"Talk About It!" with Greg Grunberg

This month, a very special guest with a very special mission joins Greg on the podcast from New York City, and we are going to get REAL. Anjalee Seneviratne began having seizures when she was growing up in Sri Lanka, and they discuss how a lack of awareness or education about epilepsy leads to people not doing the first thing to bring this condition into the light… talk about it. She is now living in New York City, and attempting to get a bunch of landmark buildings including the Empire State Building to light up for Purple Day on March 26. She has had some luck with World Trade Center and Bryant Park, but with more awareness there is certainly a way! Finally, they talk about a very serious subject that is often times not talked about openly due to its severity, and that is suicide. Anjalee had an episode this past year, but thankfully survived. She talks about how epilepsy and her medication side effects had an impact, and how people treated her after that event. If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, talk to somebody. Dial 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. The world is so much better with you here.

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

On this month's episode, Talk About It co-founder Ken Lowenberg brings along one of his good friends Jake Didinsky to talk all about autism. Jake is a proud business manager, community organizer, DJ, is LGBTQIA+ and non-binary, and is an all-around powerhouse who uses their life on the spectrum as an advantage and is proud and unapologetic about all of it. They are an inspiration to Greg and Ken, and should also be an inspiration to you and anyone you know living with autism! They discuss having episodes of being nonverbal and what to do when that happens, the unique challenges of autism, the difficulty of being diagnosed as an adult, living with depression, the importance of allyship, and how Jake advocates for local, state, and national governments to push for legislation - not just for autism, but for causes to help all kinds of marginalized communities. No matter what your condition is, don't be afraid to be proud and get involved! 

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

At Talk About It, we cover topics that need more attention and need to be talked about more.

In this special episode, Greg's close friend and fellow actor/ bandmate Sarah Wayne Callies stops by the studio to talk about safety - both on set, and at home. After a brief session talking shop, they get into the substance of a cause so near and dear to Sarah and one that can be very difficult to talk about, domestic violence.

Sarah shares a personal and painful story about a good friend of hers who became isolated from relationships, including theirs, as her husband grew increasingly violent and threatening, leading to a podcast Sarah is producing called "Bitch is a Bad Word." It is so important to talk about this subject, and if you are feeling threatened or unsafe at home, do not hesitate. Talk About It.

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

In this month’s episode of Talk About It, Greg and his guest Craig Chambliss, CEO of Neurelis Inc, explore the importance of rescue therapies – or immediate use medications – in overall seizure treatment.  Talking to your health care team about whether immediate use medications is right for you is critical, even if your seizures are mostly under control. 

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

This month on Talk About It, we are cooling off the summer heat with some refreshing and delicious lemonade! Greg hosts three different interviews with people who are taking the sourest of lemons that life hands them and squeezing out incredible creative initiatives that make the world a much, MUCH better place.

Up first is Landis Wiedner who developed epilepsy after a traumatic brain surgery to remove a tumor. She was disrupted by this sudden change in her adult life and realized there weren't enough resources to help her deal with the struggles of "adulting" with epilepsy. So, she started a podcast! The "What the EF" Podcast she started has now been on for five seasons and aims to be an outlet for those everyday conversations that aren't as accessible for adults in her situation. Way to go Landis!

Then, Greg has some very special guests to the studio - his son Jake’s girlfriend Morgan, and her incredible mom Karen and brother Kyle! Kyle was born with cerebral palsy, but Karen never let his condition affect his ability to play sports and enjoy recreational activities. In fact, she came on board the AYSO VIP Program for kids and helped to expand it to now host hundreds of special needs participants, from 4-year-olds to 40-year-olds! From basketball to soccer, Karen is leading the way to establish communities and provide a safe environment for individuals like Kyle to learn and grow through playing sports. Greg and Nick headed out to watch the basketball program in action, and we get a full recap of their incredible experience! 

Finally, Greg talks with Sue Seserman, a writer and new author that harnesses her conditions and turns them into superpowers! Sue has epilepsy and type 1 diabetes, and has such a brilliant creative vision on how to use them for good. She has now released her new graphic novel Epilectra that centers around a woman who becomes a superhero by converting the electricity in her brain that causes seizures and uses them for super electric abilities! She is joined by a cast of characters - Team SEEZ - who all have a disability, but use them as “superabilities” to change the circumstances of their adversaries and save the day. She is a visionary, and we are so excited that this novel is finally here!

Plus, we recap Greg’s trip to the Epilepsy Walk at the Rose Bowl with some familiar faces and some new friends! Don’t miss this episode!

