Brain & Life

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
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 [email protected]
 
Social Media:  
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  
 
 
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 [email protected]
 
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
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 [email protected]
 
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
 
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 [email protected]
 
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
·       Email us at [email protected]
 
Social Media:  
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPh