I'm Not Dead Yet!

Simon's voice carries the weight of a decade battling Parkinson's disease as he shares his raw, unfiltered experience with dystonia – one of the condition's most debilitating manifestations. Despite undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery twice, Simon continues to struggle with both the physical torment of involuntary muscle contractions and the emotional burden of depression and apathy that often accompany Parkinson's.
The conversation takes a profound turn when Simon contrasts his journey with co-host Travis Robinson's more resilient approach. "Travis is the blitzkrieg of Parkinson's patients," Simon remarks with admiration, describing Travis's "cake or death" philosophy of pushing through difficulties. This striking juxtaposition highlights a crucial truth rarely discussed in chronic illness narratives: there's no single "right" way to face Parkinson's disease.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is its unflinching examination of the darker aspects of living with Parkinson's. Simon courageously admits, "I'm not winning the battle," giving voice to countless others who feel similarly overwhelmed but lack the platform to express it. The hosts thoughtfully explore how the medical community, despite their expertise, still grapples with Parkinson's complexity. As Simon notes, "Even the movement disorder specialists don't know that much... their guesses are just far more educated than ours."
The conversation ultimately builds toward a powerful message of community and connection. Whether through support groups, writing (Simon will be contributing a column called "Simon Says" to the PCLA website), or honest conversations like this one, breaking isolation proves essential. As Judy beautifully summarizes: "We're doing it collectively. If we stand together, we can make changes."
Ready to hear more unfiltered conversations about living with Parkinson's? Subscribe to our podcast and join our community at PCLA.org where you'll find resources, support groups, and others walking similar paths.

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• Editor & Audio Engineer: (EP1-100) Spencer Yaras
• Audio Engineering Intern: Ana MacAller
• Social Media Intern: Ana MacAller

www.INDYpodcast.net

On this episode Judy and Travis discuss Travis's dilemma when he finds out that his prescription has expired on a Friday afternoon. Find out what happens...

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• Editor & Audio Engineer: (EP1-100) Spencer Yaras
• Audio Engineering Intern: Ana MacAller
• Social Media Intern: Ana MacAller

www.INDYpodcast.net

Hey listeners,
In this episode Judy and I discuss the coming of spring, and my challenges with feeling like "there's someone with PD living in my house, but that isn't me." We also discuss what I do when I've got a large rock that I need to move.

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• Editor & Audio Engineer: (EP1-100) Spencer Yaras
• Audio Engineering Intern: Ana MacAller
• Social Media Intern: Ana MacAller

www.INDYpodcast.net

Greetings! Welcome back from our break! In this episode Judy and Travis have a conversation with Michelle Sheppard. Michelle was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease (YOPD) in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tune in to hear what this amazing lady from Long Beach has to say!

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• Editor & Audio Engineer: (EP1-100) Spencer Yaras
• Audio Engineering Intern: Ana MacAller
• Social Media Intern: Ana MacAller

www.INDYpodcast.net

Hi Listeners,
If you've ever wondered how Judy and I got started doing the show or why, this episode explains some of it.
Enjoy!

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• Editor & Audio Engineer: (EP1-100) Spencer Yaras
• Audio Engineering Intern: Ana MacAller
• Social Media Intern: Ana MacAller

www.INDYpodcast.net