The Secret Life of Parkinson's

This BONUS episode highlights my time at WPC 2026 at the Comfort Linen booth!

Last year, episode #108, we had Nancy McGovern on the podcast, and this year, I was able to meet her in person at the World Parkinson's Congress 2026!

She is the creator of Comfort Linen, sheets and pajamas that are designed to allow you to move easier and more freely without getting stuck, as most people with Parkinson's do. I started using her sheets and pajamas before the interview last year and I still sing her praises today!

Some may say they are too expensive, but we spend a lot of our time in our beds, not sleeping well. Wouldn't you pay just a $1 a day to get a good night sleep? Or at least a solid 5 hours? I did.

Jessica and Melissa had the opportunity to visit and explore the Kirk Gibson innovative Parkinson's wellness center and we had share our experience. Brian then shares his experience at a PD conference he spoke at in New York! Great updates to learn what's going on in other areas.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Secret Life of Parkinson's

00:57 Exploring the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness

04:31 Presenting at the Parkinson's Symposium

06:51 Encouraging Community Engagement and Support

A quick note before we start. This episode isn't about a gambling problem or a shopping problem. It's about a known side effect of certain Parkinson's medications that can change behavior in ways people don't always recognize while it's happening. Our guest, and avid listner to the podcast, Robert, was brave enough to share his story because he hopes it helps someone else spot the signs sooner than he did.

Takeaways

• Medication side effects can lead to compulsive behaviors
• Oversight and awareness are crucial when taking medication for Parkinson's

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to medication side effects and personal stories
• 02:00 - The significance of oversight and monitoring impulsive behaviors
• 05:00 - Recognizing signs of compulsive gambling, shopping, and working
• 08:00 - Personal journey: panic attack and the impact on life
• 12:00 - The role of questionnaires like QWIP in identifying risks
• 15:00 - How trauma and stress influence Parkinson's symptoms
• 18:00 - Practical advice for family and caregivers 20:00 - The importance of open communication with healthcare providers
• 22:00 - Lessons learned and hope for the community
• 24:00 - Final thoughts: empowerment and vigilance

This inspiring interview features Nancy, a passionate cyclist living with Parkinson's, sharing her journey of resilience, the importance of exercise, and how biking helps manage her symptoms. Discover practical tips, motivational stories, and insights on staying active with Parkinson's.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nancy's Journey with Parkinson's

03:01 Biking Accidents and Resilience

05:48 The Impact of Exercise on Parkinson's

08:46 Community and Support in Biking

12:09 Living Life Fully with Parkinson's

We are so excited to introduce Nicole, Brian's other half! During this interview, we talk to Nicole about dating someone who already has a Parkinson's diagnosis, but we also talk about her professional experience as a nurse and her work with patients that come in with Parkinson's.

This episode explores the misconceptions and practical steps for legal and financial planning after a Parkinson's diagnosis. The discussion features Jim Allen, a retired law employment attorney and living with Parkinson's, shares insights on timing, decision-making, and managing estate planning in the context of a progressive disease.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's and Legal Affairs

06:06 Navigating Legal Decisions After Diagnosis

12:11 Financial Planning and Estate Management

17:58 Understanding Wills, Trusts, and Probate

24:02 Final Thoughts on Planning and Peace of Mind

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

01:24 Peter’s Diagnosis Journey

03:50 Initial Reactions and Diagnosis Relief

05:17 Medication Regimen and Challenges

07:10 Writing as Therapy and Creative Outlets

08:38 Impact of Parkinson’s on Hobbies and Lifestyle

10:27 Considering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

12:19 Communication Challenges and Support

14:14 Experiences with Anxiety and Support Moments

16:38 Support Systems and Family Importance

19:30 Reflections on Identity and Purpose

22:23 Managing Travel and Daily Activities

24:16 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients

25:39 Stubbornness, Acceptance, and Moving Forward

26:39 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

In this episode, Dr. Jud Millhon, a cardiologist turned advocate for blood flow technology known as Beemer. We dive deep into how improving microcirculation could support management your overall health.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introducing the episode: The link between blood flow, Parkinson's, and wellness
02:00 - Dr. Jud Millhon’s background in cardiology and his personal health journey
04:00 - How Beamer technology works and its effects on blood flow
06:00 - The importance of microcirculation and aging-related changes
07:30 - Common symptoms related to circulation issues, such as neuropathy
09:00 - Demonstrating microcirculatory blood flow improvements with Beamer
10:50 - The lasting effects of Beamer use and optimal frequency
12:00 - Worldwide adoption and hospital integration of blood flow technology
13:00 - Contraindications and safety considerations
14:00 - Specific relevance for Parkinson’s: inflammation and blood flow support
15:00 - Personal benefits from consistent use and lifestyle integration
16:00 - Future prospects: clinical research and regulatory pathways
17:00 - Encouragement to explore Beamer as part of an overall healthy lifestyle
18:00 - Closing thoughts: Hope, community, and proactive health management

In this episode, we revisit important insights on managing Parkinson's while working, including legal rights, disclosure timing, and workplace accommodations, with expert Jim Allen. We explore practical advice for navigating employment challenges and maintaining independence.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:21 Previous Episode Recap and Key Topics
02:50 Medication and Symptom Management
03:19 Jim's Career and Expertise in Disability Law
05:13 Importance of Employer Communication
07:12 Who to Inform About Parkinson's at Work
08:40 Cognitive Symptoms and Workplace Challenges
09:38 Retirement and Cognitive Decline
10:08 Documenting Conversations with Employers
11:06 What to Disclose and When
12:06 Legal Aspects of Discrimination and Layoffs
13:56 Legal Standards for Disability Claims
16:25 Employee Rights and Reasonable Accommodations
17:21 When to Disclose Symptoms in New Jobs
18:48 Handling Personal Limitations and Employer Expectations
20:14 Sharing Personal Experiences and Advocacy
22:06 FMLA and Medical Leave Options
24:00 Napping and Breaks as Accommodations
25:26 Managing Work Schedule Flexibility
27:23 Resources for Employers and Employees
28:50 Legal and Practical Tips for Disclosure
29:47 Summary and Final Advice

YOU HAVE TO LISTEN UNTIL THE END! SO FUNNY!!!
This interview explores the innovative intersection of art, neuroscience, and Parkinson's disease, featuring Kristin Norderval’s journey as a musician diagnosed with Parkinson's and her pioneering work on vocal and gestural research. Discover how music and movement can aid in understanding and managing Parkinson's symptoms.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kristin Norderval and Her Journey
02:48 The Intersection of Music and Parkinson's
06:02 Researching the Neurology of Singing
08:37 The Role of Singing in Parkinson's Therapy
11:47 Exploring Vocal Exercises and Their Benefits
14:36 The Impact of NeuroArts and Collaboration
17:52 Innovative Tools for Vocal Improvisation
20:45 Personal Experiences with Parkinson's and Music
23:29 Future Aspirations and Research Goals
26:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts