Parkinson's: An Athlete's Journey

Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Fitness

Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey is for athletes navigating Parkinson’s, the coaches and clinicians who train them, and anyone who wants real-world strategies for performance and longevity. Hosted by Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt, the show focuses on tactical takeaways: how to train, recover, manage symptoms, and stay consistent when the rules keep changing. Expect honest conversations, tested routines, and guest experts who go deeper on what works.

  1. 19h ago

    Chasing the CrossFit Games With Parkinson’s | Jodie Tickle

    Jodie was already a CrossFit athlete when she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2025. She had boxed for years, competed in bodybuilding, and had no intention of giving up competition. After her diagnosis, she set her sights on competing in adaptive CrossFit. In her first season, Jodie finished 11th in the world in her division in the Adaptive CrossFit Open and qualified for the semifinals. She ultimately chose not to pursue the Games that year, but she wants to make another run at it next season. Jodie and Eric talk about what training toward a goal like that looks like with Parkinson’s. They also get into adaptive competition, returning to golf, her 22 years in nursing, and where she wants to go from here. Top Takeaways ➡️ Training has to change with the day. Jodie found that even established CrossFit programs could be too much volume. She now mixes different approaches and adjusts her training based on how she is feeling rather than forcing herself to follow one program exactly. ➡️ Adaptive competition still has room to improve. Jodie’s experience at the New Zealand Championships showed her what real inclusion can look like, with adaptive athletes competing on the main floor and being treated as part of the event rather than an afterthought. ➡️ Parkinson’s is changing how Jodie thinks about what comes next. After 22 years in nursing, Jodie is starting to think about what happens if she can no longer do the work she has done for so long. She is also looking at ways to bring together her experience in nursing, fitness, and Parkinson’s to become more involved in the Parkinson’s community. Key Moments 01:50 Early Parkinson’s Symptoms; Boxing, Weight Training & CrossFit04:14 CrossFit Coach Notices Changes; Seeking Medical Help05:00 Testing for MS; Parkinson’s Diagnosis08:08 Telling Her Family; Life After Diagnosis09:34 Non-Motor Symptoms; When You Can’t “Just Send It”10:54 Adaptive CrossFit; 11th in the World; Qualifying for Semifinals12:12 Adjusting CrossFit Training With Parkinson’s14:12 Adaptive CrossFit Classification; Competition Standards16:04 Bodybuilding, Nutrition & Parkinson’s17:02 Starting Parkinson’s Medication; Stiffness & Rigidity20:24 Carbidopa/Levodopa; Protein & Training22:58 Chasing the CrossFit Games24:47 Adaptive Competition; Inclusion at the New Zealand Championships26:00 CrossFit Community; From Bodybuilding to CrossFit27:34 Competitive Bodybuilding; Discipline & Diet28:55 Returning to Golf; All Abilities Golf31:56 Parkinson’s, Rigidity & the Golf Swing33:09 Adaptive Bodybuilding34:24 All Abilities Golf; Paralympic Possibilities35:58 Jodie’s Response to Her Parkinson’s Diagnosis38:29 Young-Onset Parkinson’s; Hesitating to Join Support Groups39:22 Getting Involved in the Parkinson’s Community40:38 Nursing, Identity & What Comes Next Connect with Jodie Instagram: @trainingthroughparkinsonsFacebook: Jodie Tickle About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Chasing the CrossFit Games With Parkinson’s | Jodie Tickle

  2. Sep 23

    Train, Don’t Strain | Lorrie Karn

    Lorrie Karn has spent 36 years working in fitness and wellness, much of it with people who need exercise adapted to their individual abilities. Today, she directs Benefitness Adaptive Gym and is completing her doctorate in Health & Wellness Psychology, where she is studying the benefits of exercise for people with movement disorders. She works with people across a wide range of ages and abilities, including people at different stages of Parkinson’s. Eric and Lorrie talk about how Parkinson’s can change posture, gait, spatial awareness, and the connection between the brain and body. They also get into forced exercise, boxing, pickleball, jiu-jitsu, dancing, group training, and how to find the right kind of movement for where you are right now. Key Takeaways ➡️ The best exercise is the one you’ll actually do. Lorrie’s research found benefits across different types of exercise. For someone with Parkinson’s, consistency matters, and that can start with something as simple as walking, swimming, or getting outside and moving. ➡️ Training should be adapted to the person in front of you. Posture, gait, balance, spatial awareness, health history, and where someone is in their Parkinson’s journey can all affect how they train. Lorrie uses those differences to decide where someone should start and what they can build toward. ➡️ Some types of exercise challenge the brain and body at the same time. Boxing, dancing, pickleball, jiu-jitsu, and other activities ask you to coordinate movement, react, maintain spatial awareness, and process what your body needs to do next. ➡️ Start small and build from there. A Parkinson’s diagnosis can make exercise feel like one more thing to figure out. Lorrie encourages people to begin with achievable goals rather than trying to change everything at once, then add more as they are ready. Key Moments 01:55 Lorrie’s Path Into Adaptive Fitness & Movement Disorders04:00 Continuing Her Education After Decades in Fitness06:50 A Parkinson’s Diagnosis Doesn’t Define the Person08:00 How Lorrie Assesses Someone Before They Begin Training09:10 Proprioception, Spatial Awareness & Parkinson’s12:00 Posture, Center of Gravity & Shuffling14:35 Finding the Right Exercise & Starting at the Right Level17:00 Why Benefitness Integrates People With Different Abilities20:20 Getting to Know the Person You’re Training23:45 Starting the Day With Parkinson’s25:00 Five Categories of Exercise & What Lorrie’s Research Found26:45 Boxing, Cognitive Processing & Mind-Body Training28:00 Pickleball, Jiu-Jitsu & Spatial Awareness29:05 Forced Exercise & Working Both Sides of the Body30:35 Dancing, Marching & Coordinating Mind and Body31:35 The Best Exercise Is the One You’ll Do32:50 Starting Small & Building Achievable Wins36:05 Group Exercise, Community & Social Connection37:35 Mixing Different Types of Training38:20 Overtraining & Knowing When to Pull Back49:15 Adapting to What Your Body Needs That Day49:50 Comparing Yourself to Others & Celebrating What You Can Still DoConnect with Lorrie Benefitness Adaptive Gym: benefitnessgym.org LinkedIn: Lorrie Karn Benefitness Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Train, Don’t Strain | Lorrie Karn

  3. Sep 9

    How a Diagnosis Led to the Bigfoot Endurance Lacrosse Classic | Kate McLaughlin

    Kate McLaughlin knows what it means to rely on sport when things get difficult. A former Division I lacrosse player and longtime coach, she still draws on many of the things she learned as an athlete: repetition, hard work, relying on a team, and adapting when circumstances change. Those lessons have taken on new meaning since Kate was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s in 2023. Kate continues to train regularly, with boxing, strength, agility, and coordination work all part of her week. She and Eric reflect on how her diagnosis changed her approach to life, and how she’s had to adapt her mindset while finding her way forward. They also talk about adjusting expectations without losing the drive to keep pushing, the role her family and coaching community continue to play in her life, and how the Bigfoot Lacrosse Classic has allowed her to bring the sport she loves into the fight against Parkinson’s. Key Takeaways ➡️ The athlete mindset carries beyond the field.Kate sees repetition, discipline, problem-solving, and learning to rely on a team as skills that prepared her to face obstacles well beyond sport, including Parkinson’s. ➡️ Progress means adjusting what you compare yourself to.Kate still feels the frustration of not being able to do what she once could. She is learning to recognize what her body can do today while continuing to train and challenge herself. ➡️ Training remains a priority.Boxing, strength, agility, and coordination work are regular parts of Kate’s week. Her family understands how important that training is and helps her protect the time to keep doing it. ➡️ Community can turn uncertainty into action.Family, friends, coaches, fellow athletes, and the lacrosse community have given Kate support through difficult days. Through the Bigfoot Lacrosse Classic, that community has also become part of her work to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. Key Moments 3:30 Lacrosse; First Signs Something Was Wrong5:40 Son’s College Recruitment; Parkinson’s Changing Perspective7:25 Athlete Mindset; Repetition, Obstacles & Adaptation8:40 Parkinson’s Diagnosis; Early Symptoms & Diagnosis Experience12:30 Community Support; Bigfoot Endurance & Finding Hope15:20 Confirming the Diagnosis; Friends & Support18:30 Family; Building the Right Parkinson’s Care Team20:50 Dystonia; Running & Changes After Diagnosis24:30 Second Opinion; Trying to Out-Train Parkinson’s25:50 Telling Her Children; Choosing to Fight27:15 Bigfoot Lacrosse Classic; Turning to Sport for Action30:45 Isolation, Community & Finding Other Athletes With Parkinson’s33:30 Family; Experiencing Parkinson’s as a Parent and a Daughter38:30 Vulnerability; Losing the Feeling of Being Invincible41:40 Comparing Past & Present Athletic Performance43:15 Boxing; Training With Parkinson’s46:30 Children, Young Athletes & Parkinson’s Advocacy48:30 Coaching; What Sport Teaches Young Athletes51:50 Bigfoot Endurance; Lacrosse, Fundraising & Parkinson’s ResearchConnect with Kate Instagram: @cr.icket8596Bigfoot Endurance: http://bigfootendurance.com2026 Bigfoot Endurance Fundraiser: https://give.michaeljfox.org/event/2026-bigfoot-endurance/e744653 About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    How a Diagnosis Led to the Bigfoot Endurance Lacrosse Classic | Kate McLaughlin

  4. Sep 2

    The Second Wave: A 5,200-Mile Row for Parkinson’s | Ashley Ellis

    Ashley Ellis is preparing to row more than 5,000 miles around the eastern United States as captain of the Human Powered Potential Second Wave crew. Beginning in spring 2027, the six-woman team will row America's Great Loop — the roughly 5,200-mile waterway from Florida up the Intracoastal, through the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi, and back around the Gulf. If successful, they will become the first crew to row the route. Ashley was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at 40. Since then, she has found herself saying yes to more things in life, from experiences with her family to challenges she might not have considered before. The Great Loop is the biggest example of that yet. Ashley and Eric talk about preparing for the Great Loop, adapting to endurance rowing, why she chose to row the same boat that made the first-ever Pacific crossing with a Parkinson's crew, and how she found the community that got her back on the water. Key Takeaways ➡️ Diagnosis changed what Ashley was willing to say yes to. After being diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at 40, Ashley began thinking differently about what she might otherwise put off. That has included more experiences with her family, returning to rowing, and now preparing for the Great Loop. ➡️ Seeing another rower with Parkinson’s gave her proof she could return. When Ashley questioned whether balance and coordination changes would keep her from rowing, she found a video of Paralympic rower Todd Vogt. Seeing someone with Parkinson’s out on the water was enough for her to believe she could do it too. ➡️ The Great Loop requires a different kind of athlete. Ashley and her crew are moving from short rowing efforts to months of endurance work, including two-hour rotations, overnight rowing, unfamiliar waterways, fueling, navigation, and learning how to function while tired. ➡️ Community has been part of every stage of Ashley’s journey. Ashley sought out other women with Parkinson’s after her diagnosis, found support within rowing, and is now part of a six-woman crew learning how to rely on each other through fear, fatigue, and uncertainty. Key Moments 0:00 Ashley’s early-onset Parkinson’s diagnosis and return to rowing3:30 Finding community after diagnosis7:00 Seeing another rower with Parkinson’s and believing she could row again8:45 Saying yes to more after Parkinson’s; living in the now12:00 Family, being present and saying yes13:00 Human Powered Potential and finding a bigger purpose for rowing15:00 The idea to row America’s Great Loop17:00 The 5,200-mile route and becoming the first crew to row it18:45 Adapting from short-distance to endurance rowing19:30 Training for the Great Loop; two-hour rotations and 48-hour sessions21:00 Navigating unfamiliar waterways, boat traffic and nighttime rowing23:00 Bioluminescence, dolphins and the realities of training on open water25:00 Parkinson’s, sleep disruption and managing the demands of the row26:00 Building trust, vulnerability and teamwork within the crew29:00 Exercise and having something she can actively do after diagnosis32:30 Finding meaning beyond reaching the finish line34:00 Four months on the water; rowing clubs and community along the route35:30 Fueling for around-the-clock endurance rowing37:00 Family support and partnering with The Michael J. Fox Foundation39:30 Becoming more open about living with Parkinson’s41:45 “Chosen suffering is a privilege”; Parkinson’s and taking on hard things42:30 Preparing herself and the crew for uncertainty on the water45:00 The 2027 launch and how to follow Human Powered Potential Second Wave46:00 Ashley’s message for someone newly diagnosed47:00 “Rowing the Ocean of Hope” Connect with Ashley Website: humanpoweredpotential.orgInstagram (Ashley): @shaky.but.unshakableInstagram (Human Powered Potential): @humanpoweredpotentialFacebook: Human Powered PotentialYouTube: @HumanPoweredPotentialLinkedIn: Human Powered PotentialStrava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1095227 About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    The Second Wave: A 5,200-Mile Row for Parkinson’s | Ashley Ellis

