Skip to main content
Parkinson’s and Me - Navigating Early Parkinson's: Essential Insights

Parkinson’s and Me - Navigating Early Parkinson's: Essential Insights

By Daniel

A diagnosis of Young Onset Parkinson's Disease can be overwhelming, as it has the potential to reshape your life. Yet, in this podcast, we witness the remarkable resilience of one man who received his diagnosis in October 2019. Through his journey, he discovers an unexpected mental focus, allowing him to navigate the progression of the disease with determination and strength. Our host, Daniel, embraces a transformative mindset known as "Speak Life," a challenging but ultimately rewarding pursuit that shapes his perspective on the future. This podcast serves as a powerful symbol of hope.

Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

1.10 Parkinson's and Perseverance

Parkinson’s and Me - Navigating Early Parkinson's: Essential InsightsAug 27, 2020

00:00
26:57
4.1 Steal My Show
Feb 03, 202410:02
3.10 A Father With Parkinsons
Jul 22, 202320:01
3.9 Back From The Future
May 29, 202318:01
3.8 Out Of The Shadows
Feb 21, 202326:37
3.7 Transitions

3.7 Transitions

Continual transitions are a part of life. These combinations of our experiences combine to makes us who we are. One of the challenges living with Parkinson's Disease is the feeling of hopelessness. It's as if the walls are closing in on you, and there isn't a route for you to escape. However, what if you were able to change your perspective? How could that alter the way that you look at life? This episode addresses this challenge. 

Daniel is realizing the importance of looking at events in his life using a different mindset. If we choose to see events as going always turning out poorly for us, then that is exactly what will occur. It's a self-fulling prophecy. Another option is to look for the best things that are we experiencing. The self-fulling prophecy works both ways.

Can we change our mindsets to look for experiences that will encourage us? Daniel shares ways that have been successful for him. These include some mental tricks that have helped him to manage and short-circuit dangerous thoughts that can get out of control. It's no surprise that if we choose "life", then we can better control our thoughts. As a result, we can capitalize on positivity which provides us a biological advantage compared to brains that are neutral or negative.

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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me

Dec 26, 202217:02
3.6 Romantizing The Past
Jul 31, 202215:60
3.5 Hard To Rest
Jun 28, 202218:27
3.4 Speak Life
May 17, 202220:42
3.3 Greatest Challenges
Apr 25, 202211:06
3.2 Evolving Expectations

3.2 Evolving Expectations

We have a tendency to grow confident in our expectations as we grow older. Despite how hard we have prepared for the future, Parkinson's is similar to a bomb being dropped. It causes a titanic shift. When the smoke clears, we are left with a life that doesn't line up with our previous goals. Parkinson's doesn't discriminate based on gender or ethnicity. Parkinson's is patient and takes its time slowly picking away our lives. Left with shattered expectations, it is imperative to begin reassigning new goals. If we don't, then we are in jeopardy of being stuck in the past.

Joined by his brother, Daniel and Bryan discuss how important it is to add new experiences. Daniel outlines the methods that he is attempting to redefine expectations. Also, Daniel shares his succeesses and failures in an attempt to repurpose life.

Finally, Daniel talks with his son. They talk about what Parkinson's Disease looks like from a 13-year-old's point of view. Being a parent is difficult enough. However, with the additon of Parkinson's Disease, it adds to the complexity.

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

Apr 01, 202220:05
3.1 The Slow March Forward

3.1 The Slow March Forward

For this season opener, Daniel has a conversation with his best friend. His wife. As a Care Partner, she sits on the front row of his life. She witnesses the effects that the progression of Parkinson's has on her husband. The couple has been married for nearly 20 years. In this episode, they discuss the important steps that need to be made to keep the marriage fresh and vibrant. 

A key first step involves providing each other the understanding that they are trying their best. If communication breaks down or wasn't there, to begin with then unreasonable expectations are placed on each other. Finally, listen as the team provides valuable steps regarding the practical management of the progression. May you be encouraged. 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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me

Feb 14, 202223:43
2.12 Seasons Ending
Jan 01, 202220:47
2.11 Be Curious

2.11 Be Curious

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation for 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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me

The progression of P.D. chips away at the physical and mental fortitude of those unfortunate enough to be caught in its grasp. Daniel shares a very difficult symptom that threatens his ability to communicate. It’s his ability to effectively use his voice. The decrease of the vocal cords' ability to speak loudly enough is mostly found in those with the later stages of Parkinson's disease. Also, the vocal cords' ability to work effectively is compromised.

The decision not to become a victim is an incredible way to balance what is being taken away. Also, the repercussions of our choices to move forward have an amazing effect on the life that is still yet to come.

Refusing to be a victim of this disease Daniel puts together his strategies for effectively living with P.D. This was an episode that took many months to put together. We hope you enjoy and receive a blessing from it.

Nov 10, 202119:10
2.10 The Importance of Support

2.10 The Importance of Support

Daniel speaks with the leader of his Young Onset Support Group, Barbara Mooney. Barbara is the American Parkinson's Disease Association's Georgia Chapter Coordinator. She brings her experience to highlight the importance of joining a support group. Topics that are covered include:

1. Determining some of the greatest struggles for those with Parkinson's.

2. Differences between a YOPD focused group and those that are older.

3. Support for those diagnosed whose family may not support the person or a spouse that may have left.

4. Support for care partners whose spouse may have shut down.

5. Ways to get involved in a local support group.

6. Resources for those wanting to learn more about Parkinson's disease and how to live the best life possible.

Tap or click to learn more about the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation for 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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me

Oct 04, 202123:58
2.9 Trek to Mindfulness

2.9 Trek to Mindfulness

Daniel returns to the podcast and shares the insight he gleamed with Bryan from taking his son on a trip to the western states of the U.S. The brothers discuss the negative effects that stress and rushing have on the effects of Parkinson's. For the episode, Daniel and Bryan cover how a mental disciple is at times the only defense to defend your emotional and mental state. It's so easy to grow anxious to where you can no longer function due to being so overwhelmed. A mental superpower is the ability to consistently practice mindfulness.


