On Time is a podcast about living with Parkinson's disease (PD). People in the Parkinson's community share their candid stories of daily living with the disease. The podcast is a program of the Brian Grant Foundation. Learn more about the Brian Grant Foundation at briangrant.org.
Brian and Max, Brian’s two youngest children, are still in grade school. In this episode we sit down with them and with their mom, Allison, for an intimate conversation about how children process and navigate life with a parent who has Parkinson’s. We discover what they know about Parkinson’s, how they’ve seen it impact their dad, and how their family approaches conversations about the disease.
Jonavan and Maliah, Brian’s middle children, were just grade schoolers when their father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, they share their heartfelt reflections on the emotions they experienced upon learning of his diagnosis and how it has influenced their lives and shaped them into the adults they are today.
Anaya and Jaydon were just in grade school when their father received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. In this episode, we sit down with them to reflect on how the initial diagnosis shaped their childhood and discuss the strategies, support, and lessons that helped them navigate life alongside their dad's journey with Parkinson's.
Amani and Elijah, Brian's two eldest children, live in the same city as their dad and play a vital role in supporting him as he navigates life with Parkinson's disease. In this episode, we sit down with Amani and Elijah to explore their unique perspectives and experiences as the eldest siblings in the family.
In this final episode of season 6, Brian Grant and his mother, Dorella Grant talk about their time at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base. And the ongoing battle for accountability and justice for those affected by military environmental exposures. Then, Ted Thompson with the Michael J. Fox Foundation discusses major policy advancements and the role of advocacy in driving legislative change.
In this episode we hear from Dr. Sara Whittingham, a USAF Veteran, physician, Ironman triathlete, wife and mother. In 2020, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She has become a vocal advocate for Veterans who have been denied benefits despite known exposure to chemicals linked to Parkinson's disease. About Dr. Sara Whittingham Sara Whittingham is a USAF Veteran, physician, Ironman triathlete, wife and mother. In 2020, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Since her diagnosis, Sara ...
In this episode we get the historical context and regulatory challenges surrounding pesticide use with researcher Dr. Caroline Tanner, Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center. Then, retired lawyer, Dan Kinel, shares his journey with Parkinson’s, his story of Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure working for years in downtown New York, and his work in patient advocacy. About Dr. Caroline Tanner Dr. Tanner is the Director of the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Educatio...
In season 6 of On-Time: A Parkinson's Podcast, host Larry Gifford explores the environmental toxins linked to Parkinson's disease in a four-part series. In this opening episode, guest Dr. Ray Dorsey, Neurologist and Author of "Ending Parkinson’s Disease," explores how chemicals in our daily environment, from pesticides in food to industrial pollutants in the air, may be linked to the rise of Parkinson's disease. Despite mounting scientific evidence, we discuss why these chemicals remain in use, ...
Special Bonus Episode: Conversation with CND Life Sciences In this special bonus episode, BGF Executive Director Katrina Kahl talks with CND Life Science's Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Todd Levine, MD about the benefits of the company's evidence-based test to help diagnose synucleinopathies, which includes Parkinson's disease. More about Dr. Levine: Dr. Todd Levine is one of the three founders of CND Life Sciences and serves as its Chief Medical Officer, playing a key role in the deliver...
Host Larry Gifford closes our four-part series on stigma and Parkinson's with a conversation with Brian Grant about his personal experiences with stigma and his thoughts on the stereotypes of people with Parkinson's disease. More about Brian Grant: Brian Grant was an NBA idol, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. In 2006, Brian retired from professio...
Stigma for people with Parkinson's disease is a global issue, and its manifestations can vary across different countries and cultures. In this episode, host Larry Gifford speaks with Nduta M'mbogori about her experience being diagnosed and living with Parkinson's in Nairobi, Kenya.
Societal expectations and assumptions about how Parkinson’s presents for women can lead to women being overlooked in terms of their own needs and experiences. In this episode, host Larry Gifford talks to Sree Sripathy and Richelle Flanagan, co-founders of the Women's Parkinson's Project, about Parkinson’s Stigma for Women. More about our guests: Richelle Flanagan Richelle is a CORU state registered dietitian who has been practicing for 20 years. She was president and CEO of the of the Irish Nutr...
Host Larry Gifford opens our four-part series defining stigma and exploring what stigma looks like for people with PD with his first guest, Kimball Magoni, PhD. Dr. Magoni is a licensed psychologist in private practice for more than 35 years. His perspective as a person with Parkinson's makes for a conversation filled with understanding and thoughtful strategies for anyone experiencing internal or external stigma. More about Dr. Magoni: Kimball Magoni, PhD, is a Licensed Psychologist and a Natio...
