Best Pacific Neuroscience Institute Podcasts (2025)

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67. Decoding Pituitary Disorders Through Hormone Investigation | Noa Tal, MD 32:25

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11h ago32:25

32:25

Tucked deep within the brain and no larger than a pea, the pituitary gland is often called the body’s “master gland.” It oversees the endocrine system—a network of glands and organs that produce hormones regulating everything from growth and metabolism to reproduction and mood. At Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Pituitary Disorders Center, endocri…

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Synkinesis after Bell's Palsy | Nicky's Grateful Patient Story 2:48

7d ago2:48

2:48

Five days after the birth of her second son, Nicky developed Bell's palsy, a facial paralysis affecting one side of the face. In a majority of people symptoms resolve with steroids and anti-viral treatments. The symptoms lingered for a year despite treatment at which point she was diagnosed with synkinesis, or abnormal facial nerve movement, which …

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The Things That (Should) Happen at Your Appointment with Your Neurologist with Barbara Giesser, MD | Guest Podcast 15:16

15d ago15:16

15:16

Most people living with MS don't see their neurologist often. For many, it might be only once or twice a year. A lot of important things take place during that appointment. Symptoms are assessed. Decisions about disease-modifying therapies are made or, sometimes, changed. Questions get asked and, hopefully, answered. Dr. Barbara Giesser returns to …

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Back Pain: Lumbar Discectomy Treatment with Jian Guan, MD 2:01

21d ago2:01

2:01

Lumbar discectomy is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by a herniated disk. Unlike traditional open surgery, this technique uses small incisions and specialized tools to remove damaged disk material with minimal impact on surrounding tissue. Patients typically experience less pain and quicker recovery, making…

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66. Making Hearing More Accessible Through Cochlear Implants | Rebecca Lewis, AuD & Mathilde Tranberg 46:10

28d ago46:10

46:10

Cochlear implants are neat little devices that drastically improve one's quality of life. However, only about 10% of those that qualify for cochlear implants have actually received one. When one thinks of cochlear implants, the first thing that might come to mind is surgery--invasive, lengthy, with a long time of recovery. However, at PNI, patients…

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Parkinson's Disease Treatment with DBS at PNI | Charles' Grateful Patient Story 4:46

1M ago4:46

4:46

Charles was living a full life when Parkinson's disease hit. Although a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting movement, there are many medical treatments available to help with symptom management. While Levadopa, the standard of care treatment helped Charles with his symptoms of tremor, he was unable to tolerate it due to the extreme Rest…

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Think Neuro Mini: Meet Vivian F. Wu, MD, MPH 1:54

1M ago1:54

1:54

Vivian F. Wu, MD, MPH, is a surgeon-scientist specializing in all cancers of the head and neck, including those of the tongue, throat, voice box, thyroid, skin, and salivary glands. She is the Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence at Saint John’s Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI). Dr. Wu earned her medica…

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International & Out-Of- State Patients at Pacific Neuroscience Institute 3:43

2M ago3:43

3:43

Located in Los Angeles, we are here for patients from around the globe. If you are living outside the greater Los Angeles area, out-of-state, or abroad, and want a consultation for a newly diagnosed or recurrent pituitary tumor, brain tumor, skull base tumor, or orbital tumor, our physicians can promptly review your imaging studies and other tests,…

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65. Optimizing the Brain with the 6 Core Pillars of Cognitive Wellness 48:50

2M ago48:50

48:50

More than 20% of adults over the age of 55 experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline as they age. Shannel Elhelou, PsyD and Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC, however, are firm believers in six core pillars for combating cognitive decline. They're called the Vital 6 and consist of stress management, sleep, nutrition, exercise, socialization,…

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Brain Tumor Treatment at PNI | Ashley's Grateful Patient Story 3:12

