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?

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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

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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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

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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

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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 BLpodcast@brainandlife.org

Social Media

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

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

In this special Rare Disease Day episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters respond to your listener questions. They explore how rare diseases can affect relationships, offer guidance on planning for the future, and share tips for explaining complex medical conditions to others.

Resources Mentioned

In the Mix with Rob Floyd: Lessons on Mixology and Moyamoya

What is Pompe Disease?

Surviving Stroke: A Story of Perseverance and Grace

CADASIL Foundation

Pompe Disease News

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

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters speaks with advocate and author Lori Jones about growing up in a family affected by Huntington's disease (HD), reflecting on stigma, isolation, caregiving, and the inspiration behind her memoir, Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Katie Moore, assistant professor of neurology at Duke University Medical Center, who explains what Huntington's disease is and how genetic testing can impact individuals and families living with HD.

Additional Resources

Lori Jones

What is Huntington's Disease?

Promising Therapies May Help Huntington's Disease

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Author Tanita Allen on Existing with Huntington's Disease

Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition

We Are Brave Together with Jessica Patay

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Have a question or want to hear a topic featured on the Brain & Life Podcast?

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Social Media

Guests: Lori Jones @lorijoneswrites; Dr. Katie Moore @DukeNeuroRes

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by musical legend Gloria Gaynor. Gloria talks about her journey in music and opens up about living with a spinal cord injury (SCI), undergoing surgery, and navigating the long road to recovery. She shares what the experience taught her about resilience and adapting when life doesn't go as planned. Next, Dr. Correa is once again joined by Dr. Shelly Hsieh, attending physician and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Hsieh dives further into the multifaceted approach to rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and the lifestyle factors that support healing.

Additional Resources

How Spinal Surgery Helped Gloria Gaynor Beat Chronic Pain and Return to the Stage

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

HEP2go Rehabilitation

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Answering Your Spinal Cord Injury Questions with Dr. Shelly Hsieh

"Roll with Cole & Charisma" On Building a Life Together as an Interabled Couple

How Disability Advocate Wesley Hamilton Became Empowered by Adversity

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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: Gloria Gaynor @gloriagaynor ; Dr. Shelly Hsieh @MontefioreHealthSystem

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant, professor of neurology at UCSF and Director of the UCSF Regional Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. Together, they explore how diet, microbiome, and environmental factors influence the progression of multiple sclerosis, with a special focus on pediatric cases. Dr. Waubant also discusses the role of dietary patterns and vitamin D and highlights how emotional well-being and physical activity can impact disease outcomes.

Additional Resources

Expert Insights and Practical Tips for Managing Multiple Sclerosis

How Ultra-processed Foods Can Have a Negative Effect on Brain Health

Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics

Advocating for a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Comedian Kellye Howard

Embracing Each Day with Author and MS Advocate Lilibet Snellings Kyte

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: Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant @ucsfmedicine

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