Episode 77 - What Parkinson's Can't Take - Dave Shields & Anthony Barker

About this episode

Dave Shields shares his journey living with Parkinson's disease and the support from his friend Anthony Barker, highlighting the importance of purpose and community.

What happens when your body starts to betray you… but your purpose refuses to? In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Dave Shields and Anthony Wayne Barker—two friends connected by purpose. Both fraternity brothers from Eastern Kentucky University, Tony felt called to step in and support Dave—not just as a friend, but as someone who saw the weight of his battle. Dave opens up about living with Parkinson’s disease and his recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease dementia—adding a new layer to the fight. This episode centers on a powerful shift: 👉 The difference between “I shouldn’t”… and “I can’t.” As the disease progresses, Dave shares the growing mental and emotional toll—forcing him to confront identity, independence, and purpose. Through it all, he gives deep homage to his wife Lori, his family, friends, local businesses, and the community behind Rock on the James—the movement he’s helped build to turn his battle into impact. At the center is his “No Mas” moment—a breaking point that could’ve ended it. It didn’t. Instead, it fueled a mission. Through Rock on the James, Dave continues turning pain into purpose—proving that even when life changes what you can…

People in this episode

Guests: Dave Shields, Anthony Wayne Barker

Topics covered

• Parkinson's disease
• mental health
• identity
• purpose
• community support

Keywords

• Rock on the James
• Parkinson's disease dementia
• mental toll
• independence

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Rock on the James

Books & works: Rock on the James

More episodes of The FocalFlip Podcast

• Episode 78 - Shadow Work - John McNeely & Michael Kannady · April 20, 2026 · 34 min
• Episode 76 - Addicted. Abducted. Atoned. - Jason's Story · April 6, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Episode 75 - Andrew Curtis - Building Greenie's Mobile Golf & Living with Purpose · March 30, 2026 · 60 min
• Episode 74 - Brent Sowder - History, Hoops, and Hard Truths · March 20, 2026 · 50 min
• Episode 73 - Todd Humphrey - Beyond the Box Score · March 12, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Episode 72 - Kevin Listerman - Boiling Points & Basketball · March 5, 2026 · 1h 20m