2M ago3:12

3:12

On New Year's Eve of 2017 Ashley had a seizure and passed out. She woke up in an ambulance, passed out again and woke up in an emergency room. An MRI revealed a glioma, a type of brain tumor. After surgery, recovery has been long, but in the hands of expert neuro-oncologist Dr. Naveed Wagle at Pacific Neuroscience Institute - South Bay, Ashley is h…

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Think Neuro Mini: Treating Tonsils and Tonsil Stones with Dr. Abbas Anwar 2:23

2M ago2:23

2:23

Tonsil stones are small, calcified formations that occur within the crevices of the tonsils. Composed of hardened minerals or food particles, these growths are generally harmless but can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bad breath or sore throat. Tonsil stones typically appear as small, white or yellowish pebbles on the tonsils. In most cases, the…

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Think Neuro Mini: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Dr. Abbas Anwar 3:00

3M ago3:00

3:00

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL), or sudden deafness, is a rapid loss of hearing. SSHL can happen to a person all at once or over a period of up to 3 days. It should be considered a medical emergency. Hearing loss affects only one ear in 9 out of 10 people who experience SSHL. Many people notice it when they wake up in the morning. Others f…

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64. A Multitude of Treatment Options for Head and Neck Cancer | Dr. Vivian Wu 38:06

3M ago38:06

38:06

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a virus that infects the skin and wet surfaces of the body. It's a disease that's commonly spread through sexual activity, and over 80% of people will get it at some point in their lifetime. HPV is an endemic disease, which, in epidemiology, means that it is constantly present in a particular population. While most …

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Think Neuro Mini: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Relating to Nasal and Sinus Issues with Dr. Michael Yong 2:03

3M ago2:03

2:03

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx (back of the nose). It helps aerate the middle ear as well as equalizing pressure such as when flying in an airplane. Sometimes the eustachian tube does not function as it is supposed to and sometimes this may be related to concurrent nasal and sinus issues. Learn more about what can go…

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Meningioma (Brain Tumor) Case Study | Dr. Daniel Kelly 3:20

3M ago3:20

3:20

Dr. Daniel Kelly, Neurosurgeon, Director and Founder, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, presents a case study of a 52 year old woman from New York who was experiencing progressive vision loss. After an MRI, she traveled to Los Angeles to receive minimally invasive keyhole surgery for a meningioma (brain tumor). Using a endoscopic, endonasal approach,…

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Think Neuro Mini: How Hearing Loss Affects Cognition as You Age with Dr. Abbas Anwar 3:27

4M ago3:27

3:27

Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, particularly older adults who can suffer age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Beyond the obvious impact on communication and quality of life, recent research studies show that hearing loss leads to a higher risk of developing the diseases of cognitive decline such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hearing l…

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Think Neuro Mini: Essential Tremor with Dr. Natalie Diaz - Flashback Episode 5:07

4M ago5:07

5:07

Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder in humans, and its causes are among the most mysterious. It’s a neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking. It can begin in one’s 20s or 30s, or much later in life. Dr. Natalie Diaz treats essential tremors. Its origins may be unknown, but there are treatments. The first step is to t…

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63. The Psychedelic Renaissance Turns 25 | Dr. Keith Heinzerling 1:02:23

4M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

To say that the medical world’s view of psychedelics has changed would be a vast understatement. Until about two decades ago, drugs like LSD and psilocybin—the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms—were considered dangerous party drugs. Then, a small group of scientists began reconsidering the therapeutic value of the compounds, known for centur…

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Bone Bridge Surgery for Hearing Loss | Ayslyn's Grateful Patient Story 4:15

4M ago4:15

4:15

After a childhood disease that affected her hearing, Ayslyn has undergone multiple preventative surgeries for hearing loss each year of her life. At 27 years old, she was treated by Dr. Courtney Voelker and Dr. Rebecca Lewis at Pacific Neuroscience Institute to get a new hearing device. Through a Bone Bridge Surgery she is now able to hear through …

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Think Neuro Mini: Swallow Dysfunction Treatment and Care with Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh 3:06

