PODCAST · health
Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change
by Julie Bergfeld
Join Julie for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia, neuro plasticity and establishing better movement patterns at any age. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well. Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle. Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more. One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dystonia You can emai
Episodes
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Jennifer Cubino's Story with Cervical Dystonia
Jennifer is a runner and outdoor enthusiast with cervical dystonia. She was diagnosed just a few years ago and has already been through multiple rounds of botox, PT and now has had DBS. Key points include: acting fast when you notice something doesn't seem right with your body self-advocacy find…
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Ruth Chiles shares thoughts on Focal Dystonia
Ruth Chiles is a somatic performance therapist, author, and educator working at the intersection of neuroscience, trauma, and physical and mental flow. As a musician who experienced and fully recovered from focal embouchure dystonia and other performance blocks, Ruth understands from the inside...
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Can changing the brain's model of the body change how the body moves?
In this episode, Julie and Mindy explore how psychedelics, psychotherapy, movement, mindfulness, creativity, and connection can work together as an ecosystem for healing. Mindy Tockman, LPC, is a trauma therapist, speaker, and founder of Resonance, an emerging integrative wellness center being...
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Foot Mechanics, Gait Cycle and Neuroplastic Changes with Monika Volkmar
In this episode, I have a conversation with Movement educator Monika Volkmar where we talk about how foot mechanics can help or hinder the gait cycle when the timing is not appropriate. Monika shares her history, knowledge and many resources on her journey, work and education in this rich...
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Bree Sutton, BrainSpotting and Heart Math as Mental Health Tools for Athletes
Bree Sutton is a mental health therapist specializing in helping athletes and high achievers overcome anxiety and reach their full potential. Her approach is unique because of the integration of techniques like HeartMath biofeedback to enhance heart rate variability and brainspotting to target...
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Tim Koh Shares his story and Genetic Mutation
Tim Koh, Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois-Chicago, shares his story of dystonia and information about a possible link with a genetic mutation (THAP 1). Please share these podcasts with friends, supporters, healthcare providers, your team. Without your support…
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Researcher Ariel Beccia Shares her Dystonia Story
Julie talks with Ariel Beccia, a researcher with the Harvard School of Public Health, on her dystonia story and how she got from not running 10 years ago to where she is now with running and racing and workouts. Please Like, Comment, Share! Support the show The information shared in this podcast…
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Exploring Oral Therapy with Dr. Bernard Ravina of Vima Therapeutics
Julie sits down with Dr. Bernard Ravina, CEO and founder of Vima Therapeutics. His company is developing a drug that looks promising in helping those with dystonia. Vima Therapeutic website Vima Therapeutics team Site for current Phase 2 dystonia study into first oral medication. The study is…
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Where we are with Dystonia Research with Neurologist Erik van Wensen
Neurologist Erik van Wensen shares his personal story and where we are with current understanding and research in the area of dystonia and specifically task-specific sports dystonia. Mentioned in the recording: EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing CBT - Cognitive Behavioral…
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Cervical Dystonia in a Runner with David Abelson
Julie has a conversation with Boulder, CO runner David Abelson. David has cervical dystonia and has been active in running for more than 30 years. In 2022, he developed dystonia and shares his 4 keys to his path of recovery. "Don't give up" Mentioned in the podcast: Botox Colchicine Rapamycin Dr....
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EMDR Explained with Whitney Dittmar
Julie has a conversation with EMDR specialist, Whitney Dittmar, MA, LPC, EMDR Therapist for Athletes, Performance & Trauma Specialist Listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Directory (2025) for the Mental Health Directory. Eye Movement Desensitization and...
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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Julie talks with Stacey Ginesin and Dr. Iahn Cajigas about DBS. We cover a lot of territory here, including how to get the procedure approved by Insurance, when DBS becomes a viable option, success rates, risks and Stacey's experience with dystonia and DBS surgery. Support the show The…
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Maintaining Hope Despite the Circumstance with Mark Spewak
Julie spends some time with athlete, coach and founder of Spewak Training and Racing, Mark Spewak. Mark is a fellow St. Louisan who recently had heart surgery to repair a PFO (patent foramen ovale), a hole in his heart. in 2025, Mark had two strokes and years prior had a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid)...
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Dystonia and Neuroplastic Recovery with Dr. Dave Clarke
Join us in a conversation with Dr. David Clarke, a retired Doctor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, who found patients with normal labs and diagnostics never were able to resolve their chronic conditions. Through a series of fortunate events, he discovered a framework to help these...
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Thad Frye on Brainspotting
Julie and JoJo spend some time with Thad Frye, a licensed clinical social worker and brain spotting consultant who specializes in using brain spotting in his practice. In this episode, Thad describes how brain spotting works, who it might benefit and how it might help individuals overcome...
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Dr. William Deihl from Doc Hypnosis
Julie sits down with Dr. William Deihl from Doc Hypnosis to discuss and dispel myths about hypnosis. Hypnosis can be used as a neuroplastic tool to help heal a variety of conditions from anxiety, pain, trauma and performance blocks - among many other things. What we discuss is a lot about how the...
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Chris Phelan shares his long history with dystonia, botox and dbs
Distinguished athlete Chris Phelan talks openly about his dystonia story and diagnosis. Chris has been affected for more than 10 years and has had multiple rounds of botox and dbs (deep brain stimulation). While Chris is not "cured" of dystonia, he has never given up hope. He's written two books...
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Lilibet Kyte shares her MS story
This episode takes a different twist as I talk with Lilibet Kyte who, at age 36, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We talk about treatments, her diagnosis, her team and a host of other things in this insightful episode. Key message - You cannot judge a book by it's cover. "I've learned...
