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

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

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Brason Lee, a writer, social worker and traumatic brain injury survivor. Brason shares his journey from a severe ATV accident at 18, through rehabilitation, to a successful career in social work and advocacy. He discusses the challenges of recovery, the importance of supportive relationships, and his motivation to write and share his story to inspire others. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Erika Trovato, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Burke Rehabilitation. Dr. Trovato discusses returning to work and your community after a TBI and building new dreams after rehabilitation.

Additional Resources

Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Brain Injury

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains

Brain Injury Association of New York State

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is Reaching New Heights with Traumatic Brain Injury

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

Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi

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:

Guest: Brason Lee @brason.lee; Dr. Erika Trovato @burke_rehab

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD