Brainstorming with Clare de Lore

Episode 8: The challenges of fighting MS and the future of the Centre for Brain Research

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:08:41 +0000

In the final episode of this season of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we talk about Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Around 5,000 people live with MS in New Zealand - that's roughly 1 in every 1,000 people.

We find out more about the condition from Dr Jennifer Pereira, a neurologist specialising in MS. We also hear from Sarah Collins, who is one of those living with the condition.

Clare also speaks with the new head of the Centre for Brain Research, Professor Hanneke Hulst. Professor Hulst explains her personal connection to MS - and what it's been like taking over the centre.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 7: The growing optimism for those researching Parkinson's disease

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:06:21 +0000

In this episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we talk about Parkinson's Disease.

It impacts around 13,000 people in New Zealand directly and it's thought around 10 million people globally. There is concern a surge of cases coming as our population ages.

Professor Maurice Curtis from the Centre from Brain Research tells Clare about the potential research into the condition and why he's optimistic for the future.

And we hear from Peter Garelja - a retired school principal who is living with the condition.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 6: The science behind future stroke prevention

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:06:15 +0000

In this episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we hear from the Centre for Brain Research's Professor Alan Barber about about some of the remarkable progress being made in stroke treatment and prevention.

Professor Barber also talks about the new research happening right here in New Zealand for stroke treatments.

Clare also talks to stroke survivor Raewyn Jacobs and her husband Peter. They tell the story of Raewyn receiving one of New Zealand's first clot retrieval surgeries.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 5: How the science is changing around treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:21:15 +0000

In this episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we hear about the impact of a traumatic spinal cord injury from Lee Taniwha. He's been dealing with the injury since a misjudged dive into a swimming pool at the age of 13.

Clare also talks to Auckland University's Darren Svirskis about the potential treatment breakthroughs that are on the horizon.

Plus, Lee also talks about the amazing support he gives those with the injury.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 4: The hope in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:05:55 +0000

In the latest episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we learn more about Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the especially cruel toll it can take.

Clare talks to Emma Scotter - who leads research into MND at the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland. Emma explains how her career highlight could make a real difference in fighting the condition.

We also hear from Dr Natalie Gauld - who was diagnosed with the most common form of MND back in 2022.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 3: The huge challenge of combating dementia

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:06:52 +0000

In this episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we find out more about dementia, the different types of the condition, and what people can do to minimise the chances of developing it.

Clare hears from the Centre for Brain Research's Professor Lynette Tippett about the research being done on the condition.

Plus we hear from Graeme Newton, who has Alzheimer's Disease, the most common form of dementia. Graeme tells Clare about how he lives with the condition, helps others and how he played a starring role on the hit TV show, The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 2: The mission to prevent CTE and brain injuries

Tue, 19 May 2026 17:07:40 +0000

In this episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we find out more about Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), what causes it, and importantly how it could be prevented.

Clare finds about the exciting research being done by Dr Helen Murray at Auckland University's Centre for Brain Research into CTE.

Plus we hear from Geoff Cooper - whose father suffered from the condition. He explains what it's like to see someone live with the condition - and why he's telling this deeply personal story.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Episode 1: Huntington's disease and learning more about the Centre for Brain Research

Tue, 05 May 2026 17:05:50 +0000

In the debut episode of Brainstorming with Clare de Lore, we find out what Huntington's disease is, who is affected by it, and the realities for those living with the condition.

Clare also explores the research giving hope the disease could be prevented and eradicated.

We find out more about the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland, some of the remarkable research happening here in New Zealand, and Clare tells the personal story of how she got involved with the centre.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore has new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB.

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Brainstorming with Clare de Lore: Exploring the brain

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:24:11 +0000

There's nothing more complex than the brain - and Newstalk ZB's new podcast explores the diseases and conditions that impact the vital organ.

In association with University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research (CBR), renowned journalist Clare de Lore delves into the diseases and conditions of the brain in Newstalk ZB's Brainstorming.

Every episode investigates a specific condition with a world renowned expert from CBR explaining the condition, what is known about it and what hope there is for patients.

It also features someone living with the condition – to hear the impact is has on people and what the the future brings for themselves and others.

Brainstorming with Clare de Lore - begins Wednesday 6 May, and new episodes every second Wednesday on iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts - powered by Newstalk ZB

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