey. Additional Resources Headaches: Diagnosis and Treatments Exploring New Treatments for Migraine The Misadventures of Living with Chronic Daily Migraine 7 Ways to Reduce Migraine Attacks Self-Care May Help Reduce Migraine Attacks Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Julia Easterlin on Being a Performer with Migraine 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: Bill Wadman @billwadman; Dr. Susan Broner @weillcornell Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
1/25/2024 • 43 minutes, 1 second
Finding New Ways to Move Forward with Justine Galloway
In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa interviews Justine Galloway, a runner who was diagnosed with Runner’s Dystonia and continued on to break world records in backwards running. They discuss her father’s Parkinson’s journey, her diagnosis process, and how she continues to adapt and find motivation. Then, Dr. Correa speaks with Dr. Joseph Jankovic, a neurologist specializing in movement disorders. Dr. Jankovic explains Dystonia, what some of the risk factors are, and treatment options. Additional Resources Much More Than a Pain in the Neck: The Different Types of Dystonia Medications and Lifestyle Changes Can Help People Cope with Dystonia Easing the Weight of Dystonia Isn’t Just a Story of Triumph Speaking Up About Dystonia Facing DYT1 Dystonia with Grit and Hope Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia Billy McLaughlin on Life as a Musician with Focal Dystonia 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: Justine Galloway @rennur316; Dr. Joseph Jankovic @josephjankovic Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
1/18/2024 • 39 minutes, 36 seconds
Highlighting our Favorite Brain & Life Magazine Articles
In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters highlight some of their favorite articles from the most recent edition of Brain & Life Magazine! They discuss updates on new Alzheimer’s drugs and what they mean for patients, the links between oral hygiene and brain health, and how cosmetics brands are creating more accessible makeup for all people. If you would like to read these articles and more, be sure to subscribe to Brain & Life Magazine for free! Articles Discussed An Update on New Alzheimer’s Drugs 11 Dental Care Tips to Boost Brain Health How Cosmetics Brands are Creating More Accessible Makeup Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Finding Hope and Creating Change: Discussing Alzheimer’s Advocacy with Cynthia Stone and Walt Dawson Ashley Brooks on Advocating for Herself and Others with Myasthenia Gravis 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
1/11/2024 • 23 minutes, 29 seconds
Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi
In this episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Katy Peters speaks with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi, a neuropsychiatrist and cognitive neuroscientist. He serves as the President of the Center for Neuropsychiatry and Brain Stimulation and Chief Medical Officer Designate for ARC Health. Dr. Vaishnavi is also the author of Healing the Traumatized Brain: Coping After Concussion and Other Brain Injuries. Together they discuss the intersection between psychiatry and neurology, accessible and upcoming treatment options for neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the stigma behind mood and behavioral symptoms Additional Resources Healing the Traumatized Brain: Coping after Concussion and Other Brain Injuries Tips for Loving Life After a Neurologic Disorder Diagnosis Center for Neuropsychiatry and Brain Stimulation (CNBS) Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health Personal Trainer Javeno McLean on Helping Clients Find Physical and Emotional Strength Journalist, Producer Kitty Eisele’s Honest Recount of Her Time as Caregiver 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. Sandeep Vaishnavi @hopkinspress Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
