Brain Friends

Dr. D. Seles Gadson and Angie Cauthorn
  • 4.9 (28)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

 Brain Friends: The Podcast is a global space for stroke, science, and equity. Hosted by Angie Cauthorn — two-time stroke survivor and unapologetic aphasia advocate — this show unpacks the cognitive, behavioral and communication disorders that follow stroke, and the systems that shape recovery. This podcast began with my friend and co-host, Dr. D. Seles Gadson — a brilliant neuroscientist, speech-language pathologist, and fearless champion for equity in healthcare. Her work focused on health disparities in aphasia care, particularly within the Black community, and she believed deeply in making science accessible for all. I carry her legacy forward in every conversation. There are no survivor interviews here. Instead, we focus on the research, the roadblocks, and the real work of making neurorehabilitation more equitable, inclusive, and understood — especially for people with aphasia. Our listeners span over 80 countries and include speech-language pathology professionals, researchers, and people with aphasia who want more than inspiration — they want information that matters. If you're here to rethink recovery, reimagine access, and stay grounded in the science — you're in the right place. Welcome to Brain Friends.

  1. MAY 27

    From Jordan River Baptism to Emergency Evacuation: Dr Seles's Unexpected Journey

    Send us a text Dr. Seles shares her harrowing experience of being in Israel when war broke out in October, capturing both the fear of the situation and the remarkable perspective it gave her on American privilege. • Dr. Seles traveled to Israel with a church group of 60 people including her mother • She was baptized in the Jordan River by her childhood pastor who had originally baptized her 20+ years ago • Plans changed suddenly when they were redirected to Jerusalem due to a "developing situation" • They witnessed smoke in the distance as conflict began to escalate • The group had to evacuate to Jordan as airports closed and the situation worsened • Dr. Seles faced challenging experiences at border crossings related to her identity as a Black American woman • She and her mother (Ma Dukes) were separated onto different flights home due to limited evacuation options • The flight home was delayed due to airspace safety concerns, creating additional anxiety • The experience highlighted American passport privilege and the complex dynamics of race, gender, and religion in the region Stroke survivors may experience intensified seasonal depression and anxiety. Dr. Seles and Angie discuss how symptoms like winter blues that might have been a "five" before stroke can increase to a "seven" afterward, requiring additional management strategies. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    34 min

  2. MAR 6

    Welcome to Season 3

    Send us a text Hey Brain Friends, Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Seles is at the heart of today's episode. I'm sharing the original recording of our neuroplasticity episode from 2022 that didn't make the cut. We had so much fun recording this but when we went to edit, the levels were not good. updates to the platform, there is a fix now. LOL We explore the concept of neuroplasticity and its role in recovery and personal growth, infused with laughter and ice breakers! We had such a good time recording this, I hope you enjoy. I will be back on the mic when I can, right now I'm grieving my friend. So enjoy this gem. • Reflecting on the impact of Dr. Seles’s life  • Scholarships established in her name to promote health equity  • Understanding neuroplasticity and how the brain adapts  • Engaging in memory recall through an icebreaker  • Tips for incorporating playful activities to promote brain health  • The significance of consistency in practice during recovery  • How art and exercise can aid neuroplasticity  • The inspiring journeys shared by listeners and community members  We remind our Brain Friends to support the scholarships established to honor Dr. Seles and I encourage everyone to explore their websites for detailed information.   https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    46 min

  3. JAN 13

    Heartbreaking news about Dr Seles...

    Send us a text In this brief episode of Brain Friends, Angie shares the devastating news of the passing of her beloved  friend and co-host, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dr. Seles, a brilliant and compassionate neuro nerd and speech-language pathologist, brought a unique blend of expertise and warmth to Brain Friends. Her insights and genuine concern for the aphasia community deeply resonated with listeners. Angie pays tribute to Dr. Seles's unwavering strength and grace throughout her illness. She reflects on the profound impact Dr. Seles had on her life and on the countless individuals whose lives were touched by her work. The episode also addresses the future of Brain Friends, honoring Dr. Seles's legacy by continuing to provide valuable information and support to the aphasia community.  We love, appreciate, and remember you, Dr. Seles. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    11 min

  4. 12/17/2024

    Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

    Send us a text In this episode of Brain Friends, we delve into the complexities of cognitive function and its disorders.  Angie shares her personal journey with cognitive impairment following a stroke, highlighting the challenges of aphasia and adapting to a "new normal."  Dr. Seles provides insights into the differences of cognitive testing, explaining why certain tests are designed for specific populations and the importance of normalized testing. What you'll learn: How strokes, TBIs, and dementia affect the brain differentlyLearn about the key indicators and testing differences that help diagnose cognitive impairments. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge for individuals facing cognitive challenges. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    32 min

  5. 10/15/2024

    Language Assessments

    Send us a text In this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss language assessments used in individuals with aphasia and acquired communication disorders.    Angie shares the benefits and challenges in completing language assessments and which type of assessment is beneficial to recovery.    Dr. Seles discusses the difference between impairment-based tests like the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and participation-based tests like the Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL).    Together we discuss the importance of quality-of-life assessments and how aphasia impacts cognition. Finally, Dr. Seles shares 3 tips for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) to help survivors navigate low social support and quality of life. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    33 min

  6. 08/31/2024

    What is Anomic Aphasia?

    Send us a text In this episode of Brain Friends, we share a behind-the-scenes conversation between Angie and Dr. Seles on Anomia. Together we weigh the benefits of recognizing the different types of Anomia and the challenges with diagnosis.  Anomia is a fluent aphasia characterized by word-finding difficulty or the inability to name objects.  Should we classify Anomia differently? What can Speech-Language Pathologists and researchers do to better help survivors with Anomia? www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    15 min

  7. 07/28/2024

    5 Ways to Contribute to Health Equity

    Send us a text In this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss 5 ways everyone can contribute to health equity for Black people with aphasia. We give resources for caregivers to get compensated and encourage speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to support health literacy in clients. 1. Implicit Bias Training- to help practitioners recognize stereotypical beliefs that contribute to health inequities. 2. Workforce Diversity- may help clients with communication and participation in research by having practitioners who look like them. 3. Representation in Research- helps ensure generalization of findings and that all voices are included. http://www.aphasiaresource.org/ Also, how are researchers sharing clinical findings? How many researchers have collected data from participants, published the findings, and gone back to the participants to share their study results? 4. Health Literacy- helps individuals understand medical information to make an informed decision. It is important to encourage care partners and provide disability resources that compensate the caregiver  https://www.usa.gov/disability-caregiver 5. Patient Reported Outcomes- helps give people with aphasia a voice in therapy by sharing goals that are important to the individual. Patient-reported outcomes can be challenging to read and should be diversified with large print, pictures, audio versions, or available on assistive devices.  www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    35 min

  8. 06/11/2024

    Aphasia Awareness Month

    Send us a text In this episode of Brain Friends, we invite two stakeholders to celebrate Aphasia Awareness Month, Maura Silverman, the executive director of the National Aphasia Association (NAA), and Gee Jackson, a lawyer and stroke survivor with aphasia. Together we answer two important questions: 1. What do you know about aphasia now that you wish you would have known on day 1? 2. How can we bring awareness to aphasia? Listen, laugh, and learn how you can spread awareness about aphasia. Links: National Aphasia Association-  https://aphasia.org/ Aphasia Resource Collaboration Hub (ARCH)-  https://aphasiaresource.org/   www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience researcher who devoted her energy to studying health disparities in aphasia recovery. She was a fierce advocate for improving services for individuals with aphasia, particularly Black Americans. Her research transformed our understanding of these health disparities and shed light on how we can address them. We were privileged to have Dr. Gadson as a cherished member of our lab community for four years, first as a postdoctoral fellow and then as an Instructor of Rehabilitation Medicine. She was still a close collaborator and friend to many of us at the time of her passing. Dr. Gadson was an incredible person—compassionate, inspiring, and full of life. Her dedication to advancing equity in aphasia recovery and her profound impact on our community will never be forgotten. We are committed to honoring her memory by continuing to push our field forward and fight for equitable services for all people with aphasia.

    30 min
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4.9
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

 Brain Friends: The Podcast is a global space for stroke, science, and equity. Hosted by Angie Cauthorn — two-time stroke survivor and unapologetic aphasia advocate — this show unpacks the cognitive, behavioral and communication disorders that follow stroke, and the systems that shape recovery. This podcast began with my friend and co-host, Dr. D. Seles Gadson — a brilliant neuroscientist, speech-language pathologist, and fearless champion for equity in healthcare. Her work focused on health disparities in aphasia care, particularly within the Black community, and she believed deeply in making science accessible for all. I carry her legacy forward in every conversation. There are no survivor interviews here. Instead, we focus on the research, the roadblocks, and the real work of making neurorehabilitation more equitable, inclusive, and understood — especially for people with aphasia. Our listeners span over 80 countries and include speech-language pathology professionals, researchers, and people with aphasia who want more than inspiration — they want information that matters. If you're here to rethink recovery, reimagine access, and stay grounded in the science — you're in the right place. Welcome to Brain Friends.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. D. Seles Gadson and Angie Cauthorn
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Brain Friends
  • Show Website
    Brain Friends