4M ago3:06

3:06

Did you know that some swallowing problems can be caused by a medical condition? Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh treats both voice and swallowing dysfunction. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can become a chronic issue that affects anyone, but is often experienced by older adults. A voice and swallow expert, Dr. Mehdizadeh’s background in Otolaryngology and G…

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Think Neuro Mini: Exergaming & the Fitness Routine Your Brain Will Love with Ryan Glatt, MS, CPT, NBC-HWC 4:12

5M ago4:12

4:12

A PNI Minute: Exercise is very important for brain health. A multimodal approach including aerobic exercise, resistance (strength) training, and neuro-motor (skill or motor) training is ideal. To help stave off cognitive decline, Ryan and his team work with clients in the FitBrain gym using dual tasking and clinical exergaming also called serious g…

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1: A Tiny Tunnel to the Brain & Pituitary: Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery and The Origins of our Institute with Dr. Daniel Kelly – Flashback Episode 37:14

5M ago37:14

37:14

In this podcast, Dr. Kelly talks about how he was drawn to neurosurgery, his fascination with the pituitary gland, the nuances of minimally invasive pituitary and brain tumor surgery, as well as a brief history of PNI, its focus on innovation and clinical trials and its 8 centers of excellence. For more information: pacificneuro.org | pacificbraint…

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Think Neuro Mini: Treating Cushing's Disesase with Patient-Focused Care with Garni Barkhoudarian, MD 5:08

5M ago5:08

5:08

As one of the most comprehensive pituitary disorder programs in the United States, the Pacific Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers world-class expert care. Among the top ranked neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation, our center’s compassionate multidisciplinary specialists provide advanced, personali…

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Think Neuro Mini: Precision Brain Health Factors for Successful Brain Aging with Dr. David Merrill 2:53

5M ago2:53

2:53

Precision Brain Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute is a program that utilizes a formalized system to comprehensively address neurodegenerative disease. It addresses at both clinical and lifestyle components impacting brain heath.Dr. David Merrill, director of the brain health center at PNI details the ReCODE Protocol (pioneered by Dr. Dale Br…

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62: Fixing Facial Paralysis with Facial Reanimation and Reconstructive Surgery | Dr. Amit Kochhar & Dr. Tessa Hadlock 53:47

6M ago53:47

53:47

This week on the Think Neuro podcast, we welcome Dr. Tessa Hadlock, a leading facial nerve surgeon, educator, and innovator. A Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hadlock shares her inspiring journey into facial nerve surgery and her commitment to helping patients regain facial control. Joining her is Dr. Amit Kochhar, Direct…

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Think Neuro Mini: Dealing with Nose Bleeds with Dr. Michael Yong 2:29

6M ago2:29

2:29

Do you suffer from nose bleeds? Dr. Wong helps patients who have recurrent nose bleeds whether they are a few spots on a tissue to ones that may last for 20-30 minutes on most days. Learn about the causes of nose bleeds and effective methods for dealing with them. Michael Yong, MD, MPH, MBA, is board certified in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surger…

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61. Keeping the Spine Healthy, and Fixing it When Things Go Wrong | Dr. Jian Guan 48:44

6M ago48:44

48:44

We ask a lot of our spines. They keep us upright, they bend into myriad positions, and they protect our spinal cord, a huge job by itself. And they go the distance, doing all of those things, if we’re lucky, well into our 90s. But the longer we live, the more we wear out our spines. That’s where Dr. Jian Guan comes in. He handles complicated spinal…

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Think Neuro Mini: Multidisciplinary Care for Voice Clinic with Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh 2:31

6M ago2:31

2:31

Having a healthy voice is important for everyone, whether you are a professional singer, teacher, salesperson or simply like to read aloud to your grandchildren. Similarly, our ability to swallow is an essential part of everyday life and when comprised can feel frustrating and even embarrassing in public settings. If you suffer from hoarseness or t…

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Think Neuro Mini: Meet Dr. Noa Tal 2:48

