a 501(c)3 non-profit org.
Keynotes, Workshops & Special Events
Both online and now in person, Robert is happy to bring his unique energy, style, and research to your group for a fun, inspiring, and interactive look at the effect of improvisation, and storytelling on communication, confidence and creativity.
"It was amazing. I went through hundreds of evaluations and everybody loved his presentation."
—Annie Goyanes, Programs Coordinator
Parkinson Association of the Rockies
"The feedback was off the charts for one of the keynote speakers, Robert Cochrane. He was easy to work with, personable, and spent extra time listening to the other speakers and interacting with the attendees. His high energy and enthusiasm were amazing. His knowledge helped set the stage for a successful conference."
- Clemmie Pizzilo, Associate Director, Engagement
Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
“It made my heart happy to see the laughter, joy, and hope that Robert’s program provided for all those who attended. I would love for him to come back again in the future to host more workshops for the University of Maryland PD community.”
- Christina Griffin, Clinical Division Manager University of Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center
"Robert Cochrane's keynote presentation blew us away! It was a rare treat to experience a talk that was educational, practical, AND inspirational for a diverse audience of people with Parkinson's, their family members, and the care teams that support them. Robert is a treasure, and the PD community is lucky to have him bringing hope and information to us."
- Andrea Merriam, CEO Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
Upcoming Events
YAX F iT!
Apr. 1, 2023 Austin, TX
Robert and Susan will lead an amazing day of fun, interactivity and community growth deep in the heart of Texas. Learn more and sign up here.
YAX Improv for PD ComedySportz Festival
Apr. 22, 2023 San Jose, CA
Robert brings Yes, And...eXercise! to the South Bay at ComedySportz San Jose. Click here to see the full agenda and to sign up.
Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Lunch & Learn
May 24, 2023 - online
Robert will bring the latest in improv and storytelling research for the Parkinson's community to an online lunch session so you can learn from the comfort of your home. Sign up coming soon.
The Parkinson's Prison
and the Hero's Journey to escape
Sept. 23, 2023 Boston, MA
Robert will present an online, interactive session including data and discovery from his PhD research in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences program at UNLV. Click the banner to register.
Past Events
Muhammad Ali
All Star Conference
Feb. 22, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Robert will present a joint Keynote with his friend and founder of PD Avengers, Larry Gifford. They will be at the Barrow Neurological Institute. They will be presenting information on improvisation, storytelling and community engagement. Learning these skills helps with confidence, creativity and communication skills.
Walt DisneyWorld Marathon
January 8th, 2023 - Orlando
Robert and his dad, Dan, are running 26.2 miles with Mickey. They ran the Bay to Breakers in April 2022 - click here to see some of the great news coverage from that event. This run will mark the celebration of Robert's graduation from his PhD program and the full-scale launch of Yes, And...eXercise! Click here to support us with your tax-deductible donation.
Oct. 22-25 - PMD Alliance - Washington, D.C.
Robert was a keynote and led two workshops alongside Larry Gifford, Jimmy Choi and David Leventhal at this dynamic event which gathered community + support group leaders and allies from around the country, convening prospective leaders, newbies, and veterans to connect, collaborate, and embrace the magic that happens when we come together to learn.
Sat. Oct. 23 - Within Our Reach - Baltimore, MD
Robert was keynote and led a workshop at this unique educational program that recognizes the importance of engaging patients, caregivers and family members to learn the new skills necessary to manage their PD.
Sept. 10 - e3 Conference - Denver, CO
Robert was keynote at The 9th Annual e3 Conference, bringing together individuals with Parkinson’s, their Care Partners and family members, as well as professionals who work with the Parkinson’s community to provide them with tips and tricks for living vibrant and healthy lives.
July 25, 2022 - Improv Parkinson's Summit - Vancouver, B.C.
PD Avengers Larry Gifford hosted this first annual summit at the Tightrope Theater. Dan Dumsha, Director of improv for wellness at Tightrope, interviewed Drs. Joan Miravite & Jon Squires as well as improv practitioner and Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist, Margot Escott and Robert Cochrane, PhD presented. A troop of people with PD, including Larry, performed improvisation for the live and online audience of more than 200. You can watch the recorded event by clicking here.
Our hybrid event at CSz Portland was a free, informative and interactive presentation of improv's effect on Parkinson's disease. People with PD, care partners, family, and those serving the PD community were in attendance both live and virtually. Participants played simple yet challenging games that brought out emotions, inspiration, and new insights. You can see the recorded event by clicking here.
July 19, 2022 - Community improv presentation - Portland