Too Young For This Sh*t with Allie Signorelli

Ryan Reynolds

If I’ve learned one thing in the last few years about Parkinson’s, it’s that this disease doesn’t care who you are – and often, the only thing connecting people living with it is the disease itself. Imagine my surprise then, to form a common bond with someone I never thought I’d even meet, let alone become friends with. (Ok friends is a strong word here…ha! but let’s go with it). I’m so happy to share my conversation with Ryan Reynolds about our shared experiences with this disease, but also our collective commitment to raising awareness about Parkinson's, and specifically some of the more challenging aspects and symptoms. Ending stigma is vitally important to improving the lives of those of us facing it every day. I am grateful to Ryan for using his platform to help do this and look forward to continuing to chat. Who would have thought that two kids from either side of the country, who both grew up in the 80s idolizing another guy from Canada would all be working together to end Parkinson's? Certainly not me but I'm glad to be alongside them in the good fight! Thank you to the sponsor of this podcast:  More to Parkinson’s [https://moretoparkinsons.com/] is an educational campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., to increase awareness among caregivers and patients of the existence of hallucinations and delusions as possible parts of Parkinson’s disease. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a sponsor of this podcast. Ryan Reynolds is a spokesperson for Acadia. Views expressed are those of the hosts. Visit moretoparkinsons.com [http://moretoparkinsons.com/] to learn more and for additional resources.

Rebecca King Crews

Rebecca King-Crews is a singer, actress, producer, and author, and the wife of actor Terry Crews. She recently announced that she has been living with Parkinson’s disease and she shares more about her decision to go public, her recent procedure and how she is living well with the disease. Thank you to the sponsor of this podcast:  More to Parkinson’s [https://moretoparkinsons.com/] is an educational campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., to increase awareness among caregivers and patients of the existence of hallucinations and delusions as possible parts of Parkinson’s disease. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a sponsor of this podcast. Ryan Reynolds is a spokesperson for Acadia. Views expressed are those of the hosts. Visit moretoparkinsons.com [http://moretoparkinsons.com/] to learn more and for additional resources.

Connie Carpenter-Phinney

Connie Carpenter-Phinney is well known in the Parkinson’s world for the incredible organization and she her husband, fellow Olympian, Davis Phinney, created. But well before that, Connie was the first woman to ever win the Olympic Gold Medal in cycling. She is a legend in the sport, and now a hero to so many others as an advocate not only for people living with Parkinson’s, but for their care partners as well. Connie and I chatted about the power of communication, laughter, love and discipline and how all of that has allowed them to live well in the face of this disease. Learn more about the Davis Phinney Foundation here [https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/].  Listen to our entire conversation now on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Thank you to the sponsor of this podcast:  More to Parkinson’s [https://moretoparkinsons.com/] is an educational campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., to increase awareness among caregivers and patients of the existence of hallucinations and delusions as possible parts of Parkinson’s disease. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a sponsor of this podcast. Ryan Reynolds is a spokesperson for Acadia. Views expressed are those of the hosts. Visit moretoparkinsons.com [http://moretoparkinsons.com/] to learn more and for additional resources.

Greg Schaefer, 19 Time Ironman Competitor Living With Parkinson's

Greg Schaefer is an 19-time IRONMAN who is living with Young Onset Parkinson's disease.Greg shares how being diagnosed changed his life, and how he's applying the principles and discipline of his athletic career to his Parkinson's symptoms. Greg will compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona.  Greg and I talk about finding out he had Parkinson's, how it has affected his family, and how he's come back to racing with resilience.  More to Parkinson’s [https://moretoparkinsons.com/] is an educational campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., to increase awareness among caregivers and patients of the existence of hallucinations and delusions as possible parts of Parkinson’s disease. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a sponsor of this podcast. Ryan Reynolds is a spokesperson for Acadia. Views expressed are those of the hosts. Visit moretoparkinsons.com [http://moretoparkinsons.com/] to learn more and for additional resources.

Dan Feehan, Chief Policy Officer, Michael J. Fox Foundation

Joining me this week on the podcast is Dan Feehan, Chief Policy & Government Affairs Officer for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. After witnessing the September 11 attacks while a student at Georgetown University, Dan joined the Army, completed Ranger School, and served two combat tours in Iraq. His service was recognized with the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal with Valor. Following his military career, Daniel dedicated himself to education, teaching middle school math in underserved communities in Chicago, Illinois and Gary, Indiana. His commitment to public service led him to the White House Fellowship program, after which he went on to serve as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness at the Pentagon. Dan received his master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and joined the Fox Foundation last summer where he now leads the government relations team. We talk about his incredible career, the state of Parkinson’s policy, the importance of advocacy and how listeners can get involved.   More to Parkinson’s [https://moretoparkinsons.com/] is an educational campaign, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., to increase awareness among caregivers and patients of the existence of hallucinations and delusions as possible parts of Parkinson’s disease. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a sponsor of this podcast. Ryan Reynolds is a spokesperson for Acadia. Views expressed are those of the hosts. Visit moretoparkinsons.com [http://moretoparkinsons.com/] to learn more and for additional resources.