Rick Seaholm 
The discussion centers around the personal journey of preserving one’s voice amidst living with Parkinson’s disease. The episode delves into the challenges many with Parkinson’s face, such as reduced vocal strength, and the significant steps taken to combat these issues, including involvement with the Parkinson Voice Project. This initiative provides valuable tools and techniques to maintain vocal abilities, crucial for roles in podcasting and teleconferencing.
The episode emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, recounting experiences at Boston University’s commencement ceremonies. There is a vivid description of the apprehensions about the physically demanding nature of the event and how these were overcome by speaking up for personal needs. Through a simple but impactful email, a role that suited personal strengths was requested, illustrating the power and necessity of advocating for oneself.
An anecdote about a mother standing up for herself is shared, drawing parallels to the journey of self-advocacy. This episode underscores the significance of asking for support and making one’s needs known, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-respect.
Intertwined with the narrative is a piece from the album “Bluewing,” highlighting the emotional and cathartic process of creating music that resonates with personal experiences.