Brain & Life

On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters talks with Samantha Lee Schmall, author of Beyond the Shunt, about her personal journey with hydrocephalus. Samantha reflects on growing up with the condition, what inspired her to share her story, and how she's found connection and support within the hydrocephalus community. Dr. Peters is also joined by Dr. Kristopher Kahle, Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Harvard Center for Hydrocephalus and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, who explains what causes hydrocephalus, common symptoms, and current treatment options, including shunts.
 
Additional Resources
Samantha Lee Schmall- Beyond the Shunt
Understanding Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Average Joe- Speak Up
 
Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast
Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease
A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor
Movement and Healing with Adventure Athlete, Author, and Activist Rebecca Rusch
 
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: Samantha Lee Schmall @beyondtheshunt; Dr. Kahle @mgbneurosurgery
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer questions they received at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting in Chicago last week! They explain how podcast topics are chosen, guest stories that have stuck with them, how they handle discussing ever-evolving science, and more.
 
Mentioned Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast
Matt and Kanlaya Cauli on Rebuilding Life After Stroke
We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay
Strength on Stage: Actor Michael Patrick's Motor Neuron Disease Journey
Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson's Disease
Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice
Lauren Miller Rogen on Facing a Parent's Early-Onset Alzheimer's Diagnosis
 
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

This week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast was recorded live at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting in 2025! Hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters were joined by Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, MSc, FAAN, Andrea Lendaris, MD, MS, Andrew M. Southerland, MD, FAAN, and Eric J. Seachrist, MD to share what it's like living and practicing neurology with their own neurological condition(s) and neurodiverse perspectives, and explore how their experiences serve as a window into the patient and community perspective.
 
Brain & Life Articles Mentioned
Neurology® Podcast
Switching Roles: A Neuro-oncologist Reflects on his Own Experience with a Brain Tumor
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 & Life podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters respond to a listener question about simple, low-stress actions to support brain health using recent BrainandLife.org articles to guide you through a brain healthy day!
 
Brain & Life Articles Mentioned
Neurologists Share Tips on Recovering from Jet Lag
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why a Healthy Microbiome Is Key to Disease Prevention
Why Taking Care of Yourself Is One of the Most Important Things Caregivers Can Do
Everyday Wearables May Offer New Insight Into Multiple Sclerosis Progression
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 part two of this two-part episode of the Brain & Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by influencer and podcaster Allie Signorelli. She shares her entrance into the world of advocacy and why she chose to speak up about her experiences and participate in research opportunities. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rodolfo Savica, who explains what some of those research opportunities are, why they matter, and what's next for the Parkinson's community.
 
Additional Resources
Allie Signorelli: Living With Young Onset Parkinson's
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Factors That May Increase the Risk of Parkinson's Disease
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
A Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor
Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease
How American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi Rose Above Parkinson's
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: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD