In this episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, host Caitlin Nagy interviews Reka Janisse, known online as @pd.family / @pd.damily.5. Reka opens up about her journey with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD), detailing the stages of her diagnosis, the emotional toll it took, and her decision to go public with her story. She shares how vulnerability has fostered deep connections with others and how embracing her diagnosis has reshaped her relationships and life.

Reka also dives into the challenges of navigating grief cycles, from denial to acceptance, and offers invaluable advice to others newly diagnosed. She highlights the importance of maintaining mental and physical health through discipline, such as cold plunges, consistent sleep routines, and balanced nutrition. Furthermore, Reka discusses her personal battles with dopamine addiction, work-life balance, and the stress that comes with managing a chronic illness while raising three kids and pursuing a career.

Throughout the episode, Reka’s insights on the cyclical nature of Parkinson’s symptoms, the impact of the menstrual cycle on her condition, and her advocacy for more gender-specific research and support for women with Parkinson's are both empowering and eye-opening.

Tune in to hear Reka’s story of resilience, vulnerability, and finding strength in community while living with Parkinson's Disease.

Show Links

Ways 3 Well https://ways2well.com/

Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke https://www.amazon.ca/dp/152474672X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_C1QX9THZ8A29E08A07KR&starsLeft=1

Full Transcript https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uz1skxqfx6venn81bga2q/Epidsode2_Reka-Transcript.pdf?rlkey=hant7rfpqqf1iepbuaq2vqnxa&dl=0

In this first episode of The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast, I share my journey of being diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's in my 30s and the challenges of navigating hustle culture as a woman with PD. We’ll explore the powerful connection between women’s reproductive health and brain function, and discuss how embracing our natural rhythms can help us redefine success. Join me as we break down barriers, share stories, and build a supportive community.

Full Show Transcript

Welcome to The Pretty Dope Women's Podcast! Our mission is to empower and spotlight women living with Parkinson's Disease by sharing their stories, experiences, and challenges. Through our podcast, we aim to revolutionize the way PD Women are perceived and treated within the healthcare industry, offering a deeper look into the complexities of what we go through as women living with a neurodegenerative disorder.