Daniel opens by sharing how each podcast season mirrors a chapter in his life, with this one marking an awakened state. He gives a personal update: after months of worsening symptoms, he pursued evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. The process, which required going off his meds, was physically and emotionally draining—only to be told he wasn’t “miserable enough” yet. The rejection left him feeling deflated and stuck.
Using the image of a plane unable to take off, Daniel conveys the emotional weight of feeling grounded by Parkinson’s. He expresses frustration and helplessness, especially when comparing his own limitations to the evaluating doctor’s effortless movements, emotions he’s still working through.
The episode moves from pain to purpose as Daniel reflects on how his diagnosis became a wake-up call. Inspired by the metaphor of a hotel wake-up call and Ben Fuller’s Wide Awake, he explores what it means to live intentionally—even when that includes discomfort or grief—and urges listeners to stay awake to life.
The episode explores the theme of awakening amidst struggle. Daniel reflects on a difficult personal setback—being denied eligibility for DBS surgery—and the emotional toll it took. Through raw honesty and reflection, he examines how moments of pain and frustration can also serve as powerful wake-up calls.
Special thanks to Keys of the Moon, Music4Video_1, Infraction, and ashamaluevmusic for the music.
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In the season finale of Parkinson’s and Me, host Daniel Sellers welcomes his brother Brian to reflect on Daniel’s recent speaking engagement at a men’s conference and the broader journey of navigating life with Parkinson’s. The episode opens with Daniel candidly sharing how his condition affects his performance on stage, particularly in terms of energy management and mental clarity. Despite the challenges, Daniel views the experience as a valuable opportunity to grow and to share his evolving approach to vulnerability, intentionality, and faith. Brian offers his perspective as a supportive observer, affirming Daniel’s continued strength and authenticity, even in moments that didn’t go as planned.
Their conversation explores how Parkinson’s has shaped Daniel’s relationships, mindset, and purpose. Rather than letting the diagnosis define him, Daniel embraces it as a platform to encourage openness and connection with others, both those with and without Parkinson’s. He emphasizes the power of listening and presence, noting that while the disease is still a part of his story, it no longer plays the leading role. As the episode closes, Daniel looks ahead to season five, introducing the upcoming theme "Wide Awake"—a symbol of renewed awareness and intentional living, both in the podcast and in his own life.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S., call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
A couple of weeks ago, Daniel shared insights from a presentation he gave at his church, focusing on managing anxiety and thriving despite life's hardships. Removing all but the core of what he calls his personal philosophy, Daniel shares the content here. Using the metaphor of boxing, he describes how life can either place a person on the defensive—overwhelmed and simply trying to avoid pain—or on offense, actively leaning into challenges to reduce their power and find opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of consciously choosing one's posture toward life, highlighting how proactive engagement allows for clearer vision, greater resilience, and opportunities to positively influence situations, rather than being overwhelmed by them.
Daniel further emphasizes the power of mindset in shaping life’s quality and direction, noting that contentment and positive perspective are choices that begin with intentional thought patterns. He explains how avoiding comparisons prevents emotional turmoil and encourages a stable foundation for happiness. Daniel shares that embracing silence, meditation, and gratitude are practical ways to foster this mindset, enabling him to maintain hope and clarity despite his struggles. The episode concludes by Daniel reinforcing his faith as a critical source of strength, stressing that God is aware and capable of handling human struggles, fears, and anxieties.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In this heartfelt holiday episode of "Parkinson's and Me", Daniel welcomes listeners to join him for a fireside chat in a snow-covered cabin, offering a warm reprieve from the chaos of the season. With the glow of the fire and the scent of fresh cookies in the air, he opens up about the difficulty of balancing passion with the reality of his condition. But his message goes beyond Parkinson’s—it’s a relatable and inspiring reminder for anyone facing challenges that life’s hardships, though painful, can also shape our growth.
