Like An Athlete, Not A Patient

Gaia Forlani

For people with Parkinson's who train like athletes, not like patients.

  1. Nov 4

    Parkinson’s and No Plan: How Jane & Mike Found Their Way

    In this special episode of Like An Athlete, Not A Patient, Gaia Forlani sits down with Jane Crosby and Mike Holz, two athletes living with Parkinson's whom she has had the privilege of coaching through the Parkinson's Power Protocol. This conversation takes a different approach. Rather than focusing on research or training, Gaia gives Jane and Mike the opportunity to share the realities of living with Parkinson's that too often go unheard. What happens when you're diagnosed with Parkinson's but given no clear plan for what comes next? Jane shares her experience of waiting four years to see a neurologist, only to receive her diagnosis in a brief appointment with little guidance. Mike describes discovering his diagnosis through an online patient portal and the frustration of having to assemble his own healthcare team. Together, they explore the gaps in traditional Parkinson's care, the emotional and financial challenges of living with the condition, and why a more proactive, personalized, and multidisciplinary approach is so desperately needed. They also speak openly about the invisible symptoms of Parkinson's, including anxiety, fear, and apathy, and how the condition affects relationships, family responsibilities, and personal identity. But this conversation is also about hope and taking action. Jane shares her upcoming trek through Patagonia to raise funds for Parkinson's research, while Mike discusses his involvement in advocacy to help improve care for others. Because improving Parkinson's care starts with listening to the people actually living with it. WHAT WE COVER: The invisible symptoms and emotional realities of Parkinson's Jane and Mike's experiences receiving their diagnoses The gaps in traditional Parkinson's care Why personalized, multidisciplinary support matters The impact of Parkinson's on relationships, family, and identity Financial challenges and access to disability support Turning fear and uncertainty into motivation The importance of exercise, community, and advocacy Finding hope and purpose while living with Parkinson's WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  2. Oct 28

    Parkinson’s Coaching by Trainers Who Are Also Neuroscientists

    Jorge A. Quintero is a clinical neuroscientist, movement coach, athlete, and PPP Coach at the Parkinson’s Performance Centre. With a background in deep brain stimulation (DBS), clinical neuroscience, and athletic performance, Jorge brings a unique perspective to Parkinson’s care, combining an understanding of how the brain works with the practical science of movement and training. In this special episode, Gaia introduces one of her own coaches from the Parkinson’s Power Protocol to explore an important question: What does it really mean to train like an athlete when you have Parkinson’s, and why might having the right coach make all the difference? Together, they discuss the difference between simply staying active and following a structured, personalized exercise program designed to achieve specific outcomes. They explore neuroplasticity, the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, and why developing strength, power, balance, and motor and cognitive reserve is so important for people living with Parkinson’s. They also examine the gaps in traditional Parkinson’s care, the value of a multidisciplinary team, and how specialized coaching can help people work toward meaningful improvements in their everyday lives. Jorge also shares his personal journey from electrical engineering and working alongside neurosurgeons during DBS procedures to studying clinical neuroscience and founding a gym dedicated to brain health. His experiences, including helping his own father through a combination of physical and cognitive training, have shaped his belief that exercise should be intentional, challenging, and tailored to the individual. But perhaps the most important message from this conversation is that a Parkinson’s diagnosis does not take away the brain’s ability to learn and adapt. Training like an athlete is not about becoming an elite competitor. It is about recognizing what is still possible, building the physical and cognitive capacity to face everyday challenges, and taking an active role in your own health. WHAT WE COVER: Jorge’s journey from engineering and DBS surgery to neuroscience and performance coaching Why people with Parkinson’s need more than general physical activity The difference between exercise and structured, goal-oriented training Neuroplasticity and the brain’s ability to adapt despite Parkinson’s Why strength, power, speed, and agility matter for everyday movement Building motor and cognitive reserve to support long-term function The importance of personalized training and progressive overload How specialized coaching complements traditional Parkinson’s care The role of mindset, motivation, and accountability in achieving meaningful progress Why recovery, sleep, nutrition, and cognitive training are essential parts of an athletic approach How the Parkinson’s Power Protocol applies neuroscience to real-world performance Jorge’s mission to improve brain health through movement WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  3. Oct 21

    The Scientist Who Found Brain Cells That Can Kill Neurons

    Dr. Shane Liddelow is a leading neuroscientist and researcher specializing in glial biology, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and ALS. His groundbreaking research has challenged traditional views of how brain cells function and revealed how cells once thought to simply support neurons can actually contribute to their death. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore a fascinating question: What if understanding Parkinson's requires us to look beyond the neurons themselves? Together, they discuss the critical role of astrocytes and microglia in maintaining brain health, how inflammation can transform normally protective cells into harmful ones, and why communication between different brain cells may be central to understanding neurodegeneration. They also explore the possibility of reversing harmful astrocyte states, the future of therapies targeting these cells, and how exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle may influence inflammation and brain health. But perhaps the most important message from this conversation is that the brain is not simply a collection of neurons. It is an interconnected system, and understanding how its cells communicate could fundamentally change how we approach Parkinson's treatment. While new therapies are still being developed, this research offers exciting possibilities for understanding and potentially influencing the processes that drive neurodegeneration. WHAT WE COVER: The role of astrocytes and microglia in brain health How normally protective brain cells can become toxic to neurons Dr. Liddelow's groundbreaking discovery of neurotoxic reactive astrocytes The relationship between neuroinflammation and Parkinson's disease Why certain neurons are more vulnerable to degeneration Whether harmful astrocytes can be reversed to a healthy state How astrocytes and microglia influence neuroplasticity The connection between exercise, nutrition, stress, and brain inflammation Why the brain's immune system may hold important clues for future treatments The potential for new therapies targeting astrocytes What the next generation of neuroscience research could mean for Parkinson's WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  4. Oct 14

    Deep Brain Stimulation Opens a Window & Most People Waste It

    Dr. Alfonso Fasano is a leading neurologist and researcher specializing in Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS), neuromodulation, and freezing of gait. His work has contributed to advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s and the development of new approaches to treatment, including adaptive DBS. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore how advances in Parkinson’s treatment can translate into better movement, greater independence, and improved quality of life. They discuss the latest developments in adaptive DBS, who may benefit from brain stimulation, and why even the most advanced technologies have limitations. They also explore the science behind freezing of gait, the complexities of neuroplasticity, and common misconceptions about levodopa and dyskinesia. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fasano emphasizes that treatment is not simply about reducing symptoms. It is about creating opportunities to exercise, remain socially engaged, and continue doing the things that make life meaningful. He also shares powerful reflections from people who have lived with Parkinson’s for more than 30 years. WHAT WE COVER: • How adaptive DBS differs from traditional DBS• What adaptive DBS can and cannot improve• Who may be a good candidate for DBS• Why patient expectations matter before surgery• Why DBS is not a cure for Parkinson’s• The limitations of DBS and why it cannot eliminate all motor symptoms• How brain activity and beta waves relate to Parkinson’s symptoms• Why neuroplasticity is not always beneficial• The science behind freezing of gait• How multitasking and cognitive demands affect walking• Levodopa, dyskinesia, and common medication misconceptions• Why delaying medication can sometimes reduce quality of life• When Parkinson’s medication may be necessary• Why treatment adjustments require time and communication• The importance of trust between patients and neurologists• Why exercise and social engagement matter alongside medical treatment• The role of family and caregivers in DBS outcomes• Insights from Reprogramming My Brain, co-authored with Benjamin Stecher• What people living with Parkinson’s for over 30 years would tell their newly diagnosed selves WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  5. Oct 7

    Why Women With Parkinson's Are Dosed Wrong

    Professor Elena Moro is one of the world’s leading neurologists specializing in Parkinson’s disease, movement disorders, and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Having trained in Grenoble, where modern DBS was pioneered, she has spent decades at the forefront of Parkinson’s research and care. In this episode, she joins Gaia to explore what it really means to treat the person with Parkinson’s, not just the disease. They discuss how DBS works, who may benefit, when to start levodopa, and common misconceptions surrounding Parkinson’s medication. They also explore an area that remains significantly under-researched: women with Parkinson’s, including hormones, menopause, pregnancy, and differences in treatment. Throughout the conversation, Professor Moro comes back to the importance of listening to the patient, focusing on quality of life, and taking a more holistic approach to Parkinson’s care. WHAT WE COVER: How deep brain stimulation (DBS) worksWho may be a good candidate for DBSWhat DBS can and cannot improveWhy electrode placement mattersWhen to consider starting levodopaWhy levodopa is not “toxic”Medication side effects to understandWhy treatment should focus on quality of lifeDifferences between Parkinson’s in women and menHormones, menopause, pregnancy, and Parkinson’sWhy women-specific Parkinson’s research is still lackingThe role of exercise, sleep, diet, and rehabilitationWhy family and caregivers matter in Parkinson’s careEqual access to Parkinson’s treatmentsWhy there is no “magic pill” for Parkinson’sHow close we really are to finding a cure WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  6. Sep 30

    Your Parkinson's Plan Is Underdosed

    Dr. Nick Dennis is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified neurologic clinical specialist specializing in neurological rehabilitation. He is also the co-founder of NeuroStrength Network, a Parkinson’s exercise community designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy and long-term independence. In this episode, he joins Gaia to explore an important question: Are we underdosing exercise for Parkinson’s? Dr. Dennis explains why simply moving more can create initial progress, but why intensity matters as the body adapts. They discuss how strength and conditioning can complement physical therapy, what effective Parkinson’s training can look like, and how heart rate, wearables, and rate of perceived exertion can help measure whether someone is actually training at the right intensity. dr-gaia They also explore training for freezing of gait, posture and balance, what should happen after physical therapy ends, and why recovery is just as important as training hard. Ultimately, Dr. Dennis challenges the idea that Parkinson’s automatically means training less — while emphasizing that exercise should be individualized, progressive, and sustainable. WHAT WE COVER: Why exercise for Parkinson’s may be underdosed Strength and conditioning vs. traditional physical therapy Why intensity matters for continued progress What a week of Parkinson’s training can look like Heart rate, wearables, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) Training for freezing of gait, posture, balance, and strength What should happen after physical therapy ends The role of community and accountability Common misconceptions about Parkinson’s and exercise Why exercise does not cure Parkinson’s Over-exercising, recovery, sleep, and fueling How to approach training on difficult days Why a Parkinson’s diagnosis does not define the person WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  7. Sep 23

