Brain & Life

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family's experience with a rare inherited ataxia and dives into his work with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye's family.
 
Additional Resources
Bill Nye: The Ataxia Advocate Guy
What is Friedreich ataxia?
Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living Her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia
 
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: Bill Nye @billnye

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by the one and only Bill Nye, an American science educator, mechanical engineer, television presenter, and author best known for hosting the Emmy Award–winning series Bill Nye the Science Guy. Bill discusses his family's experience with a rare inherited ataxia and explains why he is partnering with the National Ataxia Foundation to advocate for research on another form of the disease, Friedreich ataxia. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Stephan Züchner, a neurologist and geneticist who identified the genetic mutation responsible for the ataxia in Bill Nye's family. Stay tuned for part two of this conversation next week.
 
Additional Resources
Bill Nye: The Ataxia Advocate Guy
What is Friedreich ataxia?
Theater Is Therapy for Patients with Ataxia
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Paralympic Athlete Helen Kearney on Living Her Dreams with Friedreich's Ataxia
 
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: Bill Nye @billnye
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters celebrate World Brain Day by sharing practical ways to support brain health, from puzzles and meditation to exercise and community. They also answer listener questions about rural access to neurologic care, support groups, and brain health through the lens of recent Brain & Life articles on epilepsy, menopause, and memory.
 
Additional Resources
People with Epilepsy in Rural Areas Face Greater Health Risks, Study Finds
Study Suggests Certain Hormone Therapies May Support Memory After Menopause
Teen Whose Father Has Parkinson's Disease Created a Community for Herself and Others_
 
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
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters are joined by mother-son duo Genein and Shawn Letford. Genein, the founder of Brainolicious, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting brain health in a way that's fun, accessible, and lifelong, reveals how integrating arts and early childhood education can build resilience, prevent dementia, and even shape future leaders. Her 8-year-old son Shawn then shows us how kids can become brain advocates—speak before city councils, petition for World Brain Day, and spread awareness with confidence.
 
Additional Resources
Brainolicious
Steps to Building a Stronger Brain: Brain Health After Brain Injury Webinar
Why Bike Helmets Are Essential for Kids
Become a Brain Health Advocate
 
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Neurology Advocacy Out Loud: Live from the AAN's Annual Meeting
Embracing Inclusion and Empowerment with Isabelle and Eliza Woloson
 
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: Genein Letford @brainoliciousadventures
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

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