As the year comes to a close, Daniel reflects on the speed of time, the gifts of gratitude, and the illusions we chase in pursuit of ease. Framing his thoughts with the joy and reflection of the holiday season, he challenges listeners to focus not on what’s missing but on the blessings we often overlook. This episode is a gentle yet powerful nudge to embrace the imperfections of life and find strength in its trials. Wrapped in the warmth of holiday music and candlelight, this episode is for those seeking encouragement, comfort, or a fresh perspective as they prepare for the new year. Let this conversation light your spirit as you celebrate the holidays and consider how to make the most of the time ahead.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode of Parkinson's and Me, Daniel Sellers introduces Frank, a long-time Parkinson's patient who was diagnosed in 2007. Frank shares his journey of living with Parkinson's for over 17 years, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Despite experiencing personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother and wife to cancer, Frank has remained committed to using his experiences to inspire others. His story is about more than just battling the disease; it's about helping others navigate the difficulties of life through lessons he's learned, including writing a book titled Embracing Parkinson's.
During the episode, Frank is joined by his long-time collaborator Chris, who speaks about their work together and Frank's impact on others. Frank discusses the challenges of Parkinson's, such as dealing with physical limitations and managing emotions, but he also highlights the importance of neuroplasticity and maintaining hope. By embracing a positive mindset and building daily routines, Frank has found ways to live a fulfilling life despite the diagnosis.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode of "Parkinson's and Me," titled "Taking Notice," Daniel Sellers introduces the episode by highlighting the internal struggles associated with Parkinson's disease. He shares an inspiring conversation with his brother, Brian, who encourages and supports him in creating new episodes.
Daniel reads and responds to emails from listeners, including one from Gene, who finds strength in faith, and Jenny, who is awaiting a diagnosis and experiencing anxiety. He also mentions Frank, a listener diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007, who offers valuable perspectives.
The conversation with Brian covers several topics, including Daniel's journey from the initial diagnosis five years ago to his current state. They discuss the importance of hope, the battle against discouraging self-talk, and the role of meditation and the Balance app in managing anxiety. Daniel shares how he has cut out negative influences like news consumption and focused on positive actions, such as physical fitness, to improve his well-being.
Daniel and Brian reflect on the impact of Parkinson's on family life, emphasizing the importance of not letting the disease define their lives. They also discuss the value of sharing vulnerabilities within their church small group and the positive influence of supportive relationships.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In the latest episode of "Parkinson's and Me," Daniel delves into the use of metaphors to convey his experiences and insights in managing life with Parkinson's disease. He begins by emphasizing the importance of continuing to live meaningfully despite the diagnosis. Daniel introduces four metaphors: "Building an Ark," "Our Second Half," "Taking the Wheel," and "Save Nothing for the Trip Back." These metaphors help him and his listeners understand and remember crucial life lessons. By likening his preparedness to Noah building an ark, Daniel underscores the need for emotional, spiritual, and physical readiness to face the progressive nature of the disease.
Daniel also shares personal updates, noting challenges like decreased stamina and medication adjustments. He reflects on a recent scare involving a positive test result, which momentarily shifted his perspective from managing Parkinson's to confronting a potential life-threatening condition. This experience reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability. Throughout the episode, Daniel encourages listeners to use these metaphors as strategies to navigate their own challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and determination. He concludes by inviting feedback and sharing his contact information, hoping to build a supportive community through shared insights and experiences.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In "Parkinson's in Me," Season 4, Episode 3, titled "A Day in the Life of Part 2," listeners are invited into the daily experiences of Daniel, a man diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 42. This episode continues the narrative from the previous one, offering a detailed and intimate portrayal of a day in Daniel’s life. He shares the nuanced challenges of living with Parkinson's, from managing medication around meals to the mental and emotional toll it takes. Daniel’s narrative is interspersed with moments of reflection and a strong personal philosophy centered on faith and resilience. He uses his platform to share his struggles and inspire others, pointing to the importance of faith and community support in facing life’s trials.
