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

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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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

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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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

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

· Record a voicemail at 612-928-6206

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Social Media:

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

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 Dr. Elvis Francois, a spine surgeon known for integrating music into his practice. They discuss the intersection of music and medicine, common spine conditions, and the importance of human connection in healthcare. Dr. Elvis shares his journey from being a young musician to a surgeon and how music can enhance patient care and emotional well-being.

Additional Resources

How Spinal Surgery Helped Gloria Gaynor Beat Chronic Pain and Return to the Stage

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

The Growing Role of Music Therapy in Health Care

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

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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Social Media:

Guest: Dr. Elvis Francois @dr.elvis.francois

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

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer your listener questions, touching on caregiving for Alzheimer's, staying motivated with Parkinson's, and the role of supplements in managing MS.

Additional Resources

Why Advanced Care Planning Is Essential for Caregivers

How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout by Taking Care of Yourself

How Peer Mentors Can Help Patients Navigate Life with Neurologic Disease

The Gut-Brain Connection: Why a Healthy Microbiome Is Key to Disease Prevention

Exploring the Link Between Gut and Brain Health

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown Discusses the Caregiving Journey

The Future of Caregiving with Kat McGowan

Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease

World's Toughest Row with Brendan Cusick and Pat Morrissey: Part Two

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

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Social Media:

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

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by tennis legend Monica Seles. They discuss Monica's iconic career, the life lessons she learned from tennis, her experience with Myasthenia Gravis, and the importance of advocacy for health awareness. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Andrea Markl Corse, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic at The University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Corse explains what Myasthenia Gravis is and why advocacy makes a difference.

Additional Resources

Physical Activity Helps Manage Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America

What is Myasthenia Gravis?

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Recovery Through Rhythm: Jazz Musician John Stein's Myasthenia Gravis Journey

Ashley Brooks on Advocating for Herself and Others with Myasthenia Gravis

Soap Opera Star Suzanne Rogers Brings Awareness to Myasthenia Gravis

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Social Media:

Guest: Monica Seles @monicaseles10s; Dr. Andrea Corse @unc_neurology

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 TV personality and dynamic presence in the world of mixology Rob Floyd. Rob discusses how he balances his career with family life, especially in light of his daughter's journey with a rare condition called Moyamoya. Rob also delves into the importance of mental health, community support, even some festive, brain-healthy mocktail ideas! Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Lisa Sun, a pediatric and vascular neurologist and associate professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Sun discusses pediatric strokes and Moyamoya, the unique aspects of managing the disease, treatment options, and future research.

Additional Resources

About Rob Floyd

Moyamoya Foundation

A Young Woman with Moyamoya Disease Joins the Special Olympics

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Shedding Light and Love on a Rare Genetic Condition with Deborah Vauclare

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

Answering Your Rare Disease Day Questions!

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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Social Media:

Guest: Rob Floyd @drinkwithrob; Dr. Lisa Sun @hopkinschildrens

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

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Olympian Colby Stevenson, who shares his incredible journey as a freestyle skier. Colby discusses his passion for skiing, the challenges he faced after a serious car crash and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and how he overcame adversity through hard work, a positive mindset and support from loved ones. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Kian Nasiri, a physiatrist specializing in TBI at Northwestern University. He discusses the role of physiatrists in recovery from brain injuries, highlights innovative treatments like neuromodulation, and emphasizes the significance of social support for patients and their families during recovery.

Additional Resources

What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?

How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains

After Traumatic Brain Injury, a Veteran Finds Purpose in Advocacy

Other 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: Colby Stevenson @colby_stevenson; Dr. Nassiri @nufeinbergmed

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