A new program on BBC Sounds, titled "Epilepsy and the Electric Spirit," offers a personal exploration of epilepsy, examining societal perceptions of the condition and the experiences of those who live with seizures. The program, hosted and produced by Daniel Kraemer, was released on October 25, 2026, and is available for over a year.
Kraemer recounts how a moment in a cinema, while watching a horror film, prompted him to re-examine his own experience with epilepsy. The program questions why epilepsy has historically been depicted as a supernatural power, suggesting that an uncomfortable truth emerges when listening to individuals with the diverse range of seizure types.
The episode, part of the "Illuminated" series on BBC Radio 4, features sound design by Hal Haines and executive production by Giles Edwards. It is available on BBC Sounds, a platform that allows listeners to catch up on BBC radio shows at their convenience.
This program aims to provide a deeper understanding of epilepsy beyond common societal portrayals, focusing on the lived experiences of those affected.