The Singing Surgeon: Dr. Elvis Francois on the Power of Music in Healing

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Dr. Elvis Francois, a spine surgeon known for integrating music into his practice. They discuss the intersection of music and medicine, common spine conditions, and the importance of human connection in healthcare. Dr. Elvis shares his journey from being a young musician to a surgeon and how music can enhance patient care and emotional well-being.   Additional Resources How Spinal Surgery Helped Gloria Gaynor Beat Chronic Pain and Return to the Stage What is Spinal Cord Injury? The Growing Role of Music Therapy in Health Care   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   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guest: Dr. Elvis Francois @dr.elvis.francois Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, hosts Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters answer your listener questions, touching on caregiving for Alzheimer's, staying motivated with Parkinson's, and the role of supplements in managing MS.   Additional Resources Why Advanced Care Planning Is Essential for Caregivers How to Avoid Caregiver Burnout by Taking Care of Yourself How Peer Mentors Can Help Patients Navigate Life with Neurologic Disease The Gut-Brain Connection: Why a Healthy Microbiome Is Key to Disease Prevention Exploring the Link Between Gut and Brain Health     Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Actress Yvette Nicole Brown Discusses the Caregiving Journey The Future of Caregiving with Kat McGowan Ed Begley Jr. on Utilizing a Healthy Lifestyle to Thrive with Parkinson's Disease World's Toughest Row with Brendan Cusick and Pat Morrissey: Part Two   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPh

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by tennis legend Monica Seles. They discuss Monica's iconic career, the life lessons she learned from tennis, her experience with Myasthenia Gravis, and the importance of advocacy for health awareness. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Andrea Markl Corse, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Myasthenia Gravis Clinic at The University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Corse explains what Myasthenia Gravis is and why advocacy makes a difference.   Additional Resources Physical Activity Helps Manage Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America What is Myasthenia Gravis?   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Recovery Through Rhythm: Jazz Musician John Stein's Myasthenia Gravis Journey Ashley Brooks on Advocating for Herself and Others with Myasthenia Gravis Soap Opera Star Suzanne Rogers Brings Awareness to Myasthenia Gravis     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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guest: Monica Seles @monicaseles10s; Dr. Andrea Corse @unc_neurology Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by TV personality and dynamic presence in the world of mixology Rob Floyd. Rob discusses how he balances his career with family life, especially in light of his daughter's journey with a rare condition called Moyamoya. Rob also delves into the importance of mental health, community support, even some festive, brain-healthy mocktail ideas! Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Lisa Sun, a pediatric and vascular neurologist and associate professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Sun discusses pediatric strokes and Moyamoya, the unique aspects of managing the disease, treatment options, and future research.   Additional Resources About Rob Floyd Moyamoya Foundation A Young Woman with Moyamoya Disease Joins the Special Olympics   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Shedding Light and Love on a Rare Genetic Condition with Deborah Vauclare Rare Thoughts on a Rarer Neurologic Condition Answering Your Rare Disease Day Questions!   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 [email protected] Social Media:   Guest: Rob Floyd @drinkwithrob; Dr. Lisa Sun @hopkinschildrens Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD  

