This is Parkinson's

What if a tiny device could turn the tide on your Parkinson’s journey? In this episode of This is Parkinson’s, Lisa Volenec chats with Jen Zupon, an energetic and passionate Parkinson’s advocate and mentor who has become the "poster child" for the dopamine pump. If you’re tired of the constant "on/off" cycle of medication, the rigid alarms, and the physical exhaustion of managing Parkinson’s, this...

A Parkinson's diagnosis can radically alter your world, but it doesn't mean you have to borrow trouble from tomorrow.  In this episode of This is Parkinson’s, Lisa Volenec is joined by content creator Donna Parkhurst (@movedbyparkinsons on Instagram) to discuss her fast-growing advocacy journey, navigating early-onset idiopathic Parkinson's symptoms, and managing chronic anxiety. After watching he...

Is Parkinson’s disease truly genetic, or is it an unnatural consequence of our environment? In this powerful episode of This Is Parkinson's, host Lisa Volenec is joined by world-renowned neurologist Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of Ending Parkinson’s Disease. Together, they expose how hidden chemical exposures in our food, water, and air are driving the global spike in neurological disorders—and what...

When the "Standard" Plan Changes: Gene Therapy, Godwinks, and the Power of Persistence. On this episode of This Is Parkinson’s, host Lisa Volenec sits down with her friend Allison Stieb for a raw, conversational look at the hurdles of seeking care from rural Nebraska. So, what do you do when you’re told there’s a nine-month wait just to see a specialist? If you’re Allison Stieb, you keep pushing u...

What does a lifelong friendship look like when it’s met with a life-altering diagnosis?  In this episode of This Is Parkinson’s, host Lisa Volenec sits down with her best friend of over 50 years, Dawn Blankenship.  From being born three days apart to navigating the "bomb" of a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2014, their bond has remained unshakable. Lisa and Dawn pull back the curtain on the "off" episod...

"We treat our animals better than our loved ones." This heartbreaking realization fueled Dr. George Ackerman’s transition from a career in law and policing to becoming one of the most dedicated Parkinson’s disease advocates in the world. In this deeply personal episode, Lisa Volenec sits down "knee-to-knee" with George to discuss his organization "Together For Sharon" and the reality of being a ca...

How do you manage a complex neurodegenerative disease from 2,000 miles away? In this episode of This is Parkinson's, Lisa Volenec sits down with Angie Allison, a daughter and advocate who turned her father Ron’s 15-year battle with Parkinson’s into a masterclass in caregiving. Angie pulls back the curtain on the "Parkinson’s Iceberg," discussing the non-motor symptoms that are often more challengi...

How do you go from a five-minute diagnosis that flips your world upside down to becoming a source of light for the global Parkinson’s community? In this episode of This Is Parkinson’s, host Lisa Volenec sits down with Tim Lockard (founder of My PD Party @mypdparty on instagram) for a heart-to-heart on the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) and critical decisions during...

"If you give me that martini, I'll shake it up for you." In this episode of This Is Parkinson's, Pat Voelker joins Lisa Volenec to share how his diagnosis was a challenge that weighed him down at first but now he uses humor to take the edge off a life-altering diagnosis. Pat tells Lisa about the physical and mental shift from being the man who "carried the burden" to learning how to let his family...

Lisa Volenec has an inspiring conversation with Sheryl Lowenhar, founder of 17 Branches and an energetic and passionate advocate for Parkinson’s awareness. In this episode, Sheryl shares her personal journey of living with Parkinson’s disease, offering insight, hope, and practical life-hack style advice for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by the condition.  We also highlight Sheryl’s pod...

After living with Parkinson’s disease for more than two decades, musician Jim Goodfriend reached a point where the symptoms began interfering with the thing he loved most — playing guitar. In this episode of This is Parkinson’s, Jim shares his journey from diagnosis to choosing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in hopes of regaining control, independence, and the ability to once again express h...

Parkinson’s doesn’t begin with tremors. It begins with fear, uncertainty, and the quiet decision of whether to tell anyone at all. In this premiere episode of This is Parkinson’s (TIP), founder Lisa Volenec sits down with Bob Sullivan, friend and co-founder of TIP, and her sister, Kris Volenec, for an honest conversation about her diagnosis, the grief that followed, and the courage it took to shar...

What happens when Parkinson’s isn’t just a diagnosis — but part of your family history? In this episode of TIP, Lisa Volenec sits down with Lisa Cote of Omaha, Nebraska, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s just two years after losing her father to the same disease. With Parkinson’s also affecting her grandmother and mother-in-law, this conversation explores what it means when the condit...