The Secret Life of Parkinson's
Episodes
REM Behavior Disorder and Parkinson’s: Why Acting Out Dreams Matters: #171
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation delves into REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) and its significant connection to Parkinson's disease. Dr. Roy is back again to explain ...
#170: Sleep Apnea & Parkinson’s: What You Need to Know
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The critical importance of sleep! Today, we met Dr. Asim Roy, a sleep medicine expert, to talk about the different types of sleep apnea, their health ...
#169: Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s: Causes, Risks, and Treatments
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Freezing of gait can feel sudden, scary, and incredibly frustrating for people living with Parkinson’s disease. In this episode, Dr. Hinkle, Head of...
#167: 14 Years In: What Parkinson’s Taught Me About Living
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Jessica Krauser and Brian Baker engage in a heartfelt conversation with Robert McMillan, who shares his 14-year journey with Pa...
#166: Preparing for Your Parkinson’s Appointment: What Doctors Really Need to Know | Dr. Mantri
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jessica and Brian talk to Dr. Mantri, a Movement Disorder Neurologist and the new Chief Medical Officer for the Parkinson's Found...
#165: The Parkinson's Medication Rollercoaster
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Viewers have asked about our personal experiences with medication changes throughout our journey so far - the changes in dosage, the side effects, the...
#164: Changes overtime with Parkinson's
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 (#1...
#163: "My Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but he's still an Inspiration!!"
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#162: Adapting to Life with Parkinson's Disease
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#161: Meeting Others with Parkinson’s at YOPD Con (Seattle 2025)
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#160: 'Sooner On SI' Publisher opens up about his Parkinson's diagnosis
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa and Jessica meet with John Hoover, Publisher of Sooner On SI (a Sports Illustrated channel). He shares his personal journey w...
#159: You can still enjoy life with Parkinson's - one boaters perspective
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jessica and Melissa welcome Skipper Darrell from Colorado, who shares his journey of living with Parkinson's disease since his di...
#158: Living with Parkinson’s? These 3 Things Can Change Everything.
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
0:00 - 0:54 Intro (Brian is on a work trip)0:55 - 2:33 Changing Parkinson's2:34 - 3:28 Ask me about my secret life (Parkinson's stories)3:29 -...
#157: "Twitch: My Life with Parkinson's" by AnnMarie O'Connor
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anne Marie O'Connor, shares her personal journey with Parkinson's disease, discussing her career in fashion, the challenges ...
#156: Is Parkinson’s Preventable? With Ray Dorsey
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just like some cancers and other chronic diseases, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions are increasingly linked to environmental factors. I...
#155: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - insights from the family
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Brian and I got to do something really special—interview my twins, Ben and Kate. We spoke mostly about my recent Deep Brain Stimulat...
#153: Importance of Elder Law and Estate Planning with Parkinson's
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into a topic that might not sound exciting at first, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and ...
#151: PERSONALIZED Parkinson's information based on YOUR needs - TurnTo AI
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You want the latest updates on freezing of gait? PSP? Lewey Body? Tremor or dystonia? Apathy or depression? Introducing Jessica Dove London (for a sec...
#150: From Script to Screen - Crafting a Parkinson's Story!
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is so interesting! Brian and I talk to Matthew Moore and Robert Cochrane about the multifaceted journey of living with Parkinson's di...
#148: Parkinson's & DBS: Jessica's Fears and Hopes for the Future
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Brian, Melissa, and I dive into a pretty big topic—my upcoming deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson’s. We talk thro...
#149: Parkinson's Community - @MYPDPARTY Building Social Connections
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tim Lockard ( @MYPDPARTY ) shares his journey with Parkinson's disease, discussing the importance of community, advocacy, and ...
#147: A Caregiver Tool: How Mejo is Making Life Easier
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jessica going to the doctor: "Here are a few notes I wrote on paper. Oh! I captured a video on my phone somewhere to see my gait. Wait, did I ment...
#146: Behind the Podcast - A Mission to Change Parkinson's
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know The Secret Life of Parkinson’s podcast — but what you may not know is that it sparked something even bigger. Through the stories we’ve ...
#145: The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: Real Answers from a Real Person
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Parkinson's Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFOIn this episode, Jessica and Brian met with Linda, a representative from the Parkinson's Founda...
#143: Constipation is a common early symptom of Parkinson's disease.
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation delves into the often-overlooked topic of constipation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. We have Dr. Evans back on the sh...
#144: I Just Got Diagnosed with Parkinson’s – What Now?
