The Parkinson's Podcast - podcast cover

The Parkinson's Podcast

Davis Phinney Foundationwww.dpf.org
This podcast is for people with Parkinson's, Parkinson's care partners and Parkinson's providers. You'll hear from movement disorder specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, complementary therapists, people with Parkinson's and Parkinson's care partners on how to live well with Parkinson's today.
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Episodes

On Apathy, Ability, and Disability in Parkinson's - The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts Join Heather, Kat, and Chris for another episode of The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered. Questions addressed in this episode include navigating apathy--which is one of the most difficult non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's for many people--and how to evaluate your own disability, changes in ability, and quality of life. Ask Heather, Kat and Chris a question here: https://dpf.org/unfiltered To le...

Jun 26, 202524 min

When Parkinson’s Affects Your Job, Power of Attorney, and More

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this Q&A episode of The Parkinson’s Podcast, recorded during the May 2025 Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, they answer questions from the community about what to do when Parkinson’s affects your ability to work and how to navigate Power of Attorney. They also discuss orthostatic blood pressure hypertension and adaptive deep brain stimulation (DBS). To learn more about our Living With Pa...

Jun 11, 202517 minSeason 6Ep. 12

Let's Talk About Loneliness and Parkinson's: The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In their first episode back after a break for Parkinson's Awareness Month and some time to tend to personal needs, Heather and Kat dive into a candid conversation about loneliness. Prompted by a listener’s question, they explore how Parkinson’s can impact friendships and what it means to navigate shifting social dynamics. Stay tuned: more episodes of Unfiltered are on the way! Ask Heather and...

Jun 05, 202516 minSeason 5Ep. 11

Previewing The Parkinson’s Plan by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun--A New Book, Out 8/19/25

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode of the Parkinson’s Podcast, Executive Director Polly Dawkins speaks with Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun about their forthcoming book, "The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment," set for release on August 19, 2025. Framed around the acronym PLAN—Prevent, Learn, Amplify, Navigate—the book shares compelling stories from the Parkinson’s community and outli...

May 29, 202531 minSeason 6Ep. 10

Parkinson’s Innovations: Under-the-Skin Infusion Therapies

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, we’re sharing an excerpt from our May 2025 Live Well Today webinar about Emerging Therapies for Parkinson's, which features Dr. Soania Mathur and Dr. Michael Okun. In this excerpt, Dr. Mathur and Dr. Okun discuss three emerging treatments for Parkinson’s that are designed for continuous under-the-skin infusion. These treatments have all been found to increase the amount of ti...

May 19, 20258 minSeason 6Ep. 9

Keeping Rhythm, Managing REM Sleep disorder, and DBS

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, we share excerpts from the Q and A portion of our April 2025 Living with Parkinson’s Meetup, featuring audience questions about dancing and keeping rhythm even when it gets harder, managing REM sleep disorder, and deep brain stimulation (DBS). For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org. Season 6 Episode 8

May 07, 20259 minSeason 6Ep. 8

Acceptance and Surprises of a Parkinson's Diagnosis, and More

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts This episode contains excerpts from the Q and A during our March 2025 Living with Parkinson’s Meetup. In this Q and A, the panelists answer questions from the audience about accepting their diagnosis, surprising aspects of living with Parkinson’s, posture, exercise, dental care, and young-onset Parkinson's (YOPD). For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org ...

Apr 10, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Disability Benefits, Reluctant Spouses, and Career Changes

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, Heather, Kat, and Chris address three audience questions: navigating the challenges of being denied disability benefits, a husband’s struggle to discuss Parkinson’s with his newly diagnosed wife, and the tough decision to leave work because of Parkinson’s. They offer practical advice, personal insights, and support for those facing these difficult challenges. For more informa...

Mar 27, 202541 minSeason 6Ep. 6

Dr. Karunapuzha on How to Take Levodopa for Parkinson's

To subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel visit: https://www.youtube.com/@davisphinneyfdn/podcasts In this episode, Dr. K explains how constipation affects Levodopa absorption, discusses protein's impact on medication effectiveness, and shares optimal strategies for taking Levodopa. This is an excerpt from one of our online educational events for the Parkinson's community. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org . Season 6 Episode 5...

Mar 19, 20257 minSeason 6Ep. 5

Overcoming Creative Barriers and the Power of Art for Parkinson's

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered, the hosts explore a listener's question about overcoming creative barriers while living with Parkinson's. They discuss how to push past obstacles to creating art, as well as the powerful benefits art can offer to those with Parkinson’s. From improving mental and physical well-being to fostering self-expression, this episode provides practical tips and inspiration for tappi...

Mar 05, 202529 minSeason 6Ep. 4

Deep Brain Stimulation(DBS), Speech, and Swallowing

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, hear from John Dean, a speech language pathologist who exclusively works with people with Parkinson's, about the impacts that Deep Brain Stimulation can have on speech and swallowing. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 6 Episode 3...

Feb 20, 202530 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Work, Wellness, and Mental Health

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. Dive into Leo Sarmiento's inspiring Parkinson's journey, where he transforms personal challenge into a powerful story of resilience, health, and purpose. From property maintenance to mental health advocacy, Leo shares how conscious choices and faith have shaped his path. Join us for an intimate conversation about overcoming obstacles and finding meaning in life's unexpected turns. For more information about the Davis Phinney F...

Feb 13, 202520 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Being Home Alone With Parkinson’s: The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. We hope you enjoy episode one of the second season of The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered. This season, Unfiltered hosts, Heather and Kat, will answer questions from the podcast's audience. If you have a question for them, please send it in by visiting dpf.org/unfiltered. In this episode, Heather and Kay discuss a question they received from a listener whose care partner was going out of town for two weeks, and Heather responds...

Feb 06, 202527 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Supporting the Parkinson’s Community: Your Gift Makes a Difference

To donate, please visit https://dpf.org/2024donate . Together, we can continue to empower the Parkinson’s community to live well today—and every day. In this episode of The Parkinson's Podcast, we describe some of the ways the Davis Phinney Foundation helps people living with Parkinson’s live well today. By providing critical resources, fostering community, and offering expert insights, the Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care p...

Dec 31, 20244 minSeason 5Ep. 37

Developments in Parkinson's Diagnosis: New Tests, Alpha-Synuclein, and Looking Forward (Part 2)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, Dr. Arash Fazl discusses the role of the protein alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s and how this protein is involved in new diagnostic tests for Parkinson’s. Dr. Fazl also shares how these new tests may contribute to additional exciting developments in the future. This is part two of a two-part series about Parkinson’s diagnosis. In the first episode, Dr. Fazl describes the challenges involved in diagnosing Parkin...

Dec 23, 202429 minSeason 5Ep. 36

Developments in Parkinson's Diagnosis: Background and Challenges (Part 1)

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. This episode is part one of a two-part series about developments in Parkinson’s diagnosis. In part 2, Dr. Fazl describes the development of new diagnostic tests, how they help, and what new information they can provide. This two-part series is sponsored by CND Life sciences, home of the Syn-One Test—the first commercially available skin-based test to help clinicians diagnose Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. For more ...

Dec 16, 202427 minSeason 5Ep. 35

The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: What's Working

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, hosts Heather and Kat share what has been working well for them in their Parkinson's journeys, including meditation, avoiding over-scheduling, and finding purpose. They discuss the importance of nurturing meaningful connections while also maintaining boundaries to be true to themselves. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org Season 5 Episode 34 (Unfiltered 13) This conte...

Nov 27, 202430 minSeason 5Ep. 34

Cognition, Mood, and Exercise in Parkinson's

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, leading Parkinson's expert Dr. Bas Bloem shares his perspective about the relationship of exercise to improved mood and cognition for people living with Parkinson's. This talk was recorded during one of our online educational events. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make...

Nov 19, 202428 minSeason 5Ep. 33

The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: Uncertainty

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, join Heather and Kat as they tackle one of the most challenging aspects of life with Parkinson's – the uncertainty that comes with living with a progressive condition. With humor and honesty, they share personal strategies for finding peace amidst unpredictable symptoms and the uncertainties of life with Parkinson’s. Whether you're living with Parkinson's or supporting someone who is, this episode reminds us t...

