Show Transcript
[Intro Music Fades In and Out]
Host: Hey everyone, welcome to the first episode of The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast. I’m so excited to finally bring this project to life. This podcast is a space for women living with Parkinson's Disease, women suffering from chronic illness, and anyone else who is interested in understanding us a little better. I’m here to share stories—both mine and those of other incredible women—about the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between.
Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Caitlin Nagy and I’ve been living with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease for 10 years now. Looking back, the thought of me coming online and talking about having this disease would've made me cringe. But Parkinson's has a way of forcing you to confront things you never thought you would. So here I am, sharing my story, in the hopes that it makes this journey just a little easier for someone else.
When I was first diagnosed at 31, I had just landed my dream job leading a corporate creative team and bought my first home with my soon-to-be husband. Life was supposed to be exciting and full of firsts, but instead, I was hit with a tremor in my left hand that quickly spread to my shoulder and then down my leg. That was the beginning of a journey that’s been fucking hard—no easier way to say it. From the lack of support within the Canadian healthcare system, the lack of research in YOPD Women — to navigating relationships, career, and everyday life with people who are oblivious to what you're going through, it’s been a relentless struggle to feel heard and understood.
But here's the thing: even as it becomes more difficult for me to handle everyday tasks, I still feel this deep need to create, to contribute, and to ensure that the real stories of what women go through with Parkinson's are brought to the surface.
As I reflect on who I was when I was first diagnosed and how I was handling everything, I can’t help but wish there had been someone like me sharing this kind of information—what it’s really like to be a young woman going through Parkinson’s. If anything, I’m doing this podcast for that past version of myself, the one who was scared and unsure of what her future would hold. It’s my way of telling her that I made it, that it’s okay, and that there’s still so much life after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
That’s why I’m doing this podcast.
I also want to take a moment to thank all the incredible advocates out there who are using their social media platforms and digital spaces to speak up for people with Parkinson’s. I can’t emphasize this enough—we need more of this.
I’m so grateful for each of you, and I deeply appreciate the effort you’re putting into making sure your voices are heard. This is how we make change happen: by talking about it more, by sharing our experiences, by connecting with one another, and by educating others. The more we do this, the closer we get to finding solutions—and ultimately, a cure.
Housekeeping
Before we dive into today’s episode, there are a few important things I want to address.
First, this podcast is a space where everyone is encouraged to express themselves fully. You may hear some strong language or profanity and that’s because it’s important for our guests to share their stories and feelings authentically. We honor these emotions allowing our guests to speak their truth.
While The Pretty Dope Women’s Podcast focuses on the experiences of women with Parkinson’s Disease, I want to make it clear that this does not diminish the experiences of anyone else living with the disease. This space is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women, but it is in no way meant to exclude or invalidate the experiences of men or those who identify outside the traditional gender binary.
Lastly, the views and experiences shared on this podcast are personal to each individual guest. Parkinson's Disease affects everyone differently, and our goal is to shine a light on a specific group within the PD community. This focus is meant to raise awareness and foster understanding of the unique challenges faced by women living with Parkinson’s.
Thank you for tuning in, and let's get started.