Monday Oct 07, 2024
Episode 5: Snehal Amembal
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
Monday Sep 23, 2024
Monday Sep 23, 2024
In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, Caitlin sits down with Melissa Livingston, a mother of four who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) at 45. Melissa shares how her journey began with the hashtag #ParkinsonsLooksLikeMe, which quickly gained momentum and helped her connect with the global Parkinson's community.
Through her candid storytelling, Melissa reveals the struggles of accepting her diagnosis, navigating life as a mother with Parkinson’s, and the emotional toll of living with a neurodegenerative disease. Despite the challenges, she has turned her story into a source of inspiration and support for others. Tune in as Caitlin and Melissa discuss the importance of vulnerability, community, and how even small acts of sharing can create powerful connections.
This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the realities of living with YOPD and the power of embracing your story.
Show Transcript: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7wfpijvmgpxb66bkxftot/PDW-Episode-3-Melissa.pdf?rlkey=r2dc0fk3o9gedd8hh8x3mswtz&st=kk0w3s4j&dl=0
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
In this powerful episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Barbara Salzburg Matthews—an artist, teacher, and advocate for living well with Parkinson's Disease. Diagnosed in 2020, Barbara shares how she has used mime as a therapeutic tool and creative outlet to manage her symptoms. We explore her journey from teaching high school art to becoming a mentor and using mime to help others in the Parkinson’s community.
You can learn more about Barbara and her work at:- [MimeOverMind.com](http://mimeovermind.com/)- [salsbergmathews.com](http://salsbergmathews.com/)
Follow Barbara on social media:- Twitter: [@SalsbergMathews](https://twitter.com/SalsbergMathews)- Instagram: [@maddysmom_4u](https://instagram.com/maddysmom_4u)
Additional Resources:- **Kid Covid**: [kidcovid.ca](http://kidcovid.ca)- **The Brain's Way of Healing** by Dr. Norman Dodge: [Amazon link](https://a.co/d/34UL8Y9) Full Transcript: [Download here](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/vq4bu2782c8d9i0e1g8bo/PDW-Episode-3-Barbara.pdf?rlkey=pbt4gr35xhykj1q9twudkdt8j&st=d8b6iwf7&dl=0)
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, host Caitlin Nagy interviews Reka Janisse, known online as @pd.family / @pd.family.5. Reka opens up about her journey with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), detailing the stages of her diagnosis, the emotional toll it took, and her decision to go public with her story. She shares how vulnerability has fostered deep connections with others and how embracing her diagnosis has reshaped her relationships and life.
Reka also dives into the challenges of navigating grief cycles, from denial to acceptance, and offers invaluable advice to others newly diagnosed. She highlights the importance of maintaining mental and physical health through discipline, such as cold plunges, consistent sleep routines, and balanced nutrition. Furthermore, Reka discusses her personal battles with dopamine addiction, work-life balance, and the stress that comes with managing a chronic illness while raising three kids and pursuing a career.
Throughout the episode, Reka’s insights on the cyclical nature of Parkinson’s symptoms, the impact of the menstrual cycle on her condition, and her advocacy for more gender-specific research and support for women with Parkinson's are both empowering and eye-opening.
Tune in to hear Reka’s story of resilience, vulnerability, and finding strength in community while living with Parkinson's Disease.
Show Links
Ways 3 Well https://ways2well.com/
Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke https://www.amazon.ca/dp/152474672X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_C1QX9THZ8A29E08A07KR&starsLeft=1
Full Transcript https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uz1skxqfx6venn81bga2q/Epidsode2_Reka-Transcript.pdf?rlkey=hant7rfpqqf1iepbuaq2vqnxa&dl=0
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
In this first episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, I share my journey of being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's in my 30s and the challenges of navigating hustle culture as a woman with PD. We’ll explore the powerful connection between women’s reproductive health and brain function, and discuss how embracing our natural rhythms can help us redefine success. Join me as we break down barriers, share stories, and build a supportive community.
Full Show Transcript
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Welcome to The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast! Our mission is to empower and spotlight women living with Parkinson's Disease by sharing their stories, experiences, and challenges. Through our podcast, we aim to revolutionize the way PD Women are perceived and treated within the healthcare industry, offering a deeper look into the complexities of what we go through as women living with a neurodegenerative disorder.