An interview with Mridula Bharathi Founder & Host of The Neurological Disorder Podcast on December 27, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am a high school junior, young changemaker, and founder/host of The Neurological Disorder Podcast. In this podcast, I interview people affected by neurological conditions, and they share their incredible stories, obstacles, and accomplishments. I also talk with doctors and surgeons who are experts on these disorders, researchers who are working to find cures for them, and more! Through this podcast, I aim to spread awareness for these neurological conditions so more people can stay informed, look out for early signs of these sometimes-debilitating conditions, and become involved in creating a change to improve care for everyone.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I am a junior in high school from Georgia and the founder and host of The Neurological Disorder Podcast. In college, I am interested in pursuing neuroscience and have volunteered extensively at memory care facilities. Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Neuro ICU at our local hospital and learn about prevalent neurological disorders in our community from the neurocritical care team. I also am a research assistant in the area of psychology at our local college!
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
The Neurological Disorder Podcast features interviews with neurological disease fighters, researchers, and advocates to raise awareness for rare and often debilitating conditions that go unnoticed. Each episode focuses on a specific neurological condition and shares a heartfelt story from fighters or advocates. Moreover, the episode provides listeners with thorough descriptions of the conditions and ways to become involved in the community to advocate. Through each episode, I hope to bring light to these unheard conditions/symptoms and new treatments, make everyone in the community feel comfortable regardless of our differences, and advocate to find cures or new treatments for these neurological conditions.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Neurological Disorder awareness and hope for a cure?
A couple years ago, when volunteering at a Dementia care facility, I grew close to one individual—she would share stories of growing up in a foreign country and her life as a nurse. However, over the course of the year, she slowly forgot everything about her children and life and could not recognize me anymore, which devastated me. That is when I realized how prevalent neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s are and the toll it takes on the person and family. From then, I started my podcast to raise awareness for these sometimes unheard but saddening conditions and advocate for a cure. By bringing researchers who are developing new diagnostic technologies and fighters/advocates on my podcast, I can do just that.
What type of goals do individuals with Neurological Conditions have when talking on your podcast?
Individuals just want to share their stories, accomplishments, and obstacles they faced while fighting their neurological conditions. They want to show others facing similar circumstances that they are supported and loved and remind them to continue fighting. By transparently sharing their stories on The Neurological Disorder Podcast, fighters and advocates are able to help fighters and families worldwide.
What steps do you have to take to be on the Podcast?
If you are a fighter of a neurological condition, an advocate, friend/family of a fighter, or researcher interested in sharing a story or talking about your technology, you can email me at the email below!
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Neurological Conditions?
I aim to elevate fighters’ voices and allow them to share their stories and setbacks to inspire other fighters around the world. Also, I raise awareness for new treatments and technology targeted at someday curing conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, I share ways all listeners can get involved in advocacy—legislative advocacy, caregiver support, helping neighbors with these conditions—to ensure everyone feels supported and included in the community.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
I want others in the community to learn about these rare neurological conditions and start their own advocacy journeys with the guidance provided in my episodes. I hope my content can reach other fighters throughout the world and give them hope, comfort, and make them feel included in our community. Lastly, as a result of increased awareness, I hope we can find a cure for neurodegenerative conditions.
How does your advocacy also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers are essential in the neurological disorder community, but rates of caregiver burnout are high, so it is essential to support them as well. Each episode delivers heavy topics in a lighthearted way, and I have had multiple wonderful conversations with caregivers that focus on the advances made in the neurological disorder community regarding cures and awareness. Through this, I want to thank caregivers and encourage them to continue their valued jobs.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/cl/podcast/the-neurological-disorder-podcast/id1662182938
Email-neurologicaldisorderpodcast@gmail.com
Instagram- @neurologicaldisorderpodcast.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Anyone can become an advocate for neurological conditions, and there are multiple ways to do so. It can be as simple as telling your friends about a neurological condition—the symptoms, treatments, etc.—to bring light to these conditions. Or you can tell your local representatives to support legislation like the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and HELP Copays Act. Each of my episodes focuses on a different neurological condition and provides listeners with many ways to get involved and advocate for that particular condition. I firmly believe that we all can become advocates and greatly help fighters and their families.
What is your favorite part of having a podcast?
I love hearing new stories and connecting with people from all over the world. I like to think that all advocates, fighters, and those working to find cures for these conditions are one giant family, and I always enjoy hearing about everyone’s experiences, setbacks, and accomplishments.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
I think walks are a great way to fundraise for Parkinson’s. Not only does it promote exercise, which is critical to remaining healthy and slowing the progression of symptoms, but it also allows the entire Parkinson’s community to gather and support one another.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Consistency—even if it seems like your advocacy is not initially impacting others, advocacy helps all fighters and families in the long run. It is important not to give up and to continue fighting for the cause.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Don’t lose hope–numerous advances are occurring in the Parkinson’s community, and I am confident that there will be a cure soon.