The Interview with Leslie Heaney Podcast

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June is Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to sit down with expert preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis.

Dr. Niotis is the Director of Parkinson's and Lew Body Dementia at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. She is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. She managed the first Alzheimers Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

We often hear about how little can be done once a person is diagnosed with Alzheimers, Lew Body Dementia, or Parkinson's to reverse the progression of the disease. What is so exciting about my conversation with Dr. Niotis is that we talk about ways that we can scientifically reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer's, Lew Body, and Parkinsons. My conversation with Dr. Niotis was so in-depth that I have divided this episode into two parts!

Part 1, released today, will cover statistics on these diseases, as well as the reasons for their rise, symptoms that appear YEARS before diagnosis, and genetic testing - including who is a candidate and the pros and cons of undergoing these tests.

In Part 2, we talk about all of the modifiable risk factors for dementia, from monitoring your cholesterol levels to having your hearing checked to getting the shingles vaccine. It was such an eye-opening and empowering conversation.

This subject is a personal one for me having my mother-in-law having dementia before she died. After this episode, I hope you, like me, will feel like you have all of the knowledge and tools to reduce and reverse your risk of developing these diseases.

This is a must-listen episode! And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

I’m so excited to be back after my six-week break that was filled with parents’ weekends, school plays, crew races—and our daughter’s high school graduation!

And I promise, this next episode was worth the wait.

This week on The Interview, I sit down with Betsy Wills—co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius. Whether you’re reentering the workforce, feeling professionally unfulfilled, or graduating and unsure of your next steps, this conversation is for you.

Betsy shares how we can use science—specifically an aptitude-based assessment—to uncover our innate strengths, interests, and traits. We explore how understanding your natural talents is the first step toward finding both career success and personal fulfillment.

This episode is a powerful reminder that self-awareness is more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation for a meaningful life.

Your Hidden Genius is the perfect graduation gift for your high school or college-aged children, but it’s also a must-read for anyone at any stage of life. We all deserve to better understand ourselves and what we’re truly meant to do.

Don’t miss this one—it might just change how you see yourself.  Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

May is Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Month. In honor of that, we are re-releasing a deeply moving episode that focuses on a truly incredible foundation—and the powerful story behind it.

Leslie sits down with Kate Doerge, founder of Penny’s Flight Foundation. Kate shares the powerful story of her daughter, Penny, who passed away in November 2022 from NF—the most common genetic disorder in children, and one that still has no cure.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, Kate, her husband Chad, and their community turned grief into action. They founded Penny’s Flight Foundation, a growing national movement dedicated to raising awareness and funding for NF research.

In this heartfelt conversation, Kate reflects on Penny’s joyful spirit, the mission of the foundation, and the boundless energy fueling efforts to find a cure. Her story is one of resilience, love, and the power of community.

Tune in and be inspired by the legacy of Penny and the incredible work being done in her name.

If you’re moved by this episode, please consider subscribing and leaving a review on your favorite platform. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie

In anticipation of Memorial Day, we’re bringing back a powerful and timely conversation with two remarkable storytellers, James Patterson and Tim Malloy.

You know Patterson as one of the bestselling authors of all time, with over 425 million books sold and collaborations with names like Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. You may know Malloy as a veteran investigative reporter and seven-time Emmy winner.

Together, they’ve created something truly meaningful: American Heroes—a tribute to real-life servicemen and women who have earned the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, and Distinguished Service Cross.

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Patterson and Malloy about the unforgettable stories in their book, the weight of military sacrifice, and why these acts of courage deserve our attention—especially now.

They also reflect on their work on Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein, how their careers began, and their shared passion for telling the stories that matter most.

Funny, thoughtful, and deeply moving—this is an episode that feels especially resonant as we honor those who’ve served. We’re honored to share it again with our listeners. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie and subscribe to the show so you never miss an episode.

In honor of Mother’s Day this upcoming Sunday, we’re revisiting a conversation that celebrates the beautiful bond between parent and child. In this episode, Leslie sits down with the inspiring Jenna Bush Hager—author, journalist, and host of Today with Jenna & Friends.

A force in publishing and media, Jenna is the creator of the Read with Jenna Book Club, founder of the Thousand Voices imprint supporting emerging writers, and co-founder of her own production company.

Jenna and her twin sister Barbara recently co-authored their third book together, I Loved You First, a heartfelt children’s story that captures the magic of parenthood and the strength of sibling connection.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jenna opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the power of sisterhood and female friendship, how it feels to host Today without her longtime co-host Hoda Kotb, and the mission behind her literary ventures. Plus, she and Leslie bond over their mutual love of karaoke!

Whether you’re a mom, a daughter, or someone who cherishes the women in your life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow us on Instagram @TheInterviewWithLeslie.