The Parkinson's Experience podcast
Episodes
132 The Benefits of Tai Chi for PD
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore Tai Chi for Parkinson's disease - how this gentle, low-impact mind–body practice can support people living with the con...
131 Completing World Marathon Challenge to Honor Father and Benefit PD Research
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At the Parkinson's Experience podcast, we love a powerful, uplifting story — and this is one you won't forget. After battling Parkinson's disease fo...
130 Explained Series Part 1 - Botox
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first episode in a three-part series I'm calling Dr. Ospina Explains. In this series, we'll dive into topics many of you have been asking...
129 Non-Medication Treatment for Insomnia
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have trouble sleeping? It's a topic you can't avoid once you reach a certain age. And while sleep problems are common in people with Parkinson'...
128 World Parkinson Congress Comes to Phoenix in 2026
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The World Parkinson Coalition is bringing its triennial World Parkinson Congress to Phoenix in May 2026—the first time the Congress has been hosted ...
127 Warriors Not Worriers -The InMotion Wellness Program
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year I have been highlighting some of local areas in the U.S. where people with Parkinson's take classes designed for their needs, provide social...
126 Dystonia Explained
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
While often overshadowed by better known movement disorders, dystonia affects thousands and can dramatically affect quality of life. This episode expl...
125 From Vision to Impact: Growing a Parkinson's Wellness Network
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This year I have been highlighting some of local areas in the U.S. where people with Parkinson's take classes designed for their needs, provide social...
124 Magic with a Parkinson's Sleight of Hand
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who doesn't like magic tricks? I love watching magicians trying to surprise the audience with their slight of hand tricks. Always fascinates me and as...
123 Fall Prevention and Safety
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
September is Fall Prevention month. As we age, falling—or even the fear of falling—becomes increasingly common. For people with Parkinson's, the r...
122 PPMI - How You Can Help Find a Cure
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve been eager to share with all of you in podcast land some important information and history about what I believe is one of the key drivers in he...
121 Thriving with Parkinson's
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Listening to personal Parkinson’s stories offers valuable insights for everyone. In this episode, we interview Greg Ritscher, who responded to his ...
120 Vestibular Therapy - Your Inner Ear and You
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The range of symptoms and affected body systems in Parkinson’s disease is extensive. One area that is less frequently discussed is the vestibular s...
119 Driving Advice for Parkinson's
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the possibilities along the Parkinson’s journey is losing the ability to drive safely. This possibility is a scary one. For many, driving equ...
118 FREE Parkinson's Wellness in Austin & Online
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Where do you exercise? Is there a place you can take classes specific for people with Parkinson’s? Is it convenient? I know of only a handful of cit...
117 Why We Struggle with Sleep
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, getting enough sleep? Well, you are not alone. It seems lack of sleep is an epidemic in the US. In...
116 Smell Loss and the Brain
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know there is a connection between loss of smell and Parkinson’s disease? In fact, it may turn out to be a predictor of the disease up to 10...
115 Make Your Voices Heard: Ban Chemicals that Cause Diseases
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a very important topic and one in which you can make a difference. Our environment is sickening the population. Parkinson’s disease is one e...
114 World's Toughest Row - a story of endurance, strength and friendship
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
$41M, 41 days, 2800 miles. Those are the stats for Team Human Potential who competed in the World’s Toughest Row. The boat race happens annually and...
112 Owning Your Truth - a YOPD Story
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some of my favorite episodes are when we hear personal stories from people on the same journey as us. Every story is different but all of them can hel...
111 The New Medication Delivery Pumps Explained
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard about the new medication delivery systems or pumps recently approved by the FDA? It has generated a lot of buzz at support groups, clin...
109 Connect and Prepare for the Heat
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the earth continues to get warmer and we see record high temperatures across the globe, scientists tell us that this pattern is going to continue a...
108 Parkinson's Research Update - The Future Is Bright
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are well into 2025 so saying Happy New Year is not appropriate anymore. I think now people are asking others how they are doing with their resoluti...
107 Is Your Hearing Loss Related to Parkinson's?
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I had a random request from a listener a few months ago. She was struggling with her hearing and wondered if it could be another symptom of Parkinson’...
106 Care Partner Stories
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we wind down the year with a final couple of episodes, this may be the most important topic. November is caregivers’ awareness month. The Caregiv...
105 Hacks - Strategies for Life's Challenges
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is one of the reasons I started this podcast called the Parkinson’s Experience. We have four people with Parkinson’s including myself...
104 Brain on Art
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the series on Art Therapy, I was reflecting on all the great stories of how each guest truly benefited from their experiences with their mode o...
103 Art Therapy Part 4 The Joy and Benefits of Music
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I’ve had a wonderful time this summer speaking with people with Parkinson’s who have found joy, meaning and symptom relief using one or more forms...
102 Art Therapy Part 3 Writing Keeps Your Brain Active and Learning
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Part 3 of our series on the influence the Arts have on people with Parkinson’s and frankly most other conditions. It’s amazing what sci...
101 Art Therapy Part 2 - Dancing the Symptoms Away
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part two of our four-part series on the arts and Parkinson’s disease. If you haven’t listened to part one, you can definitely listen to...
100 Reverse Mic in Recognition of 100 Episodes
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So, I hope you enjoyed the first episode in our four-part series on the Arts and their potential for a better quality of life for people with Parkinso...
099 Art Therapy Part 1 - Photography
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode kicks off our 4-part series featuring people with Parkinson’s who found one form of the arts to be helpful with managing symptoms and g...
098 Parkinson's Together Student Power
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Last episode we spoke with a MDS and Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University about integrative medicine. This episode is a great follow up to the...
097 Benefits of Integrative Medicine
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is integrative medicine and how is it different than what we are used to which is mostly silos of care and mostly Western medicine? My guest toda...
096 Living with PD and Finding Love
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In April 2010, Allison (Allie) Toepperwein experienced a tremor in her left hand while living in Austin, Texas after giving birth to her daughter. Ar...
095 Parkinson's Stages Explained
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What stage are you in? Do people ask you that question? If so, do you tell them? Do you even know? What are the stages and what do they mean? Frankly,...
094 Answers in the Skin
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this season on episode number 088 titled “the Skinny on Skin” we learned about the various skin disorders that can manifest in people with...
093 Follow Your Gut - The Importance of your microbiome on your health
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you know about your gut? In the last several years, research has led us to a more detailed understanding of the role of the gut – which incl...
092 Innovative Approach for Bladder Relief
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The topic today is one of those difficult to discuss symptoms that most of us try to avoid and deal with it on our own. Not a great idea. So, let’s ...
091 The Dean Team - Exercise Part 3
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the third episode in our three-episode series on exercise. During the process of researching for this episode, I have found more and more s...
090 Exercise Cocktail Part 2
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to part two in our series on exercise and how it has been proven to reduce the symptoms of PD. As one of my guests, Dr. Daniel Corcos, explain...
089 Exercise Cocktail Part 1
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
OK, I know what you are thinking. Another exercise episode, really? Yes, but this isn’t your run of the mill plead for people with Parkinson’s to ...
088 The Skinny on Skin
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of developing certain skin disorders than the rest of the population including ...
087 Tips for Managing Stress
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My guest from the last episode on Nutrition, Debbie Polisky, is back to talk about stress and stress management. Research has shown stress can reduce ...
086 Lifestyles and Nutrition
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our first episode of 2024. How many of you have already stopped working on your New Year’s resolutions? History would suggest most people fai...
085 Resolution Follow Up
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Well, I can’t believe we find ourselves at the end of 2023. Where did the time go? I hope you had a good year. It was a fantastic year for Parkins...
084 Speech Accessibility Project
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about communication via your voice. Are you being heard? Speech issues is one of those symptoms People with Parkinson’s most likely ...
083 Community Camaraderie
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When you or a loved one has a chronic condition, where do you go to find support, information and your “community”? People with Parkinson’s may ...
082 A DBS Story
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a feel good, inspirational story about the decision to have Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Basically, it’s brain surgery and...
