The Secret Life of Parkinson's

In this episode, Dr. Patel is back with us and shares insights on living with Parkinson's, emphasizing the importance of medication adherence, routines, and mental health support for patients and caregivers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Dr. Patel's background

02:09 Initial conversations with newly diagnosed patients

04:01 Importance of medication adherence and timing

06:50 Role of exercise in managing Parkinson's

09:09 Dealing with off periods and early intervention

11:07 Psychological aspects and mental health support

13:01 Impact of routines and lifestyle adjustments

15:48 Supporting caregivers and family dynamics

19:00 Therapy, routines, and mental health strategies

22:06 Travel, vacations, and managing symptoms on the go

23:59 Personality, motivation, and individual differences

25:47 Final advice for newly diagnosed patients

One of the hardest parts of living with Parkinson's is that you don't always notice the changes happening in yourself—but the people around you often do.

In this episode, we talk about why feedback from family, friends, care partners, and even healthcare providers can be one of the most valuable tools for living well with Parkinson's. Brian shares how learning to accept outside observations has helped him recognize subtle changes, adjust medications, improve posture and movement, and stay independent.

We also discuss medication timing, exercise, community support, travel, planning for the future, and why conversations about palliative care and hospice shouldn't be feared—they're about living your best life for as long as possible.

Whether you're living with Parkinson's or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers practical insights into seeing the disease from a different perspective.

00:00 Introduction

00:27 Seeing What Others See

03:13 Everyday Strategies

07:08 Medication & Movement

09:22 Travel Tips

11:43 Independence

13:05 Planning Ahead

15:55 Closing Thoughts

Can what you eat really affect Parkinson's disease?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laurie Mischley to discuss the latest research on diet, lifestyle, and Parkinson's progression. We explore why nutrition may play a bigger role than many people realize, the evidence behind common dietary recommendations, and how researchers are using new tools—from remote monitoring to innovative technology—to better understand Parkinson's over time.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson's for years, this conversation offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on what you can do beyond medication.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome & Meet Dr. Mischley
02:00 Why Diet Matters in Parkinson's
08:30 New Ways Researchers Are Studying Parkinson's
15:30 Foods That May Influence Progression
22:30 Dairy, Processed Foods & Nutrition
29:00 B Vitamins & Brain Health
34:30 Lifestyle Beyond Medication
39:00 Small Changes That Can Make a Difference

After a Parkinson's diagnosis, something strange happens. Suddenly, your social media feeds, YouTube recommendations, news articles, podcasts, and Facebook groups are filled with Parkinson's. Some of it is incredibly helpful. Some of it is inspiring. And some of it can leave you feeling more overwhelmed than informed.

In this episode, we have an honest conversation about navigating the flood of Parkinson's information in today's digital world. We discuss how social media has transformed the Parkinson's community, the benefits and pitfalls of having endless information at our fingertips, and why it's okay to step back when the noise becomes too much.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson's for years, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to consume everything. Finding a few trusted resources, building real connections, and focusing on what helps you can make all the difference.

Chapters:

00:00 Suddenly, All You See Is Parkinson's

01:20 What We Did After Our Diagnosis

02:18 How the Parkinson's Community Has Changed

03:44 The Problem with Misinformation

05:12 Who (and What) Should You Trust?

07:40 Information Overload Is Real

09:09 Why We Create Content the Way We Do

10:35 The Emotional Journey After Diagnosis

12:24 Advice for Anyone Newly Diagnosed

13:51 Finding Balance in a World of Constant Information

15:12 Final Thoughts & Helpful Resources

7 Things I Learned Traveling Through Europe with Parkinson's:

• Parkinson's doesn't mean you can't travel—it means you have to travel differently.
• Preparation gives you freedom.
• Exercise is medicine, especially while traveling.
• Sleep matters more than you think.
• Stress has a bigger impact on symptoms than many people realize.
• Small routines (stretching, medication timing, hydration) prevent bigger problems.
• You don't have to prove you can do everything on your own.
• Being flexible often leads to a better trip than sticking rigidly to the original plan.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and personal hair washing routines

01:00 Travel experiences and symptom management during vacation

02:11 Impact of stress and activity on Parkinson's symptoms

03:09 Challenges with mobility and assistance during travel

04:02 Using resistance bands to simulate walking and movement

04:56 Medication adjustments and tips, including Crexon

05:53 Sleep aids and improving sleep quality with masks

07:04 Preparing for upcoming travel and DBS considerations

08:04 The importance of exercise and stretching routines

09:03 Managing medication timing and adherence

10:01 Speech and freezing of gait issues

10:51 Sleep masks and their benefits during travel

12:09 Final tips for travel preparation and self-care

"We're naming everything and explaining nothing," Martha Carlin

Get ready for some science!! But in a good way! A 4th time guest, Martha Carlin, caregiver to her husband John with Parkinson's (for over 20 years) who has since passed, still has the drive, passion and determination to figure out this disease...for John, his friends/community, the caregivers...for us. She continues to look and think outside the box.

Chapters:

00:00 Why Parkinson's may be bigger than dopamine
02:28 The diagnosis that changed Martha's life
05:12 What scientists still don't understand about Parkinson's
08:20 The gut-brain connection explained
11:45 What is the glycocalyx and why does it matter?
15:15 Environmental factors and interconnected systems
18:25 Why personalized medicine may change Parkinson's care
21:10 What gives Martha hope about the future

I'm getting ready for a family trip to Europe and, like many people with Parkinson's, packing looks a little different for me. From medications to my DBS charger and backup plans, here's a real, unfiltered look at what comes with me when I travel internationally.

David Loud spent more than two decades conducting some of Broadway's biggest productions when Parkinson's began affecting the very abilities his career depended on.

In this episode, David shares the early signs he couldn't ignore, the emotional toll of hiding his diagnosis, and why "coming out" with Parkinson's was one of the hardest things he's ever done. He also talks about reinventing himself through teaching, writing his memoir Facing the Music, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, David's story is a reminder that Parkinson's may change your path, but it doesn't have to define your future.

00:00 A Life on Broadway
01:53 When Parkinson's Entered the Picture
03:46 The Hardest Part: Hiding the Disease
06:07 Letting Go and Moving Forward
09:48 What 19 Years with Parkinson's Has Taught Me
12:15 Why I Wrote Facing the Music
17:00 What I'd Tell Someone Newly Diagnosed
20:29 Words of Hope

Why do two people with Parkinson's experience the disease so differently?

In this episode, we sit down with researchers Patrik Verstreken and Natalie Kaempf to explore groundbreaking work that may help answer that question. Using advanced biology, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence, their team has identified what could be five distinct biological subtypes of Parkinson's disease.

We discuss what these findings mean for people living with Parkinson's today, how genetics and environmental factors may influence disease progression, and why understanding the biology behind Parkinson's could lead to more personalized treatments, better clinical trials, and earlier diagnosis in the future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's Disease Research

02:54 Understanding the Variability of Parkinson's Disease

06:07 Symptomatic Treatments vs. Underlying Causes

08:57 Subtypes of Parkinson's Disease

11:51 The Role of Biomarkers in Early Diagnosis

14:46 AI's Impact on Parkinson's Research

18:10 Clinical Trials and Treatment Stratification

20:59 Future Directions in Parkinson's Disease Treatment

23:55 The Importance of Community and Hope

In this episode, we explore the inspiring work of Pass to Pass, an organization that empowers people with Parkinson's through outdoor hiking adventures. Learn about trip planning, safety, gear, and how outdoor activities can boost confidence and well-being. So excited about these adventures!!!