In this episode, Simon Allard from Amneal Pharmaceuticals joins the YOPN podcast team to share his journey from neuroscience research to his role as a medical science liaison—and to give listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Parkinson’s drugs are developed, tested, and refined in real life.

Simon unpacks the science behind preclinical research, the phases of clinical trials, and the differences between extended-release Levodopa formulations. He also explains how real-world feedback from patients and clinicians continues to shape dosing, safety, and access.

Together with the hosts, Simon explores gaps in trial representation, the promise of wearable technology, and why open communication between clinicians, patients, and pharma matters. The episode highlights the vital role of patient advocacy, participation in research, and how the combination of effective symptom management and regular exercise can help people with YOPD live well today—while science pushes toward tomorrow’s disease-modifying therapies.

In this episode, Simon Allard from Amneal Pharmaceuticals joins the YOPN podcast team to share his journey from neuroscience research to his role as a medical science liaison—and to give listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Parkinson’s drugs are developed, tested, and refined in real life.

Simon unpacks the science behind preclinical research, the phases of clinical trials, and the differences between extended-release Levodopa formulations. He also explains how real-world feedback from patients and clinicians continues to shape dosing, safety, and access.

Together with the hosts, Simon explores gaps in trial representation, the promise of wearable technology, and why open communication between clinicians, patients, and pharma matters. The episode highlights the vital role of patient advocacy, participation in research, and how the combination of effective symptom management and regular exercise can help people with YOPD live well today—while science pushes toward tomorrow’s disease-modifying therapies.

Explore the challenges and triumphs of traveling with Parkinson's disease in this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network. 

Hosts Chris, Mel, and Esther share personal stories and practical tips for both local and international travel. They discuss the challenges posed by airports and transportation systems that are not disability-friendly, and offer strategies such as packing light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.

The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.

The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.

Explore the challenges and triumphs of traveling with Parkinson's disease in this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network. 

Hosts Chris, Mel, and Esther share personal stories and practical tips for both local and international travel. They discuss the challenges posed by airports and transportation systems that are not disability-friendly, and offer strategies such as packing light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.

The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.

The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.

In this discussion, Mel, Esther and Chris delve into the topic of mental wellness, sharing their personal experiences and challenges with mental health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease. They explore their histories with bipolar disorder and depression, the importance of mental health support systems, and coping mechanisms. The conversation touches on the stigma around mental health, the connections between mental health and physical diseases like Parkinson's, and the necessity for more integrated mental health care. The speakers advocate for greater awareness and accessibility to mental health resources, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for both patients and their families.

In this discussion, Mel, Esther and Chris delve into the topic of mental wellness, sharing their personal experiences and challenges with mental health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease. They explore their histories with bipolar disorder and depression, the importance of mental health support systems, and coping mechanisms. The conversation touches on the stigma around mental health, the connections between mental health and physical diseases like Parkinson's, and the necessity for more integrated mental health care. The speakers advocate for greater awareness and accessibility to mental health resources, emphasizing the need for early intervention and support for both patients and their families.

Audio Only

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates. 

Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like DBS surgery to daily lifestyle adjustments. They open up about their personal coping mechanisms, the role of community support, and the mental fortitude needed to persist.

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates. 

Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like DBS surgery to daily lifestyle adjustments. They open up about their personal coping mechanisms, the role of community support, and the mental fortitude needed to persist.

(Audio Only)

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments.

They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actions and expand to influence larger communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of creativity, empathy, and personal experiences in redefining what it means to be an advocate for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments.

They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actions and expand to influence larger communities. Join us as we highlight the importance of creativity, empathy, and personal experiences in redefining what it means to be an advocate for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.