Parkinson’s and Me – Early Parkinson’s Journey: Insights, Faith, and Forward Motion

Daniel
  • 5.0 (14)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2019, Daniel shares honest stories about the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of living with the disease. Parkinson’s and Me offers encouragement, practical insight, and a mindset of hope and resilience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or adjusting to life with Parkinson’s, this podcast reminds you that you're not alone and that it’s possible to move forward with purpose, faith, and strength.

  1. 06/14/2025

    5.1 Wide Awake

    Daniel opens by sharing how each podcast season mirrors a chapter in his life, with this one marking an awakened state. He gives a personal update: after months of worsening symptoms, he pursued evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The process, which required going off his meds, was physically and emotionally draining—only to be told he wasn’t “miserable enough” yet. The rejection left him feeling deflated and stuck. Using the image of a plane unable to take off, Daniel conveys the emotional weight of feeling grounded by Parkinson’s. He expresses frustration and helplessness, especially when comparing his own limitations to the evaluating doctor’s effortless movements, emotions he’s still working through. The episode moves from pain to purpose as Daniel reflects on how his diagnosis became a wake-up call. Inspired by the metaphor of a hotel wake-up call and Ben Fuller’s Wide Awake, he explores what it means to live intentionally—even when that includes discomfort or grief—and urges listeners to stay awake to life. The episode explores the theme of awakening amidst struggle. Daniel reflects on a difficult personal setback—being denied eligibility for DBS surgery—and the emotional toll it took. Through raw honesty and reflection, he examines how moments of pain and frustration can also serve as powerful wake-up calls. Special thanks to Keys of the Moon, Music4Video_1, Infraction, and ashamaluevmusic for the music. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S., call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    15 min

  2. 04/20/2025

    4.10 The Season Closer

    In the season finale of Parkinson’s and Me, host Daniel Sellers welcomes his brother Brian to reflect on Daniel’s recent speaking engagement at a men’s conference and the broader journey of navigating life with Parkinson’s. The episode opens with Daniel candidly sharing how his condition affects his performance on stage, particularly in terms of energy management and mental clarity. Despite the challenges, Daniel views the experience as a valuable opportunity to grow and to share his evolving approach to vulnerability, intentionality, and faith. Brian offers his perspective as a supportive observer, affirming Daniel’s continued strength and authenticity, even in moments that didn’t go as planned. Their conversation explores how Parkinson’s has shaped Daniel’s relationships, mindset, and purpose. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Daniel embraces it as a platform to encourage openness and connection with others, both those with and without Parkinson’s. He emphasizes the power of listening and presence, noting that while the disease is still a part of his story, it no longer plays the leading role. As the episode closes, Daniel looks ahead to season five, introducing the upcoming theme "Wide Awake"—a symbol of renewed awareness and intentional living, both in the podcast and in his own life. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S., call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    25 min

  3. 03/12/2025

    4.9 Who Do You Want To Be?

    A couple of weeks ago, Daniel shared insights from a presentation he gave at his church, focusing on managing anxiety and thriving despite life's hardships. Removing all but the core of what he calls his personal philosophy, Daniel shares the content here. Using the metaphor of boxing, he describes how life can either place a person on the defensive—overwhelmed and simply trying to avoid pain—or on offense, actively leaning into challenges to reduce their power and find opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing one's posture toward life, highlighting how proactive engagement allows for clearer vision, greater resilience, and opportunities to positively influence situations, rather than being overwhelmed by them. Daniel further emphasizes the power of mindset in shaping life’s quality and direction, noting that contentment and positive perspective are choices that begin with intentional thought patterns. He explains how avoiding comparisons prevents emotional turmoil and encourages a stable foundation for happiness. Daniel shares that embracing silence, meditation, and gratitude are practical ways to foster this mindset, enabling him to maintain hope and clarity despite his struggles. The episode concludes by Daniel reinforcing his faith as a critical source of strength, stressing that God is aware and capable of handling human struggles, fears, and anxieties. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    21 min

  4. 11/27/2024

    4.7 A Holiday Delight

    In this heartfelt holiday episode of "Parkinson's and Me", Daniel welcomes listeners to join him for a fireside chat in a snow-covered cabin, offering a warm reprieve from the chaos of the season. With the glow of the fire and the scent of fresh cookies in the air, he opens up about the difficulty of balancing passion with the reality of his condition. But his message goes beyond Parkinson’s—it’s a relatable and inspiring reminder for anyone facing challenges that life’s hardships, though painful, can also shape our growth. As the year comes to a close, Daniel reflects on the speed of time, the gifts of gratitude, and the illusions we chase in pursuit of ease. Framing his thoughts with the joy and reflection of the holiday season, he challenges listeners to focus not on what’s missing but on the blessings we often overlook. This episode is a gentle yet powerful nudge to embrace the imperfections of life and find strength in its trials. Wrapped in the warmth of holiday music and candlelight, this episode is for those seeking encouragement, comfort, or a fresh perspective as they prepare for the new year. Let this conversation light your spirit as you celebrate the holidays and consider how to make the most of the time ahead. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    20 min

