In this episode, hosts Jessica Krauser and Brian Baker engage in a heartfelt conversation with Robert McMillan, who shares his 14-year journey with Parkinson's disease. The discussion covers the initial shock of diagnosis, the importance of support systems, treatment options, and the impact of exercise on quality of life. Robert emphasizes the need for self-advocacy, the significance of community, and the personal growth that can arise from living with Parkinson's. The episode concludes with advice for those newly diagnosed, highlighting the importance of perspective and resilience in the face of challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's Journey

02:58 Diagnosis and Initial Reactions

05:59 Living with Parkinson's: Early Experiences

09:01 Treatment Options and Their Impact

12:00 Support Systems and Community

14:49 Quality of Life and Personal Growth

18:06 Managing Symptoms and Daily Challenges

20:57 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed

23:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Jessica and Brian talk to Dr. Mantri, a Movement Disorder Neurologist and the new Chief Medical Officer for the Parkinson's Foundation. Dr. Mantri dives into the importance of personalized patient care in managing Parkinson's disease and they explore how patients can prepare for appointments, the significance of care partners, and the value of community support. The conversation also touches on the need for better education for healthcare providers and the future goals of the Parkinson's Foundation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the First Chief Medical Officer

03:00 The Role of a Movement Disorders Specialist

06:03 Preparing for Your First Appointment

08:58 The Importance of Care Partners

12:03 Utilizing Videos for Better Diagnosis

15:02 Key Questions for Your Doctor

17:49 When to Seek a Second Opinion

21:03 Follow-Up Appointments and Their Importance

23:49 The Value of Community Support

26:47 Future Goals of the Parkinson's Foundation

Viewers have asked about our personal experiences with medication changes throughout our journey so far - the changes in dosage, the side effects, the different medications, trial and error. So in this episode, Jess and Brian each dive into their medication journey (Jess over 6 years and Brian over 10 years). The conversation also touches on alternative treatments and lifestyle adjustments that can aid in coping with Parkinson's symptoms.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Survey Insights

01:02 Jessica's Medication Journey

06:40 Brian's Medication Journey

10:40 Exploring Alternative Treatments and Lifestyle Adjustments

18:33 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

This is our 2nd episode with our PD friends, Mike and Bob. In this episode, they share things they've noticed since their last podcast episode (#136) in March 2025 (8 months ago). The conversation dives into more personal experiences living with Parkinson's, exploring the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with the condition. It highlights the importance of support systems, coping mechanisms, humor, and the journey towards acceptance.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

1:00 - Parkinson's acceptance / double vision

3:00 - Depression diagnosis based on hand grip

4:45 - Empathy

6:00 - Recognizing slow/stiff movements

6:37 - Medications Neurophsych test

8:48 - Would you rather know and help yourself or not know

13:46 - Coming to the realization you have Parkinson's

15:04 - It's my parkinson's

18:00 - RBD (REM Behavior Disorder)

21:31 - Sometimes, we have to laugh at ourselves

22:37 - Being a hunter and living with Parkinson's

23:23 - Bicycling and living with Parkinson's

26:05 - The difference the gym and community make

27:20 - Surgeries with Parkinson's

29:15 - Close / Have a sense of humor

In this episode, we had Lesley Sittler talk to us about her dad who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, our Producer, Steve Brandenburg.

0:00 Intro

1:20 Finding out my dad had Parkinson's

4:25 Jess having a brain fart on not remembering Steve's diagnosis story (I actually knew but forgot)

6:00 Dad was always invicible to me

7:40 How I felt

8:30 Making Lemonade out of Lemons

9:37 The grandkids experience

11:42 Did your relationship change?

13:50 Inspired by mom. That's marriage

15:00 Therapy for carepartners

16:53 What I wish other adult children of PD knew

19:20 When parents with PD are open vs not open about Parkinson's

21:36 What I want my dad to know

24:00 Closure

In this episode, Melissa and Jess talk to Mike Willingham who was diagnosed 1 year ago. He talks about his diagnosis journey and most importantly his words of encouragement for others. Don't stop living life. Make adjustments, but you are still YOU!

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction and Diagnosis

1:31 Diagnosis journey

8:46 Body's response to medication and exercise

11:16 Difficulty accepting diagnosis

15:09 Jobs and hobbies

19:08 What you wish you could tell yourself the day you were diagnosed

20:35 Diagnosis gave me an "ah-ha" moment

21:58 Parkinson's Community

23:01 Life goals

24:50 "I really needed to hear that"

26:11 Closing

This weekend we attended the APDA Young Onset Parkinson’s Conference in Seattle — and we left with new friends and a full heart.

In this episode we talk about what it was like to be surrounded by people who get it, what we learned from others living with YOPD, and why connection changes everything.

We interviewed a 21 year old with Parkinson's, Lily, and her experience being so young. We also had the chance to catch up with Nate Coomer with the Parkinson's Fitness Project.

I can't stress enough how powerful it is to meet others with Parkinson's. Community is everything!

In this episode, Melissa and Jessica meet with John Hoover, Publisher of Sooner On SI (a Sports Illustrated channel). He shares his personal journey with Parkinson's disease, discussing his diagnosis, the challenges he faced, and the importance of advocacy and community support. He emphasizes the significance of open communication about the disease, the impact of medication management, and how hobbies like drumming can serve as therapeutic outlets. John also offers valuable advice for newly diagnosed patients, encouraging them to engage with their local communities and seek out resources to navigate their journey with Parkinson's.

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:59 Living with Parkinson's: The Diagnosis Journey

05:42 The Impact of Parkinson's on Daily Life

08:29 Navigating Healthcare and Finding Specialists

11:01 Coping Mechanisms and Medication Management

13:50 The Role of Hobbies: Drumming as Therapy

16:31 Advice for New Patients and Community Engagement

19:17 Reflections on Life with Parkinson's

22:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts