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This is from 4 years ago — and we're sharing it again because it still holds. Originally recorded December 2022 as Episode #43, this is Brian and me talking through how we get through the holidays living with Parkinson's: crowds, travel, staying on routine, meds on time, and why stress means more symptoms. My take now is the same in one way: give yourself a pass. Be a little selfish. Stick to your routines. I'm adding a quick intro to this one just from me, and around the holidays I'll record our 4-years-later version — what we do differently now for sleep, travel, and boundaries with family. Tell us in the comments what hits different for you now. It will help us record the new episode. Originally aired: December 8, 2022 (9:43) New intro filmed: November 2026 This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PDNextSteps home workouts, or join our newsletter. #parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease

Please take our membership survey https://bit.ly/4yVr47O Nearly a year after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Dean Dahl reflects on moving through the initial shock, learning to focus on the present, and finding connection through a Parkinson’s buddy and exercise. He joined us in Ohio to discuss Rock Steady Boxing, medication conversations, family life, and the work of the Changing Parkinson’s community. Chapters 00:00 Hosts preview a possible viewer membership 02:46 Dean Dahl returns nearly a year after diagnosis 04:42 Learning to cherish today instead of worrying about tomorrow 08:03 The World Parkinson Congress becomes a turning point 10:29 A Parkinson’s buddy offers support in a shared language 13:14 How Rock Steady Boxing helped Dean get moving 15:10 Building an exercise routine that travels with him 17:09 Grandfatherhood, tremors, and what family sees 18:36 Medication, ropinirole, and impulse-control concerns 23:01 Balancing symptoms and medication decisions 24:19 Choosing humor, activity, and the present 26:13 The 5K for JK and Changing Parkinson’s mission 33:18 Dean’s message: find community and keep exercising This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PDNextSteps home workouts, or join our newsletter.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Samantha Evans and explore the complex relationship between perimenopause and Parkinson's symptoms, discussing how hormonal changes can mimic or exacerbate Parkinson's symptoms, and what women can do to manage these overlapping issues. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Changes and Parkinson's 01:49 Symptoms Overlap: What to Watch For 03:46 Understanding Perimenopause and Its Timeline 07:10 Sleep Issues in Parkinson's and Menopause 10:02 Tracking Symptoms and Medication Effects 12:52 Hormone Therapy: Safety and Research 18:07 Impact of Menopause on Women's Health and Parkinson's 21:55 Managing Symptoms: Practical Tips and Strategies 29:48 The Future of Research and Women's Health in Parkinson's This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PD Next Steps home workouts, or join our newsletter. #parkinsons #perimenopause #menopause #hrt #hormonereplacementtherapy

What does the first year after a diagnosis really feel like — for the care partner? Darla Dahl, care partner to Dean Dahl (Episode 173), joins Jessica and Melissa to talk about going from hit-like-a-brick-wall to finally not thinking about it 24-7. Darla has been a care partner since 2015 — for her mother-in-law, for her dad — but nothing prepared her for hearing those words about her husband in October 2025. In this honest patient-to-partner conversation she shares what helped most in year one: a virtual Struthers Parkinson's Center support group for newly diagnosed families, giving herself permission to quilt, knit and create even if it's just 10 minutes, and buying an RV in Arizona in January to prove life wasn't over — van life, tailgates, and workouts on the road with bands and free weights. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to The Secret Life of Parkinson's with Darla Dahl 02:30 Diagnosed October 2025 - hit like a brick wall 06:15 Support group + making time to quilt and create 09:40 We bought an RV - van life freedom 13:10 Today thoughts vs future thoughts 16:20 World Parkinson's Congress, anticipatory grief, and lasting friendships 19:30 Thumbs up / thumbs down communication tip 21:30 Last 30 seconds takeaway This episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving with PD Next Steps home workouts, or join our newsletter. #parkinsons #parkinsonsdisease #caregiving

