Parkinson’s Looks Like Me Podcast

Parkinson’s Looks Like Me Podcast

Real, in-depth conversations about living with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD). Join cohosts Esther, Mel, and Chris as they talk with care partners, healthcare experts, and treatment developers to better understand this neurodegenerative disease and those living with it. Brought to you by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network of PMD Alliance

Episodes

September 18, 2026 • 30 mins

Could Parkinson's be the result of an evolutionary adaptation that provides short-term protection from environmental triggers, but results in long-term consequences? Researcher Matthew Farrer, PhD introduced a compelling model for understanding the mechanism behind Parkinson's in his recent paper, and we're diving into all the details with him.

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingston | @missmliv

Esther Labib-Kiyarash | @shakin...

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Sit down with co-hosts Mel and Chris to learn what their Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures were like, the realities of recovering from brain surgery, and how they feel now, 2 years after. This episode does not shy away from the visceral parts of their experiences, including Chris' unique impressions from being awake during his DBS placement.

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingston | @missmliv

Esther Labib-Kiyarash | @shak...

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Jump in the time machine with cohosts Mel, Esther, and Chris to revisit a past conversation from 2024 when Chris and Mel were both preparing for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. Learn about their mindsets and quality-of-life going into the procedure, then next month, come back to hear their DBS impressions almost 2 years later!

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingston | @missmliv

Esther Labib-Kiyarash | @shakinginmyboots1

Chris Sutph...

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Tune in for a frank discussion on the financial and bureaucratic hurdles you may have to overcome while living with Young Onset Parkinson's. Co-hosts Esther, Mel, and Chris open up about the juggling they've done, the hard choices they've had to make, and the guilt that they manage.

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingston | @missmliv

Esther Labib-Kiyarash | @shakinginmyboots1

Chris Sutphin | @cesutp...

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In this special mini-episode, Mel and Chris talk Parkinson's travel and the importance of gathering with community members in anticipation of the upcoming World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix, AZ.

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingston | @missmliv

Chris Sutphin | @cesutphin

with support from hosting organization, Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance

~~~ LEARN MORE ~~~

JOIN YOP...

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 "We need to start moving away from the idea that there will be 'a cure.' There will be many cures, and all cures are not going to come in an equal way..." In this deep-diving episode, we sit down with Alberto Espay, MD to dig into what's really stalling the research community, how bad actors take advantage of the placebo effect, and what people with Parkinson's can do to push for change.

~~~ HOSTS ~~~ Melissa Livingsto...

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"If somebody has random OFF time, it's my failure. I'm failing as a physician..." In this validation-packed episode, we sit down with movement disorder specialist and researcher Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD to get his perspectives on YOPD and the problems with the current care approach many were taught.

Our guest this episode: Rodolfo Savica, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic

  Young Onset Parkinson’s Network: https://yopnetwork...
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February 6, 2026 • 58 mins

With Valentine's Day coming up, we get into sex, intimacy, connection, and what it all looks like when you're living with PD. This episode is raw and deeply real, and it's packed with context that actually helps. If you've been wondering whether you're alone in this, you're not.

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Join us as we explore alternative therapies for Parkinson's disease and share our experiences researching and trying various approaches and also fads. It's time to debunk the junk and separate fact from fiction.

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Ray Dorsey and Michael S. Okun join the podcast for an in-depth conversation about their new book, "The Parkinson's Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment." They share groundbreaking new research on Parkinson's disease and outline steps individuals and policymakers can make in advancing prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure.

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In this episode, Simon Allard from Amneal Pharmaceuticals joins the YOPN podcast team to share his journey from neuroscience research to his role as a medical science liaison—and to give listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Parkinson’s drugs are developed, tested, and refined in real life.

Simon unpacks the science behind preclinical research, the phases of clinical trials, and the differences between extende...

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Explore the challenges and triumphs of traveling with Parkinson's disease in this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network. 

Hosts Chris, Mel, and Esther share personal stories and practical tips for both local and international travel. They discuss the challenges posed by airports and transportation systems that are not disability-friendly, and offer strategies such as packing ligh...

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In this discussion, Mel, Esther and Chris delve into the topic of mental wellness, sharing their personal experiences and challenges with mental health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease. They explore their histories with bipolar disorder and depression, the importance of mental health support systems, and coping mechanisms. The conversation touches on the stigma around mental health, the connections between mental he...

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Audio Only

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson'...

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(Audio Only)

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connectin...

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(Audio Only) Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's Edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they delve into the complexities of maintaining intimacy in relationships affected by Parkinson's, sharing personal insights and experiences.

With humor and honesty, they discuss the various challenges that come with maintaini...

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November 14, 2024 • 56 mins
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September 11, 2024 • 42 mins
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August 7, 2024 • 47 mins
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