In this episode of Parkinson's and Me, titled "Forgotten Who We Are," Daniel, the host, shares a deeply personal and introspective journey, reflecting on his life with Parkinson's and the ongoing challenge of balancing gratitude with the difficulties of his condition. As the disease progresses and his symptoms become more aggressive, Daniel opens up about how he strives to maintain perspective and stay connected to the blessings in his life, even amid hardship.

A major theme of the episode is Daniel’s exploration of rediscovering his childlike sense of wonder and imagination. Drawing inspiration from the movie Hook, he compares his journey to Peter Pan’s transformation—finding a way to reconnect with his past self to navigate present challenges. Daniel recalls memories from his childhood, such as pretending to be Captain Kirk or Michael Knight, and how these moments of creativity and joy shaped him. He uses these memories to illustrate the importance of embracing the childlike parts of himself that he once set aside in order to protect himself from hurt and disappointment.

Throughout the episode, Daniel reflects on how life’s challenges led him to construct a metaphorical “armor” over the years, shielding him from pain and disconnecting him from his authentic self. Now, faced with the realities of Parkinson’s, he recognizes the need to strip away that armor and integrate all versions of himself—past and present—into a whole and healthy individual.

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

In this heartfelt holiday episode of "Parkinson's and Me", Daniel welcomes listeners to join him for a fireside chat in a snow-covered cabin, offering a warm reprieve from the chaos of the season. With the glow of the fire and the scent of fresh cookies in the air, he opens up about the difficulty of balancing passion with the reality of his condition. But his message goes beyond Parkinson’s—it’s a relatable and inspiring reminder for anyone facing challenges that life’s hardships, though painful, can also shape our growth.

As the year comes to a close, Daniel reflects on the speed of time, the gifts of gratitude, and the illusions we chase in pursuit of ease. Framing his thoughts with the joy and reflection of the holiday season, he challenges listeners to focus not on what’s missing but on the blessings we often overlook. This episode is a gentle yet powerful nudge to embrace the imperfections of life and find strength in its trials. Wrapped in the warmth of holiday music and candlelight, this episode is for those seeking encouragement, comfort, or a fresh perspective as they prepare for the new year. Let this conversation light your spirit as you celebrate the holidays and consider how to make the most of the time ahead.

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

In this episode of Parkinson's and Me, Daniel Sellers introduces Frank, a long-time Parkinson's patient who was diagnosed in 2007. Frank shares his journey of living with Parkinson's for over 17 years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Despite experiencing personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother and wife to cancer, Frank has remained committed to using his experiences to inspire others. His story is about more than just battling the disease; it's about helping others navigate the difficulties of life through lessons he's learned, including writing a book titled Embracing Parkinson's.

During the episode, Frank is joined by his long-time collaborator Chris, who speaks about their work together and Frank's impact on others. Frank discusses the challenges of Parkinson's, such as dealing with physical limitations and managing emotions, but he also highlights the importance of neuroplasticity and maintaining hope. By embracing a positive mindset and building daily routines, Frank has found ways to live a fulfilling life despite the diagnosis.

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