Top 10 Parkinson Podcasts | Best Podcasts for Parkinson’s Insights & Support
Imagine being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and discovering the audio world as one of your most trusted allies. Podcasts — once a niche pastime — are now a powerful and accessible way to connect with medical experts, real-life stories, wellness strategies and community support. As podcast listening continues to surge and digital health awareness deepens, the demand for high-quality Parkinson’s podcasts is stronger than ever.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a care partner, a family member, or simply curious about Parkinson’s research and daily living, this growing podcast ecosystem matters because it brings voices of lived experience and scientific insight into one medium. Audio can feel personal, immersive and timely — perfect for a condition like Parkinson’s where nuances of mobility, mood, sleep, relationships and purpose evolve over time.
This article covers the top 10 best Parkinson podcasts that every person touched by Parkinson’s should tune into. From scientific deep dives to encouraging life stories to practical self-care tips — you’ll find shows that inform, inspire and connect.
Here are the top 10 podcasts that every Parkinson’s-aware listener should tune into.
1. Substantial Matters: Life & Science of Parkinson’s — Expert Research & Everyday Living
Host(s): Dr Dan Keller, PhD (and guest experts) Platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Direct via Parkinson’s Foundation website Frequency: Monthly Best For: People living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and those who want a mix of science + practical strategies
Overview
Substantial Matters — part of the Parkinson’s Foundation’s media offerings — focuses on bridging the gap between emerging research and everyday life with Parkinson’s. It covers topics such as new medication delivery systems, nutritional strategies, exercise, clinical trials and more. For example, in Episode 49 the show explores the difference between Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism (conditions that resemble PD but differ in progression).
What stands out is the expert-led format that still speaks plainly: you’ll hear neurologists, movement disorder specialists and people living with PD sharing insights together. As the Parkinson’s Foundation states: “interviews … highlight the treatments and techniques that can help you live a better life now, as well as the research that can bring a better tomorrow.”
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Evidence-based updates on therapies and research in Parkinson’s
Practical tips for daily living (exercise, nutrition, tech)
Clarity around medical terms such as levodopa timing, stem cell science
Stories of adaptation, hope and managing change
Why It’s Worth Listening
If you value credible, science-grounded yet relatable podcast episodes, Substantial Matters offers both authority and humanity. The host and guests treat listeners as informed partners in the journey, not passive recipients. It’s reliable, up-to-date and respectful of the complexity of Parkinson’s.
2. The Parkinson’s Podcast™ — Living Well with Parkinson’s (Produced by Davis Phinney Foundation)
Host(s): Heather Kennedy & Kat Hill Platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Website (Davis Phinney Foundation) Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly (with special “Unfiltered” series) Best For: People living with Parkinson’s, their partners/caregivers, and anyone interested in full-spectrum life with PD
Overview
The Parkinson’s Podcast is designed to be accessible to a wide audience: from those just diagnosed to long-time PD veterans. Topics range widely — from “Sleep disorders in Parkinson’s” to “Stem cells and cell replacement” to “Relationships, women & young-onset Parkinson’s”.
One of the strengths is the “Unfiltered” series, which tackles topics that may feel taboo or less often discussed (e.g., intimacy, fear, living alone). The conversational tone brings warmth and authenticity. For a recent example: “The Parkinson’s Podcast Unfiltered: Curating Your Relationships” features a candid conversation about relationships and energy management.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Real-life stories of people with PD and their care partners
Broad coverage of motor + non-motor symptoms (sleep, cognition, mood)
Insights into keeping life meaningful after diagnosis
Strategies for resilience, adaptation and wellbeing
Why It’s Worth Listening
The Parkinson’s Podcast balances expert input with human stories. It reminds listeners that Parkinson’s is not only a medical journey but a life journey — full of laughter, love, change and hope. If you want something less technical and more human, this is a great pick.
3. When Life Gives You Parkinson’s — Lived Experience & Advocacy Powered
Host(s): Larry Gifford (and family/co-hosts) Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Website (Parkinson Canada partner) Frequency: Weekly or as episodes release Best For: Those newly diagnosed, advocates, younger-onset PD, those seeking community and voice
Overview
When Life Gives You Parkinson’s is a podcast created and hosted by Larry Gifford, who was diagnosed at age 45. He offers an open, honest look at life with PD — including the challenges, the humor, the advocacy and the growth that comes from living with the condition.
Episodes include conversations with major experts (e.g., Dr Ray Dorsey & Dr Michael Okun in one episode) and with care partners, researchers and the broader Parkinson’s community. The focus is not only on symptoms, but on meaning, purpose and how to thrive.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
First-hand insights from someone living with Parkinson’s
Advocacy strategies: how to speak up, connect and create impact
Exploration of younger-onset PD and how it may differ
Inspiration to live fully despite diagnosis
Why It’s Worth Listening
If you seek a podcast with personality, hope and community, this one shines. Larry’s voice is inviting and grounded, and the stories he brings help listeners feel seen and supported. It’s especially valuable for those who may feel isolated after diagnosis.
4. Movers & Shakers: A Podcast About Life with Parkinson’s — U.K. Voices, Big Impact
Host(s): Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn & Jeremy Paxman Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / BBC (UK) Frequency: Short-form episodes, part-series Best For: Listeners in the U.K. but also globally; those interested in peer stories and community discussion
Overview
Movers & Shakers stands out for its ensemble of hosts — many of whom live with Parkinson’s themselves — gathering in informal settings to reflect on life with PD, share humour, frustrations and triumphs. The podcast has received media attention and won awards (e.g., UK Podcast of the Year).
Rather than a strictly medical or researcher-led show, this is peer-led, conversational and often uplifting. It gives voice to what it’s like day-to-day: the uncertain diagnoses, the laughter, the coffee-table reflections, the social side of living with Parkinson’s.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Real-world peer experiences from people with Parkinson’s
Honest discussions of stigma, identity, community and adaptation
Ways to laugh, connect and stay socially engaged with PD
Inspirational stories of living well, not just surviving
Why It’s Worth Listening
This podcast brings the “human behind the diagnosis” front and centre. For listeners who want less clinical talk and more real connection, it offers a refreshing voice. The variety of hosts adds richness, and the UK context brings additional perspectives.
5. On Time: A Parkinson’s Podcast — Reclaiming Time, Purpose & Joy After Diagnosis
Host(s): Larry Gifford (again) Platforms: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Website (Brian Grant Foundation) Frequency: Four-part series (Season 8 currently) Best For: Those seeking inspiration, story-driven content, and a sense of reclaiming life beyond diagnosis
Overview
On Time is more of a storytelling/series-format podcast that explores what it really means to live (well) with Parkinson’s disease. Hosted by Larry Gifford, the series brings candid conversations, humour, reflection and real-life insights.
Rather than try to cover “everything PD,” On Time focuses on thematic series: joy, purpose, community, resilience. It encourages listeners to lean forward and live out loud. For example, it highlights how a diagnosis can be a pivot point rather than an end.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How to pivot your identity after Parkinson’s diagnosis
Practical ways to build purpose, joy and belonging
Stories of adaptability, courage and living out loud
Guidance for care partners, families and communities
Why It’s Worth Listening
This podcast is less about technical detail and more about the big picture: life, meaning and possibility with Parkinson’s. It speaks to searching for purpose and doing more than “manage symptoms.” If you’re looking for encouragement and community, On Time does that well.
Host(s): Dr Vikram Karnik & Dr Rob de Bie (among others) Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Neurology magazine website Frequency: Episodic, research-oriented Best For: Clinicians, advanced listeners, those wanting deep dive into scientific/medical topics
Overview
The Neurology® Podcast offers a sophisticated, research-heavy look at neurology topics — and this Parkinson’s-specific series dives into early vs delayed levodopa, how practice should adapt and other clinical-practice issues.
While not a casual “everyday living” podcast, it’s excellent for those who want to understand the latest clinical evidence, moving beyond basics into advanced discussions. It may be less accessible for casual listeners, but rich for those who want insight into neurology and movement disorders.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Detailed discussions of clinical trials and neurology practice
Insight into motor vs non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and parkinsonism
Understanding of how research translates to real-world care
Emerging perspectives from neurology specialists
Why It’s Worth Listening
If you’re working in healthcare or want to go beneath the surface of Parkinson’s symptom management and clinical decision-making, this podcast offers depth. It may not replace more accessible shows, but it complements them if you want more rigorous content.
