Women in the Arena

Brain on Fire and Beyond with author Susannah Cahalan

Audra Agen Season 5 Episode 21

Let's be friends!

Susannah Cahalan is a well-known author, journalist, and advocate for mental health awareness. Her book "Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness" chronicles her own experience with a rare autoimmune disease that attacked her brain and caused a range of symptoms including seizures, hallucinations, and memory loss. On this week's show we discuss:


  • Susannah's personal journey
  • The importance of mental health awareness and the need for strong advocacy 
  • Writing about personal experiences and how authoring her story aided in her recovery 
  • The future of mental health care, the importance of names and how proper care will save lives 


People on this episode