Podcast
Brain & Life
Hosted by American Academy of Neurology · EN
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.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
It's All in Your Head with Author and Advocate Sabina Nordqvist
2d ago00:51:51Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment with Isabelle and Eliza Woloson
1w ago00:44:53Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Musician Amy Grant on Memory Loss, Healing, and Music
2w ago01:02:03Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Talking Parkinson's Symptoms and Brain Health with Actor Ryan Reynolds
3w ago00:33:41Tap to summarizeOn 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
Transcribe →Author Samantha Lee Schmall on Life Beyond the Shunt
May 700:37:57Tap to summarizeOn 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
Transcribe →What Happens Behind the Scenes? A Brain and Life Podcast Q&A
Apr 3000:27:26Tap to summarizeOn 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
Transcribe →Neurologists Share What It's Like to Live With a Neurologic Condition
Apr 2300:58:50Tap to summarizeThis 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
Transcribe →Less Panic, More Practice: Building Brain-Healthy Routines
Apr 1600:36:49Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part Two
Apr 900:50:16Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part One
Apr 200:43:54Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →