YOPN’s Living Well Starts Here

Hope We See You at the 2026 World Parkinson's Congress!

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 YOPN | PMD Alliance's Free Membership Program for People with YOPD
GET IN-PERSON SUPPORT | PMD Alliance's Directory for Groups, Providers, & Events
Don't forget to follow, subscribe, and share! Because the conversation continues in the comments on Podbean, across social media, and in YOPN's Monthly Community Gatherings. Tell us what you think!
 

The Truth About Finding a Cure with Alberto Espay, MD

 "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 Livingston | @missmlivEsther Labib-Kiyarash | @shakinginmyboots1Chris Sutphin | @cesutphin
with support from hosting organization, Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
~~~ GUEST ~~~Alberto Espay, MDProfessor and Endowed Chair of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Center for Parkinson’s Disease at the University of CincinnatiExplore his work >
~~~ LEARN MORE ~~~READ | The Science Behind Parkinson's from Cure Parkinson's UK
WATCH | Parkinson's Research YouTube Playlist from PMD Alliance
JOIN YOPN | PMD Alliance's Free Membership Program for People with YOPDDon't forget to follow, subscribe, and share! Because the conversation continues in the comments on Podbean, across social media, and in YOPN's Monthly Community Gatherings. Tell us what you think!

"Random OFF Is My Failure": Hot Takes with Rodolfo Savica, MD, PhD

"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.org/

Sex, Intimacy, and Parkinson’s

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.

Alternative Therapies for Parkinson's disease

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.

Ray Dorsey and Michael S. Okun on "A New Path to Prevention and Treatment"

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.

Parkinson’s Clinical Trials, Wearables, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Simon Allard (Audio Only)

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 extended-release Levodopa formulations. He also explains how real-world feedback from patients and clinicians continues to shape dosing, safety, and access.
Together with the hosts, Simon explores gaps in trial representation, the promise of wearable technology, and why open communication between clinicians, patients, and pharma matters. The episode highlights the vital role of patient advocacy, participation in research, and how the combination of effective symptom management and regular exercise can help people with YOPD live well today—while science pushes toward tomorrow’s disease-modifying therapies.

Parkinson’s Clinical Trials, Wearables, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Simon Allard

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 extended-release Levodopa formulations. He also explains how real-world feedback from patients and clinicians continues to shape dosing, safety, and access.
Together with the hosts, Simon explores gaps in trial representation, the promise of wearable technology, and why open communication between clinicians, patients, and pharma matters. The episode highlights the vital role of patient advocacy, participation in research, and how the combination of effective symptom management and regular exercise can help people with YOPD live well today—while science pushes toward tomorrow’s disease-modifying therapies.

Travel and Adventure with Young Onset Parkinson's: Journey Tips and Tales (Audio Only)

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 light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.
The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.

Travel and Adventure with Young Onset Parkinson's: Journey Tips and Tales

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 light, carrying medication in multiple places, and allowing extra time for everything.
The conversation also covers the importance of comfort items, managing anxiety, and planning for dietary restrictions during travel. Additionally, Mel shares insights on family adventures and local trips, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
The episode also touches upon an upcoming retreat in Arizona and the importance of pushing through anxiety to create valuable memories.