In this uplifting episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, we speak with Emily Graham @early_onsetparkinsons, a wife, mom of two, and talented musician, to explore her inspiring journey with YOPD. Diagnosed at just 30 years old, Emily shares how she balances the challenges of Parkinson's with motherhood, the unexpected talents and strengths she’s discovered along the way, and the importance of finding joy and silver linings in every season of life.

Emily’s heartfelt reflections and practical insights offer golden nuggets for anyone navigating life with YOPD, especially women in their 30s. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a special treat—a beautiful song co-written and performed by Emily that perfectly captures her journey and love for music. It’s a little touch of Nashville magic just in time for the holidays.

This episode is a must-listen for the YOPD community and beyond. Tune in for real talk, heartfelt stories, and inspiration for living life fully despite the challenges. 🎶

For more of Emily's music visit: https://www.reverbnation.com/emilygraham/songs

Follow Emily at https://www.instagram.com/early_onsetparkinsons/

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

🎉 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.

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!

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

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

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.