  5. Aug 26

    A Setback Doesn’t Mean You Stop | Michael Lu

    Michael Lu has been playing hockey since he was four. In 2018, years after being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s, he was recognized by the Anaheim Ducks as their honorary “21st Duck” and skated onto the ice with the team at Honda Center. Michael was diagnosed at 29, after experiencing symptoms as far back as high school. His younger brother was diagnosed even earlier, and the two have had very different experiences with the disease. Michael still plays hockey, trains regularly, and looks for ways to keep doing the things he enjoys as Parkinson’s changes what his body can do. In this conversation, he and Eric talk about adapting when the game plan stops working, the difficult side effects of medication, how years of sport prepared Michael for Parkinson’s, and why he no longer measures a good day by the numbers alone. Key Takeaways ➡️ Sport gave Michael practice at adapting.Years of swimming, hockey and snowboarding taught him not to treat mistakes as the end. When something stops working, he changes the game plan, tries another approach and keeps going. ➡️ Preparation helps, but Parkinson’s can still move the target.Michael builds extra time, medication, food and sleep into his routine, knowing that what works one day may not work the same way the next. ➡️ The way he measures a good day has changed.Michael pays less attention to times and more to whether he enjoyed being out there. His body may not do everything it once could, but he still puts value on what it can do. Key Moments 00:21 Michael and his brother’s young-onset Parkinson’s diagnoses02:53 Growing up with hockey, swimming and water polo05:10 Staying active to keep living life as himself06:16 Early symptoms and using medication to keep snowboarding07:34 Seeing how far Parkinson’s had progressed while off medication08:26 Preparing for unpredictable days with Parkinson’s09:56 Medication side effects, dyskinesia and impulsivity12:10 Sleepless nights, racing thoughts and the next-day impact13:37 Two brothers, two very different experiences with Parkinson’s16:19 Michael’s work as a school psychologist18:42 How being an athlete prepared Michael for Parkinson’s20:52 Focusing on what he can control22:11 Michael’s daily routine, training and adult hockey24:38 Training for the unexpected in sport and Parkinson’s27:15 Why Michael decided to share his Parkinson’s publicly28:38 Letting go of times and changing how he measures a good day30:25 Purpose, serving others and continuing to set goals31:12 Learning to live with discomfort instead of fighting it Connect with Michael Instagram: @mikeyhasparkiesFacebook: @mikeyhasparkiesYouTube: @mikeyhasparkiesTikTok: @mikeyhasparkies About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    A Setback Doesn’t Mean You Stop | Michael Lu

