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Michael Quaglia YOPN PODCAST

My name is Michael Quaglia, and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 42 in October 2006. For the next eight years, I worked tirelessly to climb the corporate ladder, hoping to accumulate enough wealth before the symptoms of the disease forced me into early Retirement. Looking back, I wish I had made different choices.

In 2014, I stumbled upon two articles that changed the course of my life. The first was a study by the Cleveland Clinic, which found that "forced Exercise" could significantly improve Parkinson's symptoms. The second was a video made by a small non-profit organization called Rock Steady Boxing, which demonstrated the benefits of non-contact boxing for people with Parkinson's.

Inspired by the potential benefits of exercise and boxing for Parkinson's patients, I dedicated my life to helping others and myself fight back against the symptoms of the disease. As a result, I have become an advocate for people with Parkinson's and an active member of the Parkinson's community.

To help get the word out in 2016 I started a Podcast "2 Mikes" with a friend Mike Achin. Seven years later we're sponsored by the Young Onset Parkinson's Network, we have numerous cohosts and our content resonates with the PD community.

Before my diagnosis, I worked as a Sales Manager for Engineering staffing agencies, but my journey with Parkinson's has led me down a different path, one in which I find fulfillment and purpose in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Recent Content

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Unlocking The Advocate Within: Our Journey With Young Onset Parkinson'S &Raquo; Yopn Podcastbb369
Unlocking the Advocate Within: Our Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conver…

In this episode of t…

In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments. They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, personal actio…

Listen · 44:24
Unlocking The Advocate Within: Our Journey With Young Onset Parkinson'S (Audio Only) &Raquo; Yopn Podcastbb369
Unlocking the Advocate Within: Our Journey with Young Onset Parkinson's (Audio Only)

(Audio Only) In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocac…

(Audio Only) In this…

(Audio Only) In this episode of the Living Well Starts Here podcast, hosts Melissa Livingston, Chris Sutphin, and Esther Labib-Kiyarash come together to discuss Parkinson's Awareness Month and advocacy. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, approaches to advocacy, and the different ways they contribute to the Parkinson's community, both online and offline. Discover the power of social media in connecting communities and fostering support, and learn about the importance of advocating for oneself in medical environments. They share insights on how advocacy can start from small, p…

Listen · 44:24
Things I Wish I Knew (Audio Only) &Raquo; Yopn Podcastbb369
Things I Wish I Knew (Audio Only)

Audio Only Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode de…

Audio Only Explore t…

Audio Only Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as Anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates.  Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like …

Listen · 33:41
Things I Wish I Knew About Parkinson'S &Raquo; Yopn Podcastbb369
Things I Wish I Knew About Parkinson's

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into t…

Explore the realitie…

Explore the realities of living with Young Onset Parkinson's through candid discussions as our YOPN podcasters share the things they wish they knew at the time of diagnosis. This episode delves into the personal experiences of managing symptoms, the unexpected challenges such as anxiety, and the importance of exercise. You will gain insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those living with Parkinson's and the resilience it necessitates.  Hear from perspectives at different stages of their Parkinson's journey, discussing everything from advanced treatments like DBS surgery…

Listen · 33:41
Navigating Love And Intimacy With Parkinson'S: A Valentine'S Edition Special (Audio Only) &Raquo; Yopn 2
Navigating Love and Intimacy with Parkinson's: A Valentine's Edition Special (Audio Only)

(Audio Only) Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's Edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authe…

(Audio Only) Join ho…

(Audio Only) Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's Edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they delve into the complexities of maintaining intimacy in Relationships affected by Parkinson's, sharing personal insights and experiences. With humor and honesty, they discuss the various challenges that come with maintaining romantic relationships while managing Parkinson's, such as sensory issues, medication side effects, hypersexuality, and the impact on self-esteem.  They emphasiz…

Listen · 36:06
Navigating Love And Intimacy With Parkinson'S: A Valentine'S Edition Special &Raquo; Yopn 2
Navigating Love and Intimacy with Parkinson's: A Valentine's Edition Special

Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they…

Join hosts Mel and E…

Join hosts Mel and Esther in this Valentine's edition of the YOPN podcast as they discuss the intersecting themes of romance, love, intimacy, and Parkinson's disease. With humor and authenticity, they delve into the complexities of maintaining intimacy in relationships affected by Parkinson's, sharing personal insights and experiences. With humor and honesty, they discuss the various challenges that come with maintaining romantic relationships while managing Parkinson's, such as sensory issues, medication side effects, hypersexuality, and the impact on self-esteem.  They emphasize the importa…

Listen · 37:11
Perspective Of A Carepartner - George Ackerman &Raquo; Yopn
Perspective of a carepartner – George Ackerman

The YOPN Podcast is thrilled to welcome George Ackerman to our community. George a PhD, is a dedicated advocate for the Parkinson's Disease (PD) community. Following the passing of his mother, Sharon …

The YOPN Podcast is …

The YOPN Podcast is thrilled to welcome George Ackerman to our community. George a PhD, is a dedicated advocate for the Parkinson's Disease (PD) community. Following the passing of his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman, on January 1, 2020, due to complications from Parkinson's Disease, George has tirelessly worked to advocate and educate everyone about PD. In honor of his mother's memory, George initiated a movement with TogetherforSharon.com, distributing wristbands to commemorate her Legacy. Join us, sit back, and immerse yourself in this enlightening show as George shares his insights and experi…

Listen · 1:01:08
Rhythms Of Resilience: Navigating Life’s Challenges With Carl Beech &Raquo; Yopn
Rhythms of Resilience: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Carl Beech

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is delighted to introduce Carl Beech, a prominent figure on TikTok and the Chief Executive Officer of Spotlight YOPD, a non-profit organization in the UK. In additi…

The Young Onset Park…

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is delighted to introduce Carl Beech, a prominent figure on TikTok and the Chief Executive Officer of Spotlight YOPD, a non-profit organization in the UK. In addition to his role as CEO at Edge Ministries, Carl wears many hats – he's an author, keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and broadcaster. Importantly, he is a passionate advocate for raising awareness about young onset Parkinson's. What sets Carl apart is his openness, exemplified in his role as an open book. In this interview, he candidly discusses the profound topic of forgiveness, steering aw…

Listen · 1:01:41
Unveiling Resilience: Journeys Beyond Challenges &Raquo; Yopn
Unveiling Resilience: Journeys Beyond Challenges

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is privileged to present a touching interview with Gavin Mogan. Imagine the shift from being the one in need of care to becoming the caregiver, all the while mainta…

The Young Onset Park…

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network is privileged to present a touching interview with Gavin Mogan. Imagine the shift from being the one in need of care to becoming the caregiver, all the while maintaining a unwavering focus on the positive aspects of life. Just a couple of months ago, Gavin faced the heart-wrenching loss of his wife, Amy, after a year-long battle with brain Cancer. Keep your tissues close as Gavin shares how his journey with Parkinson's has prepared him to navigate through this difficult time and beyond.

Listen · 45:15
Unlocking Minds: Conversations That Inspire With Anna Grill &Raquo; Yopn
Unlocking Minds: Conversations That Inspire with Anna Grill

Anna Grill is the driving force behind the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPN). She was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) at 38 while excelling in her career and juggling fa…

Anna Grill is the dr…

Anna Grill is the driving force behind the Young Onset Parkinson’s Network (YOPN). She was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) at 38 while excelling in her career and juggling family life. After keeping her condition a secret for a decade, Anna publicly disclosed her diagnosis and noticed a lack of YOPD resources. This inspired her to create a community and provide support for those with YOPD in a positive environment. Anna is an advocate, a Parkinson’s Foundation volunteer, and an Ambassador for Supernus Pharmaceuticals, residing in Northern Virginia with her family.

Listen · 44:48
Unstoppable Stories: Susan Scarlett And Bj Bement On Life, Love, And Triumph Over Parkinson’s &Raquo; Yopn
Unstoppable Stories: Susan Scarlett and BJ Bement on Life, Love, and Triumph Over Parkinson’s

This episode contains candid discussions about suicide and may not be suitable for younger audiences. The YOPN Podcast proudly features captivating interviews with two remarkable individuals, Susan Sc…

This episode contain…

This episode contains candid discussions about suicide and may not be suitable for younger audiences. The YOPN Podcast proudly features captivating interviews with two remarkable individuals, Susan Scarlett and BJ Bement. Susan Scarlett's love for life shines through every facet of her existence. She embraces roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, student, and friend. In 2015, she learned that she is also a Person with Parkinson's (PWP). Initially, the mention of "Parkinson's Disease" left her feeling numb, much like anyone else in that situation. However, Susan was swiftly enveloped by th…

Listen · 54:27
Esther’s Story Part 2 &Raquo; Yopn
Esther’s Story Part 2

In the second part of the Esther Labib-Kiyarash  interview, she delves into the topic of hospital and emergency care for Parkinson's disease patients, drawing from her extensive experience as a Certi…

In the second part o…

In the second part of the Esther Labib-Kiyarash  interview, she delves into the topic of hospital and emergency care for Parkinson's disease patients, drawing from her extensive experience as a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality, where she has worked in both hospital and ambulatory quality management. Her background involves composing plans of correction and executing transformative changes within healthcare settings. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Esther as she discusses her ideas for enhancing the care of Parkinson's disease patients through Education and various other inn…

Listen · 48:42
Esther’s Story: Part One Of Two &Raquo; Yopn
Esther’s Story: Part One of Two

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast.  Our guest today is Esther Labib-Kiyarash, a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality with extensive experience in both hospital and ambulatory quality management. Es…

Welcome to the YOPN …

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast.  Our guest today is Esther Labib-Kiyarash, a Certified Professional of Healthcare Quality with extensive experience in both hospital and ambulatory quality management. Esther's specialties encompass regulatory compliance, all facets of Quality Improvement, Lean methodology, and Continuous Survey Readiness. Additionally, she brings her expertise in Patient Safety and Patient Advocacy to the table. It's important to note that Esther also faces the unique challenge of living with Parkinson's disease. Remarkably, Esther chose to retire in September 2023, at the age of…

Listen · 31:48
Thrive With Yopd: Yopd-Con 2023 Unveiled! &Raquo; Yopn
Thrive with YOPD: YOPD-CON 2023 Unveiled!

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast! Today's guest is Jennifer Gillick, Program Manager of APDA Northwest Chapter, in this episode she unveils YOPD-CON 2023: Your Gateway to Thriving with Young Onset Parkinso…

Welcome to the YOPN …

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast! Today's guest is Jennifer Gillick, Program Manager of APDA Northwest Chapter, in this episode she unveils YOPD-CON 2023: Your Gateway to Thriving with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease! Join us at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Seattle, WA, on October 14th and 15th, 2023, for this APDANW-sponsored event. Discover a wealth of family-friendly activities like hiking and dancing, and don't miss the evening reception with complimentary appetizers. The full-day conference on day two delves into crucial topics, including healthcare, nutrition, and financial planning. …

Listen · 17:58
The Parkinson’s Prison And The Hero’s Journey To Escape &Raquo; Yopn
The Parkinson’s Prison and the Hero’s Journey to Escape

Today's episode holds a deeply personal significance for me. You see, I grapple with cognitive issues that make it challenging for me to articulate my thoughts clearly and concisely. It's essential to…

Today's episode hold…

Today's episode holds a deeply personal significance for me. You see, I grapple with cognitive issues that make it challenging for me to articulate my thoughts clearly and concisely. It's essential to note that these issues aren't indicative of dementia or any similar condition. In fact, my thoughts remain as lucid as ever. However, after battling this disease for 17 years, I've encountered various hurdles when it comes to expressing myself effectively. This is where Robert Cochrane enters the picture, and he's been a game-changer for me and many others. Robert, with his impressive PhD backgro…

Listen · 54:12
A Journey Through Parkinson’s, Pictures And Love In :”Personality Crash” &Raquo; Yopn
A Journey through Parkinson’s, Pictures and Love in :”Personality Crash”

The YOPN Podcast is proud to present award winning photographer Safi Alia Shabaik. Check out her project Personality Crash: "Personality Crash" is a touching project documenting the author's father's …

The YOPN Podcast is …

The YOPN Podcast is proud to present award winning photographer Safi Alia Shabaik. Check out her project Personality Crash: "Personality Crash" is a touching project documenting the author's father's journey through Parkinson's Disease, dementia, and Sundowners Syndrome. Initiated in 2013 to bring them closer before the illnesses took their toll, it uses powerful photographs to illustrate the challenges of Caregiving and the father's resilience. This podcast explores the project's emotional depth, portraying the universal themes of loss and love when facing debilitating diseases. It showcases …

Listen · 51:07
What I Didn’t Say - A Journey Through Parkinson’s By Matthew Moore &Raquo; Yopn
What I Didn’t Say – A Journey Through Parkinson’s by Matthew Moore

The YOPN Podcast is excited to feature Matthew Moore, an actor, director, writer, and teacher who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's in 2019. Moore turned his diagnosis into an opportunity to …

The YOPN Podcast is …

The YOPN Podcast is excited to feature Matthew Moore, an actor, director, writer, and teacher who was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's in 2019. Moore turned his diagnosis into an opportunity to raise awareness by writing the play 'What I Didn't Say - A Journey Through Parkinson's.' The play offers a front-row seat to the roller-coaster life of a Parkinson’s patient and their care partner. It's a profoundly honest and compelling story that invites us to ask the hard questions about hope, perseverance, communication, and the staying power of real love. As someone who has seen the play, I…

Listen · 40:42
Five Years Later - Allison Topperwein &Raquo; Yopn
FIVE YEARS LATER – ALLISON TOPPERWEIN

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with the Young Onset Parkinson's Network in our podcast series, “5 Years Later” Join us as we reconnect with guests we spoke to over five years ago, wh…

Get ready to embark …

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with the Young Onset Parkinson's Network in our podcast series, “5 Years Later” Join us as we reconnect with guests we spoke to over five years ago, who bravely share their experiences and provide valuable insights into the nuanced transformations they've encountered since then. Prepare to be enlightened as we delve into their extraordinary achievements, explore their mental well-being, uncover their exercise regimens, delve into their dietary choices, and go beyond. So, lean back, unwind, and get ready to be captivated by their truly inspiring …

Listen · 56:40
Five Years Later - Jimmy Choi &Raquo; Yopn
FIVE YEARS LATER – JIMMY CHOI

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with the Young Onset Parkinson's Network in our podcast series, “5 Years Later” Join us as we reconnect with guests we spoke to over five years ago, wh…

Get ready to embark …

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey with the Young Onset Parkinson's Network in our podcast series, “5 Years Later” Join us as we reconnect with guests we spoke to over five years ago, who bravely share their experiences and provide valuable insights into the nuanced transformations they've encountered since then. Prepare to be enlightened as we delve into their extraordinary achievements, explore their mental well-being, uncover their exercise regimens, delve into their dietary choices, and go beyond. So, lean back, unwind, and get ready to be captivated by their truly inspiring …

Listen · 48:13
Parkinson’s, Bats And Crop Protection. Unveiling Nature’s Solution To Pesticides. &Raquo; Yopn
Parkinson’s, Bats and Crop Protection. Unveiling Nature’s Solution to Pesticides.

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast, where we are thrilled to bring you a special guest, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Known as "Batman," Dr. Tuttle has dedicated over six decades to the study of bats. As seen on the Jo…

Welcome to the YOPN …

Welcome to the YOPN Podcast, where we are thrilled to bring you a special guest, Dr. Merlin Tuttle. Known as "Batman," Dr. Tuttle has dedicated over six decades to the study of bats. As seen on the Joe Rogan Experience and David Letterman, he joins us today to share his insights. Despite his diagnosis of Parkinson's, Dr. Tuttle continues to contribute valuable knowledge to the field. During our conversation, Dr. Tuttle enlightens us on how bats excel at safeguarding our crops, surpassing the effectiveness of chemical solutions. He also delves into the topic of bat houses, shedding light on the…

Listen · 58:13
Smiling Through Parkinson’s: Unmasking The Journey &Raquo; Yopn
Smiling through Parkinson’s: Unmasking the Journey

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast is thrilled to present Lucy Jung, the CEO of Charco Neurotech (https://charconeurotech.com/) Charco Neurotech is a medical Technology company focused…

The Young Onset Park…

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast is thrilled to present Lucy Jung, the CEO of Charco Neurotech (https://charconeurotech.com/) Charco Neurotech is a medical technology company focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Their mission is to bring back smiles to those affected by the condition. Inspired by Professor Charcot's research on vibratory stimulation, they have developed the CUE1 device in collaboration with people with Parkinson's. By incorporating diverse skillsets and listening to the needs of the community, they aim to create s…

Listen · 47:51
Voices Unveiled: Breaking Barriers With Speech Accessibility &Raquo; Yopn
Voices Unveiled: Breaking Barriers with Speech Accessibility

The YOPN Podcast is proud to present Mark Hasagawa-Johnson and Clarion Mendes as we discuss the Speech Accessibility Project The Speech Accessibility Project aims to collect diverse speech samples to …

The YOPN Podcast is …

The YOPN Podcast is proud to present Mark Hasagawa-Johnson and Clarion Mendes as we discuss the Speech Accessibility Project The Speech Accessibility Project aims to collect diverse speech samples to improve the representation of speech patterns in machine learning models. UIUC researchers will recruit paid volunteers to contribute recorded voice samples, creating a private dataset. This dataset will be used to train machine learning models and enhance their understanding of various speech patterns, starting with American English. By collaborating with multiple groups, the project seeks to acc…

Listen · 54:22
Unshakable Journeys: Parkinson’s Pioneers Across America &Raquo; Yopn
Unshakable Journeys: Parkinson’s Pioneers Across America

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast, poudly presents Scott Rider.   Scott Rider and his long-time friend Jim Morgan, both diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 17 years ago, embarked on a…

The Young Onset Park…

The Young Onset Parkinson's Network (YOPN) Podcast, poudly presents Scott Rider.   Scott Rider and his long-time friend Jim Morgan, both diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 17 years ago, embarked on a remarkable journey across America. During their travels, they met numerous inspiring individuals with Parkinson's, as well as educators, movement disorder specialists, and others. Keep an eye out for an upcoming documentary that will capture their experiences and insights from this extraordinary adventure.   About Scott:  Rider, a Columbus, Ohio native and former track and field star at The Ohi…

Listen · 36:30
Brushes Of Resilience: Unveiling The Power Of Art In Healthcare &Raquo; Yopn
Brushes of Resilience: Unveiling the Power of Art in Healthcare

The YOPN Podcast proudly presents an interview with patient advocate Ted Meyer!   Ted Meyer, an artist, curator, and patient advocate, uses art to find inspiration in the adversity of the patient exp…

The YOPN Podcast pro…

The YOPN Podcast proudly presents an interview with patient advocate Ted Meyer!   Ted Meyer, an artist, curator, and patient advocate, uses art to find inspiration in the adversity of the patient experience. In his 2016 TEDMED Talk, he shares how art can help healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of their patients' pain, loneliness, and frustration. Through his powerful creations, Ted communicates patients' stories and invites empathy and compassion in the healthcare field.   Watch Ted Meyer's captivating TEDMED Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_HOIg1qV9A&t=651s  

Listen · 52:43
Passion, Purpose, And Parkinson’s: Overcoming Challenges In The Creative World &Raquo; Yopn
Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson’s: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative World

Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative World   Discover the inspiring short documentary "Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's," crafted by the talented 23-year-old dire…

Passion, Purpose, an…

Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative World   Discover the inspiring short documentary "Passion, Purpose, and Parkinson's," crafted by the talented 23-year-old director, Olz McCoy. Created in honor of World Parkinson's Month, this remarkable film shares the incredible stories of three individuals—an accomplished painter, a skilled photographer, and a talented musician—who have triumphed over the physically and mentally debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease. Despite the daunting obstacles life has thrown at them, they have persevered and continued t…

Listen · 43:36

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