Parkinson's Policy Podcast

Power Over Parkinson's and Together for Sharon
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Non-Profit

From Washington, DC, at the U.S. Capitol and beyond, we bring together Senators, Representatives, researchers, and advocates to amplify the voices of people living with Parkinson’s disease.  The Parkinson’s Policy Podcast brings two Parkinson’s advocates together, George Ackerman (TogetherForSharon) and Margaret Preston (Power Over Parkinson’s) to create a higher level of awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, the fastest rising neurological disorder. Both touched by the disease, George and Margaret are passionate about advocating for those with the disease, and for all those caring for someone with the disease by hosting lawmakers who can help form policies that aide this growing community.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Parkinson's Policy Podcast: Dan Feehan from Michael J. Fox Foundation

    What does it take to turn scientific breakthroughs into accessible, life-changing treatments for the millions of families affected by Parkinson’s disease? In this episode of the Parkinson's Policy Podcast, we sit down with Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), to pull back the curtain on the legislative fights and advocacy efforts shaping the future of Parkinson's care and research. Dan breaks down the foundation's current strategic priorities, how a unified advocate voice brings humanity to Capitol Hill, and what needs to happen next to turn discoveries into a cure. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Race to $600 Million: Why securing robust, bipartisan federal funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is critical to keeping the momentum of current scientific breakthroughs alive. The Fight Against Environmental Toxins: Dan shares insight into statewide bans on paraquat—a highly toxic herbicide linked to a doubled risk of Parkinson's—and what these bills would mean for a nationwide EPA ban. The National Parkinson’s Project: How the foundation is pushing for the full implementation of this whole-of-government initiative to revolutionize diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The Power of Grassroots Advocacy: How everyday patients, care partners, and family members can effectively engage with lawmakers to demand measurable action. If you’ve ever wondered how policy directly impacts the search for a cure, this deep dive is a must-watch.

    38 min

  2. Jun 1

    Parkinson's Policy Podcast: Dr. Sara Whittingham

    “Oh crap.” 😮 It’s the unfiltered thought so many people have after a diagnosis, and it’s exactly why Dr. Sara Whittingham used it to title her incredible book, Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life. We recently interviewed Sara on the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, and her energy is absolutely infectious! As an Air Force veteran, M.D., mom, and Ironman triathlete living with PD, Sara is a force of nature. In this episode, we talk about: Shifting the mindset from "patient" to "person with agency." The power of finding your "outrageous goals" and purpose. How she’s taking the rebel fight all the way to Washington, D.C., to advocate for better care and research. If you or a loved one are navigating this journey, Sara’s blend of medical insight, lived experience, and grit is exactly what you need to hear today.

    29 min

  3. May 19

    Parkinson’s Policy Podcast Episode 8: Anne Hubbard (APDA)

    In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Anne Hubbard, Chief Public Policy Officer to discuss the latest policy issues impacting the Parkinson’s community. From advocacy priorities and healthcare access to ongoing legislative efforts, Anne shares insights into how policy can shape better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. Tune in for an informative conversation on the work being done to advance support, research, and patient-centered care.

    23 min

  4. May 18

    Vermont! First State to Pass Ban on Parkinson's-Linked Pesticide Paraquat

    In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Representative Brian Cina, a Vermont legislator and sponsor of the bill to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health concerns. We discuss the growing body of research connecting environmental toxins to Parkinson’s, the policy efforts underway in Vermont, and why advocates, scientists, patients, and lawmakers are pushing for stronger protections against harmful chemical exposure. Rep. Cina shares insights into the legislative process, the challenges of advancing environmental health policy, and why public awareness and grassroots advocacy matter. This conversation highlights the intersection of science, public health, and policy—and the importance of taking action to reduce exposure to potentially dangerous environmental chemicals.

    35 min

  5. May 4

    Parkinson’s Policy Podcast Episode 7: Deborah Swerdlow & Ken Chason (Parkinson's Foundation)

    In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Deborah Swerdlow, Head of Policy at the Parkinson’s Foundation, and Ken Chason, a dedicated patient advocate and member of the Foundation’s Patient Policy Advisory Council (PPAC), for a timely and insightful conversation on the future of Parkinson’s policy. Together, we explore the most pressing policy challenges impacting the Parkinson’s community today, from access to care and affordability of treatments to the need for increased research funding and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers. Deborah shares an inside look at how policy priorities are shaped at the Foundation, while Ken brings a powerful, lived-experience perspective on why patient voices must remain central to policymaking. We also dive into what needs to happen next at both the state and federal levels to drive meaningful change, highlighting opportunities for advocacy and ways listeners can get involved. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or working in healthcare, policy, or advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights into how policy decisions shape real-world outcomes, and how you can be part of the solution. More information for on the Parkinson’s Foundation’s policy work can be found here:  https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities

    35 min

  6. Apr 26

    Parkinson’s Policy Podcast Episode 6: Representative Hogan

    In this episode of our Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Rep. Hogan of Pennsylvania to discuss HB1135, a bill aimed at prohibiting the use of paraquat, a widely debated herbicide linked to increased Parkinson’s risk. We explore the science behind paraquat, why this legislation matters for public health, and how advocates and constituents can effectively mobilize support. Rep. Hogan shares insights on the policymaking process and practical ways listeners can get involved in pushing for meaningful change.

