The Fighting Spirit of Phyllis

The Fighting Spirit of Phyllis

From Live Better Longer by FOX Rehabilitation

March 25, 2026 · 39 min · Season 10 · Episode 6

About this episode

Phyllis Wetterman shares her journey with Parkinson's disease and the proactive mindset that has helped her cope.

As a lead-up to Parkinson’s Awareness Month starting next week, on today’s episode of FOX Rehabilitation’s Live Better Longer podcast, we sit down—in-person—with FOX patient, Phyllis Wetterman, and her clinician, Lauren Irvin, MS, CCC-SLP, CDP. Phyllis opens up about her diagnosis and the mindset that helped her take a proactive, “use it or lose it” approach. She shares her experience with both the LSVT BIG and LOUD training programs and explains how Lauren uses them for not only voice improvement but also cognitive improvement. We also revisit Phyllis’ years as a devoted nurse and teacher, explore her life in Florida with her husband, and follow her recent move to Pittsburgh—navigating chilly winters and playful attempts by die-hard Steelers fans to sway her allegiance from her beloved Miami Dolphins.

People in this episode

Host: FOX Rehabilitation

Guest: Phyllis Wetterman

Topics covered

  • Parkinson's disease
  • patient experience
  • speech therapy
  • cognitive improvement
  • nursing
  • life transitions

Keywords

  • Parkinson's disease
  • LSVT BIG
  • LSVT LOUD
  • speech therapy
  • cognitive improvement
  • nursing
  • Florida
  • Pittsburgh

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FOX Rehabilitation

Places: Florida, Pittsburgh, Miami

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