Get stronger with Parkinson's in just 10 minutes! 💪 Join Melissa and Brian, and a special guest from Minnesota, Dean Dahl, for a simple, effective resistance band workout designed to help people living with Parkinson's build strength, improve mobility, and stay active wherever they are. (Watch till the end to see you decides to peek in!!) Whether you're at home, traveling, or looking for a quick workout, these exercises can be adapted to your fitness level. Dean demonstrates easy modifications, including using a chair or wall for stability, exercising with one arm at a time, and using just your body weight if you don't have resistance bands. Remember: Every movement counts! Work within your abilities, take breaks when needed, and use support for balance when necessary. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Dean's Road Workout 00:30 Warm-Up: Shoulder Squats and Presses 01:27 Exercise Modifications 02:28 Resistance Band Squats 03:58 Body Weight Alternatives and Stability Tips 04:55 Lateral Arm Raises and Balance 06:07 Alternating Lunges and Band Pull-Aparts 07:27 Increasing Repetitions and Heart Rate 09:41 Front Extensions and Cool Down ❤️ More than exercise. It's about living well with Parkinson's. Subscribe for more Parkinson's exercise videos, education, and real conversations from Changing Parkinson's. Exercise at your own pace and consult your healthcare provider or physical therapist if you're unsure which movements are appropriate for you. #ParkinsonsExercise #ParkinsonsDisease #ResistanceBandWorkout #ParkinsonsFitness #ChangingParkinsons

In this episode, we dig into how Parkinson's care has shifted from inpatient long-term care to community-based outpatient programs — and why getting connected early helps people stay independent longer. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's care evolution 01:47 The history of Parkinson's programs in long-term care 04:10 Growth of community awareness and support events 06:08 Shift from inpatient to outpatient Parkinson's support 08:04 Impact of healthcare policy on nursing home care 09:34 Importance of early supportive services for Parkinson's 11:02 Community engagement and the Parkinson's walk 12:29 Personal stories of resilience and community support 13:54 Resources and encouragement for Parkinson's patients and families This episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PDNextSteps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visit http://changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving, or join our newsletter.

Deciding whether to move forward with deep brain stimulation can feel like a huge step. In this episode, we talk with Kelly Geyer about his Parkinson’s journey, what led him to start considering DBS, and how he worked through the decision. Kelly shares what the evaluation process was like, what he hopes DBS will improve, what it can’t fix, and some of the emotional questions that come with making a decision like this. We also talk about device options, surgery, long-term maintenance, personality changes, expectations, and why having a medical team you trust matters so much. If you’re considering DBS—or just starting to wonder whether it could someday be an option for you—Kelly’s experience offers a really honest look at what goes into that decision. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Kelly and His Parkinson’s Story 03:18 – When Medication Wasn’t Enough 05:40 – When DBS Entered the Conversation 06:37 – What the DBS Evaluation Really Looks Like 08:28 – The Emotional Side of Saying Yes to DBS 11:15 – What Kelly Hopes DBS Will Change 12:40 – Understanding What DBS Can—and Can’t—Do 18:49 – Surgery, Device Options and Battery Life 24:58 – Kelly’s Advice for Anyone Considering DBS 25:24 – Finding Support in the Parkinson’s Community This episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PDNextSteps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visit http://changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving, or join our newsletter. #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #ChangingParkinsons #Neurologists

Junior year homecoming with my twins gave me 1 win and 1 heartbreak as a mom living with Parkinson's — and a DBS win for now. I made my daughter Kate's bouquet with her, but I couldn't pin my son Ben's boutonniere because of slowness in my fingers. If you know that feeling, this one's for you.

A Parkinson’s diagnosis usually comes from a doctor. But learning how to actually live with Parkinson’s happens somewhere else. In this episode, we chat with Katie Webster about the gap between medical care and the day-to-day reality of living with Parkinson’s — and why community, education and trusted resources matter so much. They discuss how organizations like Changing Parkinson’s and resources like The Secret Life of Parkinson’s podcast can help people feel less alone, better understand what they’re experiencing and become more confident navigating life with Parkinson’s. Katie also shares why creating a safe, trusted community is so important, the emotional journey that often follows diagnosis, and how resources for newly diagnosed individuals, exercise programs and patient-led education can help fill some of the gaps traditional healthcare simply can’t. Because sometimes the first step into the Parkinson’s community isn’t walking into a support group. Sometimes it’s pressing play. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 00:28 The purpose of the podcast and nonprofit 02:25 Addressing the gap between diagnosis and reality 04:18 The importance of community and feeling safe 06:14 The impact of community on new diagnoses 08:04 The role of the podcast in education and support 12:10 The reach and impact of the podcast at the World Parkinson's Congress 16:48 Challenges in growing a nonprofit organization 22:55 The emotional journey of diagnosis and acceptance 26:57 Resources and support tools for newly diagnosed 27:23 Call to action and closing remarks

