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Brain & Life

American Academy of Neurologywww.brainandlife.org
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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Episodes

Special Bonus and Release: Physician BJ Miller’s Recovery from Phantom Limb Pain

In this special episode, Dr. Daniel Correa thanks Dr. Audrey Nath for her time with the Brain & Life podcast by sharing bonus content from a previous interview with palliative care physician Dr. BJ Miller. Dr. Miller talks about phantom limb pain that can accompany a limb amputation and therapies—such as mirror box therapy—that helped him with his own recovery after losing both legs below the knees and half an arm after an electrocution accident. Next, Dr. Correa sits down with Dr. Vilayanur...

Apr 20, 202339 min

Author, Speaker Jackie Stebbins on Rebuilding Her Life After Autoimmune Encephalitis

This week Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with author, speaker, and podcaster Jackie Stebbins about her experience with autoimmune encephalitis. Jackie shares how the neurologic condition affected her and her family’s life, her journey to recovery, and what she is doing to raise awareness about the diagnosis. Next, Dr. Daniel Correa talks with Dr. Gregory Day, a neurologist and specialist in cognitive neurology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Day shares information about the diagnosis, treat...

Apr 13, 202348 min

From Obstacle to Opportunity: David Begnaud on Living with Tourette Syndrome

This week, Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with David Begnaud, lead national correspondent for CBS Mornings , about his experience of being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when he was a child. David shares what it was like to navigate tics at a young age, how he learned to embrace them as an adult, and how he is raising awareness to fight the stigma that can accompany the neurologic condition. Next, Dr. Nath sits down with Dr. Michael Okun, executive director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurologic...

Apr 06, 202350 min

Journalist Richard Engel on Parenting a Child with Rett Syndrome

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Richard Engel, Chief Foreign Correspondent for NBC News, whose son Henry passed away from Rett syndrome, a rare childhood genetic developmental disorder. Richard shares Henry’s legacy and his family’s experience with the condition. Next Dr. Nath speaks with Dr. Huda Zoghbi professor at Baylor College of Medicine and the director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital. Dr. Zoghbi explains how she discovere...

Mar 30, 202351 min

Personal Trainer Javeno McLean on Helping Clients Find Physical and Emotional Strength

This week Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with accomplished powerlifter and personal trainer Javeno McLean about how he became motivated to open a gym where he provides free personal training for people with disabilities. Javeno talks about his passion for improving both the physical and mental health of his clients. Next Dr. Nath sits down with Dr. Gottfried Schlaug, a vascular neurologist and professor of neurology at Baystate Medical Center - UMass Chan Medical School. Dr. Schlaug explains neuroplasti...

Mar 23, 202334 min

Memory and Your Brain, Explained

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa sits down with Dr. Craig Stark, professor at the University of California, Irvine’s Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, to learn more about memory. Dr. Stark shares the basics of how memory works and tips to maximize your brain’s memory capability. Dr. Stark also discusses memory habits everyone can incorporate into their own lives. We want to hear from you! Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast? Record ...

Mar 16, 202341 min

U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with legendary U.S. soccer goalkeeper, Briana Scurry. Briana reflects on her journey as a professional athlete who experienced multiple concussions and how they impacted her physical and mental health. Briana also talks about the treatments and therapies that helped her overcome her brain injury. Next Dr. Correa speaks with Dr. Michael Jaffee, neurologist and professor of neurology at the University of Florida and co-author of the newest addition to the B...

Mar 09, 20231 hr

Lawyer, Model Victoria Vesce Uses Her Platform for Brain Tumor Advocacy

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with lawyer, model, and brain tumor advocate Victoria Vesce. Victoria talks about symptoms she experienced that eventually led to her being diagnosed with two non-malignant brain tumors. Victoria shares what her recovery was like after surgery and why it was important for her to get involved with the National Brain Tumor Society. Next Dr. Nath talks with Dr. Justin Jordan, a neurologist and clinical director at Massachusetts General Hospital Pappas Center f...

Mar 02, 202342 min

Food and Your Brain: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Brain Healthy

This week Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Dr. Reeta Achari, a neurologist in private practice and clinical associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at McGovern Medical School in Houston. Dr. Achari shares her passion for nutritional neurology and discusses how foundational vitamins, minerals, and whole foods affect the brain. Additional Resources: https://tasting-health.com/ https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/online-exclusives/guard-against-stroke-with-the...

Feb 23, 202327 min

The ‘Humor and Heartache’ of Caregiving with Filmmaker Michelle Boyaner

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with Emmy nominated filmmaker Michelle Boyaner about her experience as a caregiver for her parents. Michelle also talks about her documentary It’s Not A Burden: The Humor and Heartache of Raising Elderly Parents, which highlights experiences of adult children who are caring for their aging parents. Next Dr. Correa talks with Beth Kallmyer, vice president of Care and Support for the Alzheimer’s Association. Beth discusses the various resources offered by t...