People living with Parkinson’s have different comfort levels when talking to others about symptoms they experience. In this episode, Amber wraps up our series with founder Brian Grant covering topics from cringe-worthy social moments to declines in abilities that are tough to face.
Even the most sensitive people can say insensitive things to people living with Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, Amber speaks with Kamal Julka about the comments they have encountered from the most unexpected sources - from strangers at the store to family and friends.
Women with Parkinson’s experience the disease differently than men, and we know so little about why that is. What we do know is there are societal expectations for women, and they are even more complex for women who have PD. In this episode, Amber talks to friend and Parkinson’s advocate, Esther Labib-Kiyarash, about the emotional, social, and physical experience for women with PD.
From tremors and slowness to changes in sense of smell and taste, those living with Parkinson's face several hurdles when it comes eating. In this episode, Amber speaks with founder Brian Grant about eating - from fears about swallowing to awkward social situations.
This year India’s population surpassed the population of China. In this episode, Dr. Soania Mathur speaks with Dr. Maria Barretto about the experiences of people with Parkinson's in the world’s most populous country.
As we get ready to arrive in Barcelona for the World Parkinson Congress, we wanted to learn more about the experience of people living with Parkinson’s in Spain. In this episode, Dr. Soania Mathur is joined by Paqui Ruiz who lives in Spain.
For some people in our global Parkinson’s community, the misconceptions about the disease and its causes can lead to complete isolation. In this episode, Dr. Soania Mathur speaks with Hannington Kabugo about his experience with Parkinson's in Uganda.
This year the World Parkinson Congress is coming to Barcelona. As the WPC approaches, Dr. Soania Mathur is talking with people impacted by Parkinson’s around the world to hear about their experiences living with the disease. In this episode, she's joined by Ana Maria and Ray who are living in Peru.
Thirteen people crossed the finish line of the Portland to Coast relay. In this episode, BGF Executive Director Katrina Kahl talks to Mike McCastle and Jenn Rohl, loved ones of people with Parkinson's, about their experience being on the team.
Gigi Van Rysellberghe's Parkinson's diagnosis rounded out an 18-month period she jovially calls her “medical trifecta.” Before her PD diagnosis, Gigi had recently undergone spinal fusion surgery and fought breast cancer. In this episode, Gigi talks to co-hosts Brian Grant and Heather Kennedy about her fiercely optimistic approach to dealing with multiple diagnoses.
Kevin Kwok's "muscle through" approach to living with young onset Parkinson's disease got him through the early stages of his diagnosis. But as the disease has progressed, Kevin has learned to adapt to the changes. In this episode, Kevin talks to co-hosts Brian Grant and Heather Kennedy about the road he is on now and the mental shift he's made to come to grips with living with mid-stage PD.
Amber Hesford doesn’t indulge in plans and aspirations for her future. As a working single mom who is living with young onset Parkinson’s disease, Amber is taking it day by day. In this episode, Amber talks to co-hosts Brian Grant and Heather Kennedy about the unique challenges she faces in her Parkinson’s journey and her humorous approach to living with the disease.
Kerry Rae Connolly was getting ready to celebrate her 40th birthday when her husband, Harry, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease. A few years later Harry had a massive stroke while undergoing deep brain stimulation and, in an instant, Kerry Rae became his full-time care partner. In this episode, Kerry Rae talks to co-hosts Brian Grant and Heather Kennedy about how optimism, laughter and support from others helped them cope until Harry passed away in 2021.
On August 27, 2022, Team Grant crossed the finish line of the Portland to Coast relay. In this bonus episode, Brian talks about his motivation to get across the finish line and what's next for him.
When elite rower Todd Vogt was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease, he thought his rowing days were over. But this week Todd is on his way to the World Rowing Championships. In this episode, Todd talks to co-hosts Brian Grant and Heather Kennedy about how he found a way to continue doing the sport he loves.
Brian, Heather, Amber and Kevin answered your questions live! Amy Lavallee, who is also living with young onset Parkinson's disease, moderated the show. To watch the recording of the live show visit briangrant.org.
When people think about Parkinson’s they probably don’t picture a 36-year-old who just finished a 12-year career in the NBA or a single mom with young kids. But Parkinson’s can affect anyone. In this episode, Brian and Heather are joined by special guests Amber Hesford and Kevin Kwok to talk about the need for better representation in the Parkinson's community.
