Welcome to Epilepsy Unplugged, the official podcast of the Epilepsy Foundation Texas. We have real conversations about real life with epilepsy, bringing together individuals living with epilepsy, caregivers, medical experts, researchers, and community advocates. Through inspiring stories, the latest research, and practical resources, we're here to educate, empower, and connect our community. Join us as we pull back the curtain on epilepsy—one conversation at a time.
Epilepsy 101: Understanding Seizures, First Aid & Everyday Life
What exactly is epilepsy, and what should you know if someone in your life has a seizure?
In this episode of Epilepsy Unplugged, Taylor and Melanie get back to the basics with an Epilepsy 101 conversation. They break down what seizures are, what an epilepsy diagnosis means, common seizure types and triggers, and some of the misconceptions that still surround epilepsy.
They also share their own experiences living with epilepsy and discuss what seizure first aid can look like, including the simple Stay. Safe. Side. approach and when a seizure may require emergency medical attention.
In this episode:
What a seizure is and how epilepsy is diagnosed
Common seizure triggers
Different types of seizures and what they can look like
Seizure first aid and the Stay. Safe. Side. approach
Common epilepsy myths and misconceptions
How to support someone who tells you they have epilepsy
Navigating everyday life with epilepsy
The importance of knowing your seizure action plan
Resources for learning more and becoming Seizure First Aid certified
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with epilepsy, or simply want to better understand the condition, this episode is a great place to start.
Learn more about Epilepsy Foundation Texas, our programs, resources, and support at www.eftx.org (https://www.eftx.org/).
27 Aug 2026
Finding a Way Forward
In this episode of Epilepsy Unplugged, Melanie and Taylor get personal about adjusting to life after an epilepsy diagnosis.
Diagnosed at very different stages of life, they share how epilepsy affected their independence, routines, relationships, and the way they thought about their futures. From navigating school and transportation to living alone, driving, taking medication, and learning to ask for support, they reflect on the adjustments they've made along the way.
They also discuss the importance of community, communication, and focusing not on what epilepsy prevents you from doing, but on finding safe ways to continue doing the things that matter to you.
Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been navigating epilepsy for years, this conversation is a reminder that epilepsy may change parts of your life, but it doesn't define who you are or what comes next.
3 Dec 2025
Pregnancy & Epilepsy: The Patient-Doctor Partnership
In this vital episode of Epilepsy Unplugged, we tackle one of the most important topics in women's health: managing epilepsy safely through pregnancy.
We are honored to be joined by two exceptional guests who share a unique bond:
Dr. Jay R. Gavvala, MD: Chair of the EFTX Professional Advisory Board and Epileptologist at UTHealth Houston.
Abby Gustus Alford: Advocate, Mentor, and Author of Seize the Day: One Girl's Inspirational Story...
This episode is especially compelling because Dr. Gavvala was Abby's neurologist during both her successful pregnancies!
12 Nov 2025
Caregiving with Love: Marti Young
Epilepsy Unplugged: Marti Young Episode Summary
Title
Houston Purple Hero: The Unseen Strength of a Caregiver
Description
In honor of Caregivers' Month, we feature Houston Purple Hero, Marti Young. Marti shares her powerful story of unwavering dedication and love for her family, including her husband, Guy, and son, Gerrad. We discuss the resilience required in caregiving, the often-unseen challenges, and what it truly means to be a champion for a loved one with epilepsy. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who supports a family member through a health journey.
15 Oct 2025
The Heart of Camp: A Conversation with Neer Patel
On this episode of Epilepsy Unplugged, we're celebrating the heart of our community by interviewing our DFW Purple Hero, Neer Patel. A volunteer for over two decades, Neer shares his inspiring story of dedication to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas's camps. He reminisces with host Melanie about his time at camp—where he even met his wife, Megan, a pediatric neurologist—and discusses his role on the Dallas Board of Directors. Join us to hear why he keeps coming back and how you can become a part of our camp family.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Neer Patel’s 20-year journey as a camp volunteer.
The personal connections and sense of community found at camp.
What it means to be a "Purple Hero" and why Neer was chosen for this honor.
The impact of volunteering and how camp changes lives.
How to get involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas's camp programs.
Links & Resources
Become a Volunteer: camp@eftx.org
Learn More About Our Camps: Epilepsy Camps for youth and families by Epilepsy Foundation Texas (https://www.eftx.org/epilepsy-camps/)
1 Oct 2025
Welcome to Epilepsy Unplugged
Welcome to our very first episode! Join hosts Melanie, Taylor, and Rebecca as they introduce the show and sit down with special guest Chris Justl, the new CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas. In this episode, Chris shares his personal journey with epilepsy, from his diagnosis as a teenager to his new role leading the Foundation. Get to know the team and learn what to expect from the candid conversations, expert insights, and inspiring stories coming your way.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
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