Saturday Dec 21, 2024
Episode 14: Emily Graham
The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast
Welcome to The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, where we are on a mission to revolutionize how women with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are perceived and treated—both in mainstream media and within our communities, especially the healthcare industry. This podcast takes you on a journey through the complex highs and lows that come with living as a woman with a neurodegenerative disorder. It’s a space where real stories of resilience, strength, and transformation are shared. Join me as I connect with some truly inspiring and powerful PD Women who open up about their personal journeys. These incredible women reveal how they’ve overcome challenges, shifted their mindsets, and created their own paths to success. Their stories are a testament to the courage it takes to navigate life with Parkinson’s and the unwavering spirit that defines Pretty Dope Women. Tune in, be inspired, and become part of a community that’s breaking barriers, challenging perceptions, and uplifting the voices of women living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
In this heartfelt episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, Caitlin sits down with Sara Herrity @sara_keeps_moving, an active working mom of two energetic boys, living boldly with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosed just before her 40th birthday, Sara has transformed her journey into a powerful narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy.
Sara opens up about her traumatic diagnosis experience, the empowering shift of finding the right medical team, and embracing a holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s. She shares how irrationally running a half marathon after her diagnosis taught her the importance of controlling what she can, balancing her life, and setting boundaries to protect her peace.
This episode dives into the mind-body connection, the unique challenges women with Parkinson’s face, and why advocating for more gender-inclusive research is vital for the Parkinson’s community. Sara’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of embracing change, advocating for yourself, and finding joy even in the hardest moments.
RUSH Hospital Chicago
Seattle Integrated Medicine
HEAL Documentary
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
🎉 Exciting news! To celebrate my birthday, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the Pretty Dope Women in Momentum Grant, generously offered by Monarch & Co. and its incredible founder, Amanda Wilson-Ciocci.
In this episode, I share my personal journey from feeling trapped in a corporate job while hiding my Parkinson’s diagnosis, to discovering the freedom of entrepreneurship and finding a supportive, heart-centered community through Monarch Momentum.
You’ll also hear from Amanda herself, the visionary behind Monarch Momentum, as well as Ashlee Livingstone, a certified Pause Breathwork Trauma-Informed Facilitator.
✨ This grant is a life-changing opportunity for two incredible women with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease to join the transformative Monarch Momentum program. But here’s the best part—anyone can join Monarch Momentum at any time and gain access to my exclusive monthly support group for PD women within the program.
Tune in to discover:✅ How this grant could help you create a fulfilling, flexible life and career.✅ The power of community in achieving your dreams.✅ Why entrepreneurship could be the key to finding freedom and balance with Parkinson’s.
Show Links:
Apply for the Pretty Dope Women in Momentum Grant (DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DEC 18/24: prettydopewomen.com/grants
Learn more about Monarch Momentum
Follow us on Instagram: @prettydopewomen, @themonarchandco, @ashlee.livingstone
Connect with me via email: info@prettydopewomen.com
💡 Know someone who would benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s grow, inspire, and uplift one another.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Building Community and Driving Change with Jennifer Sullivan
In this week’s episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, Caitlin is joined by Jennifer Sullivan, creator of The Wiggles Project on YouTube and The Dill Pickle on Substack. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 38, Jennifer has channeled her experiences into building a vibrant online community that offers support, insight, and advocacy for women with Parkinson’s Disease.
Caitlin and Jennifer discuss managing mental health while living with a progressive disease, navigating relationships impacted by chronic illness, and the significant underrepresentation of women in Parkinson’s research and advocacy. They also dive into how hormonal changes and menstrual cycles affect Parkinson's symptoms, as well as the importance of staying sexually active—yes, even with Parkinson’s (fair warning to Caitlin’s family: skip this one if you must! 😅).
Exciting Announcement: At the end of the episode, learn how you can help plan a Women’s March for Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April. Caitlin and Jennifer are calling on women in the PD community to step up and help organize this historic event. Want to join? Sign up today at prettydopewomen.com/pdwomensmarch.
🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more about Jennifer Sullivan’s work on YouTube: The Wiggles Project
Read Jennifer’s writing on Substack: The Dill Pickle
Get involved in the Women’s March: prettydopewomen.com/pdwomensmarch
Join us in amplifying women’s voices in the Parkinson’s community. Together, we can make a difference!
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Resilience Through Movement with Kim Mortson
In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, Caitlin sits down with Kim Mortson—a former personal trainer turned motivational speaker and movement advocate. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2018, Kim shares her journey of resilience, mindset, and gratitude.
Kim opens up about the challenges she’s faced, the lessons she’s learned, and how she continues to inspire others in the Parkinson’s community. From her fitness background to her powerful perspective shifts, Kim’s story is one of strength and hope.
Find Kim on Instagram: @bodydesignbykim and @kimmortson.
Full Transcript
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, Caitlin sits down with Sara Bastiaensen (@My_fight_against_pd), a resilient mom from Belgium who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 33. Sara shares her emotional journey of navigating life with PD while raising her young son, balancing the everyday struggles of symptoms, and finding peace in the new rhythms of her life. From coping with the mental toll of the disease to transforming her approach to health through diet, exercise, and setting boundaries, Sara’s story is one of unwavering strength, self-discovery, and redefining priorities. Join us as Sara opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her journey, offering a heartfelt message of hope, resilience, and love.
Show Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ByeCvQC93ZFLH3Nubgtq0hsRyAbjKtLL/view?usp=sharing
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
In this powerful episode we explore the inspiration, impact, and creative vision behind Parkinson Canada’s Find Your Swagger campaign. Caitlin shares her experience as part of the campaign's print segment, where she embraced a bold, empowering perspective on living with Parkinson’s. Joined by Mikaela Derksen (Brand Manager at Parkinson Canada), Jon Affleck (Strategic Advisor to Parkinson Canada), and Cass Farry (VP of Client Success at Broken Heart Love Affair), the team delves into the campaign's goal to redefine perceptions around Parkinson’s, break down stereotypes, and create an uplifting narrative for the community.
Tune in to hear how Find Your Swagger is changing the conversation for Parkinsons.
To learn more about the Find Your Swagger campaign visit: https://www.findyourswagger.ca/
Full Show Transcript Available Here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ryaCFD4-HMS3W7Q14HeB3b-2SOhT7pVA/view?usp=sharing
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast, we’re joined by a very special guest who brings a unique perspective to the Parkinson’s community. Bee, who remains anonymous for this conversation, shares the challenges of navigating Parkinson’s Disease while keeping her diagnosis private. From the toll of medical gaslighting to the added complexities of perimenopause, negative emotions, and the stigma surrounding antidepressants, Bee opens up about the hidden battles she faces daily.
Bee’s story sheds light on what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s while maintaining secrecy at work, in social settings, and even with family and friends. For the first time, she also discusses the experience of speaking to someone else with Parkinson’s—a powerful and vulnerable moment of connection that highlights the strength and solidarity within the community.
Join us as we explore Bee’s journey and gain insight into the often unseen challenges of living with a life-altering diagnosis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by Parkinson’s, those seeking a deeper understanding, and supporters of the Parkinson’s community.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In this episode of *The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast*, Caitlin sits down with mindset coach Jenn Walker to explore how embracing personal growth and intuitive leadership can transform lives. Jenn shares her expertise in rapid brain change techniques, helping individuals reconnect with their intuition and release emotional trauma. The conversation highlights the power of mindset shifts, meditation, and the mind-body connection, offering insights into how these practices can support wellness and unlock new possibilities, especially in navigating life’s challenges.
For more information, visit Jenn’s website at https://www.diveheartfirst.com
FREEBIE: Free Meditation Download https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c7WL2csrqIXYSzgKj2Ck3d_srg6jlhlB/view?usp=sharing
Download the attached show notes for the full episode transcript here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m6XyBsrZuZP4idd1ho6Xv1ptGUOqcXIn/view?usp=sharing