Episode 130

Playing Cords (Episode 130)

Guest: Evan Joiner

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Evan Joiner from Columbia University for a truly fascinating conversation about spinal cord stimulation—but we start somewhere completely unexpected. Before becoming a neurosurgeon, Evan actually began his career as a soap opera actor. Yep, you heard that right. We dive into how that unlikely path led him into medicine, and ultimately, to neurosurgery. Along the way, Dr. Joiner shares his deep curiosity about how people think, move, and become who they are, and how that curiosity drives his work.

We explore spinal cord stimulation almost as a metaphor for music—like playing the spinal cord as an instrument to restore a kind of harmony to the body’s movement. It's a compelling blend of science, art, and medicine. And finally, we look ahead: What needs to happen to move this clinical innovation from promising research to widespread reality? We talk about the roles of the FDA, companies, clinicians—and importantly, the SCI community. This episode is full of surprises, insight, and inspiration. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Soundcloud

Bumper music: Dig a Hole by Freaque

Guest Bio

Dr. Evan Joiner completed medical school and neurosurgical residency at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. His research is focused on the use of neuromodulation, particularly spinal cord stimulation, for movement recovery after spinal cord injury.

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