081 Gene Therapy Explained
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gene therapy has been a previous topic on this podcast. However, it was from a neurosurgeon’s perspective. I continue to be very excited about the p...
080 Biomarker Breakthrough
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most important problems to solve in the treatment of a disease is to find out how to measure its status in the person. In order to do that ...
079 Fatigue
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt completely exhausted or fatigued during the day? Does this happen frequently? Not sleepy but totally fatigued or tired. Well, this...
078 Strive for Symptom Objectivity with This Tool
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the fourth and final episode in our tech series. We could probably highlight many more innovative ideas and companies. It is a very exciting t...
077 Modern Day Doctor House Call: Telehealth for PD
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is our third episode in our series on the topic of using technology to assist you along your journey of living with Parkinson’s disease. In thi...
076 PD Tech Part 2: Remote Patient Monitoring
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is our second episode in our tech series. In the first episode we introduced you to a couple of physical items developed to help People with Park...
075 PD Tech Part 1: Tech for your feet?
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking off our tech series with this episode. Technology has changed the way we interact with the world over the last couple of decades. The p...
074 Rehabilitation: Use it or lose it
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When we hear the word “rehab,” what do we think of first? Some might think of a place where addicts go to get clean. Others might think of trauma...
073 Pickleball for Parkinson's
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I really like the story you are about to hear. It’s uplifting because my guest is uplifting and inspiring with a nonstop positive outlook and genui...
072 How to Best Manage Your Pain
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pain. We have all felt it over the course of living our lives. However, it isn’t often discussed or attributed as a non-motor symptom of Parkinson’...
071 Healthy Mouth Healthy You
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining good overall health and quality of life is important to everyone. Part of the maintenance, my parents always taught me, is regularly visi...
070 Parkinsonism Explained
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It wasn’t that long ago that I heard the word Parkinsonism. What is that? Is that what I have? Why am I just now hearing this term? It turns out th...
069 Dual Roles - A Love Story
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Someone suggested I read a book titled “Dancing in Small Spaces.” I downloaded it from Amazon and read it quickly. It is a gripping true story of ...
068 You Can Do (Almost) Anything with Bill Bucklew
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about one person’s persistence, resilience, and positivity and how these characteristics can lead to be more friendly with your Par...
067 PD Medication Review - The Art and The Science
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been over a year since we have focused an episode of the Parkinson’s Experience on medication. These episodes are always popular. Even if you...
066 Six People Talk New Year's Resolutions
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a resolution person? Do you set yearly goals for yourself each January 1st? Do you regularly accomplish your goals? Don’t worry, this isn’...
065 The Present and Future of Surgical Options Explained
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is our final episode of 2022 and we have covered a lot of topics this year and heard from a few of you as well. However, this topic is an importa...
064 What Should I Eat?
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We weren't sure what the title of this episode should be at first. However, we get a lot of questions from fellow Parkies and others asking what they ...
063 Brain and Body Donation
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an important research topic. We interview one of the most significant and relevant brain and body donation research programs in the co...
062 What Is It Like Living with Parkinson's? Six People Respond
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Each person experiences the symptoms of Parkinson's and living with Parkinson's uniquely and it changes as the disease progresses. So the saying goes ...
061 6 Marathons in 6 Weeks
23 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The headline read “Six marathons in six weeks.” That hooked me in. Then I read a person with Parkinson’s disease was the runner. Wow. I had to l...
060 To Drive or Not To Drive
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the possibilities along the Parkinson’s journey is losing the ability to drive safely. This possibility is a scary one. For many, driving equ...
059 Home Sweet Home (Safety)
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of this episode is home safety and how we might think about what we can modify in our homes to be safer in them as we age or as our Parkinso...
058 The Eyes Have it - PD and Vision Changes
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I often get questions from people in the Parkinson’s community about various symptoms they are experiencing. Is it the Parkinson’s or something el...
057 The Young and The Diagnosed
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease or YOPD? Are YOPD people experiences different than the majority who are diagnosis at a later stage in their...