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Casandra Oldham on moving forward
Casandra Oldham has had success in her running career that was never intended to be a running career! She shares her knowledge of neurodiverse brains and how thinking outside of the dystonia "box" might be helping through nutrition, functional medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and other...
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Kara Goucher shares her Dystonia Story
Julie, JoJo and special guest host Karrie Hamstra-Wright chat with wife, mother, NBC Track and Field Broadcaster, author, World T&F Silver medalist and 2-Time Olympian Kara Goucher. Kara shares her dystonia history, diagnosis, celebrations, tendencies to compartmentalize and other struggles in…
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Megan Cohea Physical Therapist Tells Her Dystonia Story
Julie sits down with Megan Cohea, a physical therapist living on the East Coast. Megan has Runner's Dystonia and shares her journey, symptoms and recommendations in this conversation. Apologies for the audio issues at the beginning of the recording. Here is a link to the TENS unit Megan uses....
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Lessons in Hope, Healing and Health with Karrie Hamstra-Wright
JoJo and Julie sit down with Karrie Hamstra-Wright, Clinical Professor and Co-Director of the Applied Sports Psychology and Injury Research and Education (ASPIRE) Lab in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago. Like many of us interested in these podcasts...
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Randy Morton - A Vision of Hope
In this episode, JoJo and Julie talk with Runner, turned cyclist, Randy Morton about his dystonia journey through medical in-attention, gaslighting and athletic career. Randy is resilience personified. Give it a listen and we welcome your comments and feedback. Please continue to share with...
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The Default Mode Network - Psychadelics and Breathwork
Default Mode Network (dmn) discussion on how to down regulate, how it might be a factor with Dystonia. What things we have tried help to down regulate the DMN. Includes references to breathwork, meditation and psilocybin. Paul Stamets Psilocybin Research in Nature Default Mode Network Research…
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Episode 11 with Kirsten Jackson - on DBS
We talk with Australian runner Kirsten Jackson on her progress with dystonia and DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation). Kirsten had the implant in February of 2025 and considers herself cured from dystonia with this device. Listen to this intriguing talk about her story. What she has tried and the amount…
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Episode 10 with Roberta Reardon
On this episode, Julie talks with long-time dystonic runner, Roberta Reardon. We discuss modalities that are non-drug as well as how the issues first began. Roberta shares some key insights into how her recovery has progressed to the point of feeling almost "normal." One key to all of this is...
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Episode 9 - a Conversation with newly diagnosed Shannon Webb
In this episode, we talk with Shannon Webb, a newly diagnosed runner with dystonia. She shares what she has tried, where she is in her progress and what she hopes to have happen in the future. Here is a link to the University of Illinois - Chicago's ASPIRE Resilient Athlete Program. Thanks for...
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A conversation with "Dystonic Runner" Victoria Upson
Julie and JoJo are joined by Victoria Upson in this episode to hear her journey with running and Runner's Dystonia. Victoria shares a lot about her symptoms and how her persistence have allowed her to move forward in positive ways. You can find Victoria on YouTube -...
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Re+active PT with Bree Williamson
Julie and Joelle sit down with Bree Williamson to learn about her experience with Re+active PT. This is to share information and not to recommend any particular programs. If you are interested, the website for Re+active is here. Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not...
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Episode 6 - PRI Chat with Maria Winters
Ih this episode, Julie and JoJo chat with fellow Dystonic runner Maria Winters. Maria has successfully used the principles from the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) to enhance her healing progress. She shares how symptoms first exhibited, what she had tried and how she is doing now after...
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Episode 5 - Dealing with Comments and Questions
Julie and JoJo discuss how they have managed comments, questions and reactions from other people. If you have comments or questions, we would love to hear. Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not...
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The Farias - Dystonia Recovery Program
In this episode, we do a deep dive into the Farias Dystonia Recovery Program. Benefits, Drawbacks, Cost, etc. The Dystonia Recovery Program (DRP) is an online platform tailored for individuals with various forms of Dystonia, including Cervical Dystonia, Hand Dystonia, Leg Dystonia, Blepharospasm,...
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Focal Dystonia in Cyclists
In this episode we talk with cyclist Chris Melia about her presentation of Focal Dystonia. Chris is a former runner and now a cyclist who recognized the signs of dystonia in 2021. She relates to us how it presented and how she detected it. Since that time, she has made much progress and this...
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Episode 2: What we've tried, what is working, what didn't
In this episode, JoJo and Julie review all of the treatments tired for dystonia, explaining what seems to be working and what didn't work. It's a long list and NOT comprehensive by any means. Keep in mind that this is based on our own needs, tolerances and preferences - and may not work for you.…
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Episode 1 - Intentions, Introductions and Why We are Here
In this episode, JoJo and Julie describe our intentions for this show and give background information on what is know as Runner's Dystonia, how it presents and why it is so hard to diagnose, much less understand. We briefly share our own personal stories and journeys from initial days of knowing...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join Julie for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia, neuro plasticity and establishing better movement patterns at any age.
Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well.
Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia.
Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle.
Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more.
One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dystonia
You can emai
HOSTED BY
Julie Bergfeld
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change have?
Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change about?
Join Julie for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia, neuro plasticity and establishing better movement patterns at any age. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and...
How often does Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change release new episodes?
Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change?
You can listen to Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change?
Unstoppable Strides: Navigating movement disorders, movement longevity and neuroplastic change is created and hosted by Julie Bergfeld.
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