  6. Aug 19

    Still Choosing the Hard Climb | Chris Hamper

    hris Hamper has been obsessed with climbing ever since he can remember. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago, one of his first thoughts was that he wouldn’t be able to climb anymore. He soon found that wasn’t the case. Chris has continued climbing throughout his diagnosis, even as Parkinson’s has made some movements and parts of the sport increasingly difficult. That experience became the subject of the documentary The Parkinson’s Project, which follows Chris and the role climbing continues to play in his life with Parkinson’s. Chris talks about the unexpected ways Parkinson’s has affected him, how he has kept climbing as his abilities have changed, and why he believes you can still get better at things after a diagnosis. Key Takeaways ➡️ You can still get better at things after diagnosis.After 13 years with Parkinson’s, Chris still believes there is room to learn, improve, and take on new challenges. His own experience has included continuing to climb, rebuilding a car, learning new skills, and recently taking up cycling. ➡️ Adaptation has kept Chris climbing.As his left hand became harder to use, Chris changed how he moved between holds, became more selective about routes, and relied on friends for parts of climbing that had become difficult. ➡️ Effort can stay high even when performance changes.Chris still prefers attempting harder climbs over choosing something easy. He says he tries as hard now as he did when he was climbing at his best, even though the level has changed. ➡️ Parkinson’s can affect the drive to do something you love.Chris talks about losing the anticipation he once felt around surfing and snowboarding, and how the data and gamification of Zwift have helped give him another reason to keep pushing himself. Key Moments 06:00 Early Parkinson’s signs in the classroom and on the climbing wall07:10 Initial ALS concern and receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis08:54 Early symptoms and expectations after diagnosis09:50 Returning to climbing after thinking it was over10:18 Adapting his climbing around changes in his left hand12:17 Changing how he taught physics with Parkinson’s14:36 Multitasking, apathy and everyday challenges16:25 Losing the ability and desire to snowboard and surf18:28 Finding a new challenge through Zwift20:52 Why harder climbs can sometimes be easier with Parkinson’s22:58 Freezing on the climbing wall23:18 Lead climbing, fear and continuing to try hard24:50 The story behind The Parkinson’s Project26:01 Advice for someone newly diagnosed26:25 Rebuilding a car and learning new skills after diagnosis27:28 Blackouts, vivid dreams and the decision to stop driving29:14 Balance problems and newer Parkinson’s symptoms32:06 Climbing identity and competing in paraclimbing34:19 What’s next: climbing at Rocklands in Africa35:11 Becoming the best climber, teacher and Parkinson’s patient he can be Connect with Chris Instagram: @chris.mj.hamperMovie Website: The Parkinson’s Project About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Still Choosing the Hard Climb | Chris Hamper