056 Let's Talk Mental Health Part 2
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue our discussion with Dr. Daniel Weintraub on the topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood disorders that ...
055 Let's Talk Mental Health Part 1
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our next topic is so important we are taking two episodes to tackle it. The topic is mental health and the non-motor symptoms of mood and thinking dis...
054 Social Security Disability Explained
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Here at the Parkinson’s Experience, we try to cover every topic that may help even one person out there in podcast land. So, that includes not just ...
053 Travel While PD
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Summer travel season is around the corner. Although we are still Covid aware, it looks like travel is back. Whether by train, plane or automobile, Ame...
052 Occupational Therapy
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
OT is third in our 3-part series on the therapies most important to people with Parkinson’s. We covered physical therapy and speech therapy. If you ...
051 Speech Therapy
10 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Next up is part two in our three-part series on the therapies that are important to understand if diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This episode w...
050 Reverse Mic
24 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So, listeners, we made it to the 50th episode of The Parkinson’s Experience podcast. Wow. I am absolutely thrilled to have made it this far and am e...
049 Physical Therapy
11 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the first of our three-part series on the rehab therapies – physical, occupational and speech. All three of these therapies are extremely im...
048 Cannabis Explained
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Someone suggested the title of this episode be “potcast” which would have been cute. However, this is a serious topic so we resisted the urge to b...
047 Taking Care of our Veterans
28 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The topic for our end of 2021 podcast episode is how the Veterans Administration in the U.S., services the needs of our veterans with Parkinson’s di...
046 Improv for the Soul and Brain
04 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us people with Parkinson’s know that exercise is essential to living well with PD. We may not realize how important it is to exercise our br...
045 Rethinking Your Approach to Care
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode introduces us to Palliative Care and is one of the most important topics we have covered on the Parkinson’s Experience podcast. Don’t...
044 Why Boxing
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why is boxing one of the exercises recommended for People with Parkinson's? The list of benefits from this fun fitness activity is long and includes a...
043 Gene Therapy Explained
05 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the category of what treatment options are on the horizon for Parkinson’s disease, gene therapy is one of the exciting ones. It can also be diffi...
042 Off Medication Update
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been over a year since we have had an episode of the Parkinson’s Experience on medication. So, we are focusing this episode on motor symptoms...
041 Improve Your Golf Swing Improve Your Life
09 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We often talk about exercise and activities as a great way to slow the progress of Parkinson's symptoms. Golf may not be one that comes to mind. Until...
040 The Many Benefits of Indoor Cycling (No Head Wind)
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
I was introduced to my guest today by a past guest who takes her forced exercise cycling online classes for People with Parkinson's (PwP). Forced exer...
039 Parkinson's, Paint and DBS
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the 3rd episode in our 3-part series on inspirational people living their best lives with Parkinson’s. We’ve highlighted a woman who cl...
038 Gotta Keep Moving
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The working title of this episode was "Ping Pong Phun". Instead we named it the same title as the guest's documentary which is a much better title and...
037 How Are You Going to Live?
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are in the middle of summer and a great time to listen to podcasts on those road trips, beach vacations and long walks. So, the Parkinson’s Exp...
036 Music Therapy is Beneficial
29 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you can sing or can't hit a note. It doesn't matter to this exclusive club. You can only join if you are a Person with Parkinson's or a family...
035 Parkinson's Without Limits
15 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss not letting Parkinson's win. There is a new, make a wish type program for Parkinson's patients founded by a passionate adv...
034 Answers in the Skin
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What if a simple skin biopsy test could provide a deeper story about your health? The answers that the neurons in the skin can provide is amazing and ...
033 Improve Your Handwriting
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How’s your handwriting? Has it worsened over time? Mine has. In fact, that was one of my first clues that I may have Parkinson’s. Small handwritin...
032 Freezing Assist
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
People with Parkinson’s have a 2-9 times increased risk of falls than a healthy person of the same age. This can be due to freezing of gait which oc...
A Device to Help You Be Heard
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do people ask you to repeat yourself frequently? Do you think you are talking loud enough for others to hear? This is not uncommon in PwP. It has been...