Listeners can expect a blend of personal anecdotes and broader insights into living with a chronic illness. Daniel discusses the variability of symptoms among those with Parkinson’s, emphasizing the unique nature of his journey compared to others. Throughout the episode, he candidly addresses the difficulties of maintaining normalcy at work and his strategies to manage his symptoms, like dictation software and AI tools. The episode explores the intersection of personal struggle, technological aid, and spiritual faith, as Daniel continually seeks to maintain his independence and productivity while coping with the realities of his condition. His storytelling provides a window into the life of someone navigating significant health challenges with grace and determination.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In this episode of "Parkinson's and Me," Daniel shares a raw and personal account of his daily life with Parkinson's disease. He takes listeners through a typical day, starting from the moment he wakes up to his morning routine of medication, prayers, and exercises. Throughout the day, Daniel confronts the challenges posed by Parkinson's, such as muscle stiffness, nausea, and anxiety about his future ability to work and provide for his family. Despite these difficulties, he maintains a positive outlook and strives to make a difference in the lives of others.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
In Season 4 of his podcast, "Steal My Show," Daniel embraces a shift towards a more selfless outlook on life. He grapples with the decision to disclose his condition to colleagues and friends, acknowledging both the fear of potential consequences and the relief it may bring.
Reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave behind, Daniel finds inspiration in a song by TobyMac, surrendering his life to a higher purpose and recognizing true fulfillment in serving others. Despite grappling with grief over his diagnosis, Daniel views it as a wake-up call rather than a burden. His message of authenticity and resilience resonates with listeners, inviting them to embrace life's challenges and strive to make a positive impact.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
The episode offers valuable insights into coping strategies and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite the challenges of Parkinson's disease. Daniel's concept of "speaking life" highlights the power of positive thinking and intentionality in shaping one's perspective. For those with Parkinson's or their loved ones, this emphasis on focusing on the blessings and creating meaningful experiences becomes a source of inspiration and hope.
Daniel's determination to provide a strong foundation for his son while dealing with Parkinson's serves as a beacon of strength, encouraging others to find ways to be present and involved in their families' lives despite the limitations imposed by the disease. Overall, the episode offers valuable support and encouragement for individuals and families affected by Parkinson's, making it a compelling listen for those seeking understanding and strategies to navigate life with the condition.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
In this inspiring episode of the podcast "Parkinson's and Me," host Daniel, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2019, shares his personal journey with the disease. Despite the challenges, Daniel has found a unique focus and determination. He shares his experience of stepping into a coaching role for his son's baseball team, a decision that has allowed him to actively participate in life and create lasting memories.
This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of staying engaged with life, even when faced with physical limitations. Daniel also discusses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the present. He shares his experience with a neuropsychological evaluation test, which has provided him with insights into his cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, he talks about using the app "Elevate" to work on areas of struggle. This episode is a must-listen for anyone living with Parkinson's, offering valuable insights into managing the disease and emphasizing the importance of taking action in the present to improve life in the future.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
Altering our perspective is a very difficult task. We have a lifetime of learned experience that dictates how we perceive life. For most of us, this includes some coping mechanisms that would not be described as healthy. This episode examines a few simple ways to reverse the cycle. As Yoda from Star Wars says, “You must unlearn what you have learned.
The last half of the episode is a creative experiment. Daniel shares how the movie “Legend of Baggar Vance” serves as an important reminder of how he wants to live. One of the themes of the movie is that life isn’t a game you either win or lose. It's a game that can only be played.
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease is similar to being buried by consistent avalanches of bad news and worsening symptoms. It’s easy to forget what made living so important. This why reminders such as this are so important. Slip on some headphones and find a quiet place. You are invited to this creative process.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
Continual transitions are a part of life. These combinations of our experiences combine to makes us who we are. One of the challenges living with Parkinson's Disease is the feeling of hopelessness. It's as if the walls are closing in on you, and there isn't a route for you to escape. However, what if you were able to change your perspective? How could that alter the way that you look at life? This episode addresses this challenge.
Daniel is realizing the importance of looking at events in his life using a different mindset. If we choose to see events as going always turning out poorly for us, then that is exactly what will occur. It's a self-fulling prophecy. Another option is to look for the best things that are we experiencing. The self-fulling prophecy works both ways.
Can we change our mindsets to look for experiences that will encourage us? Daniel shares ways that have been successful for him. These include some mental tricks that have helped him to manage and short-circuit dangerous thoughts that can get out of control. It's no surprise that if we choose "life", then we can better control our thoughts. As a result, we can capitalize on positivity which provides us a biological advantage compared to brains that are neutral or negative.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
The road ahead is full of incredible challenges. After the diagnosis of Parkison's Disease, it’s easy to push away the future and live in the past. It's important to realize that we remember only the best days while wearing our rose-colored glasses. We forget the average and mundane days and the anxiety that we were feeling. Living in the past keeps us from experiencing the possibility of joy that lies ahead.
Daniel shares the results of a recent appointment he had with his Movement Disorder Specialist.
Having decreased levels of energy is very common in those diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Daniel provides some of his strategies in order to keep moving forward even with the lack of energy.
Daniel continues to keep his diagnosis a secret from everyone except a select few. His reasoning is simple. To keep working for as long as possible before alerting his employer. However, the reality is that he will not be able to keep it up for too much longer. Once he shares the diagnosis with his employer, that is when he will notify everyone else about the Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. This approach is littered with its own consequences.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often notice that their symptoms are worse when they are under stress. In addition to life stress, people with PD may experience anxiety as part and parcel of their PD itself, caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Anxiety and stress are two different things, but can often manifest themselves in similar ways, making it challenging to tell the difference.
Daniel identifies his anxieties and how they lead to stress. Since one of his personal goals is to "Speak Life" then it's very important for him to strike a balance. However, if he is not able to rest then the result is more complications with the progression of P.D. What can we do to lower anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve our quality of life?
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
In Episode 3.3, Daniel unpacks three of his greatest challenges to living well after being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's disease. This episode is inspired by news regarding the medical community. The community is attempting to understand more about P.D. Specifically, what it's like being diagnosed while still needing to raise kids, taking care of a family, and preparing for the future. Since Parkinson's disease has not been eradicated, the greater the number of those diagnosed each year. The number is continuing to swell at an uncontrollable rate.
Hopefully, one day, this episode will help the medical community to get into the mind of someone diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Listen as Daniel continues to move forward. As usual, you will hear insights that you may have thought about. This podcast is about Daniel continuing to rearrange his future so he can stay focused on living the best life that he can before it may be too late.
Daniel's Greatest Challenges
1. Movement
2. Career
3. Anxiety
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com.
We have a tendency to grow confident in our expectations as we grow older. Despite how hard we have prepared for the future, Parkinson's is similar to a bomb being dropped. It causes a titanic shift. When the smoke clears, we are left with a life that doesn't line up with our previous goals. Parkinson's doesn't discriminate based on gender or ethnicity. Parkinson's is patient and takes its time slowly picking away our lives. Left with shattered expectations, it is imperative to begin reassigning new goals. If we don't, then we are in jeopardy of being stuck in the past.
Joined by his brother, Daniel and Bryan discuss how important it is to add new experiences. Daniel outlines the methods that he is attempting to redefine expectations. Also, Daniel shares his succeesses and failures in an attempt to repurpose life.
Finally, Daniel talks with his son. They talk about what Parkinson's Disease looks like from a 13-year-old's point of view. Being a parent is difficult enough. However, with the additon of Parkinson's Disease, it adds to the complexity.
Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast. If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com
For this season opener, Daniel has a conversation with his best friend. His wife. As a Care Partner, she sits on the front row of his life. She witnesses the effects that the progression of Parkinson's has on her husband. The couple has been married for nearly 20 years. In this episode, they discuss the important steps that need to be made to keep the marriage fresh and vibrant.
A key first step involves providing each other the understanding that they are trying their best. If communication breaks down or wasn't there, to begin with then unreasonable expectations are placed on each other. Finally, listen as the team provides valuable steps regarding the practical management of the progression. May you be encouraged. Add your experience and suggestions to the conversation in this Parkinson's podcast.
If you would like to leave Daniel a voice message and you live in the U.S. call 1-706-873-1656. Email us at parkinsonsandmepodcast@gmail.com or visit our site parkinsonsand.me
