In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Elana Meyers Taylor, an accomplished American bobsledder and Olympian. She shares her journey from collegiate softball to becoming a world-renowned bobsledder and her experiences with concussions. Elana also discusses her concussion recovery process and her plans to contribute to concussion research. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Joel Morgenlander, a professor of neurology and orthopedic surgery at Duke University. They discuss concussions in athletes, when it's safe to return to play, the importance of proper concussion management and the legal frameworks in place to protect young athletes from severe brain injuries.

Additional Resources

New Brain & Life Book Explores Concussion

How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains

Concussion Symptoms Checklist

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

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

Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler's Cam Heyward

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Social Media:

Guests: Elana Meyers Taylor @elanameyerstaylor; Dr. Joel Morgenlander @dukehealth

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

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters interviews Beth Pinsker, an award-winning journalist and certified financial planner, about her brand new book 'My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving.' They discuss the challenges of handling end-of-life financial decisions, the importance of having key documents like power of attorney, and the emotional and practical aspects of financial caregiving. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Winston Chiong, the Mary Oakley Foundation Professor of Neuroethics in the UCSF Department of Neurology at the Weill Institute for Neuroscience. Dr. Chiong explains what happens in terms of the decision-making capacity of the brain for people with memory concerns, how financial decision making capability is assessed, and how we can support both people with these conditions and caregivers.

Additional Resources

My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving

How to Protect Loved Ones from Financial Scams

Cognitive Decline Can Lead to Financial Struggles and Scams—Here's What to Look For

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Memory and Your Brain, Explained

Navigating Complicated Caregiving Journeys with Jacquelyn Revere

Journalist, Producer Kitty Eisele's Honest Recount of Her Time as Caregiver

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Social Media:

Guests: Beth Pinsker @bethpinsker_ny; Dr. Winston Chiong @ucsfmedicine

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 Dr. Laurel Cherian, an associate professor in the Department of Neurological Sciences at Rush University Medical Center and Assistant Dean of Advising, Medical Student Affairs for Rush Medical College to discuss stroke awareness, prevention, and treatment for World Stroke Day. They answer listener-submitted questions about stroke risk factors, symptoms, and recovery strategies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stroke signs and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Additional Resources

Get Smart about Stroke

Navigating the Complexities of Stroke

Stroke: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Matt and Kanlaya Cauli on Rebuilding Life After Stroke

Timothy Omundson on Stroke Recovery and His Return to Television

Peloton Instructor Bradley Rose on Returning to Life After Stroke

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Social Media:

Guests: Dr. Laurel Cherian @rushmedical

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

In this second part of a two-part series, Brain & Life co-host Dr. Katy Peters sits down with author and journalist Tom Zeller Jr. to delve into his personal journey with cluster headaches. They explore treatment options and the cultural stigma surrounding cluster headaches. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephanie Nahas, professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University and Program Director for the Headache Medicine Fellowship at the Jefferson Headache Center of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Nahas the importance of advocacy and community support when it comes to cluster headaches.

Additional Resources

Tom Zeller Jr.

Clusterbusters - The Cluster Headache Advocacy Group

Finding Relief for Cluster Headaches

Headache on the Hill: Advocating for Migraine Patients Nationwide

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Broadcast Journalist Deborah Roberts on Living with Migraine

Mulling over Migraines with Photographer Bill Wadman

Apps and Self-Advocacy with Roon's Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna

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Social Media:

Guests: Tom Zeller Jr. @tomzellerjr; Dr. Stephanie Nahas @stephanienahasgeiger

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

In this first part of a two-part series, Brain & Life co-host Dr. Katy Peters sits down with author and journalist Tom Zeller Jr. to delve into his personal journey with cluster headaches. They explore the severity of these headaches and discuss Tom's diagnosis journey and his experiences living with this challenging condition. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephanie Nahas, professor of neurology at Thomas Jefferson University and Program Director for the Headache Medicine Fellowship at the Jefferson Headache Center of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Nahas explains the nature and symptoms of cluster headaches and the challenges in diagnosing and treating them. Tune in next week for part two to hear about the importance of advocacy and community support.

Additional Resources

Tom Zeller Jr.

Clusterbusters - The Cluster Headache Advocacy Group

Finding Relief for Cluster Headaches

Headache on the Hill: Advocating for Migraine Patients Nationwide

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Broadcast Journalist Deborah Roberts on Living with Migraine

Mulling over Migraines with Photographer Bill Wadman

Apps and Self-Advocacy with Roon's Dr. Rohan Ramakrishna

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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:

Guests: Tom Zeller Jr. @tomzellerjr; Dr. Stephanie Nahas @stephanienahasgeiger

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. Richard Bedlack, Stewart, Hughes, and Wendt Distinguished Professor of ALS at Duke and director of the Duke ALS Clinic. They discuss the complexities of ALS, focusing on the journey of Brooke Eby, an advocate and former podcast guest who shares her experiences on social media. Dr. Bedlack answers your questions and covers the progression of ALS, the importance of measuring quality of life beyond physical symptoms, the challenges in diagnosing ALS, the emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis, and how hope can go a long way.

Additional Resources

Turbocharged Living Tool

Stitching Strength: A Film

What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS

Finding Strength in ALS Advocacy with Podcaster Lorri Carey

Hop on a Cure for ALS with John Driskell Hopkins

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Social Media:

Guests: Dr. Rick Bedlack @stitchingstrength; Brooke Eby @limpbroozkit

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

In this week's episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel reconnects with Jimmy Choi, a father, athlete, and Parkinson's advocate, to discuss his journey since Jimmy's last time on the podcast. Jimmy shares insights on his recent experience on American Ninja Warrior, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment and competing alongside his daughter. He reflects on the evolution of his personal philosophy regarding health, the reality of living with Parkinson's, and the significance of family support, both as a caregiver for his son, who is newly diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND) and a person living with a neurologic condition. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rachel Dolhun, a double board-certified neurologist, fellowship-trained movement disorder specialist, and a nationally recognized leader in the Parkinson's community. Dr. Dolhun serves as principal medical advisor at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research where she helps people with Parkinson's and their families understand the science, treatments, and daily strategies for living well with the disease. She is also a Lifestyle Medicine specialist, bringing expertise in how exercise, nutrition, stress management, and holistic approaches can empower patients and caregivers. Dr. Dolhun explains the importance of staying active as a treatment for Parkinson's, the idea of tailoring your medication plans to your needs, and what we currently know about the risks of neurologic conditions running in families.

Additional Resources

MJFF Exercise Guide

MJFF Living Well with Parkinson's Guide

MJFF Buddy Network

Staying Active Can Slow Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Environmental Factors and Parkinson's Disease with Dr. Michael Okun

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

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's

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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:

Guests: Jimmy Choi @jcfoxninja; Dr. Rachel Dolhun @michaeljfoxorg

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

In this week's episode, Brain & Life Podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Tiffany Kairos, an epilepsy advocate and founder of the Epilepsy Network, and her husband Chris Kairos. Tiffany shares her journey of living with epilepsy and her recent diagnosis of Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND). Tiffany and Chris delve into their experience managing both conditions, the impact on daily life, and the support systems that help her navigate these experiences. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. W. Curt LaFrance, Inaugural Director of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology at Rhode Island Hospital, Director of the VA Mind Brain program, and Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Brown University. Dr. LaFrance discusses the complexities of FND, the importance of integrating neurology and psychiatry for effective diagnosis and treatment, and the evolution of terminology to reduce stigma and improve patient engagement.

Additional Resources

The Epilepsy Network (TEN)

What is Functional Neurologic Disorder?

Taking Control of Your Seizures

Epilepsy Foundation

The Anita Kaufman Foundation

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

JenVon Cherry on Educating Communities of Color About Epilepsy

Actor Cameron Boyce's Legacy and Raising Awareness About SUDEP

Tiffany Kairos on Finding Her Voice in Epilepsy Advocacy

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Social Media:

Guests: Tiffany Kairos @TiffanyKairos @theepilepsynetwork; Chris Kairos @ka1ro5; Dr. W. Curt LaFrance @brownuniversityhealth

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

In this week's episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Annmarie O'Connor, a Parkinson's disease advocate, bestselling author, and fashion editor. Annmarie shares her personal journey with early-onset Parkinson's, discussing the challenges and insights she has gained since her diagnosis. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the role of family support, and her efforts to raise awareness through her memoir 'Twitch' and her advocacy work on TikTok. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Raja Mehanna, an associate professor at the McGovern Medical School at University of Texas Health. Dr. Mehanna is a fellowship-trained, movement disorders neurologist with a special interest in early-onset Parkinson's disease. He discusses early onset Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatments and shares ongoing research in the field.

Additional Resources

About Annmarie O'Connor

Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Exercise Helps This Coach Deal with Parkinson's Disease

Living with Parkinson's During a Pandemic

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

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

How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's

NBA Star Brian Grant Living On Time with Parkinson's

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Social Media:

Guests: Annmarie O'Connor @aocdotme; Dr. Raja Mehanna @mcgovernmed

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

In this week's episode, Brain & Life Podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is once again joined by Kristin Flanary, AKA Lady Glaucomflecken, to continue their conversation from last week. Kristin has advanced training in both cognitive neuroscience and social psychology and now is active on social media, podcasts, and comedy shows with her husband, Dr. Glaucomflecken. Kristin shares more about the term "co-survivor" and the importance of thoughtful doctor/patient communication, based on her own lived experiences. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jessica McFarlin, is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky Department of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Palliative Care who is trained in both neurocritical care medicine and palliative care medicine. Dr. McFarlin touches on the role of care partners and medical professionals when it comes to the Neurointensive Care Unit.

Additional Resources

Lady Glaucomflecken

What is the Difference Between Coma, Minimally Conscious State, Persistent Vegetative State, and Brain Death?

How to Keep Loved Ones Safe in the Hospital

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

What is an ICU and Neurologic Critical Care? Tips and a Guide for Everyone

Nora McInerny on Moving Forward with Grief

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

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Social Media:

Guests: Kristin Flanary @ladyglaucomflecken; Dr. Jessica McFarlin @ukadultneuro

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