Stay ConnectedReady to take control of your brain health? Neurologists Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters have deep conversations with other neurology experts, celebrity advocates, and people with unforgettable stories. You’ll leave each week’s episode knowing something new about the brain.
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In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by musician Amy Grant. Amy discusses her inspiring journey of recovery following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2022. She shares her personal stories of resilience, the symptoms she felt and how she dealt with them, and how music continues to be a source of connection and healing. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Shae Datta, co-director of the NYU Langone Concussion Center. Dr. Datta shares expert knowledge on concussion and TBI management, recovery, and innovative therapies, highlighting how personalized care can make a difference in prognosis.
Additional Resources
After a Traumatic Brain Injury, Work Challenges May Last Longer Than Expected
Surviving and Thriving After a Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics
Veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is Reaching New Heights with Traumatic Brain Injury
U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health
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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?
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Guests: Amy Grant @amygrantofficial; Dr. Datta @nyulangone
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters sits down with actor Ryan Reynolds, who opens up about his father's Parkinson's-related hallucinations—an often overlooked but common symptom for many people living with the disease. Ryan also reflects on the care-partner experience and shares the steps he's taking to support his own brain health. Later, Dr. Peters is joined by Dr. Jori Fleisher, a movement disorders neurologist and associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who explains why hallucinations and other non-motor symptoms can occur in Parkinson's disease and what patients and care partners should know.
Additional Resources
Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast
Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease
Comedy and Courage: Comedian Richard Lewis on Living with Parkinson's Disease
Seen and Heard: Allie Signorelli's Young-Onset Parkinson's Story, Part One
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
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Social Media
Guests: Ryan Reynolds @vancityreynolds; Dr. Fleisher @rushmedical
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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
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
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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 StrokeWe 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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
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
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
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
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
Social Media
Guests: Allie Signorelli @imstillallie; Dr. Rodolfo Savica @mayoclinic
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
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
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
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
Jerry Gidner Raises Awareness of Tourette Syndrome in Underrepresented Groups
How this Nurse Practitioner Tames Tics in People with Tourette Syndrome
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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org
Social Media
Guests: James Durbin @jamesdurbinofficial; Dr. Tamara Pringsheim @ucalgarymed
Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD
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