    Neurosurgeon Explains Where Parkinson's Surgery Fits

    Dr. Vanessa Milanese is an internationally recognized functional neurosurgeon specializing in movement disorders, deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy surgery, and advanced pain interventions. Her work explores how the brain’s interconnected networks influence movement, cognition, emotion, and behavior — and how neuromodulation can be used to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.  In this episode, she joins Gaia to break down deep brain stimulation — what it actually does, who may benefit, when someone with Parkinson’s should begin considering it, and what patients can realistically expect. Dr. Milanese explains how DBS can improve symptoms including tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, why timing matters, and how specialists determine whether someone may be a good candidate. She also discusses the importance of looking beyond a single area of the brain and understanding the networks and connections responsible for different symptoms.  They also explore where DBS is heading next — from adaptive stimulation and advanced neuroimaging to increasingly precise, personalized approaches to targeting the brain. But the conversation goes beyond surgery. Dr. Milanese shares why she asks every patient about their goals, why listening matters just as much as technology, and why the ultimate goal of treatment is helping people get back to the lives they want to live.  WHAT WE COVER: What deep brain stimulation (DBS) is and how it works Where DBS fits alongside medication, physical therapy, and exercise When someone with Parkinson’s should start considering DBS Why education about DBS should begin before someone actually needs surgery Which symptoms DBS can improve, including tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia How doctors evaluate whether someone may be a good candidate Why timing matters and why waiting too long can limit treatment options How surgeons decide which areas and networks of the brain to target Why DBS can sometimes be performed on only one side of the brain Standard DBS vs. adaptive DBS and where the technology is heading How advanced imaging can help make stimulation more precise Potential side effects and how DBS programming can be adjusted Why communication between surgeons, neurologists, patients, and caregivers matters The importance of listening to the person behind the diagnosis How DBS may help some people regain independence and return to meaningful activities What scientists still have to discover about the brain and neuromodulation Dr. Milanese’s mission to help patients pursue the goals that matter most to them WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox.https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/newsletter 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE:https://parkinsonperformancecentre.com/startprotocol STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

  8. Sep 16

    Jimmy Choi's Lessons From 23 Years With Parkinson's

    Jimmy Choi is an athlete, Parkinson’s advocate, marathon runner, world-record holder, and seven-time American Ninja Warrior competitor who has spent more than two decades living with Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosed at just 27, Jimmy spent eight years largely ignoring his diagnosis until a frightening fall down the stairs while carrying his 10-month-old son became the moment he knew something had to change.  In this episode, he joins Gaia to talk about the mindset shift that took him from simply exercising because it was “good for Parkinson’s” to training with a purpose. He shares how running helped him work on his gait, why falling led him to start training burpees, how his approach has evolved as Parkinson’s has progressed, and why high-intensity training, strength, balance, recovery, and mental health all play a role.  Jimmy also speaks openly about the harder parts of his journey: denial, depression, vulnerability, OFF periods, asking for help, and the family that ultimately became his reason to keep going. His message throughout the episode is clear: “I’m not striving to be an athlete. I’m striving to be the best person I can be for my family.” WHAT WE COVER: Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s at just 27 years old Eight years of anger and denial, and the moment that finally forced Jimmy to make a change Why he stopped simply exercising and started training with a purpose How training his gait helped him move better in everyday life The athlete mindset and why Jimmy believes in training beyond “just enough” How to start moving when you’ve never considered yourself an athlete Finding balance with training, nutrition, and recovery Jimmy’s journey from marathons to American Ninja Warrior How he handles OFF periods, difficult days, and accepting help Mental health, masculinity, vulnerability, and asking for help The changes Jimmy noticed with high-intensity training Why falling led him to start doing burpees and eventually break a world record How his training continues to evolve as Parkinson’s progresses Building strength, balance, stability, and power based on what his body needs How Jimmy built a care team around professionals who understood his goals Why recovery is just as important as training How Jimmy structures his training and adapts it to his needs Why his family remains the purpose behind everything he does WHAT’S NEXT: 📧 Join our newsletter: Get Parkinson’s research, practical strategies, expert insights, and updates from Parkinson’s Performance Centre delivered straight to your inbox. 🏋️ Train Like An Athlete: Gaia’s work at Parkinson’s Performance Centre, and her belief that people with Parkinson’s can train like athletes, was the inspiration behind the Like An Athlete, Not A Patient podcast. If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia’s program and how PPC helps people with Parkinson’s train with purpose, explore the program HERE. STAY CONNECTED WITH US: Instagram: @gaia.forlani.ppc Facebook: Gaia Forlani SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode changed the way you think about Parkinson’s rehabilitation and the role you can play in your own care, subscribe to Like An Athlete, Not A Patient and leave a review. It helps more people with Parkinson’s, their families, caregivers, and the professionals supporting them discover these conversations.

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For people with Parkinson's who train like athletes, not like patients.

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