Something extraordinary has happened. After five days on a new medication, Travis's speech has transformed dramatically. Gone are the long pauses, the facial dystonia, and the whisper-quiet voice that made mountain climbs particularly challenging. Listeners familiar with Travis's speech patterns will immediately notice the difference – and no, we haven't edited a thing.

This transformation highlights a fascinating psychological phenomenon Travis has observed throughout his Parkinson's journey. People form mental images of who we are that become remarkably resistant to change. "People remember you as a certain way, and it takes them a really long time and a lot of information to update that idea of who you are," Travis explains. This creates a strange disconnect when someone experiences significant physical changes, as others struggle to reconcile their established mental picture with the person's current reality. Friends who've known Travis for years sometimes offer help when he doesn't need it, while missing moments when assistance is genuinely required.

While this speech improvement represents a potentially significant breakthrough, both hosts maintain a grounded perspective. "These results may not last, and they may improve or they may get worse," Travis acknowledges. There are "no guarantees, no promises that it will stay like this." Yet the possibility that this improvement might continue offers hope – perhaps that wheelchair will stay collecting dust in the corner. We're documenting this "personal clinical trial" in real-time through upcoming episodes, allowing listeners to witness this journey as it unfolds. Don't miss our upcoming two-part series with neuropsychologist Dr. Dov Gold, where we'll dive deep into stress, relationships, and more aspects of living with Parkinson's. Subscribe now to follow this remarkable journey and join our conversation about living an extraordinary life with extraordinary circumstances.

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• www.INDYpodcast.net
  
  
  

When Parkinson's disease progression begins to steal your voice and your stability, what options remain? Travis opens up about a frightening downward spiral that left him falling repeatedly and struggling to communicate - the very foundation of his identity and independence.

"If I can't talk to you and have you understand me, then I am trapped and I'm no different than somebody locked in a cage," Travis shares, revealing the profound isolation that comes when Parkinson's affects speech. After years of managing symptoms with medication and Deep Brain Stimulation, Travis found himself facing a new reality: needing an electric wheelchair and watching as waiters began addressing his questions to his partner instead of him.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Travis reveals his experience with Vyalevⓡ, a recently FDA-approved subcutaneous delivery system for carbidopa-levodopa that doesn't require the permanent abdominal port of earlier systems. Just days into this new treatment, Travis describes subtle but meaningful improvements that allowed him to hike at 10,000 feet elevation when he'd previously struggled to take out the trash without falling.

This raw, unfiltered discussion explores the emotional impact of disease progression, the difficult decisions about assistive devices, and the constant search for solutions that preserve dignity and independence. Travis's philosophy resonates throughout: "It's better to be out there doing something cool than looking like you're doing something cool, but not actually" - a powerful reminder that living fully sometimes means embracing the tools that enable participation, even when they challenge our self-image.

Join us for this deeply personal exploration of finding hope when standing at the edge of what feels like a cliff, and stay tuned for part two where we'll continue the conversation about this promising treatment option.

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• www.INDYpodcast.net
  
  
  

Fire took everything Travis owned in just 15 minutes. With his Parkinson's disease symptoms flaring from stress, he faced the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding a life from scratch while his body fought against him. This raw, powerful episode explores the unexpected challenges that emerged when Travis had to relocate to a new house in just four days—a home that, while larger, presents accessibility nightmares with its multiple levels and problematic doorways.

Travis takes us on his recent whirlwind journey, from navigating airport security with specialized photography equipment to attending a friend's wedding in upstate New York. The conversation reveals how even routine travel becomes a logistical puzzle when managing a progressive neurological condition, yet Travis refuses to let these obstacles limit his experiences.

Hope shines through as Travis shares exciting news about a potential game-changer in his treatment plan. He's been fast-tracked for the innovative Vyalev Pump system—a subcutaneous infusion device similar to an insulin pump that provides continuous medication. This development offers a glimpse into how medical innovation continues to improve quality of life for those with Parkinson's.

The most touching moments come when Travis articulates the unique grief of losing personal possessions in the fire. "It's not mourning the stuff," he explains, "it's mourning the experience you had with that stuff." His perspective offers profound insight into the emotional dimensions of loss that extend far beyond material value.

Travis's story is a masterclass in resilience—not because he never struggles, but because he continues forward despite overwhelming circumstances. His determination to rebuild his photography archive symbolizes his broader approach to life: acknowledging loss while refusing to be defined by it. Listen now and discover how extraordinary circumstances can reveal extraordinary strength.

• Co-hosts: Judy Yaras & Travis Robinson
• www.INDYpodcast.net