7. The Michael J. Fox Foundation Podcast — Research, Innovation & Community Voices
Host(s): Various from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) Platforms: Website / Apple Podcasts / Spotify Frequency: Episodic as research/webinar audio launches Best For: Anyone interested in cutting-edge Parkinson’s research, future therapies, and community engagement
Overview
The Michael J. Fox Foundation hosts a podcast channel that features webinars and audio recordings on topics such as “New Treatment Options for Progressing Parkinson’s”, “Easing Into Retirement with PD”, and “Advances in Stem Cell Science for Parkinson’s”.
As an organization deeply embedded in Parkinson’s research, MJFF offers access to scientists, clinicians and policy-makers. If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to disease-modifying therapies, this is a go-to.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Insights into the research pipeline and what’s coming next
Information on clinical trials, science-to-patient translation
Interviews with top researchers and specialists
Discussion of broader trends in Parkinson’s care and advocacy
Why It’s Worth Listening
For those who want to understand where Parkinson’s therapy is headed — and how everyday life might change as a result — the MJFF podcast provides access to the thinkers, not just the stories. It’s authoritative, cutting-edge and future-oriented.
Host(s): Teresa Jackson (Lean On Me Coaching) Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly (approx) Best For: Peer coaching, those looking for community, tools for thriving with PD
Overview
Parkinson’s Pathway Pals offers a friendly community-oriented podcast by coach Teresa Jackson. It’s included as one of the recommended Parkinson’s podcasts in curated lists for 2025.
While the podcast may not have the same research depth as academic shows, it excels in accessibility, practical strategies, positive tone and peer-led guidance. For example, topics include strategies for movement, mindset, social connection, adapting to change and more.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How to build a support pathway and network with others living with Parkinson’s
Coaching insights on mindset, habit, adaptation and resilience
Practical tips for living well day-to-day
Stories of thriving, not just managing
Why It’s Worth Listening
If you want a companionable, upbeat podcast that feels like a coaching conversation rather than a lecture, Parkinson’s Pathway Pals delivers. It may be especially valuable for those who feel alone or unsure about their next steps after diagnosis.
9. Parkinson’s & Me – Navigating Early Parkinson’s: Essential Insights — Hopeful Voices for Early-Stage Diagnosis
Host(s): Daniel (young-onset PD) Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Frequency: Short-form, regular episodes Best For: Individuals recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, younger listeners, those seeking community from similar age/generation
Overview
Parkinson’s & Me focuses on early-onset Parkinson’s, personal journey, resilience and mindset. Curated podcast lists for 2025 include this show among “top Parkinson’s podcasts”.
The podcast emphasizes speaking life, navigating diagnosis early, embracing purpose and shifting mindset from limitation to possibility. It’s ideal for those who may be younger, working, parenting, or redefining their identity post-diagnosis.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How younger people with Parkinson’s navigate career, family, life transitions
Mindset shifts: from “disease” to “life with PD”
Practical tips for early-stage management, community building
Inspiration to expand identity beyond diagnosis
Why It’s Worth Listening
Diagnosis can feel life-altering — especially when you’re younger or in mid-career. This podcast brings light, relatability and hope, showing that life with early Parkinson’s is not defined by limitation but can be experienced with purpose and vibrancy.
10. Me, Mom, and Dad — Family-Centred Conversations Around Parkinson’s
Host(s): Tia Thompson Platforms: Apple Podcasts / Spotify Frequency: Monthly (approx) Best For: Families affected by Parkinson’s, adult children of people with PD, those navigating relational dynamics
Overview
Me, Mom, and Dad is a podcast that explores family dynamics, humour and shared life around a parent with Parkinson’s. One of the curated list mentions highlights this show for its smile-friendly and relatable style.
Episodes may include reflections on caregiving, sibling relationships, parenting and Parkinson’s, and how humour and connection play a role in coping. It’s less medical-heavy and more relational-heavy, offering a mix of heart and humanity.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How family relationships shift in the context of Parkinson’s
Conversations about roles, identity, caregiving and growth
Creative ways to stay connected, laugh, and support each other
Perspective-broadening for all generations in a PD-affected family
Why It’s Worth Listening
If you’re a family member, sibling, adult child or friend of someone with Parkinson’s, this show offers a mirror to your experience. It brings emotional richness, storytelling and space for reflection — a change of pace from strictly medical-oriented podcasts.
