Think BIG and LOUD with LSVT Global

Finding Your Voice: Clinical Artistry, Evidence, and Identity in SLP with Jen Walentas Lewon

In celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, we sit down with Jen Walentas Lewon, clinical associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, to explore the intersection of science, artistry, and human connection in speech-language pathology.Jen shares her journey across diverse clinical settings, her passion for voice and neurogenic disorders, and her approach to student-centered mentorship. From gender-affirming voice work to the principles of LSVT LOUD, this conversation highlights how clinicians can balance structured, evidence-based practice with creativity and individualized care.We also discuss the evolving role of technology, telepractice, and access to care—while reinforcing a central theme of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: the importance of communication and those who support it.Whether you’re a clinician, student, person living with a communication disorder, or a family member supporting a loved one, this episode offers insights into how we can all better understand, support, and empower the human voice.Show Notes:Special Guest: Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, MA, CCC-SLPHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLPTheme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpcPodcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Why Every Move Matters: Nutrition and Empowerment in Parkinson’s with Richelle Flanagan

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Richelle Flanagan, founder of My Moves Matter and NutritionPD, who brings a uniquely powerful perspective to Parkinson’s care, not only as a clinician, but also as someone living with Parkinson’s disease following a young-onset diagnosis. Richelle shares her personal journey, including how her diagnosis deepened her understanding of nutrition, movement, and self-management in Parkinson’s care. We explore the mission behind My Moves Matter, a global initiative encouraging people with Parkinson’s to understand and manage their own symptoms, and NutritionPD, a suite of education programs dedicated to providing evidence-based, Parkinson’s-specific nutrition guidance. Throughout the conversation, Richelle bridges her dual perspective as both a dietitian and a person living with Parkinson’s, offering insight into the day-to-day realities of living with the condition and the many factors that influence how people feel and function. She also shares practical, realistic strategies that empower individuals and care partners to make meaningful changes without becoming overwhelmed. This episode highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care and lived experience, offering valuable takeaways for clinicians, individuals with Parkinson’s, and care partners alike. Show Notes: Special Guest: Richelle Flanagan Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP Resources mentioned in this episode: My Moves Matter: https://www.mymovesmatter.com/ NutritionPD: https://nutritionpd.com/ My Moves Matter YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MyMovesMatter Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/ Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠ LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠ Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Clinical Expertise & Lived Experience: Gary Boyle & Joan Duffy Navigating Parkinson’s Together

Join us for a compelling conversation with Gary Boyle, who lives with young-onset Parkinson's, and his wife, Joan Duffy, a speech-language therapist and LSVT LOUD clinician. This episode delves into their unique journey, from Gary's diagnosis and his proactive approach to living well with Parkinson's, to Joan's dual role as a care partner and professional expert. They share candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of navigating Parkinson's, offering a powerful testament to resilience and the impact of communication. Discover their personal experience with LSVT LOUD therapy, as Gary recounts his voice and speech changes and breakthrough moments, while Joan highlights improvements in confidence and participation she observed. The discussion also explores their advocacy efforts for Parkinson's care in Ireland and Europe. Gary and Joan provide invaluable advice for those newly diagnosed and for care partners, sharing what inspires hope in their ongoing journey. Show Notes: Special Guests: Gary Boyle and Joan DuffyHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP Organizations Close to Gary and Joan: Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease Ireland: ⁠https://eopd.ie/⁠ [https://eopd.ie/]Parkinsons’ Europe: ⁠https://parkinsonseurope.org/⁠ [https://parkinsonseurope.org/]Parkinson’s Ireland: ⁠https://www.parkinsons.ie/⁠ [https://www.parkinsons.ie/]The Irish Association of Speech + Language Therapists: ⁠https://www.iaslt.ie/⁠ [https://www.iaslt.ie/] Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc] Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios ⁠https://www.csdesignstudios.com/⁠ [https://www.csdesignstudios.com/] Get Certified: ⁠⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠⁠LSVT Global Website: ⁠⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠⁠ [https://www.lsvtglobal.com%E2%81%A0]Find LSVT Clinicians: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians [https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians]

