Join occupational therapist (OT) Erica Vitek as she shares her journey at the intersection of Parkinson’s (PD) rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy. Erica recounts her path from general OT practice to specializing in PD and pelvic health, shaped by her roles at LSVT Global and the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and discusses powerful patient stories where addressing bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction restored dignity and independence.

Listeners will explore how PD disrupts pelvic function, top myths related to receiving healthcare for pelvic function, communication tools for sensitive topics, collaboration strategies with specialists, and actionable self-management tips.

She also introduces her new self-paced course, Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease, as a resource touching on PD neuroanatomy, pelvic floor function, evidence-based strategies, and self-management for therapy professionals and PD families. Perfect for OTs, PTs, neuro rehab clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers seeking practical hope and awareness.

SHOW NOTES:

Special Guest: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPCHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

RESOURCES:

Erica’s New Online Course (Open to everyone): Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/

Advanced Course for Rehab Professionals: Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation: https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation

Directory of APTA Women’s Pelvic Health Specialists: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory

Directory of Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPC): https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner

THEME SONG:

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. A song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment, developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.

Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

CONNECT WITH US:

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

LSVT Global Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Last October, we celebrated National Physical Therapy Month and the one-year anniversary of Sean Bulanda’s journey of self-renewal. Sean, a physical therapist and the Proud Parkinson’s Ninja, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2025. Since then, he’s rebuilt his health, earned LSVT BIG certification, launched a support group and fundraiser, and even begun exploring comedy and songwriting.

Sean’s story shows that Parkinson’s is not the end, but a new chapter filled with purpose and possibility. With his belief that “anyone can be a ninja,” he shares inspiration and practical wisdom for living fully, no matter the challenges.

Connect & Learn More:

• Facebook Support Group: Parkinson’s Support – Got Dopamine?

• LSVT Certification & Info: lsvtglobal.com

In this episode, we dive deep into LSVT BIG, an occupational and physical therapy approach designed to improve movement amplitude and daily function for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Join researchers and occupational therapists Dr. Barbara Doucet, Dr. Mark Blanchard, and Dr. Ingrid Franc as they discuss their pivotal study on how LSVT BIG impacts the speed and quality of everyday tasks. Discover what bradykinesia really feels like, hear patient stories, and explore practical applications of this therapy from the perspectives of both science and lived experience. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, researcher, or someone affected by Parkinson’s, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of targeted occupational therapy to enhance independence and quality of life.

Show Notes:

Special Guests: Barbara M. Doucet, PhD, OTR

Mark Blanchard, OTD, OTR/L, ATP

Ingrid Franc, PhD, OTR/L

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Publication Citation:

Doucet, B. M., Blanchard, M., & Franc, I. (2025). Effects of LSVT BIG® on Bradykinesia During Activities of Daily Living. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 15394492251367275. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492251367275

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this episode, we explore the innovative "Coach Approach" to Parkinson’s voice therapy with Leanne Smith, one of the speech clinicians behind the successful technology-supported LSVT LOUD® program with NHS Scotland. Facing challenges like waiting list pressures and limited resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, this small team integrated the LSVT Coach® software to blend in-person and independent LSVT Coach led sessions — maintaining treatment intensity without compromise.

Join us as Leanne shares insights on how this hybrid model addresses real-world clinical demands, patient experiences adjusting to the technology, and the significant clinician time savings that have enhanced their speech therapy delivery, while still achieving targeted outcomes. We’ll dive into the practicalities of balancing therapy sessions, key features that make the software accessible and effective, and how the team envisions expanding this approach to benefit more people with Parkinson’s disease.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone living with a neurological condition, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how technology and therapy can work hand in hand to improve communication and quality of life.

Show Notes:

Special Guest: Leanne Smith, SLT

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Link to “Coach Approach” Poster: https://bit.ly/CoachApproachPoster

Link to “Coach Approach” Presentation: https://bit.ly/CoachApproachPresentation

Link to LSVT Coach: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/categories/merchandise/lsvt-coach.html/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Join us for an inspiring and science-driven conversation with Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun, renowned neurologists and authors of the New York Times bestselling book, The Parkinson’s Plan: A New Path to Prevention and Treatment. Discover how their latest research uncovers environmental causes of Parkinson’s disease, challenges long-held assumptions, and presents practical strategies to prevent, slow, and treat the condition. Learn about the “Parkinson’s 25” checklist, the links between toxins and risk, and the urgent next steps toward a future where Parkinson’s is increasingly rare. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this podcast offers clarity, hope, and actionable steps for families and communities everywhere.

Show Notes:

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Special Guests: Ray Dorsey, MD and Michael Okun, MD

The Parkinson’s Plan Website: https://pdplan.org/

Purchase The Parkinson’s Plan: Available now from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541705386 and wherever books are sold.

