In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, co-host Dr. Katy Peters is joined by disability advocate, content creator, and speaker with a focus on accessibility, equity, and innovation in spinal cord injury research Jessie Owen. Jessie is a quadriplegic mother of twins and shares some candid insights on life, parenting, and navigating systemic barriers with humor and authenticity with Dr. Peters. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Shelly Hsieh, attending physician and Assistant Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Montefiore Einstein. Dr. Hsieh’s discusses outpatient care for people living with spinal cord injury and related disorders and shares some exciting upcoming treatment options.

Additional Resources

Jessie’s Story

What is Spinal Cord Injury?

A Spinal Cord Injury Survivor Opens an Affordable Rehab Center

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on This Topic

“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

Social Media:

Guests: Jessie Owen @itswheelyjess; Dr. Shelly Hsieh @montefiorehealthsystem

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-nominated actress, writer, producer and host Yvette Nicole Brown. She shares about her experiences as a caregiver for her father who has Alzheimer’s disease. Yvette dives into the connection she found with her father throughout this journey and discusses why she started her podcast, Squeezed, about these experiences. Dr. Peters is then joined by Dr. Francesca Falzarano, assistant professor of gerontology at University of Southern California. Dr. Falzarano is a developmental psychologist whose research focuses on the intersection of technology and dementia care, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the mental health and well-being of family caregivers. In her conversation with Dr. Peters, she shares what she believes the future of caregiving should look like and how technology can help get it there.

Additional Resources

Squeezed with Yvette Nicole Brown

Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab

Expert Tips to Embrace Caregiving with Confidence and Overcome Self-Doubt

Patients and Their Loved Ones Find New Roles as Advocates After Diagnoses

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on This Topic

Finding Community in Caregiving with Kitty Norton

Resiliency and Caregiving with Janet Fanaki

Actors Oscar Nuñez and Ursula Whittaker on Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia

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: Yvette Nicole Brown @yvettenicolebrown; Dr. Francesca Falzarano @ffcaregivinglab

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

In this episode of the Brain & Life Podcast, host Dr. Daniel Correa is joined by sisters Johanna and Antonia Bennett. They reminisce on time spent with their father, legendary musician Tony Bennett, and discuss the experiences they had as a family before and during his journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Correa is then joined by Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist, clinical assistant professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and chief medical officer of Isaac Health in New York. Dr. Salinas discusses how family members can care for their loved ones with humanity and respect and models ways that tough conversations can be started throughout all stages of symptoms.

Additional Resources

Do You Still Think of Me by Antonia Bennett

Tony Bennett Demonstrates the Power of Music Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Lynda Carter Advocates for Those with Alzheimer’s Disease

Other Brain & Life Podcast Episodes on This Topic

Journalist Greg O’Brien on Chronicling His Life with Alzheimer’s

Actors Oscar Nuñez and Ursula Whittaker on Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia

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:

Guests: Antonia Bennett @antoniabennett; Johanna Bennett @johannabennett; Dr. Joel Salinas @JoelSalinasMD

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