This week we are joined by Lisa Genova! 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. Her new novel is More Or Less Maddy. 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 more than eleven million times.

In this discussion, Lisa Genova shares her journey from neuroscience to becoming a successful novelist, discussing her experiences with mental health, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of addressing complex topics like bipolar disorder through literature. She emphasizes the role of comedy in understanding mental health and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with both writing and performing. Genova's insights into the intersection of science and storytelling provide a unique perspective on how narratives can humanize and educate about neurological conditions. She also shares the challenges of adapting her work for film, and the significance of addressing serious topics like suicidal ideation in her writing. The discussion also touches on the influence of Taylor Swift in her latest book, 'More or Less Maddy.’ Give This Episode a Listen! 

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness 

Miss Americana 

Gary Gulman - The Great Depresh

Gary Gulman - Grandiloquent

Follow Lisa Genova: @authorlisagenova

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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