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brad was just 2 months into his Parkinson's diagnosis when he reached out to us, asking if we considered interviewing someone like him - someone w...
#142: Learn how people with Parkinson's can Regain and Retain your Speech and Swallowing
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jessica and Brian talk with Samantha, the founder of the Parkinson Voice Project. They discuss the importance of speech therapy for i...
#141: Learn more about the Emotional challenges with Parkinson's
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The intersection of Parkinson's disease and mental health with Dr. Taylor Rush from the Cleveland Clinic. In this episode, we explore the emotiona...
#140: Parkinson's diagnosis journey, then cancer, then retire...a personal journey with YOPD
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nick Peters, a retired surgeon diagnosed with Young-onset Parkinson's, shares his personal experiences with Parkinson's disea...
#137: Documenting the Parkinson's Journey: A Call to Action
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Martha Carlin is back! And this time she is partnering with Lisa, a YOPD patient and President of Resolving Parkinson's. They are working on a doc...
#138: Therapy as a resource for people with Parkinson's (from a Therapist who is living PD)
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Secret Life of Parkinson's, Diane, a therapist and Parkinson's patient, shares her journey with the disease and how it ...
#139: Embracing the Journey of Caregiving
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Katherine shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband with Parkinson's disease. She emphasizes the importance of advoc...
#136: Navigating Life with Parkinson's: Acceptance and Support
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories02:58 Diagnosis Journeys and Experiences06:06 Living with Parkinson's: Acceptance and Medication09:02 The R...
#134: People with Parkinson's on DBS - one with and one without
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Oh DBS...why is it so hard to decide.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: h...
#135: Parkinson's and Cognitive Function
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
0:00 Introduction2:06 Jess's Neuropsychological test experience3:46 The influence of stress on cognitive function5:55 How does the doctor ...
#133: A Young-Onset Parkinson's Journey: The first year
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
00:00 Welcome Warren Hanna02:10 Experiences for a new YOPD patient04:51 Reaction from family06:50 It doesn't progress overnight07:17 How did you k...
#132: Police and Parkinson's
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
00:54 Police officer diagnosed with Parkinson's in 202002:17 Connecting the dots between exposed chemicals to PD03:34 Putting yourself in danger a...
#131: Sex and Parkinson's w/Dr. Evans
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about sex. You will hear the words: Erectile dysfunction, orgasm, libido, sex tools/toys and more. If this isn't for you, please d...
#130: The Beech Band in Action at PDNextSteps!!
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I'm a believer!" That was a statement we heard over and over from our friends at PDNextSteps about the Beech Band after they wore it, wal...
#129: The Parkinson's Experience - Living Solo vs. Shared Support (Raw Emotion)
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not everyone has a live-in carepartner. People dealing with Parkinson's could be young, old, male, female, living solo or living with someone. See...
#127: Dance in the New Year with Parkinson's
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
0:00 - Intro1:02 - can you dance?2:09 - Would you do a dance class?2:57 - What does dance help with?3:44 - Laugh together4:04 - Dance is spiritual5:03...
#126: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)...is it time for me?
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Making the decision to have DBS surgery is not easy. But I didn't think it would be for the reason I discuss.#parkinsons #podcast #deepbrainstimu...
#124: Beech Band - a Parkinson's innovation created by a YOPD patient
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Meet Carl Beech. After you watch this epside, you will remember his name, I promise you! There's not much I can really even say or explain - just ...
#123: Random Parkinson's talk with Brian and Jess
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just a mix of different topics:Shoes, PDNextSteps program, Parkinson's expenses, future episodes, and other random things.Support this podcast at ...
#122: Parkinson's and Dry Needling
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian started experimenting with dry needling for his back and shoulder issues so we thought we would discuss his experience with his PT! 0:00-1:04 D...
#120: YOPD patient turned advocate for the Brian Grant Foundation
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we meet Amy Lavalee, who is a young-onset Parkinson's patient. She shares her personal story and then talks about her work with t...
#119: "Together for Sharon" - Parkinson's patient advocate
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest Parkinson's advocates I know is George Ackerman. George's mom, Sharon, was living with Parkinson's for years before any...
#118: Parkinson's Community: My YOPD ladies are here!!!
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WOW, WOW, WOW! What a weekend! Our Parkinson's non-profit, the 5KforJK, had our 4th annual walking event this past weekend (September 15, 2024) in...
#117: Body Temperature and its potential effect on Parkinson's
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are into learning more about the gut, check out this episode. We brought Martha Carlin back to talk about more research she is doing on the GUT...
116: What is Sundowning?
