Jann Arden speaks with Lisa Genova, a renowned author and neuroscientist, about her unexpected pivot from studying the brain to writing impactful fiction that explores neurological conditions. They discuss Genova's personal experiences with Alzheimer's in her family, the importance of empathy in understanding mental illness, and her latest novel, 'More or Less Maddy,' which tackles bipolar disorder. The discussion also touches on the challenges of being a single parent and wisdom for aspiring writers.

More About Lisa:

Acclaimed as the Oliver Sacks of fiction and the Michael Crichton of brain science, Lisa Genova is the New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice, Left Neglected, Love Anthony, Inside the O’Briens, and Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. Still Alice was adapted into an Oscar–winning film starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, and Kristen Stewart. Lisa graduated valedictorian from Bates College with a degree in biopsychology and holds a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard University. She is featured in the documentary films To Not Fade Away and Have You Heard About Greg. Her TED talks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory have been viewed over eleven million times.

https://www.lisagenova.com/

*Episode photo credit Greg Mentzer*

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Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Lisa Genova

(02:50) The Journey from Neuroscience to Fiction

(05:59) Understanding Alzheimer's Through Personal Experience

(09:01) The Power of Fiction in Creating Empathy

(11:58) Breaking the Stigma of Memory Loss

(14:49) Exploring Bipolar Disorder in 'More or Less Maddie'

(17:54) Maddie's Journey: Identity and Mental Health

(21:13) Writing with Accessibility and Emotion

(22:45) The Influence of Acting on Writing

(25:42) Growing Up and Parental Influence

(28:57) Navigating Multiple Film Projects

(30:30) Balancing Writing and Parenting

(33:43) The Joys and Challenges of Book Tours

(36:19) Finding Connection in Caregiving

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