Improving how we choose to perceive the world is a skill. Like any skill, the more you practice the better you get at it. The more consistent you practice the better chance mindfulness becomes habit-forming.


The practice of mindfulness and the calmness it provides leads to a decrease in tremor, muscle stiffness, movement slowness, problems with gait, and sleeping problems. Daniel shares his strategy to assign designated times to focus on the problems that need to be addressed. By assigning the thoughts that lead to anxiety to a specific time allows one to be free during non "office hours".


Finally, Daniel and Bryan cover the news about the Food and Drug Administration's approval of Medtronic’s technologically advanced deep brain stimulation (DBS) system which is designed to more precisely target motor symptoms. Also, learn about the Silver Sneakers program designed to offer incentives for those with disabilities by providing free gym memberships.


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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
Sep 02, 202125:26
2.8 The Spree of '83

2.8 The Spree of '83

Aug 12, 202123:36
2.7 Makes Me Who I Am

2.7 Makes Me Who I Am

"I believe what I believe is what makes me who I am". In this episode, Daniel explains how the world of science and technical achievement is not enough to place our hope. Those with Parkinson's understand how little is known about how the brain works. There is so little that is understood about Parkinson's. Research does not always bear encouraging fruit.

In the darkness, we must answer the question of whether the Lord is who He says He is. Denominations have strived to have the answers we are looking for. Catholics, Baptist, Methodist, Lutherans, Assemblies of God, etc. Nor does Science. God is not bound by these limitations.

Through creative analogies, Daniel describes how we sabotage the blessings in our life because of our distrust in the supernatural. We dig empty wells in the sand to discover that we can't find water on our own. This leads to exhaustion and apathy. The Lord is offering us a cup of living water. Yet, we continue to dig new wells. How can we hand over such an important part of our life to a God that we do not see?

Many of us harbor great resentment and anger toward God due to the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. It's understandable. Parkinson's is an unforgiving taskmaster. However, we are the children of a huge God and we can beat on his chest. Parkinson's disease does not have an exit strategy at this time. The Lord is never early and never late. Help is on the way.

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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me

Jul 24, 202116:06
2.6 Letter To The Care Partner
Jul 01, 202126:42
2.5 Trying to Communicate
Jun 03, 202118:35
2.4 A Step Back
May 06, 202122:35
2.3 Sit a Spell
Apr 11, 202118:02
2.2 The Unbeatable Opponent
Mar 13, 202123:09
2.1 Picking Your Poison
Feb 18, 202118:12
1.16 Who I Am Becoming

1.16 Who I Am Becoming

In this episode, Daniel explores the challenges that come when you dislike who you are becoming when facing the progression of Parkinson's. There are many things we can do to prepare for these changes. Especially, when you are able to prepare for what is ahead. What happens when the condition attacks when you are the least ready? This presents itself in many forms, Examples are lashing out against those you love or an embarrassing moment in front of a group. 

Daniel relays recent examples of when this happened to him and the self-loathing that soon took over. How much of these moments are truly ourselves? Are they the result of the progression that is expected with Parkinson's? Finally, Daniel shares discoveries that have benefited him to start the new year. 

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656.

Jan 11, 202113:55
1.15 Moving Forward

1.15 Moving Forward

As we close out Season 1, it is important to look back at where we have been so we can look and keep moving forward. In previous episodes, many questions have been asked and Daniel has revealed new perspectives he has gained. In this episode, Daniel and Bryan update listeners on recent medication changes, ways to reinvent yourself, and goals to move toward. 

Parkinson's can be an enemy that makes unreasonable demands on our lives. It's understandable to be crushed under this unrelenting force that demands continual change. How can we not be victims of this? We must acknowledge that we are not alone. Parkinson's is currently the fastest growing neurological disease in the world. As a result, millions of people are living with Parkinson's but also, and encouragingly, fighting to end it. Though there is not a cure for P.D., it remains important to unite our voices. The newly formed PD Avengers is working toward the goal of ending Parkinson's. Please join us! Become a PD Avenger at pdavengers.com

Finally, Season 2 of Parkinson's and Me will focus on how to manage depression and anxiety. We will look deeper into how Parkinson's affects a person's mental health and how we can navigate through this complicated disease. 

Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation. 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 or visit our site parkinsonsand.me If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. If you have the Anchor app please leave a message at https://anchor.fm/parkinsonsandme.

Nov 12, 202022:03
1.14 Friendships That Change
Oct 22, 202022:10
1.13 A Man With Parkinson's
Oct 08, 202018:60
1.12 Parkinson's and Faith
Sep 23, 202021:34
1.11 The Other Side
Sep 09, 202023:23
1.10 Parkinson's and Perseverance
Aug 27, 202026:57
1.9 Hoping and Coping
Aug 17, 202024:00
1.8 Reinvent Yourself
Aug 07, 202022:17
1.7 An Interlude
Aug 04, 202007:48
1.6 Parkinson's and Marriage
Jul 27, 202020:19
1.5 Ain't Nobody Got Time For That
Jul 17, 202019:38
1.4 Parkinson's and a Career
Jul 14, 202018:06
1.3 Telling People You Know
Jul 04, 202025:40
1.2 Why Grieve?
Jun 24, 202028:14
1.1 Tribulation Road
Jun 14, 202011:37