Hear, Here, Parkinson’s! Podcast

Daniel M. Corcos, PhD, Professor at Northwestern University, joins the Hear, Here Parkinson’s Podcast to discuss his upcoming plenary talk at the 7th World Parkinson Congress: Is Exercise Neuroprotective in Parkinson’s Disease? Evidence from Clinical Trials. His research focuses on exercise and Parkinson’s disease, including clinical trials showing that resistance and high-intensity endurance exercise improve motor and cognitive outcomes and may slow disease progression.

On this episode of the Hear, Here Parkinson's Podcast, we welcome Naomi Casiro, Registered Physiotherapist, Certified PWR! Therapist, and founder of NeuroFit BC. Naomi joins us to share her expertise in neurological rehabilitation and her evolving approach to improving care for people living with Parkinson’s. A key focus of the conversation is falls—one of the most complex and impactful challenges in Parkinson’s care. Naomi offers a preview of her upcoming Special Workshop at the World Parkinson Congress, “Failing to Fall: What We Are Missing in Falls Treatment and How It Can Change Your Practice for the Better.” This session will highlight the practical application of falls-related data and introduce a more comprehensive, two-pronged approach to treatment. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe and practice early falls training strategies, and learn how to incorporate functional movement and falls training into their own clinical programs. Listen in for a thoughtful and forward-looking discussion that challenges traditional approaches and empowers practitioners to rethink how they support people with Parkinson’s.

On this episode of the Hear, Here Parkinson’s Podcast, we’re joined by Richard Smeyne, PhD — Professor and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Smeyne dives into his research on the powerful role of exercise in Parkinson’s, and shares insights ahead of his upcoming Plenary session at the 7th World Parkinson Congress.

On this episode of the Hear Here Parkinson’s Podcast, host and WPC Executive Director Eli Pollard speaks with George Ackerman, PhD, JD — author, advocate, lawyer, and law enforcement professional. George shares his journey as a caregiver for his mother with Parkinson’s and how that experience inspired his advocacy within the Parkinson’s community. He also discusses his work connecting Parkinson’s awareness with law enforcement to help create safer spaces for people living with Parkinson’s, as well as his books on Parkinson’s and their inclusion in the Book Nook at the World Parkinson Congress.

Steven Iseman of the WPC Pedal to Phoenix – Team Route 66 joins the Hear, Here Parkinson's Podcast to share the story behind his incredible upcoming cycling journey to the 7th World Parkinson Congress, riding from Chicago to Phoenix. He also reflects on his previous adventure cycling from the UK to Barcelona for WPC 2023 and opens up about how embracing a positive mindset continues to shape his experience living with Parkinson’s.

On this episode of the Hear, Here Parkinson’s Podcast, Linda Olson, MD, and WPC Board Member, joins hosts Eli Pollard, WPC Executive Director, and Edgar Valdmanis, WPC 2026 Parkinson Ambassador, for a candid and inspiring conversation. Dr. Olson shares her extraordinary journey of living with Parkinson’s as a triple amputee, her path to becoming a radiologist, and the resilience and hope that guide her advocacy and commitment to living each day to the fullest while making a lasting impact in the Parkinson’s community.

In this episode of the Hear Here Parkinson’s Podcast, hosts Edgar Valdmanis, WPC 2026 Parkinson Ambassador, and Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard, WPC Executive Director, welcome researcher Natasha Fothergill-Misbah, PhD, who also serves on the WPC 2026 Creativity Committee. Natasha was a producer of the award-winning short documentary Shaking Hands with the Devil, which shines a light on Parkinson’s stigma and the barriers to medication access in Africa. The conversation explores the making of the film, its global impact, and the urgent need to address inequities in Parkinson’s care worldwide. 

WPC Music Director Judi Spencer and musician Tomas Gisby—both members of the WPC 2026 Music and Creativity Committee—join Hear, Here Parkinson’s Podcast host and WPC Executive Director Eli Pollard for an engaging conversation about the role of music at the World Parkinson Congress. They share personal reflections from attending multiple Congresses and explore how music and creativity help connect and inspire the global Parkinson’s community.

John Cryan, Professor & Chair of the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience at University College Cork, Principal Investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, and bestselling author, joins WPC 2026 Ambassador Tony Wilkinson (Ireland) for a bonus episode of the Hear, Here Parkinson Podcast. Prof. Cryan discusses his research at UCC, the link between microbiome science and Parkinson’s, and his appearance in the Netflix documentary Hack Your Health. Enjoy this special bonus episode from Ireland.

Dr. Mayela Rodriguez Violante from Mexico who is on the WPC 2026 Program Committee joins the Hear, Here Parkinson's Podcast with WPC Executive Director, Eli Pollard, and guest host, WPC 2026 Parkinson Ambassador Laura Olmos.