Episode 185: Conversations with Our Loved Ones

Caregiving takes many forms — from spouses, family members and friends providing daily, hands-on care, to those supporting from a distance to individuals managing care responsibilities on their own. No matter the circumstance, every caregiver plays an important role. This year, the Parkinson’s Foundation is highlighting the diverse experiences of caregivers within the Parkinson’s disease community and beyond with our theme: Real Care. Anywhere.

In this episode, we speak with CJ Polkinghorne and Nikki Logan, care partners for their spouses living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. They share their stories of navigating the day-to-day challenges of caregiving, while remembering to celebrate the victories along the way. They emphasize the importance of communicating their needs and recognizing when it’s time to take a step back and care for themselves. They also reflect on learning to adjust expectations -- not only for their loved ones, but for themselves as well.

Released: November 25, 2025

Nikki is 40 years old and originally from New Jersey. She moved to Camden, ME at an early age of 3 with her amazing parents and older brother. They own a wine, cheese, candy, and flower shop. She grew up knowing more about high-end wine than any 15-year-old should know! 

She moved to Portland, ME about 20 years ago and went to cosmetology school and makeup artistry. She worked in the corporate world for over 14 years, then moved into a whole new career and has been working with a plastic surgeon for the past 3 years. She has been with her husband for 12 years and married for 5 this NYE. He is her absolute everything, and she couldn't imagine life without him in it every single day.
CJ Polkinghorne is a Project Manager at USC and a graduate student pursuing his master’s in Museum Studies. Alongside his work as producer and co-host of the Bruh Meets World podcast, CJ is the founder of the James–Polkinghorne Queer Night Culture Collection. He and his husband, Rex, met in 2018 and married in 2023.

Since Rex’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, CJ has stepped into the role of caretaker /spouse, navigating the realities of young-onset Parkinson’s with compassion, advocacy, and humor. They live in the Hollywood Hills with their Am Staff, Logan.