Brain & Life

In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by award-winning film critic, journalist, and author Kristen Lopez. They discuss how movies shape public understanding of disability, identity, and belonging, and why storytelling can both reinforce harmful stereotypes and open the door to more honest representation. Kristen shares insights from her book, Popcorn Disabilities, including the power of media to influence how disabled people are seen and how they see themselves and the importance of authentic casting.
 
Additional Resources
Kristen Lopez
The Keys to Overcoming the Stigma of a Disability
How Cosmetic Brands Are Creating More Accessible Makeup
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Disability Advocacy with Sarah Todd Hammer
How Paula Carozzo is Redefining Disability and Advocating for Her Community
Unseen: Molly Burke's Retinitis Pigmentosa Journey
 
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media
Guests: Kristen Lopez @kristenlopez88
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters are joined by author, educator, and neurologist Dr. Pria Anand. Together, they discuss the wonder and complexity of the human brain, and how storytelling, culture, and curiosity shape our understanding of neurologic illness and identity. Pria shares insights from her book, The Mind Electric, including the role of narrative in medicine, the resilience of memory, and why humility matters in neurologic care. They also explore the future of neurology, the importance of sleep and self-care, and how science and the humanities can work together to improve patient care.
 
Additional Resources
The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains
How are Mental Health and Brain Health Connected?
Healing Words: Writing About Her Traumatic Brain Injury Helps the Author Make Sense of Her Recovery
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Exploring the Science of Everyday Wonder with Dacher Keltner
The Secrets of Synesthesia with Dr. Joel Salinas
Memory and Your Brain, Explained
 
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media
Guests: Dr. Pria Anand @bmcneurology
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is once again joined by Nancy Davis, founder of Race to Erase MS. Nancy discusses bringing leading scientists together through the Center Without Walls to collaborate rather than compete, and the "invisible" symptoms of MS, including depression, mood changes, fatigue, and other issues that can be hard to say out loud. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Adam Kaplin, a physician-scientist whose work sits at the intersection of psychiatry, neurology, neuroimmunology, and the lived experiences of the community with multiple sclerosis. Dr. Kaplin explains more about these invisible symptoms, especially depression, and how treating them can make a difference.
 
Additional Resources
Race to Erase MS - Funding Multiple Sclerosis Research
Why it's Important to Recognize Signs of Depression in People with Neurologic Disorders
Become a Brain Health Advocate
How Couples Navigate Multiple Sclerosis
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Nancy Davis' Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis
Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant
Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community
 
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media
Guests: Nancy Davis @nancypeaceandlove
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Dr. Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California who is known for her research on the neurobiological underpinnings of the transition to parenthood. She is also the author of the book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How it Shapes Men's Lives. Tune in as they discuss exactly what "Dad Brain" is and how quality relationships affect the brain.
 
Additional Resources
Darby Saxbe's Website
Understand Neurological Risks and How to Protect Your Brain During and After Pregnancy
When Being Tired Isn't Normal: Understanding Extreme Sleepiness and Sleep Disorders
 
Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast
Jessie Owen on Advocacy, Awareness, and Parenting
Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice
 
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media
Guests: Darby Saxbe @darbysaxbephd
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

This episode of the Brain & Life Podcast was recorded live at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting. Co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters were joined by Jen Pollack from Alzheimer's Association, Rich Brennan from ALS Association, and Julienne Verdi from Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy to discuss how advocacy and sharing stories makes a difference. Tune in to hear these field experts share the positive effects of collaboration and advocacy!
 
Additional Resources
Become a Brain Health Advocate
The Why Behind Your Weakness- ALS Association
ASAP Act- Alzheimer's Association
HEADACHE Act- Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy
 
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
 
Social Media
Guests: ALS Association @als; Alzheimer's Association @alzassociation; Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy @allianceforheadacheadvocacy
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD