Parkinson’s doesn’t just challenge your body. It challenges your identity.

In this episode, Todd Vogt and Eric Von Frohlich talk candidly about what happens when Parkinson’s forces a shift in career, competition, and self-perception: what do you do when the thing that defined you starts changing?

They explore nostalgia, gratitude, job hunting, and the difference between outcome goals and process goals. They discuss the mental highs and lows of not giving up, and redefining what competing looks like now.

Key Takeaways:

• The present moment matters most. Anxiety lives in the future; regret lives in the past. Training happens now.
• Process > outcome. Focusing on daily actions compounds more than chasing times, rankings, or validation.
• Athletic identity evolves. At some point, every athlete faces decline: Parkinson’s just accelerates the timeline.
• Grace is part of the work. Transitions require patience with yourself.
• Say yes. Community and new experiences (like inclusive sailing) can shift perspective fast.

Key Moments:

00:32 – Atmospheric river story + environmental exposure questions
03:30 – Genetics vs. environment: the “what caused it?” conversation
05:17 – Inclusive sailing + saying yes to opportunity
07:28 – Mindset shift: openness, gratitude, and community
11:20 – Nostalgia vs. fear of the future
13:37 – “Any day on the water is a good day”
15:48 – Ego, aging, and athletic decline
18:18 – Process goals vs outcome goals
22:28 – AFib update + training limitations
23:10 – Career limbo + Parkinson’s and employment
29:46 – Forced retirement vs choosing to walk away

Follow / Connect:

🔔 Subscribe: https://parkinsons-an-athletes-journey.transistor.fm/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonsathletepodcast/
🌐 Website: https://www.ericvonfrohlich.com/podcast
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkinsons-an-athlete-s-journey-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Disclaimer:

Personal experience and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.