    14 min

  7. Apr 21

    Parkinson's Policy Podcast Episode 5: Geoff Horsfield (Environmental Working Group)

    In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we speak with Geoff Horsfield, Legislative Director at the Environmental Working Group. Together, we explore the herbicide paraquat and its emerging connection to Parkinson’s Disease. Geoff breaks down the latest policy developments, the science behind paraquat exposure, and why this issue is gaining national attention. We also discuss what constituents can do to advocate for change, including practical strategies for engaging with lawmakers and making their voices heard. Whether you're directly impacted by Parkinson’s or interested in environmental health policy, this episode provides actionable insights and guidance on how to drive meaningful advocacy. Contact geoff.horsfield@ewg.org to get involved or ask questions The Paraquat Resource Library that the EWG has put together:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N3W5H9vpUvpFtk6iLmdwfcJ5xroTJBiW_pr3LblsxVg/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.7iu5y1z4k82f

    31 min

  8. Apr 1

    Parkinson’s Policy Podcast Episode 4: Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-PA)

    In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we speak with Senator Devlin Robinson about his sponsorship of Senate Bill 1158, legislation that seeks to ban the use of paraquat in Pennsylvania. Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that has been increasingly linked to Parkinson’s disease through scientific research and legal cases. Senator Robinson shares the motivations behind introducing this bill, the challenges it faces in the legislative process, and what it could mean for both environmental safety and public health. We also discuss: •        The growing body of evidence connecting paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s •        How state-level policy can influence national change •        What advocates and citizens can do to support safer alternatives

    16 min

  9. Mar 8

    Parkinson’s Policy Podcast Episode 3: Rep, Natalie Mihalek

    In this episode of Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we speak with Rep. Natalie Mihalek about her efforts to protect Pennsylvanians from toxic pesticide exposure. Rep. Mihalek is sponsoring a Pennsylvania House bill to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide that has been linked in research to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. She shares why she introduced the legislation, what it would mean for farmers and communities across the Commonwealth, and how state-level policy can play a critical role in reducing environmental risk factors tied to Parkinson’s.

    18 min

  10. Feb 10

    Turning Law into Action w/Dr. Walter Koroshetz

    Listen as we sit down with Dr. Walter Koroshetz, former Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. We cover many diverse areas with Dr. Koroshetz including the alarming uptick in Parkinson’s diagnoses, the possibility of environmental causes, the origination of Parkinson’s in the gut, and, of course, Dr. Koroshetz shares his thoughts on Parkinson’s advocacy. He uses the passing of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s as a prime example of what advocacy is capable of doing and how it’s going to take the broad group, the National Plan Council, to continue to push this legislation into action.

    18 min

  11. Jan 19

    Representative Kyle Mullins (D-PA)

    Join us for our first episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast as we sit down with Representative Kyle Mullins (D-PA). Rep. Mullins shares his personal passion for fighting for those with neurodegenerative disorder and how he helped secure $5M in budgetary spending for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be spent on research grants for qualifying institutions. He also emphasizes how local, state, and federal advocacy can ultimately affect change for those living with neurological disorders. We are so grateful the Representative shared his time with us for this inaugural episode.

    22 min

  12. Jan 14

    Parkinson's Policy Podcast Launch!

    The Parkinson's Policy Podcast is here! Listen to George and Margaret in this introductory episode! Through this podcast, we hope to provide meaningful discussions with key stakeholders that ultimately initiate action and boost awareness. Only together can we power towards action.

    18 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

From Washington, DC, at the U.S. Capitol and beyond, we bring together Senators, Representatives, researchers, and advocates to amplify the voices of people living with Parkinson’s disease.  The Parkinson’s Policy Podcast brings two Parkinson’s advocates together, George Ackerman (TogetherForSharon) and Margaret Preston (Power Over Parkinson’s) to create a higher level of awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, the fastest rising neurological disorder. Both touched by the disease, George and Margaret are passionate about advocating for those with the disease, and for all those caring for someone with the disease by hosting lawmakers who can help form policies that aide this growing community.

Information

  • Creator
    Power Over Parkinson's and Together for Sharon
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Parkinson's Policy Podcast
  • Show Website
    Parkinson's Policy Podcast