YOPN’s Living Well Starts Here

FIVE YEARS LATER - JIMMY CHOI

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with the Young Onset Parkinson's Network in our podcast series, “5 Years Later” Join us as we reconnect with guests we spoke to over five years ago, who bravely share their experiences and provide valuable insights into the nuanced transformations they've encountered since then. Prepare to be enlightened as we delve into their extraordinary achievements, explore their mental well-being, uncover their exercise regimens, delve into their dietary choices, and go beyond. So, lean back, unwind, and get ready to be captivated by their truly inspiring stories.
Today's guest is Jimmy Choi
#parkinsons #PDawareness #ParkinsonsDisease #ShakeItOff #ParkinsonsWarrior #FindACure #ParkinsonsCommunity #LivingWithParkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch #MovementDisorder #YOPN #YOPD #youngonsetparkinsons #Parkinsonslookslikeme

Parkinson’s, Bats and Crop Protection. Unveiling Nature’s Solution to Pesticides.

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast, where we are thrilled to bring you a special guest, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Known as "Batman," Dr. Tuttle has dedicated over six decades to the study of bats. As seen on the Joe Rogan Experience and David Letterman, he joins us today to share his insights. Despite his diagnosis of Parkinson's, Dr. Tuttle continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the field.
During our conversation, Dr. Tuttle enlightens us on how bats excel at safeguarding our crops, surpassing the effectiveness of chemical solutions. He also delves into the topic of bat houses, shedding light on their significance and benefits. Drawing from his extensive experiences in the Amazon rainforest, he shares captivating stories and adventures.
Tune in to this episode as we explore these fascinating subjects and much more with the legendary Dr. Merlin Tuttle, a true authority on bats and their ecological importance.
To learn more about Dr. Tuttle go to https://www.merlintuttle.org/
 

Smiling through Parkinson’s: Unmasking the Journey

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast is thrilled to present Lucy Jung, the CEO of Charco Neurotech (https://charconeurotech.com/)
Charco Neurotech is a medical technology company focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Their mission is to bring back smiles to those affected by the condition. Inspired by Professor Charcot's research on vibratory stimulation, they have developed the CUE1 device in collaboration with people with Parkinson's. By incorporating diverse skillsets and listening to the needs of the community, they aim to create simple, non-invasive technologies that can alleviate movement symptoms. The company, co-founded by Lucy Jung, values input from individuals with Parkinson's throughout the development process. Their goal is to provide innovative medical devices and software that enhance the well-being of those living with Parkinson's.

Voices Unveiled: Breaking Barriers with Speech Accessibility

The YOPN Podcast is proud to present Mark Hasagawa-Johnson and Clarion Mendes as we discuss the Speech Accessibility Project
The Speech Accessibility Project aims to collect diverse speech samples to improve the representation of speech patterns in machine learning models. UIUC researchers will recruit paid volunteers to contribute recorded voice samples, creating a private dataset. This dataset will be used to train machine learning models and enhance their understanding of various speech patterns, starting with American English. By collaborating with multiple groups, the project seeks to accelerate the development of technologies that support communities with diverse speech patterns
Now recruiting!  https://speechaccessibilityproject.beckman.illinois.edu/
The Speech Accessibility Project is now recruiting for participants with Parkinson's and related neurological conditions like MSA, PSP, and post-DBS. U.S. residents over the age of 18 are eligible.
Mark Hasagawa-Johnson is a researcher at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He has devoted his 30-plus-year career to developing communication tools and technologies and ensuring their accessibility for everyone. His research focuses on automatic speech recognition, and he is the lead researcher of the Speech Accessibility Project, a multi-year initiative that aims to improve voice-recognition technology by collecting audio samples from volunteers with a variety of speech-impacted disabilities. Hasagawa-Johnson earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was recently named a Fellow of the International Speech Communication Association.
Clarion Mendes is a speech-language pathologist and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She received her M.A. in speech-language pathology from UIUC and brings 14 years of SLP experience to the Speech Accessibility Project team. Mendes’s rich clinical and teaching portfolio includes health equity, treatment protocols for gender-diverse individuals seeking voice modification, and quality of life improvements for individuals with acquired communication disorders and differences. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and is OutCare Health certified.

Unshakable Journeys: Parkinson’s Pioneers Across America

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast, poudly presents Scott Rider.
 
Scott Rider and his long-time friend Jim Morgan, both diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 17 years ago, embarked on a remarkable journey across America. During their travels, they met numerous inspiring individuals with Parkinson's, as well as educators, movement disorder specialists, and others. Keep an eye out for an upcoming documentary that will capture their experiences and insights from this extraordinary adventure.
 