Win The Parkinson’s Plan! Tell someone about this podcast episode and complete our quick listener survey to be entered for a chance to win the book! Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WinTheParkinsonsPlanwithLSVTGlobal

PD Avengers Website: https://www.pdavengers.com/

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Step inside the world of Impact Physical Therapy as founders Dr. Tamara Hefferon and Dr. Eric Hefferon share the story behind their clinic’s decade-long journey of excellence and innovation in patient care. In this special episode, you’ll hear how their Arizona-based practice has become a beacon for those seeking personalized, compassionate healing - rejecting quick fixes in favor of hands-on expertise and empowering patients to reclaim active, healthy lives.

Hear how they’ve helped people with a wide range of conditions - including those living with Parkinson’s - achieve remarkable outcomes through LSVT BIG and a ‘train like an athlete’ approach that pushes each patient to reach their fullest potential. Discover how their unwavering commitment to treating people, not just symptoms, has shaped a practice renowned for genuine connections and customized exercise programs. We’ll also explore how they’ve built a culture rooted in integrity, service, and continuous learning.

Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, searching for inspiration in entrepreneurship, or want to know what makes a regional leader in physical therapy thrive, this episode provides insights into building a clinic - and a culture - that makes a lasting impact every day.

Show Notes:

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Special Guests: Tamara Hefferon, PT, DPT and Eric Hefferon, PT, DPT

Impact PT Website: https://impactptaz.com/

Impact PT Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impact_pt_az/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@impactptaz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peoriaphysicaltherapy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz8SJucAk66u4tW8DH1XKtA

Theme song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide.

Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Adrienne Singletary, a trailblazing corporate speech-language pathologist (SLP) and founder of Transcendent Accents, LLC. Adrienne has made it her mission to help professionals unlock their full communication potential, guiding clients and fellow SLPs beyond traditional settings and into the dynamic world of corporate speech therapy. As an entrepreneur, she’s not only refined executive communication for countless clients, but also empowers SLPs to reimagine their careers and impact.

In this episode, we’re taking a unique detour from our usual focus on Parkinson’s and neurorehabilitation. Instead, we’ll explore Adrienne’s journey from school-based SLP burnout to building a thriving business that bridges speech science and corporate success. We’ll dive into her insights on navigating career pivots, the distinct challenges and rewards of corporate speech therapy, and how she’s helping shape the next generation of SLP entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a clinician, a business leader, or just curious about the intersection of communication and professional growth, you won’t want to miss Adrienne’s story and practical advice.

Show Notes:

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Guest: Adrienne Singletary, Corporate Speech-Language Pathologist, Founder/CEO, Transcendent Accents, LLC

Transcendent Accents Website: https://transcendentaccents.com/

Transcendent Accents Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/transcendent_accents/

Theme Song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians

In this special National Speech-Language-Hearing Month episode, we sit down with Michelle Haub - Special Programs Leader at Meadowlark, certified LSVT LOUD clinician, and a driving force behind some of Kansas’s most innovative Parkinson’s and memory care initiatives.

Michelle shares her personal journey into speech-language pathology and what inspired her to dedicate her career to neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia. Discover how she’s brought evidence-based therapies such as LSVT LOUD to life at Meadowlark and hear real stories of transformation from participants in these groundbreaking programs.

We’ll explore how Michelle grew the Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program from a single support group into a comprehensive resource serving 28 counties, and how she’s championed memory care through education, support groups, and creative community offerings like the Memory Café and Music & Memory initiative. Michelle also discusses her leadership in developing Kansas’s only consistent Young Onset Parkinson’s support group, and the impact of community events that have raised nearly $1 million for Parkinson’s and memory care.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a person with Parkinson’s or a family member, or simply passionate about the power of communication, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and practical ideas for building more compassionate, connected communities. Tune in to hear Michelle’s hopes for the future of Parkinson’s and memory care-and the innovations on the horizon.

Show Notes:

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Guest: Michelle Haub, MS, CCC-SLP, Program Developer & Director, Meadowlark

Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program: https://www.meadowlark.org/community-programs/meadowlark-parkinsons-program

Meadowlark Memory Program: https://www.meadowlark.org/community-programs/meadowlark-memory-program

Theme Song: Think LOUD for Parkinson’s by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer, a song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment. Developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

Think LOUD 4 Parkinson’s Album: Have a listen and support their project by purchasing the limited edition vinyl and CD here: https://www.kindredspiritmusic.org/product-page/think-loud-4-parkinson-s

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: ⁠https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/⁠

LSVT Global Website: ⁠https://www.lsvtglobal.com⁠

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians