Real doctors, Real talk, For real people.
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon | Expert in Spine and Brain Surgery
Dr. Estrada J. Bernard Jr. is a board-certified neurosurgeon with decades of experience treating complex disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Born in the U.S. and raised in Liberia, West Africa, Dr. Bernard brings a unique global perspective to the field of neurological surgery.
He completed his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College, then earned his medical degree and completed a rigorous neurosurgery residency at Duke University. He later joined the surgical faculty at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, where he served as Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery for many years. He has also practiced in Alaska, expanding his impact across diverse communities and clinical settings.
Dr. Bernard is known not only for his surgical skill but also for his calm presence, thoughtful explanations, and deep compassion. He has guided thousands of patients through some of the most critical medical decisions of their lives.
As co-host of The Nervous Breakdown, Dr. Bernard shares expert-level insight in clear, relatable terms—helping listeners understand when surgery is needed, when it’s not, and how the nervous system truly works.
Interventional Pain Specialist | Board-Certified in Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine.
Dr. Christopher Gay is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist. A graduate of Duke University, he earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He went on to complete residency training in anesthesiology followed by fellowship training in pain medicine at Colombia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital. He later went on to earn his MBA with a focus on healthcare leadership.
Dr. Gay currently practices in Alaska, where he specializes in advanced, non-surgical techniques for managing spine-related pain, nerve injuries, and complex chronic pain conditions. Originally from rural North Carolina, Dr. Gay brings both cutting-edge medical training and a deeply personal, down-to-earth communication style to his work. He’s passionate about helping people understand their pain and their treatment options—without the confusing medical jargon.
As co-host of The Nervous Breakdown podcast, Dr. Gay uses his clinical experience and relatable storytelling to break down some of medicine’s most misunderstood conditions in ways anyone can understand.
Highlights / Topics
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Through The Nervous Breakdown podcast, Dr. Gay and Dr. Bernard translate complex spine, brain, and pain issues into plain language, helping patients, providers, and
payers make smarter decisions.
As doctors, we’re fortunate. When we’re sick or unsure, we can call a colleague or friend who’s also a physician. Most people don’t have that option.
Patients often get just a few minutes in the exam room. It’s not enough time to fully explain what’s happening in their body, what their options are, or what to expect next. That confusion can lead to fear, missed opportunities, or even the wrong decisions.
We started The Nervous Breakdown to change that.
This podcast is the conversation you wish you could have with your doctor the clear, honest explanation that helps everything click. We break down complex topics like back pain, spinal surgery, sciatica, nerve damage, and more in simple, plain language.
We want you to feel like you’ve got a doctor in the family someone who cares, takes the time to explain things, and tells you the truth. Whether you’re dealing with pain, helping someone you love, or just want to be more informed, you’re in the right place.
This is medicine made human.
Whether you’re seeking back pain relief, having an showdown with sciatica, exploring advanced treatments such as spinal cord stimulation, or weighing the pros and cons of back and spine surgery, we’re here to help you make informed decisions. As experts in neurosurgery and chronic pain management, we believe patients deserve clear, trustworthy information direct from the doctors who treat these conditions every day. Ready to take control of your health?
J.M.