Jason and Matthew talk with U2FP Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) Director and Science Writer, Sam Maddox in the first part of our series on Spinal Stimulation. We’ve been thinking about the need for a discussion on what spinal stimulation is, why it's been studied so extensively, who are the influential scientists and players in the space, the trajectory of where and how it started as an exploration for restoring function in SCI, and - most importantly - what this all means for folks with a spinal cord injury.

This conversation is part one of a series that kicks off with some history, background and milestones in the stim field. We will follow up on subsequent podcasts with where it appears to be going, recent advancements in the research, and the various companies working to bring their version of spinal stim to market.

If you have not listened to our previous podcasts covering spinal cord stim, check out our interviews with Susie Harkema, Gregoire Courtine, David Darrow, Chet Mortiz, Kendall Lee and Kristin Zhao, and also the interview with the first women to be implanted with epidural stimulators; Kathy Allen and Sandra Mulder. (Visit this episode's webpage for access to all these resource links: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-71.html)

---
Guest Bio:
Sam Maddox (of Los Angeles, California) is former Knowledge Manager and spinal cord injury research writer for the Reeve Foundation. He is the author of several books related to chronic health and paralysis, including four editions of the Paralysis Resource Guide, published by the Reeve Foundation. In 1992 Maddox wrote the first comprehensive history of spinal cord injury research, The Quest for Cure: Restoring Function After Spinal Cord Injury. He wrote and published the widely acclaimed resource book Spinal Network, and is founder of New Mobility magazine. Maddox was a panel member on The Consortium for Spinal Cord Medicine, which develops and disseminates evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to professionals and consumers. He is currently writing and producing books as a resource for the newly injured: SCI: First 90 Days. He has been a reporter for many magazines, including Time, Money and People. Maddox is a graduate of the University of Colorado, where he taught in the School of Journalism.

Episode 71: Spinal Stimulation 101 (part 1)

Today’s episode is a rebroadcast of our conversation with Grégoire Courtine from two years ago. Dr. Courtine has been pivotal in the successful application of epidural stimulation in humans with SCI, in both his research and device commercialization. In this episode, we talk about Dr. Courtine’s motivation to study spinal cord injury and epidural stimulation in particular. We discuss the translation of his early rodent model research into humans and the mechanism of the therapy, such as targeted modulated stimulation coupled with intention and the reorganization of spared neural tissue. We also discuss the device’s application and it’s outcomes in different severities of injury, as well as his hopes for future application.

More info here: u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-78.html

Trial by Stimulation Rebroadcast (Episode 78)

Today we are talking to V. Reggie Edgerton, a Professor Emeritus of Nuerobiology at UCLA and co-founder of the spinal stimulation company, SpineX. Reggie Edgerton is a giant in the field of neuromodulation. Some have called him the father of spinal stimulation, and his influence can be found in...

More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-101.html

Father of Stim (Episode 101)

Steve Adubato welcomes Steven Kirshblum, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Kessler Foundation, to examine breakthrough research that could improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis and Christopher Reeve’s lasting impact on spinal cord research.

What if the key to spinal cord recovery lies in the legacy of a superhero? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Kirshblum—renowned for treating Christopher Reeve—joins us to explore the revolutionary strides being made in SCI rehabilitation. From the Foundation’s cutting-edge stimulation therapies to NIH-backed clinical trials led by Claudia Angeli, PhD, assistant director of the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, discover how science is restoring movement, independence, and hope to patients once thought beyond recovery.

We also reflect on the enduring influence of Christopher Reeve, whose courage continues to drive innovation and inspire a new generation of researchers. 

Learn more about:
Steve Steven Kirshblum, MD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/steven-kirshblum-md

Claudia Angeli, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/claudia-angeli-phd

Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, https://KesslerFoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

====================================================================
Used by permission: Think Tank: Steve Adubato

Watch the entire episode at 
https://steveadubato.org/examining-breakthrough-research-that-could-improve-the-quality-of-life-for-paraplegics/

Rewiring Hope: Breakthroughs in Spinal Cord Recovery

Read the transcript https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/Rewiring%20Hope_Epidural%20Stimulation%20for%20Spinal%20Cord%20Injury%20Recovery-Transcript.pdf

In this episode, we spotlight groundbreaking research in epidural spinal stimulation at Kessler Foundation’s Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation. This transformative therapy uses electrical impulses to help restore movement and autonomic functions—such as bladder control, blood pressure, and breathing—in people with paralysis. More than 70 individuals have contributed to this research, including Alexa Alvarez, who shared her journey after being diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis at age 21.

The Foundation’s work—developed in collaboration with the University of Louisville, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, and Medtronic—has led to FDA-approved technologies that are already changing lives. The episode also features the StimXS controller, a tablet-based device in development that offers users greater control over critical body functions.

=========================================================

Links:

Read the full article, https://kesslerfoundation.org/2024-impact-report

Listen to the full report, https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/kessler-foundation-impact-reports

Visit our website to learn more about the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

Gail Forrest, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/aboutus/Gail%20Forrest

Claudia Angeli, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/claudia-angeli-phd

Enrico Rejc, PhD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/enrico-rejc-phd

Steven Kirshblum, MD, https://KesslerFoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/steven-kirshblum-md

Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to KesslerFoundation.org/join

=========================================================
Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media as accessible as possible. These tools help us ensure that individuals with visual or cognitive impairments are not prevented from accessing the materials that Kessler Foundation uses to change the lives of people with disabilities.
 
These automated voices may not correctly capture intonation or pronunciation that may be clearer in the accompanying text. If you encounter any issues related to Kessler Foundation's use of AI narrators in our multimedia content, please reach out to Communications@KesslerFoundation.org

=========================================================
Tuned in to our podcast series lately? Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Be sure and subscribe to our SoundCloud channel “KesslerFoundation” for more research updates.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast was recorded in July 2025 and was edited and produced by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer for Kessler Foundation.

Rewiring Hope: Epidural Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

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...

More info: https://u2fp.org/get-educated/curecast/episode-130.html

Playing Cords (Episode 130)

Read the transcript, https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-09/RLS-ANGELI_Spinal%20Stim_New%20Insights%20to%20Restore%20Function%20After%20Spinal%20Cord%20Paralysis-TRANSCRIPT.pdf

In our latest episode of Real-Life Science, we delve into our groundbreaking research that is transforming the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Once considered impossible, independent standing is now a reality for some, thanks to targeted spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with focused rehabilitative training. 

Lead author Claudia Angeli, PhD, assistant director of the Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation, shares insights into how this innovative approach is helping participants regain the ability to stand with little or no manual support.

=====================================================================================

Kessler Foundation Investigators:
Lead: Claudia Angeli, PhD, https://kesslerfoundation.org/about-us/foundation-staff/claudia-angeli-phd

=====================================================================================

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RESEARCH: 
Read the full study, doi.org/10.1186/s12984-025-01636-6

Read this summary at https://kesslerfoundation.org/new-insights-restore-function-after-spinal-cord-paralysis

READ all our Real-Life Science summaries:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/publication-archives#block-real-life-science-consumer-friendly-study-summaries

LISTEN to all our Real-Life Science summaries:
https://soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation/sets/real-life-science

EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join 

=====================================================================================

LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?  
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

This podcast was recorded, produced, and edited by Joan Banks-Smith, Creative Producer at Kessler Foundation in July 2025.

=====================================================================================

Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

New Insights to Restore Function After Spinal Cord Paralysis

In this episode of the Estabrook Distinguished Research Scientist Lectureship series, Dr. Karen Minassian from the Medical University of Vienna shares groundbreaking research on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS). This non-invasive method uses surface electrodes to activate spinal circuits and induce coordinated leg movements in chronic spinal injury patients. Stemming from accidental observations during epidural studies, his work combines computational modeling and clinical research to show how spinal anatomy and pulse duration affect tSCS effectiveness. Now FDA-approved, this approach offers new hope for neurorehabilitation by enhancing spinal function without surgery. Tune in to discover how these findings are advancing spinal cord injury treatment.

Intro & Welcome: 00:04
Lecture: 01:06
Q&A: 55:01
Closing remarks: 1:20:37
=====================================================================================

Learn more about:
Karen Minassian, PhD, https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/forschung/researcher-profiles/researcher-profiles/detail/?res=karen_minassian&cHash=e1a4705d6c154272ca49e231996ec501
Associate Professor
Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering

=====================================================================================

VIEW Dr. Karen Minassian's presentation:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/sites/default/files/2025-10/Karen%20Minassian-Presentation%20tSCS-OCT25.pdf

EXPLORE our spinal stimulation research:
https://kesslerfoundation.org/research/tim-and-caroline-reynolds-center-spinal-stimulation

PARTICIPATE:
Interested in participating in our research remotely or in-person? Go to https://kesslerfoundation.org/join

=====================================================================================

LOOKING FOR MORE PODCASTS?  
Join our listeners in 90 countries who enjoy learning about the work of Kessler Foundation. Subscribe to our SoundCloud channel, “KesslerFoundation,” for more research updates.

=====================================================================================

Kessler Foundation uses AI voices and narrators to make our media more accessible. These tools help ensure people with visual or cognitive impairments can access our materials. Automated voices may not always capture intonation or pronunciation as clearly as the accompanying text. If you experience issues with our AI narrators, please contact us at communications@kesslerfoundation.org.

Restoring Connection: How Noninvasive Stimulation Helps the Spinal Cord Relearn

Kessler Foundation - Changing the lives of people with disabilities through research in stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis,  spinal cord injury and by funding innovative programs that promote employment for people with disabilities. Podcasts are from various consumer and professional lectures   presented by our researchers and guest lecturers.

Unite 2 Fight Paralysis exists to unite and empower the international spinal cord injury community to cure paralysis through advocacy, education, and support for research. Get Educated and Get Involved.

New tracks tagged #spinal stimulation