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Some topics are so heavy they are difficult to discuss, but gun violence has become such a problem in America that it is vitally important for us to talk about it in order to bring change.

In this special episode of Talk About It, Greg is joined in studio by some great new friends -- Mark Barden, founder of Sandy Hook Promise and co-founder of Artist for Action, and Matthew Reich and Neal Saini, co-founders of Artist for Action. Mark Barden experienced the unimaginable when his 7-year-old son Daniel was killed in the Sandy Hook massacre of 2012, an event that sent shockwaves throughout the country.

Mark and his family continue to go through periodic episodes of depression, anger, hopelessness, and warding off bad actors who spread conspiracies. However, he has harnessed those emotions to start Sandy Hook Promise (SandyHookPromise.org) that works to educate communities and school districts about gun violence and notify law enforcement through a tip line when a student or school is in danger. The work he is doing is literally saving lives.

Mark also co-founded Arist for Action with Matthew and Neil, an organization that platforms causes for artists to easily promote to fans. Together, they put on major events to promote gun reform and are producing a documentary feature with major musical stars attached. This episode is heavy, but this is a conversation that needs to be had. 

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

In this episode, Greg is joined by a fellow parent of a child with epilepsy, and that parent just so happens to be the incredibly talented and incredibly funny actress Lake Bell! Lake's daughter Nova was diagnosed with epilepsy at just five years old due to a genetic mutation commonly associated with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. Greg and Lake talk about re-framing the condition to her daughter so that it is positive, taking away guilt or anxiety when she has a seizure. She has created a scenario in which after Nova has a seizure, she thinks of it as "sparkling" and is very brave and smart, like Joan of Arc who  is featured in the Frozen movie that her daughter loves and who also had epilepsy.

Lake is currently working on two projects that center around epilepsy - a book about the brain that she is announcing on this episode, and the feature film "Under the Lights" expanded from the short film written and directed by guest of the show Miles Levin and starring Greg, himself! What a small world it is in this community!

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Greg Grunberg (@greggrunberg) hosts Shawn Francis (@iamshawnfrancis) and Brian Altounian (@brianaltounian) of the Just Two Dads podcast about raising children with special needs. See Shawn and Brian every Wednesday @ 11AM PT Live on Facebook!

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

In this very special and star-filled episode of Talk About It, Greg sits down with David Anders, Todd Stashwick and Jerry O'Connell to share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives. It will have you laughing, crying, and finding ways to come together to end this horrible disease once-and-for-all.

First up is David Anders, a delightfully eccentric and incredibly talented actor Greg worked with on Heroes and Alias. David opens up about his father's blood cancer diagnosis, and how his father dealt with his condition as a doctor who had massive impact on all of his patients. David still grapples with the major loss of his hero and friend.

Next, you'll hear from Todd Stashwick - also a brilliant actor and a self-described nerd enthusiast! Todd starred as Captain Liam Shaw on the critically aclaimed award-winning third season of Star Trek: Picard. Off screen he is an avid Dungeons and Dragons player who uses the hobby to raise money for the Pablove Foundation for pediatric cancer initiatives (PabLove.org). Todd's very good friends experienced the unthinkable when they lost their teenage daughter to cancer, so Todd laced up his running shoes and participates in half marathons in her memory. He also runs a charity livestream of DnD with audience participation to raise both awareness and money for Pablove.

Finally, after such heavy conversations, we lighten up a bit with the hilarious actor, gameshow and podcast host, and star of Star Trek: Lower Decks Jerry O'Connell. Jerry starts by lamenting about being the father of teenage daughters, but he ends up getting into how cancer has affected him through his dad's repeated battles. He inherited his family's tendency to only go to the doctor if you have to go, but after witnessing his father's multiple scares with skin cancer, he sees the importance of getting screened in advance to take a more preventative approach.

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

This month on Talk About It, Greg is joined by the CEO of Vesalius Therapeutics and former director of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), along with Phil Gattone, co-founder of Talk About It! This episode is all about collaboration, and how it’s possible to make giant strides in the world of medicine through various fields coming together. As Dr. Austin describes, there is often times resistance to share information across fields or specialties, but in the past decade and especially through Covid, the world of medical science, especially as it pertains to conditions like epilepsy, has seen developments that show the whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Plus, as a very special treat, don’t miss Dr. Austin showcasing the other side of his expansive brain as he performs opera in front of a live audience! Greg is accompanying, of course!

The Talk About It podcast is sponsored by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals