The Secret Life of Parkinson's

Jessica Krauser

The Secret Life of Parkinson's is a podcast created by Parkinson's patients, sharing their stories and interviewing others, on things we deal with on a daily basis. It's hard for people with PD to talk to others about the disease because sometimes it's difficult for the patient themselves to describe what they are feeling. Talking to other PD patients helps us express what we are going through in ways we might not be able to express to family and friends.

  1. 1 day ago

    Veterans with Parkinsonn's: The VA Myth - Check Your VA

    If you're a veteran living with Parkinson's, this episode might change how you think about the VA. Movement disorder specialist Dr. Joseph explains how VA Parkinson's care brings neurology, rehabilitation, social work, pharmacy, and caregiver support together. She shares how her father's Parkinson's symptoms went unrecognized for about eight years, what veterans can explore through VA benefits, and why social connection and whole-person goals matter alongside medical treatment. 0:00 Meet Dr. Joseph, VA movement disorder specialist 2:51 Her father’s eight-year path to a Parkinson’s diagnosis 5:31 Parkinson’s in veterans and potential exposure histories 7:24 VA access, eligibility, and medication costs 10:15 Advanced therapies and the multidisciplinary care team 15:52 Why Joseph joined the Columbus VA 18:26 Caregiver support and baseline therapy evaluations 20:02 Whole Health: starting with what matters to the patient 23:04 VA Parkinson’s research and local study access 26:00 Adapting whole-person care beyond the VA 29:07 Why coordinated care can make a difference 30:29 A closing reminder for veterans to explore VA resources 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.

  2. 5 Nov ·  Bonus

    Surviving the Holidays with Parkinson's: What Still Helps 4 Years Later

    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

  3. 29 Oct

    One Year After My Parkinson’s Diagnosis: What Changed? | Dean Dahl

    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.

  4. 21 Oct

    Parkinson's, Menopause, & HRT: What Every Woman Should Know

    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

  5. 15 Oct

    My Husband Has Parkinson's: 1 Year Later as a Care Partner

    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

  6. 12 Oct ·  Bonus

    10 Minutes to Get Stronger with Parkinson’s | Easy Resistance Band Exercises

    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

  7. 8 Oct

    Why Early Parkinson’s Support Can Change Your Future

    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.

  8. 1 Oct

    How Do You Know When It’s Time for DBS? Kelly Gayer’s Parkinson’s Journey

    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

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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Secret Life of Parkinson's is a podcast created by Parkinson's patients, sharing their stories and interviewing others, on things we deal with on a daily basis. It's hard for people with PD to talk to others about the disease because sometimes it's difficult for the patient themselves to describe what they are feeling. Talking to other PD patients helps us express what we are going through in ways we might not be able to express to family and friends.

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