Feb 16, 202344 min

Actor Cameron Boyce’s Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Victor and Libby Boyce, the parents of actor Cameron Boyce who passed away in 2019 from sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Victor and Libby discuss Cameron’s passion for performing and philanthropy as well as his epilepsy diagnosis that led to SUDEP—a rare complication of epilepsy. Victor and Libby also talk about The Cameron Boyce Foundation, an organization established to raise awareness about SUDEP and to fund epilepsy research. Next Dr. N...

Feb 09, 202342 min

Exploring the Evolving Brain with Neuroscientist Joseph Jebelli

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with neuroscientist and writer Dr. Joseph Jebelli. Dr. Jebelli talks about his books In the Pursuit of Memory: The Fight Against Alzheimer’s and How the Mind Changed: A Human History of our Evolving Brain . The discussion explores the evolution of the human brain and how societal and cultural evolution interacts with our biological evolution. Practical recommendations for preserving cognitive function are also covered in the conversation. Additional Resou...

Feb 02, 202331 min

‘Bake Off’ Star Lizzie Acker on Showstopping Cakes through Neurodivergent Eyes

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Great British Bake Off contestant Lizzie Acker. Lizzie shares her experience of being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia and how she has learned to overcome the challenges that accompany these diagnoses not only to build confidence but also to create beautiful baked goods. Next Dr. Nath talks with Dr. David Urion, behavioral neurologist and director of education and director of behavioral neurology c...

Jan 26, 202340 min

Switching Roles: A Neuro-oncologist Reflects on his Own Experience with a Brain Tumor

In this episode, Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Dr. Evan Noch, a neuro-oncologist and assistant professor of neurology at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian. Dr. Noch shares his unique perspective as a physician who sees patients and researches treatments for brain tumors as someone who was also diagnosed with his own brain tumor, called an acoustic neuroma. Dr. Noch discusses his hearing loss that alerted him to see a doctor and then talks about his experience of surgery and recovery....

Jan 19, 202332 min

Listener Questions: Restless Legs Syndrome, TBI, and Brain Surgery

This week, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath hear from three podcast listeners as part of a recurring 'Listener Questions’ series that delves into the questions that you, our listeners, want to learn more about. In this episode, Drs. Correa and Nath answer questions about neurologic conditions like restless legs syndrome and potential treatment options to relieve symptoms, the connection between traumatic brain injury and dementia, and more. Do you have a question you would like to be answered ...

Jan 12, 202318 min

BJ Miller on Guiding Chris Hemsworth Through a New Outlook on Life

In this episode Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with Dr. BJ Miller, a palliative care physician at Mettle Health in Mill Valley, Calif. Dr. Miller shares how an accident that resulted in the loss of three of his limbs challenged him to look at life and death in a new and positive perspective. Dr. Miller also talks about participating in the series Limitless with Chris Hemsworth , a series that explores overcoming the challenges of aging, featured in an article in Brain & Life . Additional Resources: ...

Jan 05, 202322 min

Best of 2022: This Year’s Impactful Voices

During this holiday week, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath look back on 2022 and share clips from episodes that highlight the importance of elevating the voices of individuals whose lives have been impacted by neurologic conditions. Dr. Nath first shares a conversation she had with actor RJ Mitte who discusses his journey in finding confidence despite the bullying he endured in childhood as someone with cerebral palsy. Dr. Correa brings back a conversation with Greg O’Brien, a journalist diagn...

Dec 29, 202225 min

MasterChef Christine Ha on Adapting to Life with NMO

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks to the winner of Season 3 MasterChef and James Beard Award semi-finalist, Christine Ha, about her neuromyelitis optica (NMO) diagnosis that caused her to lose her vision. Christine shares how she has adapted and excelled as a chef despite the challenges that accompany an NMO diagnosis. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Fiona Costello, neurologist and professor of neurology at the University of Calgary and clinician scientist with the Hotchkiss Brain Institu...

Dec 22, 202239 min

Hop on a Cure for ALS with John Driskell Hopkins

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with John Driskell Hopkins, musician and founding member of the Zac Brown Band. John shares his story of being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2021 and what he is doing to spread awareness about this rare disease. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Stephen Goutman, a neurologist and associate professor in the Department of Neurology and Director of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic and ALS Center of Excellence at the University o...

Dec 15, 202243 min

Julia Easterlin on Being a Performer with Migraine

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with musician and composer Julia Easterlin. Julia shares how her migraine condition has impacted her life and music career and highlights the difficulty she has had both accessing and affording necessary treatment. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Cynthia Armand, a neurologist from the Montefiore Headache Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Armand discusses the various types of migraine and the symptoms that are associated with them. A s...