In this episode, Brian Baker shares what happened after just 4 days doing the 66 parkinson's voice project SPEAK OUT program from home — for free. From vocal warm-ups like "may me my mo moo" to counting 1-12 with intent, to reading about table tennis with inflection, he breaks down what actually works for soft speech, and why remembering to speak with intent at work is so hard. 0:00 - Brian started something new: SPEAK OUT 1:15 - What is the Parkinson's Voice Project? 2:40 - How the free daily online classes work (15-20 min) 4:10 - Warm-ups: may me my mo moo + sliding ahs 5:20 - Counting 1-12 with INTENT + inflection practice 6:15 - Swallow with intent & aspiration 7:45 - Does focusing really make Parkinson's symptoms stop? 8:50 - How to find a SPEAK OUT speech therapist near you 9:45 - Last 30 seconds: exercise your voice like you exercise your body This episode was brought to you by Changing Parkinson's. If this podcast has meant something to you, consider making a gift to help keep it going. And join our PD Next Steps Home Workout Series with over 100 custom workouts delivered to your living room. Visit changingparkinsons.org to give, get moving, or join our newsletter. #Parkinsons #ParkinsonsDisease #SpeechTherapy #SpeakOut #ParkinsonsVoiceProject

Dr. Patel shares the signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's Dementia and Alzheimers. We originally recorded in 2023 as Ep. 80, remastered in 2026 because it's a topic that has come in up recent conversations with friends in the PD community. Subscribe and never miss an episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's, powered by Changing Parkinson's: http://bit.ly/4gQM3CB The Secret Life of Parkinson's podcast is powered by Changing Parkinson's, a non-profit we started to meet PD patients where they are to help live their best life today. Visit www.changingparkinsons.org and sign up for our newsletter!

In this episode, we meet Jason and Angie, a couple navigating Parkinson's together since Jason's diagnosis at age 42. They share how Parkinson's has affected their marriage, the importance of communication and humor, and how they've learned to take life one day at a time. It's an honest conversation about the challenges Parkinson's brings—but also about staying connected, finding hope, and remembering that Parkinson's is only one part of their story. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Angie & Jason 02:24 Jason's Parkinson's diagnosis 06:48 Finding community and support 08:13 Parkinson's, marriage & intimacy 10:17 Communication and staying connected 17:13 Taking Parkinson's one day at a time 20:01 Advice for newly diagnosed couples 22:22 Choosing hope

In this episode, we explore Parkinson's pathways, a tool designed to help patients navigate clinical trials more easily. Guest Spencer Garrett shares how the platform was built for his father and how it aims to empower the Parkinson's community with accessible, vetted trial information. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Parkinson's pathways and guest Spencer Garrett 02:23 How the platform helps patients find relevant trials 05:41 Understanding trial procedures and patient burden 09:05 Features like printable trial summaries and guidance 11:29 Resources for newly diagnosed patients 12:51 The importance of hope and ongoing research 14:48 How the platform is maintained and updated 16:17 The role of research versus clinical trials 17:43 Expanding trial access and symptom-specific alerts 18:40 Closing remarks and encouragement to explore Parkinson's pathways. This podcast is supported by our non profit, Changing Parkinsons. Please visit www.changingparkinsons.org to donate or sign up for our monthly newsletter!

I did a quick video to highlight the importance of understanding both motor and non-motor aspects of Parkinson's and what DBS covers and doesn't cover. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jessica's Parkinson's journey 01:59 Jessica discusses her medication regimen and motor symptoms 04:04 Limitations of DBS in treating non-motor symptoms 05:53 The emotional and psychological impact of Parkinson's 06:48 The importance of comprehensive treatment approaches Visit www.changingparkinsons.org to sign up for our monthly newsletter and to learn more about what our non profit has to offer those living with Parkinson's!

This episode explores how improv and creative programs like those at Northwestern and Second City can help individuals with Parkinson's improve their mental agility, social engagement, and quality of life. Doug Blanchard shares his personal journey with Parkinson's and how participating in improv has made a positive impact. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Doug Blanchard and the podcast 02:23 Details of his DBS surgery and ongoing treatment 05:13 The structure and community of the 10-week improv program 07:54 Getting involved and overcoming nerves in improv 10:19 Using improv scenarios to enhance quick thinking 11:18 The fun and social aspect of improv for Parkinson's 12:45 The impact of improv on cognitive and emotional health 13:43 Other exercises and physical activities for Parkinson's 15:10 Potential for local improv initiatives and community outreach 16:09 Closing thoughts: staying active mentally and physically