Brain & Life

In part one 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 experience living with young-onset Parkinson's disease, from noticing early symptoms to receiving a diagnosis at a time when she didn't see people her age represented in the Parkinson's conversation. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rodolfo Savica, who explains the importance of early diagnosis, non-motor symptoms, and environmental and genetic factors. Come back for part two next week to hear about Allie's entrance into the world of advocacy and upcoming research.
 
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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Emmy and Tony Award–winning actor Christine Ebersole. She shares a deeply personal side of her story: how caring for her husband during his recovery from an acoustic neuroma changed her life and her craft. Christine reflects on how that experience informed her approach to acting, deepening her empathy, emotional range, and understanding of vulnerability. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. David Kaylie, Professor of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences at Duke University. Dr. Kaylie explains what an acoustic neuroma is, how it differs from other similar conditions, treatment options, and the importance of hearing and vestibular rehabilitation.
 
Additional Resources
What is a Brain Tumor?
Acoustic Neuroma Association
What is Neurofibromatosis?
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Strength in Unity: Advocating and Advancing Research for Brain Tumors
Lawyer, Model Victoria Vesce Uses Her Platform for Brain Tumor Advocacy
Neurofibromatosis Advocacy and Community Building with the Gilbert Family Foundation
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: Christine Ebersole @christine.ebersole.official; Dr. David Kaylie @dukeschoolofmedicine
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by singer and songwriter James Durbin. James shares his powerful story of living with Tourette syndrome, navigating stigma, and finding strength through music. He also explains how performance became a transformative tool for self-acceptance and resilience. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Tamara Pringsheim, a neurologist and clinician-researcher at the University of Calgary who specializes in Tourette syndrome and tic disorders. Dr. Pringsheim explains how tic disorders manifest, evolve, and what misconceptions need to be dispelled.
 
Additional Resources
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Jerry Gidner Raises Awareness of Tourette Syndrome in Underrepresented Groups
How this Nurse Practitioner Tames Tics in People with Tourette Syndrome
James Durbin's Music
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
From Obstacle to Opportunity: David Begnaud on Living with Tourette Syndrome
The Singing Surgeon: Dr. Elvis Francois on the Power of Music in Healing
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: James Durbin @jamesdurbinofficial; Dr. Tamara Pringsheim @ucalgarymed
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part two of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares how her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has led her to create online content and write a book. She shares more about her mental health journey and the importance of finding joy. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs dives into the importance of advocacy and exciting research for people living with RP.
 
Additional Resources
At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa
Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible
What Causes Color Blindness?
Molly Burke - Official Website
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center
Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS
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 [email protected]
 
Social Media
Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In part one of this two-part episode, Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Molly Burke. Molly shares her journey of navigating life with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and how it led her to create online content and write a book. She shares the importance of representation, advocacy, and rethinking societal perceptions of disability to create a more inclusive world. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Brittni Scruggs, a vitreoretinal surgeon and physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Scruggs explains inherited retinal diseases and how they are diagnosed and treated. Come back next week for part two to learn about the importance of advocacy and upcoming research!
 
Additional Resources
At a glance: Retinitis Pigmentosa
Customers and Professionals Weigh in on How to Make the Beauty World More Accessible
What Causes Color Blindness?
Molly Burke - Official Website
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Exploring Accessibility and the Arts at the Lincoln Center
Making the Years Count with Brooke Eby, Influencer Living with ALS
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 [email protected]
 
Social Media
Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD