#111 - Kurt Haggstrom: Building Practical Brain–Computer Interfaces for ALS Communication episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 15, 2026 · 1H 7M

#111 - Kurt Haggstrom: Building Practical Brain–Computer Interfaces for ALS Communication

from Nothing Left Unsaid · host Tim Green & Troy Green

A grounded discussion on how brain–computer interfaces are moving from research into real clinical use, with a focus on restoring communication and autonomy for ALS patients. Kurt Hagstrom explains the technical constraints, regulatory realities, and why simplicity, scalability, and long-term reliability matter more than hype. SPONSORS: ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs (⁠https://elevenlabs.io⁠) for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice. Synchron: Our sponsor Synchron has received permission to start their third clinical trial on the BCI investigational medical device that received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2020. You or a loved one may be eligible to participate. The Synchron BCI is a fully implanted system designed to allow users to control digital devices using their thoughts. No eye trackers, voice commands or hand movements are required. Since 2018, they have completed 2 clinical trials that met their respective safety goals. This new INTENT trial will further evaluate safety while also exploring how it may support communication, connection, independence, and quality of life.  To find out more about the INTENT clinical trial and learn about the Synchron BCI device visit SynchronBCI.com. SOCIAL: Website: ⁠https://nlupod.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nlutimgreen⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NLUpod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nlupod⁠ PERSONAL: Tackle ALS: ⁠https://www.tackleals.com⁠ Tim Green Books: ⁠https://authortimgreen.com⁠ Tim’s New Book - ROCKET ARM: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A grounded discussion on how brain–computer interfaces are moving from research into real clinical use, with a focus on restoring communication and autonomy for ALS patients. Kurt Hagstrom explains the technical constraints, regulatory realities, and why simplicity, scalability, and long-term reliability matter more than hype. SPONSORS: ElevenLabs: Thanks to ElevenLabs (⁠https://elevenlabs.io⁠) for supporting this episode and powering Tim’s voice. Synchron: Our sponsor Synchron has received permission to start their third clinical trial on the BCI investigational medical device that received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2020. You or a loved one may be eligible to participate. The Synchron BCI is a fully implanted system designed to allow users to control digital devices using their thoughts. No eye trackers, voice commands or hand movements are required. Since 2018, they have completed 2 clinical trials that met their respective safety goals. This new INTENT trial will further evaluate safety while also exploring how it may support communication, connection, independence, and quality of life.  To find out more about the INTENT clinical trial and learn about the Synchron BCI device visit SynchronBCI.com. SOCIAL: Website: ⁠https://nlupod.com/⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/nlutimgreen⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/NLUpod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nlupod⁠ PERSONAL: Tackle ALS: ⁠https://www.tackleals.com⁠ Tim Green Books: ⁠https://authortimgreen.com⁠ Tim’s New Book - ROCKET ARM: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062796895/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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#111 - Kurt Haggstrom: Building Practical Brain–Computer Interfaces for ALS Communication

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This episode was published on April 15, 2026.

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A grounded discussion on how brain–computer interfaces are moving from research into real clinical use, with a focus on restoring communication and autonomy for ALS patients. Kurt Hagstrom explains the technical constraints, regulatory realities,...

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