A new journey
I’ve gone on a fair number of interesting journeys in my life - from working on cruise ships, to road-tripping to all 30 MLB parks with my dad and riding a bicycle from coast to coast. Each of these taxed me physically, mentally and spiritually. While the stories of each tend to garner levels of respect and interest individually, getting them to add up has sometimes been a challenge.
I’m starting a new journey in an effort to do just that.
I begin the work of earning my PhD in Kinesiology at UNLV today. My dissertation will be on the effect of improvisation on Parkinson’s. I’ll be using all the tools I’ve learned over the years to not only achieve, but excel at this work. This is not a new path so much as a continuation, tying together several paths I’ve been on for a long time.
Boys of Summer - the documentary series that began in 2004 continues. I met and continue to meet fascinating people, largely due to having achieved the enviable goal of going to all these parks with my dad. From MLB legends to leaders in the Parkinson’s community - fundraisers, advocates and the brave men and women who strive to make each day their best in the face of a frustrating chronic illness. The documentary series continues and now will be shared with a larger audience than ever before.
Improvisation - I’ve loved and studied this form in earnest since the 1990’s. Now, as co-owner of ComedySportz Las Vegas, one team in a league of 30 across the U.S. and U.K., I have the honor of working with a powerful network of experts. Tying Parkinson’s to improv might seem like a stretch, until you take a look at a groundbreaking study done by Northwestern University in conjunction with The Second City. I’ll be building on that work.
Fitness as medicine - I’ve experienced the positive effect of fitness in my life and seen the difficulty others have had by not doing it. That it’s the strongest form of medicine for many in the Parkinson’s community, much of which can be tied back to some foundational research by Dr. Jay Alberts, lets me know very clearly that Kinesiology is a great place to do my research. Having earned my Master’s at UNLV and really loving this campus is a huge bonus.
While I’m under no illusions that improv can cure Parkinson’s, I do know, for a fact due to the workshops and research I’ve already done, that it can have a significantly positive effect. I also know it’s in a very early state of use and there is tremendous opportunity for growth not just for those with Parkinson’s, but the people that love and serve them.
In my life, one thing I know for sure is that we, as a species, are better when we work together. I believe in teamwork, listening, humility, hard work, and laughter - knowing all of this connects me to something much larger than myself: serving my family. This work will help solidify my position as an expert in this field and help me grow the reach of this work for the benefit of all.
If you read this far, thank you for taking this journey with me. I’ll have more to share soon. If you want to know more, please check out the Boys of Summer website. My first lab session calls - I’m off to it!
— written by Robert Cochrane