Why Podcasts Are Revolutionizing Parkinson’s Awareness in 2025
In recent years, the digital audio format has become a profound tool for health awareness, education and connection — and for Parkinson’s specifically, podcasts are changing the game.
According to research from Edison Research, more than 40 % of health-conscious adults now listen to medical or condition-specific podcasts weekly (among general podcast listeners).
Voice and audio create trust: hearing someone’s real voice — a researcher, a person with Parkinson’s, a care partner — builds intimacy and relatability in a way text alone cannot.
Podcasts permit multitasking: people can listen while walking, exercising, commuting or during medication timing and other Parkinson’s routines — integrating learning into daily life.
They build community: hearing other people’s stories helps reduce isolation, especially for individuals with Parkinson’s who may feel disconnected.
They democratize access: expert insights, research updates, peer support and stories are available globally via smartphones and podcast apps — no appointment needed.
Together, these trends mean that in 2025, podcast listening is not just a passive pastime — it’s an empowered act of self-care, connection and knowledge building for people living with Parkinson’s and their networks.
How to Choose the Right Parkinson’s Podcast for You
Selecting the “right” podcast matters. Here’s a practical checklist to guide your decision:
Credibility: Are medical experts or people with lived experience involved? Does the podcast link to reputable sources?
Tone: Do you prefer conversational, coaching-style, research-heavy or story-focused episodes?
Length: Short 20-30 min episodes for easy listening or deep 60-90 min interviews?
Accessibility: Is it free? Available on multiple platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube)?
Frequency & Recency: Are episodes released regularly? Is the content up-to-date?
Relevance to you: Contact stage (recent diagnosis vs long-term PD), age group, care-partner perspective, region (US vs UK vs global).
Community fit: Does the podcast create a sense of connection, invite listener participation, or inspire discussion?
✅ Short checklist:
Will I feel seen when I listen?
Does the podcast answer questions I have today (and maybe tomorrow)?
Can I fit episodes into my routine?
Will I want to subscribe and keep listening?
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Parkinson’s Podcasts
To make listening more effective, consider these tactics:
Listen during daily routines: Try walking, exercising, commuting, or doing household tasks while listening.
Take notes: Pause and jot down one or two ideas (e.g., “Try this exercise ribbing”, “Ask my neurologist about trial XYZ”).
Share with your healthcare team: If a podcast mentions a therapy, tool, or trial, bring it up with your neurologist or physical therapist.
Join the listener community: Many podcasts have Facebook groups, Instagram pages or threads where listeners share take-aways.
Revisit episodes: As your journey with Parkinson’s evolves, you may find new value in earlier episodes.
Mix types: Combine a research-heavy podcast (like Neurology® Podcast) with a story-oriented one (like When Life Gives You Parkinson’s) to cover both knowledge and connection.
Feedback & engagement: Leave reviews, ask questions on the show’s social channels, engage with hosts — this keeps podcasts vibrant and evolving.
Expert Opinions & Data
The rising popularity of Parkinson’s-related podcasts reflects broader trends in digital health engagement. Health educators note that:
Audio formats support “health literacy”, allowing listeners to absorb complex information in manageable segments.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, non-motor symptoms (sleep issues, mood, cognition) are now recognised as core aspects of PD — and many podcasts help raise awareness of these less visible dimensions.
The peer support model embedded in many podcasts aligns with research showing that connection and community are key predictors of quality of life in chronic conditions.
In short: podcasts aren’t just entertainment — they’re tools for empowerment, education and emotional resilience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for years, the right podcast can be a companion, teacher and inspiration. The shows above span the full spectrum — from research to lived experience, from coaching to conversation, from technical detail to heartfelt story.
Let podcasts become part of your toolkit — your “go-to” for information, hope and connection. Press play, lean in, listen closely — and remember: with Parkinson’s, knowledge and support are always just a play button away.
About Author
The Podcasting Research Team is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.
