Lauren Weedman on Bell's Palsy, Identity, and Learning to Smile Again

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