Life After a Parkinson's Diagnosis

Episode 1: Permission to Play

Guests: Kevin Kwok, Bill Buckalew, Yvonne Jackson, Dr. Anne Cohn Donnelly, Margaret Burns-Kohn, Allie Signorelli, Jimmy Choi, Michael Fitts, Kuhan Pushparatnam, Dan Dumsha

Creativity often blooms in unexpected soil. In this episode, Larry talks with a wide range of people who discovered (or rediscovered) their creative side after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. From painting to photography, improv to boxing, their stories prove that Parkinson’s doesn’t end your story — it gives you a new chapter. Hear how creativity can be both healing and empowering, and why you don’t need to be “artistic” to start playing again.

Life After a Parkinson's Diagnosis

Episode 2: Permission to Fly

Guests: Kevin Kwok, Bill Buckalew, Yvonne Jackson, Allie Signorelli, Jimmy Choi, Michael Fitts, Richard & Angela Huckabee, Dr. Anne Cohn Donnelly, Margaret Burns-Kohn

Parkinson’s might slow you down — but it doesn’t have to keep you grounded. In this episode, Larry shares tips, tricks, and hilarious travel tales from seasoned globetrotters with Parkinson’s. From TSA turbulence to time-zone medication math, these guests share how they prep, pack, and power through. Whether you’re flying international or road-tripping local, you’ll leave this episode with practical advice, a few laughs, and renewed wanderlust.

Life After a Parkinson's Diagnosis

Episode 3: Permission to Pivot

Guests: Kevin Kwok, Bill Buckalew, Yvonne Jackson, Jimmy Choi, Allie Signorelli, Michael Fitts, Dr. Michael Okun, Deena Grinnell, Margaret Burns-Kohn, Richard Huckabee

Living with Parkinson’s is a masterclass in adaptation. In this episode, Larry and his guests share the big and small pivots that make everyday life a little easier—from mobility hacks to medication workarounds, wardrobe upgrades to home safety tweaks. You’ll learn why “pivoting” isn’t giving up—it’s choosing a smarter path forward. As one guest puts it, flexibility is a strategy, not a surrender.

Life After a Parkinson's Diagnosis

Episode 4: Permission to Laugh

Guests: Matt Eagles, Margaret Burns-Kohn, Dr. Anne Cohn Donnelly, Richard & Angela Huckabee, Kevin Kwok, Bill Buckalew, Yvonne Jackson, Jimmy Choi, Allie Signorelli, Michael Fitts

Laughter won’t cure Parkinson’s — but it might just help you live with it. In this heartfelt and hilarious finale, Larry explores the power of humor with people who’ve learned to laugh with Parkinson’s, not at it. From awkward urology visits to naming your disease “Earl,” the episode is full of honest moments and ridiculous truths. But it also offers a gentle reminder: behind the jokes, there’s space for real feelings, too.

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 has been on a wild journey that has taken her from dealing with anxiety and depression in the year following the diagnosis to the finish lines of the 2023 Ironman Hawaii World Championships, the 2024 Boston marathon and the 2024 US Paralympic track and field trials.   

Sara is passionate about educating and inspiring others about the power and importance of exercise in managing Parkinson's disease. She has also become a vocal advocate for the 5000+ Post 9/11 Veterans who have applied for VA disability benefits for Parkinson's disease, thousands of whom have been denied benefits despite having served in Iraq and Afghanistan near active burn pits, living and working on military bases with known contaminated water supplies and working in industrial shops using toxic solvents and chemicals known to be linked to Parkinson's disease.  She is on a mission to ensure these veterans get the care and benefits they deserve.

Parkinsonz: PD with Zest and Zeal - A site by Sara Whittingham MD to inspire and educate those affected by Parkinson's Disease.