About Scott:  Rider, a Columbus, Ohio native and former track and field star at The Ohio State University, holds the men's outdoor record in the 800 meters. After founding and managing Rider+Reinke Financial Group LLC, he sold his position in 2017. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at 47, Scott fights it with exercise and a positive attitude, biking over 10,000 miles in the last four years. Now retired at 62, he inspires others with Parkinson's through speaking engagements, fundraising for research, and sharing his experiences via a blog and YouTube channel. Scott's unwavering faith and motto "IWNQ = I WILL NEVER QUIT" guide him in his daily battle against the disease.
 
 
 
 
 

Brushes of Resilience: Unveiling the Power of Art in Healthcare

The YOPN Podcast proudly presents an interview with patient advocate Ted Meyer!
 
Ted Meyer, an artist, curator, and patient advocate, uses art to find inspiration in the adversity of the patient experience. In his 2016 TEDMED Talk, he shares how art can help healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of their patients' pain, loneliness, and frustration. Through his powerful creations, Ted communicates patients' stories and invites empathy and compassion in the healthcare field.
 
Watch Ted Meyer's captivating TEDMED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_HOIg1qV9A&t=651s
 

Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson’s: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative World

Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative World
 
Discover the inspiring short documentary "Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's," crafted by the talented 23-year-old director, Olz McCoy. Created in honor of World Parkinson's Month, this remarkable film shares the incredible stories of three individuals—an accomplished painter, a skilled photographer, and a talented musician—who have triumphed over the physically and mentally debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease. Despite the daunting obstacles life has thrown at them, they have persevered and continued to pursue their creative professions with unwavering determination.
 
Directed by Olz McCoy, whose talent shines through in every frame, this documentary takes you on a captivating journey into the lives of these remarkable individuals. Each one of them possesses an unyielding passion for their craft and an unshakeable sense of purpose that has enabled them to overcome the challenges posed by Parkinson's Disease.
 
The film features Alex Echo, a gifted painter whose vibrant artworks transcend the limitations imposed by Parkinson's. Through his sheer determination and unwavering love for art, Alex continues to create stunning pieces that resonate with audiences worldwide. Joining him is David Plummer, a skilled photographer whose lens captures the beauty of the world, showcasing that Parkinson's can never diminish his keen eye for detail and artistic vision. Lastly, we meet Nigel Bates, a talented musician who defies the physical constraints of Parkinson's Disease to create soul-stirring melodies that touch the hearts of all who listen.
 
With Olz McCoy at the helm, this documentary provides a powerful testament to the indomitable human spirit and the ability to find purpose and fulfillment in the face of adversity. Through intimate interviews, poignant visuals, and a compelling narrative, "Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's" showcases the triumph of creativity and the unwavering determination of these remarkable individuals.
 
To learn more about Olz McCoy and his remarkable directorial talent, visit his website at https://olzmccoy.com/director. You can also explore the incredible works of Alex Echo at https://www.alexecho.com/, David Plummer at https://davidplummer.co.uk/, and Nigel Bates at https://www.nigelbates.net/.
 
Immerse yourself in the world of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of passion as you embark on this unforgettable cinematic journey with "Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's."
 
#parkinsons #PDawareness #ParkinsonsDisease #ShakeItOff  #ParkinsonsWarrior #FindACure #ParkinsonsCommunity #LivingWithParkinsons #ParkinsonsResearch #MovementDisorder #YOPN #YOPD #YoungOnset

Climbing the Heights: Ian O’Brien’s Parkinson’s Journey of Triumph

This week on the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network podcast (YOPN PODCAST)
Meet Ian O'Brien, a determined 43-year-old father who refuses to let Parkinson's Disease hinder his enjoyment of life. Ian is an unwavering advocate of pushing his limits and embracing challenges. His latest endeavor? Conquering the highest peaks in all 28 countries of the EU27 and the UK within a span of just 28 days. It's June 2023, and you can follow Ian's extraordinary journey at www.eurupian.com.

Overcoming Adversity: Antonia Kotsiros Journey of Healing, Hope and Inspiration

Today's YOPN podcast episode features Antonia Kotsiros, who has worked in the music industry and operated businesses in the coffee and holiday accommodation industries. Antonia's life took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, leading to the end of her relationship, selling of her businesses, and a significant decline in her health. Antonia's focus on healing her body and discovering Dr. Joe Dispenza's healing work has resulted in health improvements. Her mission is to serve others on a similar path and become an inspirational speaker. In her free time, Antonia enjoys various activities such as songwriting, yoga, and travelling. The podcast will explore Antonia's journey of resilience, hope, and finding joy amid adversity 
 

Rising to the Challenge: Al Latullippe’s Journey from Groupon to Rock Steady Boxing Pioneer

The YOPN Podcast features Albert Latullippe, who shares his inspiring journey of how a chance encounter with Greg Geheb at his gym, with an expired groupon, led him to start the first Rock Steady Boxing Program in New England. Al went on to build the program from the ground up, expanding to multiple locations, and is now celebrating a 10-year milestone. Tune in to the YOPN Podcast to hear Al's story of overcoming obstacles and achieving success, and get ready to be inspired and uplifted