Pd Connect

Cynthia Badrak joins us to talk about an exercise program for the Parkinson's community that is sweeping the Nation - Rock Steady Boxing. We discuss the physical and mental benefits of the program, and Tonya shares her personal experience with the benefits of boxing. Listen now to learn more about this invigorating and unique approach to symptom management through exercise. 

Dr. Soania Mathur joins us to talk about parenting while living with Parkinson’s. Soania has published two children’s books, she maintains a blog full of great resources – including materials on parenting with Parkinson’s, and she is a dedicated advocate for the Parkinson’s community. We have a candid conversation with Soania about the challenges of parenting with Parkinson's, redefining the perception of a "good parent", and the unique opportunity PWP's have to teach their children important life lessons through their Parkinson's journey. 

Have you considered fundraising to support a Parkinson’s non-profit but don’t know where to start? Are you looking to grow your current fundraising efforts? On this episode, Axi Wechter offers valuable insight into developing creative, simple ideas for fundraising. Axi is an Associate Director with Team Fox, the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Our conversation with Axi also focuses on the intrinsic benefits of fundraising that go far beyond the dollars raised.  For more information and to get involved with Team Fox, visit teamfox.org.    

Sharon Krischer joins us to talk about an important initiative by the Parkinson's Foundation focused on addressing long-standing gender disparities in Parkinson's research and care. Sharon shares the story behind her blog, Twitchy Woman, and we discuss the terrific resources that can be found on the blog. We also explore the unique challenges faced by women living with Parkinson's disease.  

John Alexander returns to the show to talk about his approach to THRIVING on the journey with Parkinson's Disease. John's insight is both practical and encouraging. This episode is a must-hear for PWP's and their care partners.  You can learn more about John and his work as an advocate, inspirational speaker, and author by visiting JohnAlexanderTalks.com.    

John Alexander joins us for the first of two episodes to talk about his book, The Journey Begins with 1,000 Miles, to share the benefits he has experienced from cycling, and to discuss his important and rewarding work as an Ambassador for the Davis Phinney Foundation. John offers not only his insight as a person living with Parkinson's, but also valuable information about the programs offered by the Davis Phinney Foundation. After listening to the episode, you can learn more about John and his work as an advocate, inspirational speaker, and author by visiting JohnAlexanderTalks.com.  

In our latest episode, we are joined by Team Fox athlete and fundraiser Seth Manthey. Seth shares his connection to the Parkinson's community and his latest undertaking to support Parkinson's research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). His current fundraiser is called 13 for 30, and it is truly an epic endeavor! We reflect on the incredible connections that you can make in the Parkinson's community by getting involved in organizations like MJFF. We share our thoughts on how each of us has an opportunity to do something truly epic in the battle against Parkinson's - in our own unique way. Tune in and find out the amazing story behind the cover photo for this episode. 

In our latest episode we are joined by Nick Pernisco, founder of Parkinson's Warrior. Nick talks about the warrior mentality he has adopted to combat the daily struggle with Parkinson's. We discuss his website - ParkinsonsWarrior.com - where Nick shares the techniques for developing a warrior mindset. We find a real conneciton with Nick's view on the 6th and 7th stages of grief - Fighting Back and Advocacy. Nick also tells us about the amazing app he has developed for the Parkinson's community, which he describes as similar to a FitBit app for people with Parksinson's. Nick also shares his latest project, a book for the Parkinson's community. Please listen to hear more about the incredibe work Nick is doing in the PD community.   

In just a handful of episodes, PD Connect is already establishing a global reach. For our first episode, we journeyed over the wires to England to interview Emma Lawton. And now, in this latest episode, we are thrilled to connect with the Parkinson's community in Ireland to share the details of a truly groundbreaking film. Chiara Viale joins us to talk about "The New Music", a feature film about Adrian, a talented pianist struggling with young onset Parkinson's disease. Adrian's path to acceptance and joy begins when he is invited to join a punk band - a dramatic departure from his classical training.    Chiara is the writer and director of the film. For Chiara and the entire cast and crew, The New Music is truly a passion project. Many of the volunteers involved in making the film have donated their personal funds to bring it to life. Please listen to our interview with Chiara to learn how the idea for The New Music began with a story about a musician and evolved into so much more.   You can see the trai

In this latest episode, we are joined by Hannah Grassie, M.S., CCC-SLP. Hannah is a speech-language pathologist and founder of The Parkinson's Report (TheParkinsonsReport.com). Hannah provides insight into the many roles of a speech-language pathologist, including the treatment of cognitive symptoms. Hannah also shares her personal experience with a PWP that led her to create The Parkinson's Report. Please join us for this informative episode about the potential benefits of therapy from a qualified speech-language pathologist. 

Our third episode features Tracy Wosaba - a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness instructor and Registered Yoga Teacher specializing in Yoga for Parkinson's. Tracy offers insight into the benefits of meditation and mindfulness for both PWP's and their care partners. She also provides some easy-to-implement techniques for improving mindfulness. We cap off the episode with a mediation exercise that is sure to leave you feeling more relaxed and mindful.

On today's show, we are joined by Anissa Mitchell to talk about a topic rarely discussed in the Parkinson's community - intimacy. Anissa is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and serves as the Parkinson's Outreach Manager at Florida Hosptial. Together we discuss the impact of Parkinson's on both physical and emotional intimacy, as well as suggestions for restoring or improving intimacy for those living with Parkinson's and their partners. 

Our inaugural episode of PD Connect features one of the most recognized faces in the Parkinson's community - the always charming and witty Emma Lawton. Emma reflects on her amazing experiences over the past year, including her PD 365 vlogging project, sharing the stage with the Prime Minister of Great Britain, and her first attempt at stand-up comedy. She offers a candid take on managing the struggles of Parkinson's while living a busy and adventurous life. Emma also shares her plans for the next year, including her groundbreaking Three-Six-Five's project.