  5. 10/23/2024

    4.6 Embracing Parkinsons

    In this episode of Parkinson's and Me, Daniel Sellers introduces Frank, a long-time Parkinson's patient who was diagnosed in 2007. Frank shares his journey of living with Parkinson's for over 17 years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Despite experiencing personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother and wife to cancer, Frank has remained committed to using his experiences to inspire others. His story is about more than just battling the disease; it's about helping others navigate the difficulties of life through lessons he's learned, including writing a book titled Embracing Parkinson's. During the episode, Frank is joined by his long-time collaborator Chris, who speaks about their work together and Frank's impact on others. Frank discusses the challenges of Parkinson's, such as dealing with physical limitations and managing emotions, but he also highlights the importance of neuroplasticity and maintaining hope. By embracing a positive mindset and building daily routines, Frank has found ways to live a fulfilling life despite the diagnosis.  Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    26 min

  6. 08/04/2024

    4.5 Taking Notice

    In this episode of "Parkinson's and Me," titled "Taking Notice," Daniel Sellers introduces the episode by highlighting the internal struggles associated with Parkinson's disease. He shares an inspiring conversation with his brother, Brian, who encourages and supports him in creating new episodes.  Daniel reads and responds to emails from listeners, including one from Gene, who finds strength in faith, and Jenny, who is awaiting a diagnosis and experiencing anxiety. He also mentions Frank, a listener diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007, who offers valuable perspectives. The conversation with Brian covers several topics, including Daniel's journey from the initial diagnosis five years ago to his current state. They discuss the importance of hope, the battle against discouraging self-talk, and the role of meditation and the Balance app in managing anxiety. Daniel shares how he has cut out negative influences like news consumption and focused on positive actions, such as physical fitness, to improve his well-being. Daniel and Brian reflect on the impact of Parkinson's on family life, emphasizing the importance of not letting the disease define their lives. They also discuss the value of sharing vulnerabilities within their church small group and the positive influence of supportive relationships. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    27 min

  7. 07/01/2024

    4.4 Metaphorical Explanation

    In the latest episode of "Parkinson's and Me," Daniel delves into the use of metaphors to convey his experiences and insights in managing life with Parkinson's disease. He begins by emphasizing the importance of continuing to live meaningfully despite the diagnosis. Daniel introduces four metaphors: "Building an Ark," "Our Second Half," "Taking the Wheel," and "Save Nothing for the Trip Back." These metaphors help him and his listeners understand and remember crucial life lessons. By likening his preparedness to Noah building an ark, Daniel underscores the need for emotional, spiritual, and physical readiness to face the progressive nature of the disease. Daniel also shares personal updates, noting challenges like decreased stamina and medication adjustments. He reflects on a recent scare involving a positive test result, which momentarily shifted his perspective from managing Parkinson's to confronting a potential life-threatening condition. This experience reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability. Throughout the episode, Daniel encourages listeners to use these metaphors as strategies to navigate their own challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and determination. He concludes by inviting feedback and sharing his contact information, hoping to build a supportive community through shared insights and experiences. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    22 min

  8. 05/10/2024

    4.3 A Day In The Life Of Part 2

    In "Parkinson's in Me," Season 4, Episode 3, titled "A Day in the Life of Part 2," listeners are invited into the daily experiences of Daniel, a man diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 42. This episode continues the narrative from the previous one, offering a detailed and intimate portrayal of a day in Daniel’s life. He shares the nuanced challenges of living with Parkinson's, from managing medication around meals to the mental and emotional toll it takes. Daniel’s narrative is interspersed with moments of reflection and a strong personal philosophy centered on faith and resilience. He uses his platform to share his struggles and inspire others, pointing to the importance of faith and community support in facing life’s trials. Listeners can expect a blend of personal anecdotes and broader insights into living with a chronic illness. Daniel discusses the variability of symptoms among those with Parkinson’s, emphasizing the unique nature of his journey compared to others. Throughout the episode, he candidly addresses the difficulties of maintaining normalcy at work and his strategies to manage his symptoms, like dictation software and AI tools. The episode explores the intersection of personal struggle, technological aid, and spiritual faith, as Daniel continually seeks to maintain his independence and productivity while coping with the realities of his condition. His storytelling provides a window into the life of someone navigating significant health challenges with grace and determination. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com

    21 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2019, Daniel shares honest stories about the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of living with the disease. Parkinson’s and Me offers encouragement, practical insight, and a mindset of hope and resilience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or adjusting to life with Parkinson’s, this podcast reminds you that you're not alone and that it’s possible to move forward with purpose, faith, and strength.

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