Dec 08, 202240 min

Rogers Hartmann on Beating Dystonia

In this episode, Dr. Audrey Nath speaks with writer, producer, and dystonia advocate Rogers Hartmann. Rogers describes her struggles with generalized dystonia that caused her head to tilt below her waist and the treatments she received to allow her to stand straight again. Next, Dr. Nath is joined by Dr. Marta San Luciano, associate professor of Neurology at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. San Luciano discusses dystonia and the various treatments and therapies that are available for...

Dec 01, 202235 min

Listener Favorite: Lauren Miller Rogen on Facing a Parent’s Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

During this Thanksgiving week as we reflect on gratitude and family, we revisit one of our listener favorites from earlier this year. Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath reflect again on their conversation with actress, producer, and Alzheimer’s advocate Lauren Miller Rogen. In this interview, Lauren shares her mother’s journey with the condition and how her caretaker experience inspired her to found HFC, a foundation with the mission to provide care and resources for families affected by Alzheim...

Nov 24, 202233 min

Brain Health for Women, Part Two

This week, in the second of two episodes discussing brain health for women, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath speak with neurologist Dr. Amy Hessler about brain fog and its various causes in women. Dr. Hessler also explores topics related to specific neurologic conditions, such as how multiple sclerosis presents at various stages of a woman’s life and navigating pregnancy with epilepsy. Additional Resources: https://www.brainandlife.org/disorders-a-z/epilepsy/ https://www.brainandlife.org/disor...

Nov 17, 202219 min

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson’s

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with Parkinson’s disease advocate and American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi about his early-onset Parkinson's diagnosis and how it impacted his physical abilities and mental health. Jimmy talks about his dedication to fighting stigma and educating future generations about the misconceptions of Parkinson’s disease. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Allan Wu, neurologist and assistant professor at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center at Northweste...

Nov 10, 202239 min

Brain Health for Women, Part One

This week, in the first of two episodes discussing brain health for women, Drs. Daniel Correa and Audrey Nath speak with neurologist Dr. Amy Hessler about neurologic challenges that women may face throughout their lives. Dr. Hessler defines the field of women’s neurology and discusses how female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect stroke risk as well as risk for seizures and migraine. She also discusses lifestyle considerations that impact overall brain health for women of all age...

Nov 03, 202224 min

Professional Dancers on Connecting the Mind and Body for Optimal Performance

In this episode Dr. Daniel Correa talks with professional dancers, Madelyn Ho and Jake Vincent of the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York City. Madelyn and Jake share their experiences of managing the challenges that come with a career that is physically demanding and the steps they take to maintain optimal brain health. Next, Dr. Correa speaks to Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, sports neurologist and founder of the Kutcher Clinic. Dr. Kutcher discusses how he helps athletes with recovery and explains th...

Oct 27, 202230 min

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with author and podcast host, Nora McInerny. Nora discusses her husband’s terminal brain tumor (glioblastoma multiforme) diagnosis, how they confronted his illness together, and her journey moving forward with grief upon his passing. Next, Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Maisha Robinson, neurologist and assistant professor in the department of neurology at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville where she established the clinic’s first neuropalliative care program. Dr. Robin...

Oct 20, 202242 min

Figure Skating Legend, Scott Hamilton on Finding Inspiration in Hardship

In this episode, Dr. Audrey Nath talks with figure skater, Olympic gold medalist, and cancer research advocate, Scott Hamilton. Scott speaks about his brain tumor diagnosis and shares information about the CARES foundation where they fund innovative cancer research. Then, Dr. Nath talks with Dr. Chirag Patel, neuro-oncologist at Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Patel explains more about different types of brain tumors and cancers, how they are diagnosed, and the various therapies that are available f...

Oct 13, 202233 min

Christina Zorich on the Joys and Struggles of Caregiving

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Correa speaks with actress and producer, Christina Zorich about her experience being a caregiver for her grandmother and mother, Academy Award winner, Olympia Dukakis. Dr. Correa talks with Dr. Mirnova Ceide, Psychiatrist at Montefiore Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Ceide provides tools for families who are looking to start the conversation of long-term care for a loved one and explains the importance o...

Oct 06, 202231 min

Soap Opera Star Suzanne Rogers Brings Awareness to Myasthenia Gravis

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Correa talks with actress, Suzanne Rogers. Suzanne shares how her myasthenia gravis diagnosis has affected her acting career and her efforts to bring awareness to the condition through featuring it on Days of Our Lives. Next, Dr. Correa speaks with Dr. Nicholas Silvestri, a neurologist and nerve specialist at the University of Buffalo and Buffalo General Medical Center. Dr. Silvestri discusses ways to manage myasthenia gravis and treatment options for those diagnosed ...

Sep 29, 202232 min
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