Parkinson's Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO In this episode, Jessica and Brian met with Linda, a representative from the Parkinson's Foundation to talk about the helpline's purpose, the types of questions it addresses, and the importance of personalized support for individuals living with Parkinson's disease. The conversation highlights the helpline's role in providing context, resources, and emotional support to patients and caregivers alike, emphasizing the need for community and connectio...
May 20, 2025•24 min
This conversation delves into the often-overlooked topic of constipation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. We have Dr. Evans back on the show, and another friendly face, Roz Parish! The two of them talk about the prevalence of constipation as an early symptom of Parkinson's, personal experiences with managing this condition, the impact of medications, and the benefits of pelvic floor therapy. They also explore various tools and techniques that can aid in alleviating constipation, emphasiz...
May 05, 2025•42 min
Brad was just 2 months into his Parkinson's diagnosis when he reached out to us, asking if we considered interviewing someone like him - someone who is brand new to this PD world. We have newly diagnosed stories but never anyone this new, so we asked him if he wanted to share his story. We talk about the importance of staying active, the challenges of medication management, and the emotional impact of the disease. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the unpredictability o...
Apr 25, 2025•57 min
In this episode, Jessica and Brian talk with Samantha, the founder of the Parkinson Voice Project. They discuss the importance of speech therapy for individuals with Parkinson's, the unique challenges they face, and the significance of intentional speech. They talk about how awareness and access to resources for people with PD and caregivers are critical when it comes to commnication and therapy. 00:00 Introduction to Parkinson Voice Project 01:01 The Journey of Speech Therapy for Parkinson's 10...
Apr 21, 2025•31 min
The intersection of Parkinson's disease and mental health with Dr. Taylor Rush from the Cleveland Clinic. In this episode, we explore the emotional challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson's, the role of psychology in managing these challenges, and the importance of caregiver dynamics. The conversation also delves into specific symptoms such as apathy, irritability, and hallucinations, emphasizing the need for connection and support in navigating the complexities of living with Parkinson's...
Apr 14, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Nick Peters, a retired surgeon diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson's, shares his personal experiences with Parkinson's disease (and cancer), including diagnosis, treatment options, and the impact of community support. He shares his personal experience using the new Vyalev pump, the challenges of medication management, and the importance of exercise. The conversation also touches on future considerations such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and the ongoing journey of living with...
Apr 07, 2025•29 min
Martha Carlin is back! And this time she is partnering with Lisa, a YOPD patient and President of Resolving Parkinson's. They are working on a documentary project aimed at sharing lived experience stories from patients to help shape research and treatment approaches. The discussion also highlights the need for a holistic approach to Parkinson's care, addressing not just medication but also lifestyle factors such as stress management and gut health. 00:00 The Importance of Patient Voices in Parki...
Mar 20, 2025•41 min
In this episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's, Diane, a therapist and Parkinson's patient, shares her journey with the disease and how it intersects with her work in mental health. The conversation explores the challenges of socialization for those with Parkinson's, the importance of community support, and coping mechanisms for managing mental health. Diane emphasizes the need for therapy and the value of connecting with others who understand the struggles of living with Parkinson's. 00:00 I...
Mar 17, 2025•25 min
In this conversation, Katherine shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband with Parkinson's disease. She emphasizes the importance of advocacy, navigating the healthcare system, and the adjustments required in caregiving. The discussion also touches on the impact of Parkinson's on relationships and the significance of teamwork in caregiving. Katherine's insights as a certified patient advocate provide valuable guidance for both caregivers and patients. 00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and...
Mar 12, 2025•35 min
00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories 02:58 Diagnosis Journeys and Experiences 06:06 Living with Parkinson's: Acceptance and Medication 09:02 The Role of Exercise and Community 12:06 Socialization and Support in the Gym 14:59 Encouragement for New Diagnoses 17:56 Future Aspirations and Activities 21:02 Navigating Daily Life with Parkinson's 23:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://...
Mar 10, 2025•42 min
Oh DBS...why is it so hard to decide. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Feb 27, 2025•13 min
0:00 Introduction 2:06 Jess's Neuropsychological test experience 3:46 The influence of stress on cognitive function 5:55 How does the doctor define stress 8:04 Recommendations when you do experience stress 9:47 Depression can mimic Dementia 11:55 Neurophsycology looks at the functioning of the brain 13:58 How Neuropsycology is different from other disciplines that look at cognitive functioning 15:20 Helps to have a baseline test 16:55 Applying for disability due to brain function 19:58 Normal ag...
Feb 27, 2025•24 min
00:00 Welcome Warren Hanna 02:10 Experiences for a new YOPD patient 04:51 Reaction from family 06:50 It doesn't progress overnight 07:17 How did you know 10:25 What regimen did you choose to start 21:33 Prioritizing exercise 24:16 Control the controllables 25:03 How Baseball training has helped 30:10 Becoming an advocate Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcir...
Feb 26, 2025•36 min
00:54 Police officer diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020 02:17 Connecting the dots between exposed chemicals to PD 03:34 Putting yourself in danger and you don't even know it 06:38 More awareness needs to be done around police and fireman 08:00 Accepting Parkinson's while bringing awareness to the potential reason 10:17 What changes can be made? 17:17 What if you ever got pulled over by a cop? 18:05 PULL-OVER Pal - https://www.facebook.com/pulloverpal/ Support this podcast at — https://redcircle....
Feb 19, 2025•22 min
This episode is about sex. You will hear the words: Erectile dysfunction, orgasm, libido, sex tools/toys and more. If this isn't for you, please don't watch. This episode is for people with PD who have asked the question about sex with PD. While Brian and I might look uncomfortable, I've just been really dyskinetic but also uncomfortable. But it was a GREAT interview! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle....
Feb 11, 2025•42 min
"I'm a believer!" That was a statement we heard over and over from our friends at PDNextSteps about the Beech Band after they wore it, walked around, smiled, moved more freely and spoke a little clearer. Carl himself has said that this innovation - this simple band - was a gift from God to bring back his speech. As a Christian myself, I truly believe that. We were able to witness first-hand how the Beech Band made an impact on people's lives. This is not a cure. It doesn't take take away your Pa...
Jan 26, 2025•36 min
Not everyone has a live-in carepartner. People dealing with Parkinson's could be young, old, male, female, living solo or living with someone. See how Brian manages living alone, and listen to the questions he asks me about checking in on my caregivers. This is a good one... 0:00 Intro 3:15 Living solo you do things for yourself 4:06 Living with PD, do you have stress, putting stress on your carepartner? 5:10 Are we asking or checking in our CarePartners how they are dealing with our PD? 7:24 Ar...
Jan 19, 2025•22 min
0:00 - Intro 1:02 - can you dance? 2:09 - Would you do a dance class? 2:57 - What does dance help with? 3:44 - Laugh together 4:04 - Dance is spiritual 5:03 - Dance classes in U.S. 5:58 - What does dance help with 7:19 - Jess took an adult dance class 9:15: Parkinson's Prom idea 10:50 - New year, new you Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Jan 08, 2025•13 min
Making the decision to have DBS surgery is not easy. But I didn't think it would be for the reason I discuss. #parkinsons #podcast #deepbrainstimulation #dbs #yopd #parkinsonssymptoms #thesecretlifeofpd #movementdisorder #pd Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Dec 21, 2024•12 min
Meet Carl Beech. After you watch this epside, you will remember his name, I promise you! There's not much I can really even say or explain - just trust me, you have to watch this episode!!! Check out more on: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563836532593 https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/were-investing-beech-band-wearable-device-aims-manage-parkinsons-symptoms #parkinsons #parkinsonssymptoms #parkinsonsawareness #beechband #carlbeech #spotlightYOPD #yopd #parkinsonsdiseasesupport #inno...
Nov 11, 2024•50 min
Just a mix of different topics: Shoes, PDNextSteps program, Parkinson's expenses, future episodes, and other random things. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Nov 07, 2024•14 min
Brian started experimenting with dry needling for his back and shoulder issues so we thought we would discuss his experience with his PT! 0:00-1:04 Dry Needling 1:05-2:58 Brian's PT Ryan 2:59-3:51 What is dry needling? 3:52-6:24 Where to focus dry needling 6:25-7:53 Dry needling vs. acupuncture 7:54-8:59 Brian's experience 9:00-10:11 Dry needling for Dystonia 10:12-11:47 What is cupping? 11:48-12:54 Cupping vs. needling 12:55-14:52 Things to take into consideration 14:53-18:58 How long do the ne...
Nov 05, 2024•23 min
In this episode, we meet Amy Lavalee, who is a young-onset Parkinson's patient. She shares her personal story and then talks about her work with the Brian Grant Foundation. Check it out! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Oct 14, 2024•31 min
One of the biggest Parkinson's advocates I know is George Ackerman. George's mom, Sharon, was living with Parkinson's for years before anyone ever knew. The last 4 years of her life, George was his mother's caretaker and learned more about the world of Parkinson's than he ever anticipated. Since her passing, he has has been dedicated to driving advocacy to find a cure. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle...
Oct 09, 2024•23 min
WOW, WOW, WOW! What a weekend! Our Parkinson's non-profit, the 5KforJK, had our 4th annual walking event this past weekend (September 15, 2024) in Columbus, OH. Erika came from Florida (for the 3rd time) and Jill came to Ohio for her 1st 5KforJK (and her first time to Ohio) all the way from Washington State! Straight from Erika and Jill - "community is everything...meeting other PD people is life changing." Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations A...
Sep 18, 2024•30 min
If you are into learning more about the gut, check out this episode. We brought Martha Carlin back to talk about more research she is doing on the GUT! This time, she's researching the effects of body temperature and Parkinson's. It's still in the works, but man is it interesting to hear her talk about. While I may not understand all the scientific terms, I learn and understand what I need to from Martha! Please remember, always talk to your physician and medical team before making any changes. ...
Aug 27, 2024•32 min
This was a new term to me, but I know a lot of others are probably aware. But take a minute to listen to Dr. Patel discuss sundowning and how a carepartner or family member can help. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy...
Aug 19, 2024•13 min
If you are on Instagram and have PD, you probably have seen, "imstillallie". Brian and I had the opportunity and priviledge to interview Allie Signorelli, a Young-onset PD powerhouse. Her career background happens to be in the non-profit space - doing events and fundraising for Alzheimer's. Even though she worked in the Neurodegenerative space as an advocate/event coordinator for years, she never expected to be a part of such a community. Allie was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's - check ...
Aug 19, 2024•42 min
Don't forget, you can also check out our video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretlifeofparkinsons Meet my daughter, Kate Krauser, as she brings honesty and humor to life with a Parkinson's mom...and advocate. My twins were just 9 years old when I was diagnosed. Long before I was diagnosed though, Kate, at the age of 7 and 8, was already "caring" for me and my symptoms. She would massage my leg and foot due to the rigidity and hold my \hand when it would shake. A few months af...
Jul 22, 2024•20 min
We have my daughter Kate for one last episode! She joined me at the gym earlier this month and boy was she exhausted! this episode, we talk about the benefits of going to a gym and how to overcome challenges and barriers we put in front of exercising. Apathy and fatigue in PD patient definitely play a big part, so listen to some of the ways we overcome those barriers. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle....
Jul 22, 2024•19 min