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This was a new term to me, but I know a lot of others are probably aware. But take a minute to listen to Dr. Patel discuss sundowning and how a carepa...
#115: A Young-onset Parkinson's advocate - Allie Signorelli
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are on Instagram and have PD, you probably have seen, "imstillallie". Brian and I had the opportunity and priviledge to interview Allie...
#111: Life with a Parkinson's parent - a teenagers perspective
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don't forget, you can also check out our video podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretlifeofparkinsonsMeet my daughter, Kate Krause...
#113: Overcoming Challenges with Parkinson's exercises
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We have my daughter Kate for one last episode! She joined me at the gym earlier this month and boy was she exhausted! this episode, we talk about the ...
#110: The Ultimate Online Resource for Parkinson's...coming soon!!
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even though most people tell you "Don't google Parkinson's" after you're diagnosed, it's hard not to. So when we do, we are fi...
#109: Parkinson's and the Hospital - changes are happening
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Benjamin Walter joined us from the Cleveland Clinic to talk about a very important initiative that he has been working on: when in the hospital, p...
#108: Easy Movement in Bed - Sheets for Parkinson's Comfort
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you're living with Parkinson's and have trouble sleeping like I do, I have a solution for you: bed sheets that make moving around EASY! A f...
#107: Pain with Parkinson’s…viewers comments
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I posted episode #106 on YouTube only, to talk about my pain that I think is related to PD regardless of what others say. So many people responded/com...
#112: Inside Parkinson's Care: Insights from a Nurse Practitioner
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Steve and I interview Ellen Walter. She's a Nurse Practitioner at the Cleveland Clinic and has been working with Steve on his med...
#105: Let's talk Duopa for Parkinson's
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out this episode with one of my first PD friends, Major, as he talks about his experience with Duopa! He and his wife share how it has changed h...
#104: Women with Parkinson's with Rachel Flanagen
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
ATTENTION all ladies with Parkinson's! This is an episode you don't want to miss! (Sorry guys, you can watch if you want but it's a whole ...
#102: Parkinson's and SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Patel is back sharing the details of SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and Parkinson’s when they occur together. Changes in muscle mo...
#103: Parkinson's advocate and podcaster, Mr. Larry Gifford!
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we invited Larry Gifford to the show! What an inspiration he is! Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017 and since then, he ...
#101: Living with Parkinson's for 9 years
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we bring back Dave Kolbe from Episode #11. Dave has had Parkinson's for 9+ years and is still living his best life! Hear the advi...
#100!!!!! Top Parkinson's Podcasts
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's been over 2 years since we launched, "The Secret Life of Parkinson's". We recorded our 100th episode and are excited to share our...
#99: Skeptical about taking Parkinson's medication?
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Check out our latest interview with Dr. Patel where we talk about MDS's approach to medication with their patients, their reaction to taking or no...
#97: Living with Parkinson's led them to Love
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hear the love story of Allie and Steven. You may recognize them from #LitWithin or #InLoveWithParkinsons. While they lived over a tho...
#96: Why Physical Therapy is a must for Parkinson's
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I've been waiting all week to share this video! For those who watched my "live" video about elbow/shoulder issues, this is a MUST SEE! I n...
#98: Dopamine and the Power of Socializing
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While socializing may not directly increase dopamine levels in Parkinson's patients in the same way that medication or deep brain stimulation does...
#94: Parkinson's and Gut Health - Can Probiotics help you?
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this informative episode, we learn from Martha Carlin all about poop (yes, poop), our gut, and it's relation to Parkinson's disease. Martha...
#95: Did surgery trigger my Parkinson's?
17 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in to hear our friend, Thalia, talk about her journey to Parkinson's. She went in for a heart transplant which she believes may have triggere...
#93: Coping with Parkinson's arm pain and masked face
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about Jessica's approach to her new Parkinson's symptom (shoulder and elbow pain/tension) and tips on how Brian can e...
#92: Parkinson's and your hospital action plan
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Download ebook: https://www.parkinson.org/library/books/hospital-action-planOrder the book: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/pd-library/ord...
#91: Preventing Falls with Parkinson's: Can You Do It?
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No one plans on falling but when you are living with Parkinson's, there is a high likelihood that falling may occur due to the disease, or just a ...
#90: Symptoms come and go
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss symptom changes. Every Parkinson's patient is different: their symptoms, disease progression, response to medications....
#88: What topics to expect in 2024 from The Secret Life of Parkinson's
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Brian and Jessica share future episodes that you can expect in 2024!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-secret-life-of-parkinsons/do...
#87: Do you have Parkinson's and suffer from shoulder pain?
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk about our experiences with a "frozen shoulder" or pain in your shoulder. Rigidity, tension, and stiffness. Medication...
#86: Art therapy for Parkinson's
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we talk with Lisa who is a person living with Parkinson's and has found painting as her therapy. She never painted before, but af...
#85: Parkinson's Psychosis - a Care Partner perspective
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This interview is longer than most, but for good reason. My good friend, Leah Dennis, shares her personal journey of what it was like witnessing her m...
#83: How to manage a job search while living with Parkinson's
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Brian speaks very candidly about his recent work situation. Due to a reduction in workforce with his previous employer, Brian was lai...
#82: Parkinson's and falling
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are just scratching the surface with the topic of falling. Parkinson's or not, more than 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 fall...
#81: Roz's Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery 1 year later
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Roz gives us an update on her DBS journey. We always hear the success stories, and while hers is still a success, she's encounter...
#79 & #80: Uncovering the 5 Neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Patel describes the difference between the 5 Neurodenerative Parkinsonisms: Parkinson's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA...
#78: The 'Cookie Queen' of Columbus, OH and her journey with Parkinson's Disease
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For those living outside of Ohio, Cheryl Krueger is a well-known entrepreneur in Columbus and is referred to as the 'Cookie Queen'. (Order her...
#77: DBS Journey in Canada vs. the USA - A Patient's Perspective
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an exclusive interview with a Parkinson's Disease (PD) patient living in Canada who underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Ou...
#76: Blake Bookstaff - author of “You have Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Blake Bookstaff, young-onset patient and author of: “You have young-onset Parkinson’s disease” joins us to talk about his journey with Parkinson...
#75: A deep, personal view of The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act with Fred Piccolo
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As you saw in Episode #74 with Chris Jones, we discussed the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. In this episode, we interview Fred Piccolo, a y...
#74: Unveiling the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: An interview with Chris Jones
28 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this riveting episode, we sit down with Chris Jones, a dedicated staffer working alongside Gus Bilirakas, to dive deep into the National Plan to En...
#73: Parkinson's clinical research on exercise
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Daniel Corcos, Ph.D. at Northwestern University, is running the first randomized control trial designed to investigate the effects of moderate- and hi...
#72: Do's and Don'ts of Surgery with Parkinson's
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gene who is 75 and living with Parkinson's for 4 years, we learn that he is no stranger to surgeries. However, his most recent ex...
#71: Kirk Gibson Foundation talks plans for Parkinson's in Michigan
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle Newman joins us from the Kirk Gibson Foundation to talk about plans their foundation has for Parkinson's patients living in Michigan. Kir...
#70: Tips and Tricks to Living with Parkinson's
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jessica and Brian share a few tips and tricks that they use in their everyday life to make things a little easier. Everything from dr...
#69: Jessica's young-onset Parkinson's journey: Advocacy, Faith, and Personal Growth
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, our host, Jessica Krauser, takes you on an intimate exploration of the early days of her diagnosis to her remarkable transformation i...
#68: Unlocking the Power of Exercise: A Guide for Parkinson's Patients
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this empowering video, we delve into the crucial role of exercise in the lives of people living with Parkinson's disease. Discover how exercise...
#67: How loved ones deal with your Parkinson's
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We conducted a survey within our YouTube community to gain insights into how our loved ones cope with our Parkinson's disease. Some ignore it or s...
#66: Reel and Real: Exploring Carbidopa/Levodopa and Parkinson's in Cinema
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we delve into the intersection of cinema portrayls of Parkinson's and how we feel about carbadopa/levedopa.Support this podcast a...
#65: Living with Parkinson's? You need this kit!
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode, we are thrilled to unveil the finished product of our much-anticipated First Step Set. In this episode, you'll get an ex...
#64: Discover the Michael J Fox Foundation and Team Fox
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we chat with Danielle, a representative from the Michael J Fox Foundation, about the groundbreaking BioMarker study. Gain a deeper understa...
#63: Parkinson's revealed: Vital knowledge for every patient!
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we embark on a journey that began as a straightforward Q&A session with the esteemed Dr. Patel, only to delve into a startling revelati...
#62: Brian's first vacation since his Parkinson's diagnosis
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a very short segment, but Brian shares how he felt on his first vacation in 7 years (since his diagnosis). #Don'tBeAfraidToTravel!Support ...
#61: Takeaways from Team Fox MVP event
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a deep dive into the cutting-edge world of Parkinson's research and clinical trials! We've got the inside scoop from April's T...