Daniel opens by sharing how each podcast season mirrors a chapter in his life, with this one marking an awakened state. He gives a personal update: after months of worsening symptoms, he pursued evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The process, which required going off his meds, was physically and emotionally draining—only to be told he wasn’t “miserable enough” yet. The rejection left him feeling deflated and stuck.

Using the image of a plane unable to take off, Daniel conveys the emotional weight of feeling grounded by Parkinson’s. He expresses frustration and helplessness, especially when comparing his own limitations to the evaluating doctor’s effortless movements, emotions he’s still working through.

The episode moves from pain to purpose as Daniel reflects on how his diagnosis became a wake-up call. Inspired by the metaphor of a hotel wake-up call and Ben Fuller’s Wide Awake, he explores what it means to live intentionally—even when that includes discomfort or grief—and urges listeners to stay awake to life.

The episode explores the theme of awakening amidst struggle. Daniel reflects on a difficult personal setback—being denied eligibility for DBS surgery—and the emotional toll it took. Through raw honesty and reflection, he examines how moments of pain and frustration can also serve as powerful wake-up calls.

Special thanks to Keys of the Moon, Music4Video_1, Infraction, and ashamaluevmusic for the music.

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S., call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

In the season finale of Parkinson’s and Me, host Daniel Sellers welcomes his brother Brian to reflect on Daniel’s recent speaking engagement at a men’s conference and the broader journey of navigating life with Parkinson’s. The episode opens with Daniel candidly sharing how his condition affects his performance on stage, particularly in terms of energy management and mental clarity. Despite the challenges, Daniel views the experience as a valuable opportunity to grow and to share his evolving approach to vulnerability, intentionality, and faith. Brian offers his perspective as a supportive observer, affirming Daniel’s continued strength and authenticity, even in moments that didn’t go as planned.

Their conversation explores how Parkinson’s has shaped Daniel’s relationships, mindset, and purpose. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Daniel embraces it as a platform to encourage openness and connection with others, both those with and without Parkinson’s. He emphasizes the power of listening and presence, noting that while the disease is still a part of his story, it no longer plays the leading role. As the episode closes, Daniel looks ahead to season five, introducing the upcoming theme "Wide Awake"—a symbol of renewed awareness and intentional living, both in the podcast and in his own life.

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S., call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

A couple of weeks ago, Daniel shared insights from a presentation he gave at his church, focusing on managing anxiety and thriving despite life's hardships. Removing all but the core of what he calls his personal philosophy, Daniel shares the content here. Using the metaphor of boxing, he describes how life can either place a person on the defensive—overwhelmed and simply trying to avoid pain—or on offense, actively leaning into challenges to reduce their power and find opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing one's posture toward life, highlighting how proactive engagement allows for clearer vision, greater resilience, and opportunities to positively influence situations, rather than being overwhelmed by them.

Daniel further emphasizes the power of mindset in shaping life’s quality and direction, noting that contentment and positive perspective are choices that begin with intentional thought patterns. He explains how avoiding comparisons prevents emotional turmoil and encourages a stable foundation for happiness. Daniel shares that embracing silence, meditation, and gratitude are practical ways to foster this mindset, enabling him to maintain hope and clarity despite his struggles. The episode concludes by Daniel reinforcing his faith as a critical source of strength, stressing that God is aware and capable of handling human struggles, fears, and anxieties.

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com