7M ago2:48

2:48

Fellowship trained, Noa Tal, MD, is a devoted endocrinologist committed to delivering exceptional care and striving for excellence in her field. With a diverse background encompassing medicine, research, teaching, and wellness, she endeavors to make significant contributions to healthcare. At the Pituitary Disorders Center at Pacific Neuroscience I…

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Alzheimer's: What You Need to Know | Scott A. Kaiser, MD - Guest Podcast 39:37

7M ago39:37

39:37

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain’s function and causes a gradual decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases of dementia. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood,…

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Think Neuro Mini: Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh 5:12

7M ago5:12

5:12

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete blockage of the airway during sleep. These blockages occur when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, ca…

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Think Neuro Mini: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic Stroke with Dr. Sandra Narayanan – Flashback Episode 3:51

8M ago3:51

3:51

Sandra Narayanan, MD, Vascular Neurologist and Neurointerventional Surgeon at the Pacific Stroke and Neurovascular Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute, explains the difference between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. The main difference between the two types of stroke is the underlying cause of the brain damage. In ischemic stroke, the damage …

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Exercise is Fertilizer for the Brain | Dr. David Merrill – Flashback Episode 37:41

8M ago37:41

37:41

For decades, people thought physical exercise benefited only the body. But every year we learn how incorrect that was, and Dr. David Merrill, director of PNI’s brain health center, is one of the people pushing our knowledge forward. It turns out that exercise builds the brain by prompting the production of brain derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF…

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Think Neuro Mini: The MIND Diet for Parkinson's Disease with Dr. Melita Petrossian – Flashback Episode 3:33

8M ago3:33

3:33

There are no specific diets that have been shown to reduce the progression of PD. However, there is good reason to believe that a well-balanced, nutritious diet would be best. In those without other medical conditions, the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay (MIND) diet may be of benefit in Parkinson’s as well since both are n…

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Think Neuro Mini: What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)? with Dr. Jean-Philippe Langevin – Flashback Episode 6:05

8M ago6:05

6:05

In movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, normal function can be restored to the circuitry of the brain, resulting in significant improvement in function and quality of life. The goal of deep brain stimulation surgery is to modulate the activity of a specific brain region. In DBS, thin electrodes are placed …

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Think Neuro Mini: The Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Melita Petrossian – Flashback Episode 3:19

9M ago3:19

3:19

You're probably hearing a lot more about the "human microbiome" these days. It's the collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that lives alongside us, inside and out. Some of these organisms are beneficial, and some are harmful. There is growing evidence that bad actors in our digestive tract may produce toxins that travel along the vagus nerve t…

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Think Neuro Mini: What is Palliative Care? with Dr. Akanksha Sharma – Flashback Episode 1:40

9M ago1:40

1:40

Dr. Akanksha Sharma is a neuro-oncologist and palliative medicine specialist at the Pacific Brain Tumor Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. To provide extra resources to brain cancer patients suffering from brain tumors such as glioblastoma and their care partners. Dr. Akanksha Sharma is a neuro-oncologist and palliative m…

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60. What Personalized Medicine Really Is | Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD - Guest Podcast 27:47

9M ago27:47

27:47

Listen in as Dr. Santosh Kesari joins the Your Healthy Dose podcast with Kym Douglas. We’re at the dawn of a new era in medical care, where the ability to predict, detect, and treat disease will be based on each individual’s genetics and the interaction of the genome with many lifestyle, environmental, and other factors. Join us for “Personalized M…

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Think Neuro Mini: The Impact of Stress on Memory with Dr. Shannel Elhelou 2:17

9M ago2:17

2:17

Stress can significantly impact the brain and body. Cortisol production in the brain increases. It is a stress hormone regulated by the hypothalamus which is responsible for our fight or flight response. This is your brain's response to danger. Chronic stress can lead to structural changes in the hippocampus, which is also our memory center. So tho…

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Think Neuro Mini: What is Bell's Palsy? with Dr. Amit Kochhar 1:46

10M ago1:46

1:46

Bell’s palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of the face. The facial nerves control muscle activity so when damaged it can cause the face to droop. Fortunately, for the majority of patients, normal to near-normal facial nerve function can be restored within 1-2 months with medications alone, especially in those who can still p…

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Think Neuro Mini: Retinal Changes In The Eye As An Indicator of Cognitive Decline with Dr. Michelle Holmes 3:03

10M ago3:03

3:03

Michelle Holmes, OD, is a full-scope optometrist at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute®. She sees patients at both the Eye, Ear and Skull Base Center as well as at the Brain Health Center. She is board certified and TLG licensed to treat and manage ocular disease. She prides herself in practicing evidence-based medicine with a genuine enthusiasm fo…

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59. Plastic Surgery for the Vocal Cords │Dr. Omid B. Mehdizadeh 36:08

10M ago36:08

36:08

Strange though it may seem, our vocal cords are among our most vital organs. Not only do they allow us to communicate, but they make it possible to swallow without letting food or fluids into our lungs, a dangerous phenomenon that can cause pneumonia. It’s a complex action, requiring the work of 48 different muscles. Dr. Omid Mehdizadeh is an otola…

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Think Neuro Mini: Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus with Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian 3:49

10M ago3:49

3:49

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is one of a few reversible causes of dementia. Dr. Garni Barkhoudarian, director of the Pacific Adult Hydrocephalus Center, briefly describes the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.By Pacific Neuroscience Institute

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Think Neuro Mini: What is Cervical Dystonia? with Dr. Natalie Diaz 3:09

11M ago3:09

3:09

Cervical dystonia (sometimes called neck dystonia) is the abnormal position of the muscles of the neck, causing a twisted, turned, flexed or extended neck position. Abnormal signals coming from the deep parts of the brain cause this condition and therefore it is not muscular in nature and will not resolve with muscle massage or stretching. The main…

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Think Neuro Mini: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy with Juliana Hudson, LCSW 6:06

11M ago6:06

6:06

The Pacific Treatment & Research In Psychedelics (TRIP) program is dedicated to the development of psychedelic-assisted therapies and the scientific exploration of how altered states of consciousness can be harnessed to change behavior and improve brain health and quality of life. Behavioral health issues are a leading cause of disability and they …

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58. Deep Research Into the Gut Microbes That Keep Us Happy | Jennifer Bramen, PhD 58:12

11M ago58:12

58:12

One thing that makes Pacific Neuroscience Institute an institute is research, and Jennifer Bramen spends all of her time doing just that. Dr. Bramen earned her PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. These days, she is particularly interested in the “gut biome”: all the organisms that live in our digestive system. Strange though it may seem, those bacteria …

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Think Neuro Mini: All About Acoustic Neuroma with Dr. Courtney Voelker 3:38

11M ago3:38

3:38

Dr. Courtney Voelker explains about acoustic neuroma, a benign tumor that affects the nerve for hearing and balance. Find out about signs and symptoms, and the three treatment options that are available.By Pacific Neuroscience Institute

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Think Neuro Mini: What is Cushing's Disease? with Dr. Daniel Kelly 3:10

11M ago3:10

3:10

Cushing's disease is a pituitary adenoma that causes the production of too much adrenocorticotropic hormone resulting in excess cortisol levels in the body. Listen to Dr. Daniel Kelly, MD, founder & director of Pacific Neuroscience Institute and one of the most experienced pituitary neurosurgeons in the world talk about Cushing's disease symptoms, …

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Think Neuro Mini: Understanding Insulin Resistance with Dr. Jennifer Bramen 2:40

12M ago2:40

2:40

It’s important to understand the connection between carbohydrates and Alzheimer's disease. Brain cells depend on insulin to use glucose effectively. When insulin resistance sets in, as it often does with older age and AD, it can lead to cognitive decline. Both AD and type 2 diabetes share common mechanisms, including impaired insulin signaling. Low…