We talk with Australian runner Kirsten Jackson on her progress with dystonia and DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation). Kirsten had the implant in February of 2025 and considers herself cured from dystonia with this device. Listen to this intriguing talk about her story. What she has tried and the amount of money she has invested in her health is astounding. 

Links: Doctors - https://www.cabrini.com.au/find-a-doctor/a-profwesleythevathasan/

DBS - Deep Brain Stimulation https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/deep-brain-stimulation-movement-disorders

and info on the Boston Scientific site (the implant Kirsten has received)

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The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

On this episode, Julie talks with long-time dystonic runner, Roberta Reardon. We discuss modalities that are non-drug as well as how the issues first began. Roberta shares some key insights into how her recovery has progressed to the point of feeling almost "normal." One key to all of this is Belief. 

Links: 

https://www.alpenboxx.com/adventures.html

Ruth Chiles

Dr. Farias

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The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with Shannon Webb, a newly diagnosed runner with dystonia. She shares what she has tried, where she is in her progress and what she hopes to have happen in the future. 

Here is a link to the University of Illinois - Chicago's ASPIRE Resilient Athlete Program. Thanks for listening. 

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

Julie and JoJo are joined by Victoria Upson in this episode to hear her journey with running and Runner's Dystonia. Victoria shares a lot about her symptoms and how her persistence have allowed her to move forward in positive ways. 

You can find Victoria on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dystonicrunner

and Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dystonicrunner/

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

Julie and Joelle sit down with Bree Williamson to learn about her experience with Re+active PT. This is to share information and not to recommend any particular programs. If you are interested, the website for Re+active is here. 

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

Ih this episode, Julie and JoJo chat with fellow Dystonic runner Maria Winters. Maria has successfully used the principles from the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) to enhance her healing progress. She shares how symptoms first exhibited, what she had tried and how she is doing now after several years' worth of this type of therapy. Just to note, that we are not promoting PRI as a "cure," but rather one other tool that MIGHT be useful for some people. If there were one way, we'd all be doing that. Different things work for different people.

PRI website
Neal Hallinan (PRItrainer) mentioned in the cast

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

Julie and JoJo discuss how they have managed comments, questions and reactions from other people. If you have comments or questions, we would love to hear. 

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

In this episode, we do a deep dive into the Farias Dystonia Recovery Program. Benefits, Drawbacks, Cost, etc. 

The Dystonia Recovery Program (DRP) is an online platform tailored for individuals with various forms of Dystonia, including Cervical Dystonia, Hand Dystonia, Leg Dystonia, Blepharospasm, Oromandibular Dystonia, Facial Dystonia, Spasmodic Dysphonia, and Musicians’ Focal Dystonia. Developed by Dr. Joaquin Farias, this program integrates a multifaceted approach to recovery. 

Note to listeners - we do not endorse, nor are affiliated with this program. We are merely aiming to educate, share and give hope to those with this affliction. Recovery is possible. 

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

In this episode we talk with cyclist Chris Melia about her presentation of Focal Dystonia. Chris is a former runner and now a cyclist who recognized the signs of dystonia in 2021. She relates to us how it presented and how she detected it. Since that time, she has made much progress and this episode details what she has done to move forward. Much of what Chris shares is less about the physical and more about the mental and emotional. As always thanks for listening.

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]

In this episode, JoJo and Julie review all of the treatments tired for dystonia, explaining what seems to be working and what didn't work. It's a long list and NOT comprehensive by any means. Keep in mind that this is based on our own needs, tolerances and preferences - and may not work for you. In addition, some things that did not work for us may be working for you. We are all unique in our journeys through this. By all means stay hopeful that change is possible with persistence and a curious outlook. 

Support the show

The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals.

You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - [email protected] and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - [email protected]