Jodi Brown is the CEO of Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), a nonprofit serving people with Parkinson's and their care partners across Colorado and Wyoming.
After leaving a career in corporate marketing and finance, Jodi helped transform the organization, expanding exercise programs, support groups, educational events, equipment loans, and community services while doubling its revenue, services, and staff. Her work is built around a simple idea: the sooner people connect with resources and other people living with Parkinson's, the better equipped they are to keep moving forward.
In this conversation, Jodi shares what she's learned from supporting thousands of people living with Parkinson's, why connecting with the right resources early matters, and how community, exercise, and education help people continue moving forward after diagnosis.
Key Takeaways:
➡️ Support looks different in every community.
Parkinson Association of the Rockies builds programs around the needs of each community rather than using the same model everywhere, recognizing that access, geography, and local resources vary widely across Colorado and Wyoming.
➡️ Connecting early can change the experience after diagnosis.
Jodi explains why so many people wait months or even years before seeking support, and why finding exercise, education, and community early helps people better understand the condition and feel less alone.
➡️ Exercise is only one part of living well with Parkinson's.
While movement remains central, Jodi discusses the importance of support groups, education, care partner resources, and practical services that help people continue navigating life with Parkinson's.
Key Moments:
0:30 Jodi's Journey to Parkinson Association of the Rockies
4:17 Why Every Community Needs Different Support
6:43 The Five Pillars of Parkinson Association of the Rockies
14:20 Research, Conferences & What's Changing
17:00 Why the First Months After Diagnosis Matter
20:20 Building the Future of Parkinson Association of the Rockies
26:56 Jodi's Advice for the Newly Diagnosed
29:04 Finding Your Way Back to Movement
Connect with Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Website: https://parkinsonrockies.org
Instagram: @parockies
Facebook: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
YouTube: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
LinkedIn: Parkinson Association of the Rockies
About the Host
Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story.
Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey
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Disclaimer
This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.