  7. Aug 12

    Adaptability Is the New Resilience | Becky Johnson

    Becky Johnson has spent decades pushing her limits. She has raced ultramarathons, trained in CrossFit for more than a decade, and recently earned a spot at the CrossFit Adaptive Games. Training has always been part of how she approaches challenges, long before she was diagnosed with Parkinson's. When subtle changes began affecting her running, grip strength, and coordination, Becky assumed they were unrelated. After months of appointments, spinal surgery, and eventually a Parkinson's diagnosis, she had to learn how to train in a body that no longer responded the way it once had. In this conversation, Becky shares how she has adapted her training, why the CrossFit community became an essential part of her recovery, and what it takes to keep showing up on the mornings when Parkinson's makes even getting out of bed feel difficult. She also reflects on learning to ask for help, balancing intensity with consistency, and why adaptability, more than resilience, has become the mindset that guides her forward. Key Takeaways ➡️ Adaptability became the foundation for staying an athlete.Becky explains why resilience alone is not enough. Parkinson's constantly changes the equation, requiring athletes to adjust their training, routines, expectations, and even long-term plans without giving up on progress. ➡️ Community made it possible to keep moving forward.From recovering after spinal surgery to competing at the CrossFit Adaptive Games, Becky describes how training alongside others kept her connected, accountable, and prevented the isolation that often follows a Parkinson's diagnosis. ➡️ Consistency matters more than intensity.Instead of chasing personal records every day, Becky shares how she scales workouts, manages medication, prioritizes recovery, and focuses on showing up consistently so she can keep training for the long term. ➡️ The first goal after diagnosis is simply the next step.Rather than thinking years into the future, Becky encourages newly diagnosed people to focus on the next breath, the next task, and the next decision. Breaking overwhelming moments into manageable steps helped her regain a sense of control. Key Moments: 0:41 Finding CrossFit and the Adaptive Games3:50 Qualifying for the CrossFit Adaptive Games with Parkinson's5:35 Why getting to the gym starts with small wins10:11 The symptoms that didn't seem like Parkinson's13:54 A spinal surgeon changes the diagnosis19:07 Recovery, community, and learning to ask for help22:45 Rebuilding athleticism on a different path26:47 The invisible reality of living with Parkinson's27:53 Why CrossFit works so well for Parkinson's32:41 Training around medication and symptom fluctuations38:14 Finding belonging at the Adaptive Games40:35 Adaptability versus resilience41:50 Advice for someone newly diagnosed45:18 Protecting your energy and setting boundaries46:16 What's next: mobility, strength, and long-term training49:13 Balancing intensity with consistency51:42 Redefining identity beyond athletic achievements Connect with Becky Instagram: @beckyjohnson_1971 About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Adaptability Is the New Resilience | Becky Johnson

  8. Aug 5

    Don't Bury Your Head in the Sand | Jodi Brown

    Jodi Brown is the CEO of Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), a nonprofit serving people with Parkinson's and their care partners across Colorado and Wyoming. After leaving a career in corporate marketing and finance, Jodi helped transform the organization, expanding exercise programs, support groups, educational events, equipment loans, and community services while doubling its revenue, services, and staff. Her work is built around a simple idea: the sooner people connect with resources and other people living with Parkinson's, the better equipped they are to keep moving forward. In this conversation, Jodi shares what she's learned from supporting thousands of people living with Parkinson's, why connecting with the right resources early matters, and how community, exercise, and education help people continue moving forward after diagnosis. Key Takeaways: ➡️ Support looks different in every community.Parkinson Association of the Rockies builds programs around the needs of each community rather than using the same model everywhere, recognizing that access, geography, and local resources vary widely across Colorado and Wyoming. ➡️ Connecting early can change the experience after diagnosis.Jodi explains why so many people wait months or even years before seeking support, and why finding exercise, education, and community early helps people better understand the condition and feel less alone. ➡️ Exercise is only one part of living well with Parkinson's.While movement remains central, Jodi discusses the importance of support groups, education, care partner resources, and practical services that help people continue navigating life with Parkinson's. Key Moments: 0:30 Jodi's Journey to Parkinson Association of the Rockies4:17 Why Every Community Needs Different Support6:43 The Five Pillars of Parkinson Association of the Rockies14:20 Research, Conferences & What's Changing17:00 Why the First Months After Diagnosis Matter20:20 Building the Future of Parkinson Association of the Rockies26:56 Jodi's Advice for the Newly Diagnosed29:04 Finding Your Way Back to Movement Connect with Parkinson Association of the Rockies Website: https://parkinsonrockies.orgInstagram: @parockiesFacebook: Parkinson Association of the RockiesYouTube: Parkinson Association of the RockiesLinkedIn: Parkinson Association of the Rockies About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Don't Bury Your Head in the Sand | Jodi Brown
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Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey is for athletes navigating Parkinson’s, the coaches and clinicians who train them, and anyone who wants real-world strategies for performance and longevity. Hosted by Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt, the show focuses on tactical takeaways: how to train, recover, manage symptoms, and stay consistent when the rules keep changing. Expect honest conversations, tested routines, and guest experts who go deeper on what works.

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