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Olympian Colby Stevenson, who shares his incredible journey as a freestyle skier. Colby discusses his passion for skiing, the challenges he faced after a serious car crash and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and how he overcame adversity through hard work, a positive mindset and support from loved ones. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Kian Nasiri, a physiatrist specializing in TBI at Northwestern University. He discusses the role of physiatrists in recovery from brain injuries, highlights innovative treatments like neuromodulation, and emphasizes the significance of social support for patients and their families during recovery.   Additional Resources What Is Traumatic Brain Injury? How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains After Traumatic Brain Injury, a Veteran Finds Purpose in Advocacy   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is Reaching New Heights with Traumatic Brain Injury U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health Healing the Traumatized Brain with Dr. Sandeep Vaishnavi 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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guest: Colby Stevenson @colby_stevenson; Dr. Nassiri @nufeinbergmed Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined Emmy award-winning broadcaster Mark McEwen. Mark shares his inspiring journey of recovery after suffering a stroke at the age of 52, which led to aphasia. He discusses his broadcasting career, the challenges he faced during recovery, and the importance of hope and resilience. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Rachel Forman, a stroke neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Forman explains stroke risk factors, the importance of awareness, community health initiatives, and access to healthcare to prevent these life-altering events.   Articles Mentioned Stamp Out Stroke Get Smart about Stroke Navigating the Complexities of Stroke   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Understanding Stroke with Dr. Laurel Cherian Solving the Stroke with Will Shortz Matt and Kanlaya Cauli on Rebuilding Life After Stroke   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guest: Dr. Rachel Forman @yaleneurology Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by Dr. John P. Ney, MD, MPH, FAAN, a neurologist and health policy researcher at Yale University. Dr. Ney is one of the authors of a new study that has revealed that one in two people in the United States is affected by a neurological disease or disorder. Drs. Correa and Ney discuss these findings, what they mean for you, and practical steps anyone can take to maximize their brain health.   Articles Mentioned Study Finds More than Half of Americans Live with a Neurological Condition What is Tension-Type Headache? 10 Ways to Protect Your Brain from Air Pollution What is Migraine?   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Answering Your Questions for World Brain Day Environmental Factors and Parkinson's Disease with Dr. Michael Okun Recognizing Sleep Awareness Month with Dr. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse   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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guest: Dr. John P. Ney @yalemedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, Dr. Daniel Correa and Dr. Katy Peters discuss the nuances of holiday planning, the importance of family time, and recognizing early signs of neurologic conditions in loved ones. They also explore the benefits and considerations of hot yoga, and share personal resolutions for the New Year, focusing on flexibility and dietary changes. Read the articles they discussed and more at brainandlife.org!   Articles Mentioned Learn to Recognize Early Signs of Neurologic Conditions in Loved Ones During the Holidays Four Ways to Manage the Holidays When a Loved One Has a Neurologic Condition Is Hot Yoga Safe? Neurologists Weigh in on Risks and Benefits   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Navigating Complicated Caregiving Journeys with Jacquelyn Revere Thriving in the Kitchen with Chef Dan Jacobs   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 [email protected] Social Media:   Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD  

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by Elana Meyers Taylor, an accomplished American bobsledder and Olympian. She shares her journey from collegiate softball to becoming a world-renowned bobsledder and her experiences with concussions. Elana also discusses her concussion recovery process and her plans to contribute to concussion research. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Joel Morgenlander, a professor of neurology and orthopedic surgery at Duke University. They discuss concussions in athletes, when it's safe to return to play, the importance of proper concussion management and the legal frameworks in place to protect young athletes from severe brain injuries.   Additional Resources New Brain & Life Book Explores Concussion How Sports Neurologists Protect Football Players' Brains Concussion Symptoms Checklist   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics U.S. Soccer Legend Briana Scurry on Concussion and Mental Health Advocacy and Athleticism with the Pittsburgh Steeler's Cam Heyward 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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Elana Meyers Taylor @elanameyerstaylor; Dr. Joel Morgenlander @dukehealth Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD

In this episode of the Brain and Life podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters interviews Beth Pinsker, an award-winning journalist and certified financial planner, about her brand new book 'My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving.' They discuss the challenges of handling end-of-life financial decisions, the importance of having key documents like power of attorney, and the emotional and practical aspects of financial caregiving. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Winston Chiong, the Mary Oakley Foundation Professor of Neuroethics in the UCSF Department of Neurology at the Weill Institute for Neuroscience. Dr. Chiong explains what happens in terms of the decision-making capacity of the brain for people with memory concerns, how financial decision making capability is assessed, and how we can support both people with these conditions and caregivers.   Additional Resources My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving How to Protect Loved Ones from Financial Scams Cognitive Decline Can Lead to Financial Struggles and Scams—Here's What to Look For   Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on These Topics Memory and Your Brain, Explained Navigating Complicated Caregiving Journeys with Jacquelyn Revere Journalist, Producer Kitty Eisele's Honest Recount of Her Time as Caregiver 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 [email protected]   Social Media:   Guests: Beth Pinsker @bethpinsker_ny; Dr. Winston Chiong @ucsfmedicine Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD