Brain Health Podcast

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by runner, reporter, content creator, and MS advocate Elizabeth Pehota, who shares her journey from being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS just days before a big race to setting a Guinness World Record at the 2025 Chicago Marathon. She discusses adapting exercise, navigating treatment decisions, finding support, and planning for the future while living with MS. Dr. Riley Bove, professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, and a neurologist at the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation Center, joins the conversation to discuss pregnancy and MS, emerging research, and what the future of MS treatment and care may hold.

Additional Resources

How exercise helps those with multiple sclerosis

Navigating Life with Multiple Sclerosis

Hidden GeMS: Extraordinary Stories of Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Family Planning and Pregnancy With Multiple Sclerosis

Practical Considerations for Managing Pregnancy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Dispelling the Myths

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Guests: Elizabeth Pehota @pehota, @healthy_cheers; Dr. Riley Bove @ucsfhealth

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by actor Russell Andrews and his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel, along with ALS Network president and CEO Sheri Strahl, about Russell's journey to an ALS diagnosis and how it led him to advocacy. Russell and Erica share their experience navigating the diagnosis and finding ways to use their voices to support the ALS community. Later in the episode, Sheri and Dr. Correa take a deeper look at ALS advocacy and research, including the importance of involving people living with ALS in shaping research and creating meaningful change. Come back next week for part two, diving deeper into voice banking and what the future could look like with new technologies.

Additional Resources

ALStogether

The ALS Network

Russell Andrews

Making the years count with Brooke Eby, influencer living with ALS

Prioritizing comfort and finding laughter with Phil Rosenthal

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Guests: Russell Andrews @a.russellandrews; Sheri Strahl @youralsnetwork @sheristrahl

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters answer listener questions about some of the worries and uncertainties that can come with living with a neurologic condition or thinking about your brain health. They discuss mental health after a diagnosis, what it means when Alzheimer's disease runs in your family, navigating social situations when you have epilepsy, and more.

Additional Resources

How to manage anxiety after a neurological diagnosis

Voices from the multiple sclerosis community

Learn to recognize early signs of neurological conditions in loved ones during the holidays

AN, AES and EFA issue position statement on seizures and driving safety

Navigating epilepsy: Driving safety and independence with Dr. Proleta Datta

From the football field to epilepsy advocacy with CJ Daniels

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, comedian, writer, and disability advocate Tina Friml joins Dr. Katy Peters to share how living with cerebral palsy has shaped her perspective, her comedy, and her mission to improve disability representation. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Jason Carmel, a child neurologist and motor systems neuroscientist at Columbia University, who explains cerebral palsy and discusses the latest advances in care and treatment.

Additional Resources

Tina Friml

What is cerebral palsy?

Josh Blue uses humor to ease the stigma around cerebral palsy

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Guests: Tina Friml @tinafriml

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters highlight some of their favorite recent brainhealth.com articles, covering the importance of social connection, creatine's connection to brain health, and more.

Additional Resources

How a strong social network can help protect your brain health

Top 5 tips for better blood pressure from a vascular neurologist

How AI chatbots can affect teen mental health

Can creatine improve brain health?

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness and New York Times bestselling author. As a continuation of their conversation last week, Emma discusses why caregiver self-care is so important and shares practical ways caregivers can care for themselves while supporting loved ones.

Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Chiadi Onyike, a psychiatrist, dementia specialist, and professor at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal degeneration. Dr. Onyike explains FTD and importance of mental health support for both people living with FTD and their care partners.

Additional Resources

Emma Heming Willis

Why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things caregivers can do

Frontotemporal dementia can unlock creativity in some people

Wendy Williams' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia explained

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Guests: Emma Heming Willis @emmahemingwillis

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Emma Heming Willis, co-founder of Make Time Wellness and New York Times bestselling author. Following her husband Bruce Willis's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Emma has become a leading advocate for caregivers worldwide. She shares her family's journey and her passion for helping caregivers find support while prioritizing their own well-being.

Dr. Correa is also joined by Dr. Chiadi Onyike, a psychiatrist, dementia specialist, and professor at Johns Hopkins University who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal degeneration. Dr. Onyike explains FTD and the impact it has on individuals and families living with the condition.

Tune in next week for part two, when Emma discusses why caregiver self-care is so important and shares practical ways caregivers can care for themselves while supporting loved ones.

Additional Resources

Emma Heming Willis

Why taking care of yourself is one of the most important things caregivers can do

Frontotemporal dementia can unlock creativity in some people

Wendy Williams' diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia and aphasia explained

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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: Emma Heming Willis @emmahemingwillis

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by CJ Daniels, professional football wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams and epilepsy advocate. CJ shares his experience growing up with his mother's epilepsy diagnosis and his work with Angels of Epilepsy, a nonprofit dedicated to seizure education, reducing stigma, and supporting people living with epilepsy and their families.

Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. David Spencer, professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University, deputy editor of BrainHealth.com, and editor of the newly renamed Brain Health Books series. Dr. Spencer explains drug-resistant epilepsy and discusses why advocacy efforts like CJ's are so important to the epilepsy community.

Additional Resources

Seizure First Aid Resources

Epilepsy Foundation

Team Cure Epilepsy

Navigating epilepsy: Driving safety and independence with Dr. Proleta Datta

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

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

On this week's episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer your questions about brain health from adolescence to adulthood. They're joined by Dr. Benham Sabayan, a vascular and preventive neurologist, neuroepidemiologist, and associate professor of neurology at the University of Minnesota.

Additional Resources

12 ways to build a healthy brain

Try these habits for a healthy brain on World Brain Day—and every day

People living in their nineties share tips for longevity and living well

Answering your questions for World Brain Day

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

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

In this episode of the Brain Health Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by CNN's award-winning chief national correspondent, John King. John shares what it's been like to build a demanding career while living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and why community, support, and self-care have been essential to his journey.

Later, Dr. Peters speaks with Dr. Robert Shin, professor of neurology and director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Clinical Neuroimmunology Division at UVA Health. Dr. Shin discusses the latest advances in MS treatment and research, addresses persistent health disparities, and explains how MS can affect men differently.

Brain Health Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Continuing the Race to Erase MS with Nancy Davis

Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant

Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community

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

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Guests: John King @johnkingcnn; Dr. Shin @uvahealth

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by author Mark Haddon. Mark shares about the cognitive changes he experienced after bypass surgery and long COVID. He shares how brain fog affected his daily life and creative work, and reflects on resilience, recovery, and adapting to a new normal. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Jacqueline Becker, a clinical neuropsychologist and health services researcher at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Together, they discuss why cognitive changes can occur after surgery and long COVID, and explore strategies that may help people manage these challenges.

Additional Resources

What Is Brain Fog?

How to Know If You Have Long COVID

Leaving Home: A Memoir in Full Color

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Movement and Healing with Adventure Athlete, Author, and Activist Rebecca RuschA Walk in the "Parkinson's" with Author Annmarie O'Connor

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Guests: Mark Haddon @mark__haddon

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by actress, comedian, playwright, and storyteller Lauren Weedman. Lauren discusses her diagnosis of Bell's palsy after developing a sudden facial paralysis while filming in 2024 and how it changed her outlooks on work, motherhood, and mental health. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Gary Gronseth, Professor and Chair of Neurology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Gronseth explains what Bell's palsy is, why it happens, what recovery typically looks like, and why some people—like Lauren Weedman—continue to experience lasting symptoms long after the initial diagnosis.

Additional Resources

"This Is a Good Face": Lauren Weedman on Life After Bell's Palsy

Bouncing Back from Bell's Palsy

What Doctors Know About Bell's Palsy

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Playwright Sarah Ruhl Finds Inspiration in her Bell's Palsy Journey

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Guests: Lauren Weedman @lauren_weedman

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 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

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

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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

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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: 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_

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

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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

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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

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Guests: Kristen Lopez @kristenlopez88

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

In this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-hosts Drs. Daniel Correa and Katy Peters are joined by author, educator, and neurologist Dr. Pria Anand. Together, they discuss the wonder and complexity of the human brain, and how storytelling, culture, and curiosity shape our understanding of neurologic illness and identity. Pria shares insights from her book, The Mind Electric, including the role of narrative in medicine, the resilience of memory, and why humility matters in neurologic care. They also explore the future of neurology, the importance of sleep and self-care, and how science and the humanities can work together to improve patient care.

Additional Resources

The Mind Electric: A Neurologist on the Strangeness and Wonder of Our Brains

How are Mental Health and Brain Health Connected?

Healing Words: Writing About Her Traumatic Brain Injury Helps the Author Make Sense of Her Recovery

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Exploring the Science of Everyday Wonder with Dacher Keltner

The Secrets of Synesthesia with Dr. Joel Salinas

Memory and Your Brain, Explained

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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: Dr. Pria Anand @bmcneurology

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Daniel Correa is once again joined by Nancy Davis, founder of Race to Erase MS. Nancy discusses bringing leading scientists together through the Center Without Walls to collaborate rather than compete, and the "invisible" symptoms of MS, including depression, mood changes, fatigue, and other issues that can be hard to say out loud. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Adam Kaplin, a physician-scientist whose work sits at the intersection of psychiatry, neurology, neuroimmunology, and the lived experiences of the community with multiple sclerosis. Dr. Kaplin explains more about these invisible symptoms, especially depression, and how treating them can make a difference.

Additional Resources

Race to Erase MS - Funding Multiple Sclerosis Research Why it's Important to Recognize Signs of Depression in People with Neurologic Disorders

Become a Brain Health Advocate

How Couples Navigate Multiple Sclerosis

Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on Similar Topics

Nancy Davis' Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis

Exploring Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis with Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant

Voices from the Multiple Sclerosis Community

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

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Guests: Nancy Davis @nancypeaceandlove

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

On this week's episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Dr. Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California who is known for her research on the neurobiological underpinnings of the transition to parenthood. She is also the author of the book, Dad Brain: The New Science of Fatherhood and How it Shapes Men's Lives. Tune in as they discuss exactly what "Dad Brain" is and how quality relationships affect the brain.

Additional Resources

Darby Saxbe's Website

Understand Neurological Risks and How to Protect Your Brain During and After Pregnancy

When Being Tired Isn't Normal: Understanding Extreme Sleepiness and Sleep Disorders

Related Episodes of Brain & Life Podcast

Jessie Owen on Advocacy, Awareness, and Parenting

Parenting and Writing While Disabled with Jessica Slice

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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: Darby Saxbe @darbysaxbephd

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