Together for Sharon: Turning Loss into a Global Parkinson’s Community

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Dr. George Ackerman, founder of Together for Sharon, to explore how the journey of caring for his mother, Sharon, through Parkinson’s and dementia became the foundation for a global advocacy movement. George shares what it was like to be both a son and a caregiver, how storytelling helped him process grief, and why he believes lived experience is one of the most powerful tools for changing awareness and reducing stigma around Parkinson’s and dementia. We also talk about how Together for Sharon has grown into an international community that connects patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates, and what gives George hope for the future of Parkinson’s care. This episode is for anyone who has loved someone with Parkinson’s, anyone living with Parkinson’s themselves, or anyone who wants to understand what that journey really looks like behind the diagnosis. SHOW NOTES Special Guest: George Ackerman, PhD, JD, MBA, Police Ofc. Rsv.Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP TOGETHER FOR SHARON LINKS Website: https://togetherforsharon.com/ [https://togetherforsharon.com/]All Socials: https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharon [https://linktr.ee/togetherforsharon]TogetherForSharon® Shop: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/]Email: togetherforsharon@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ackerman-ph-d-esq-mba-00871a82/ [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ackerman-ph-d-esq-mba-00871a82/]TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherforsharon1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@togetherforsharon1]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020 [https://www.facebook.com/togetherforsharon112020]Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/togetherforsha1 [https://twitter.com/togetherforsha1]Instagram & Threads: https://www.instagram.com/togetherforsharon/ [https://www.instagram.com/togetherforsharon/]The Parkinson’s Connection YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheParkinsonsConnection/playlists [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.youtube.com/%40TheParkinsonsConnection/playlists]The TogetherForSharon® Podcast: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/podcast-interviews/ [https://www.togetherforsharon.com/podcast-interviews/]Q&A with Sharon’s Son: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/qa-with-sharons-son-george/ [https://www.togetherforsharon.com/qa-with-sharons-son-george/]Interview Index: https://www.togetherforsharon.com/interview-index/ [https://www.togetherforsharon.com/interview-index/]Blog (Tackling Tough Topics): https://www.togetherforsharon.com/tackling-tough-topics/ [https://www.togetherforsharon.com/tackling-tough-topics/]YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeBLOelhaLQNvgeNMzu-5g [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIeBLOelhaLQNvgeNMzu-5g] THEME SONG "Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. Inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment to raise global awareness. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc] Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios: https://www.csdesignstudios.com/ [https://www.csdesignstudios.com/] LSVT GLOBAL RESOURCES Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/ [https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/]Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com [https://www.lsvtglobal.com]Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians [https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians]

Pelvic Health for Parkinson’s: Insights from OT Expert Erica Vitek

Join occupational therapist (OT) Erica Vitek as she shares her journey at the intersection of Parkinson’s (PD) rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy. Erica recounts her path from general OT practice to specializing in PD and pelvic health, shaped by her roles at LSVT Global and the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and discusses powerful patient stories where addressing bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction restored dignity and independence. Listeners will explore how PD disrupts pelvic function, top myths related to receiving healthcare for pelvic function, communication tools for sensitive topics, collaboration strategies with specialists, and actionable self-management tips. She also introduces her new self-paced course, Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease, as a resource touching on PD neuroanatomy, pelvic floor function, evidence-based strategies, and self-management for therapy professionals and PD families. Perfect for OTs, PTs, neuro rehab clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers seeking practical hope and awareness. SHOW NOTES: Special Guest: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPCHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP RESOURCES: Erica’s New Online Course (Open to everyone): Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/ [https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/] Advanced Course for Rehab Professionals: Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation: https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation [https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation] Directory of APTA Women’s Pelvic Health Specialists: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory [https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory] Directory of Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPC): https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner [https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner] THEME SONG: "Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. A song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment, developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc] CONNECT WITH US: Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/ [https://www.csdesignstudios.com/] Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/ [https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/] LSVT Global Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com [https://www.lsvtglobal.com] Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians [https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians]