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 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

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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media

Guests: Molly Burke @mollyburkeofficial; Dr. Scruggs @mayocliniceye

Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD