Episode
Lauren Weedman on Bell's Palsy, Identity, and Learning to Smile Again
- Podcast
- Brain Health Podcast
- Published
- Aug 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2903
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/brain-health-podcast-5132604/episodes/lauren-weedman-on-bell-s-palsy-identity-and-learning-to-smile-again/transcription-requests
Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode.GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/brain-health-podcast-5132604/lauren-weedman-on-bell-s-palsy-identity-and-learning-to-smile-again.md
Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource.
Summary
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 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 : L auren Weedman @lauren_weedman Hosts: Dr. Daniel Correa @neurodrcorrea; Dr. Katy Peters @KatyPetersMDPhD