In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud (District 38) to discuss a massive, historic legislative victory for the neurodegenerative disease community.

Senator Calatayud championed SB 1800 (The Parkinson's Disease Research Act), a landmark piece of legislation that passed alongside its companion House bill to officially establish the Consortium for Parkinson's Disease Research within the University of South Florida.

This historic package brings together public and private state universities, researchers, and academic medical centers into a collaborative powerhouse. By pooling resources and medical expertise, Florida is firmly establishing itself as a premier national hub for neurodegenerative health, innovative therapies, and the ongoing fight for a cure.

In this episode, we discuss:
- The inspiration behind SB 1800 and what it took to build bipartisan momentum.
- How the new Consortium will transform medical research, study genetic origins, and accelerate therapeutic treatments.
- The critical inclusion of research regarding Parkinson's prevalence among first responders.
- What this massive win means for Florida patients, caregivers, and the future of healthcare policy.

Connect with Senator Alexis Calatayud
- Website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S38
- Instagram: @Alexis_Calatayud

In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Jessi Keavney, a dedicated Parkinson's advocate and member of the National Council. Jessie shares her powerful perspective on the current landscape of policy advocacy, and the critical importance of community engagement in driving legislative change. Tune in to hear her insights on what the future holds for Parkinson's research, care access, and policy reform.

In this video, we cover:

- Jessie’s personal journey in carrying pathogenic Parkinson’s genes and her path to becoming a policy advocate.
- The current legislative priorities for the Parkinson's community.
- How individuals and families can get involved in advocacy and policy work.

The first ever meeting of the federal Advisory Council on Parkinson's Research, Care, and Services was recently held to guide the National Plan to End Parkinson's. The council's goals are to improve Parkinson's disease diagnosis, prevent the disease, and support care partners. Advocacy groups are pushing for fast action. We give our recap of this important discussion.

In this heartfelt episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Del. Richard Sullivan to discuss Virginia’s proposed paraquat legislation, HB1375, and the growing movement to address environmental factors connected to Parkinson’s disease. Delegate Sullivan shares why the bill — which would ban paraquat use in Virginia — was introduced, what happened during the legislative session, and why the measure was ultimately tabled until next year.

Beyond policy, this conversation becomes deeply personal. Delegate Sullivan opens up about his wife, Beth, and her journey with Parkinson’s Disease, offering a moving perspective on how this issue affects families across Virginia and beyond. We also discuss the significance of securing April 11th as World Parkinson’s Day in Virginia and why recognition and awareness matter in the fight for better treatment, research, and prevention.

This episode is dedicated to Beth — and to every family navigating Parkinson’s disease with courage and resilience.

Topics covered in this episode:
• HB1375 and the effort to ban paraquat in Virginia
• The connection between environmental exposure and Parkinson’s disease
• The legislative process and what comes next for the bill
• The importance of World Parkinson’s Day recognition in Virginia
• Personal reflections from Delegate Sullivan

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share to help raise awareness about Parkinson’s policy, advocacy, and research.

What does it take to turn scientific breakthroughs into accessible, life-changing treatments for the millions of families affected by Parkinson’s disease?

In this episode of the Parkinson's Policy Podcast, we sit down with Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), to pull back the curtain on the legislative fights and advocacy efforts shaping the future of Parkinson's care and research.

Dan breaks down the foundation's current strategic priorities, how a unified advocate voice brings humanity to Capitol Hill, and what needs to happen next to turn discoveries into a cure.

What We Discuss in This Episode:

The Race to $600 Million: Why securing robust, bipartisan federal funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is critical to keeping the momentum of current scientific breakthroughs alive.

The Fight Against Environmental Toxins: Dan shares insight into statewide bans on paraquat—a highly toxic herbicide linked to a doubled risk of Parkinson's—and what these bills would mean for a nationwide EPA ban.

The National Parkinson’s Project: How the foundation is pushing for the full implementation of this whole-of-government initiative to revolutionize diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy: How everyday patients, care partners, and family members can effectively engage with lawmakers to demand measurable action.

If you’ve ever wondered how policy directly impacts the search for a cure, this deep dive is a must-watch.

“Oh crap.” 😮 It’s the unfiltered thought so many people have after a diagnosis, and it’s exactly why Dr. Sara Whittingham used it to title her incredible book, Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life.

We recently interviewed Sara on the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, and her energy is absolutely infectious! As an Air Force veteran, M.D., mom, and Ironman triathlete living with PD, Sara is a force of nature.

In this episode, we talk about:
Shifting the mindset from "patient" to "person with agency."
The power of finding your "outrageous goals" and purpose.
How she’s taking the rebel fight all the way to Washington, D.C., to advocate for better care and research.

If you or a loved one are navigating this journey, Sara’s blend of medical insight, lived experience, and grit is exactly what you need to hear today.

In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Anne Hubbard, Chief Public Policy Officer to discuss the latest policy issues impacting the Parkinson’s community. From advocacy priorities and healthcare access to ongoing legislative efforts, Anne shares insights into how policy can shape better outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. Tune in for an informative conversation on the work being done to advance support, research, and patient-centered care.

In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Representative Brian Cina, a Vermont legislator and sponsor of the bill to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide linked to Parkinson’s disease and other serious health concerns.

We discuss the growing body of research connecting environmental toxins to Parkinson’s, the policy efforts underway in Vermont, and why advocates, scientists, patients, and lawmakers are pushing for stronger protections against harmful chemical exposure. Rep. Cina shares insights into the legislative process, the challenges of advancing environmental health policy, and why public awareness and grassroots advocacy matter.

This conversation highlights the intersection of science, public health, and policy—and the importance of taking action to reduce exposure to potentially dangerous environmental chemicals.