The people behind the podcast

Meet the Team

Researchers, advocates, artists, and production professionals, united by a shared commitment to making dementia easier to talk about.

Conversations.
Stories.
Hope.

John Zeisel

Host

John hosts Demystifying Dementia, bringing people together to share personal experiences and perspectives that make dementia easier to talk about.

Liz Matthews

Production Manager

Liz brings a background in behavioral neuroscience and a commitment to FTD awareness, advocacy, and research. She founded and hosts the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s National Young Adults Support Group.

Marilyn Raichle

Content Advisor & Intro Voice

A former care partner for her mother, Marilyn is the author of Don’t Walk Away: A Care Partner’s Journey and Executive Director of Maude’s Awards. She advocates for care that makes room for creativity, connection, and joy.

Gregg Gorzelle

Technical Support

Gregg is Associate Director of Research at Hopeful Aging and has spent more than 25 years developing practical dementia care programs. His work builds on each person’s strengths, interests, and capacity for meaningful connection.

Evan Bass Zeisel

Intro/Outro Audio Editor

Evan is the writer and producer behind the award-winning dementia short film How You Are to Me and author of How to Play With a Grandma. He brings theater and improvisation experience to creative dementia care resources.

Steven Zade

Outro Music

A clarinetist since age 14, Steven explores the connections between music and consciousness. He has participated in Artists for Alzheimer’s in Paris and performs in long-stay hospitals in and around the city.

Michael Skrajner

Technical Support

Michael is Director of Research and Innovation at Hopeful Aging and a research advisor to the I’m Still Here Foundation. With more than 25 years of experience, he develops programs that help people living with dementia find enjoyment, purpose, and connection.