Nov 04, 202429 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Anxiety, Cannabis, Forced Exercise, Sense of Smell, and More: A Parkinson's Q&A

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, we present a Q&A session from one of our Davis Phinney Foundation live events. A Parkinson's care team - including a movement disorder specialist, physical therapist, and neuropsychologist - answers challenging questions about the disease. Our experts discuss cannabis use, forced exercise, hallucinations, and changes in sense of smell, while also addressing anxiety, intimacy, drooling, and more. This panel...

Oct 23, 202419 minSeason 5Ep. 31

The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: Grit and Grace

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. Parkinson’s comes with a bit of grit—both in the sense of sand in the gears making things go less smoothly and in the sense of sand on ice to help with traction. In this episode of the Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss how the moving through the rough spots with grace—both for others and for oneself—can help you live well with Parkinson’s. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: htt...

Oct 09, 202426 minSeason 5Ep. 30

A Day in My Life with Parkinson's

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, Karen Frank, Michael Fitts, and Carol Clupny, share what a day in their life looks like with Parkinson's. This talk was recorded during one of our online educational events. You can learn more about our Davis Phinney Foundation Ambassadors by visiting: https://dpf.org/connect/ambassadors/ For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the ge...

Sep 25, 202413 minSeason 5Ep. 29

Stem Cells, Cell Replacement, and Parkinson's: A Conversation with Dr. Roger Barker

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. This episode is an interview with Roger Barker, Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital. Dr. Barker is known for his groundbreaking work combining basic research on novel therapies for chronic neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson's, with clinical studies aimed at better defining these conditions. For more information about the Dav...

Sep 18, 202453 minSeason 5Ep. 28

The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: Five and a Half Common Questions

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of the Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat answer five of the most common questions they get asked about Parkinson’s. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 27 (Unfiltered Episode 10)...

Sep 04, 202429 minSeason 5Ep. 27

How Storytelling Helps with Parkinson's: Amy Carlson and The Moth

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode, we feature Amy Carlson, who won the prestigious Moth Grand Slam storytelling contest in Los Angeles and shares how the power of storytelling transformed her journey with Parkinson's. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 26...

Aug 21, 202423 minSeason 5Ep. 26

The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered: Communication Breakdowns

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of the Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered, Heather and Kat discuss what it’s like to communicate in a fast-paced digital world while living with Parkinson’s and all the ways it slows you down. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. Season 5 Episode 25 (Unfiltered E...

Aug 14, 202429 minSeason 5Ep. 25

The Effects of Forced Exercise on Parkinson's Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. This talk was recorded in 2013 at a Davis Phinney Foundation Victory Summit. In this episode, Dr. Jay L. Alberts explores the impact of forced exercise on Parkinson's symptoms. Recorded at one of our educational events, Dr. Alberts' research continues to shape exercise studies in Parkinson's. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous suppor...

Aug 07, 202423 minSeason 5Ep. 24

The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: Flirting, Love, Intimacy

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. Join Heather, Kat, and special guest Jennifer Sullivan as they talk about the twists and turns of flirting, love, and intimacy when living with a body that may not always do what you want it to do. For more with Jennifer, visit her at https://www.thewigglesproject.com/ . For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like yo...

Jul 31, 202433 minSeason 5Ep. 23

Sleep Disorders In Parkinson's

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this epsiode of The Parkinson's Podcast, Dr. Gary Leo discusses sleep challenges unique to people living with Parkinson's. Dr. Leo sheds light on the causes of these disruptions and offers some practical solutions for sleeping better. For more information about the Davis Phinney Foundation visit: https://dpf.org This content is made possible through the generous support of listeners like you. Click here to make a donation. ...

Jul 24, 202417 minSeason 5Ep. 22

The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered: Perspectives on Pain

Click here to subscribe for our podcast and video content on YouTube. In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered, Kat and Heather discuss multiple ways pain and Parkinson's intersect. Listen in as Kat and Heather discuss dystonia, off times, the difficulty of determining whether pain is caused by Parkinson's or not, and more. Your hosts also have some tips and observations about how to manage pain--including some thoughts about complementary therapies, the importance of breathwork, an...

Jul 17, 202431 minSeason 5Ep. 21
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