The Parkinson’s eXchange Podcast

Before we begin, this episode includes discussions about mental health and suicide. We believe these topics deserve to be spoken about openly - but we also know they can be hard to hear. If you need support, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14, or visit beyondblue.org.au.

In this episode Damien Leith and Olivia Nassaris speak with Kon, who shares his personal journey after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 41 and later facing bowel cancer, family loss and mental health challenges. Kon describes the diagnosis process, the impact on family life, and the practical and emotional struggles that followed.

The conversation covers Kon’s experience with medication side effects, his decision to pursue deep brain stimulation (DBS), recovery and ongoing adjustments, and the resilience framework he developed based on reflective empathy, unconditional forgiveness and transformation that helped him rebuild his life.

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[Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.]

Ann and Rex share their experience after Ann’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, discussing the shock, learning curve, and how they navigated changing roles over 13 years.

They talk practical advice for couples, setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and the importance of exercise and self-care for carers.

The episode also tackles stigma around bladder issues, how solutions like bladder Botox helped, and the value of openness and working on your relationship to better manage life with Parkinson’s.

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Young Onset Parkinson's

In this episode Paula shares her journey from first symptoms in her late teens to an official diagnosis at 27, navigating pregnancy and single motherhood with young-onset Parkinson’s, and the stigma she faced in the community and workplace.

Paula has lived with Parkinson's for over 35 years - a journey marked by courage, loss, resilience, and ultimately, hope. But in 2020, everything changed. A new advanced therapy transformed her life. Within weeks, she regained her mobility, independence, and zest for life - reclaiming the ability to walk, dance, socialise, travel, and feel joy once more.

Listen in for this inspiring story with Paula.

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Download the new YOPX app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play:

For IOS 

[Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.]

In this epsiode, Damian Leith & Olivia Nassaris speaks with Gaia Forlani, a neuroscientist specialised in sensorimotor, clinical, and movement neuroscience. She holds an MSc in Neuroscience from the Radboud University – Donders Graduate School (NL), where she trained at the Radboud University Medical Center and the Centre of Excellence for Parkinson’s.

She also holds an MA in Philosophical Sciences from the University of Milan, specialising in Applied Neuroscience and the Phenomenology of Movement, and a BA in Neuroaesthetics focused on agency, perception, and embodied cognition.

As a former professional ballerina, she earned a Higher Artistic Ballet Degree (AFAM–MIUR) in affiliation with the National Academy of Dance in Rome. Gaia is an NSCA-CPT and NACC NeuroAthletics Coach with over 10 years of coaching experience across clinical populations, athletes, and executives. She is the co-founder of the Parkinson Performance Centre and creator of the Parkinson Power Protocol.

In this episode, Gaia explains the Parkinson Power Protocol, a neuroscientifically grounded, holistic approach that treats exercise as medicine and trains people with Parkinson’s like athletes, not patients.

They discuss personalised, evidence‑based training, mindset shifts that empower people living with Parkinson’s, and the need to bridge research and clinical practice.

Gaia will be the keynote speaker at the Parkinson’s Australia National Conference in 2027.

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Supporting every voice, every story...

In Episode 1, our guest is Sydney mother of three, Christine Jeya, was 37 when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“I had three young children when I was diagnosed. We were completely shocked and didn’t know what to do,” Ms Jeya said. “Most people don’t know what to think about Parkinson’s in someone my age. There’s still this assumption that it only affects older people, and that’s just not the reality.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that Parkinson’s does not look the same for everyone - and that no one should have to navigate it alone.

Follow us on Social Media:

Parkinson's Australia

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YOPX

Instagram: @yopxaustralia

Facebook: YOPX Australia

Websites:

Parkinson's Australia

Young Onset Parkinson's

Download the new YOPX app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play:

For IOS 

[Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.]