2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

This episode celebrates some of the incredible people making a difference in the Parkinson’s community through creativity, courage, sport, music and innovation. Meet wildlife photographer, filmmaker and now gardener David Plummer, one of the talented people who helped Arit Anderson create the stunning Parkinson’s UK Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show: https://www.instagram.com/davidplummerimages Ku...

In this special episode, Dave and Kuhan head to the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show to explore one of the most moving and meaningful gardens of the year: Parkinson’s UK’s Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey. We’re joined by acclaimed garden designer and broadcaster Arit Anderson, who shares the deeply personal story behind the garden she created. Arit opens up about her family’s connection t...

This week 2 Parkies in a Pod chat to former BBC technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones - a man who’s interviewed the likes of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. He’s a Mover and Shaker launching an award-winning podcast, and is now one of the most important voices on tech and Parkinson’s. He talks about his career at the BBC, his Parkinson’s diagnosis and the pros & cons of Tech. Plus - The latest...

What type of Parkinson’s do I have? Featuring Prof Alastair Noyce You’ve heard it a hundred times: “everyone’s Parkinson’s is different.” But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we unpack the main subtypes of Parkinson’s and what sets them apart clinically. Are you tremor-dominant or more rigid and stiff? Have you lost your sense of smell? How does young-onset progress? And in this clip...

We take a look at the use of pump technology (Produodopa) in battling the symptoms of Parkinson’s.. A small pump delivers a continuous dose of medication under the skin through a small needle. How will it improve 'off' periods ? How difficult is it to manage the pump and change the infusion site? Can you lead a normal life with it? Parkinson’s patients Anna Jewell and Helga McFarlane together with...

We’re hitting a milestone-Episode 60- and marking it in style.  In this special instalment of  2 Parkies in a Pod , Dave and Kuhan swap the studio for the pitch as they attend a truly unique football match. On one side: the England Men’s Parkinson’s Walking Football team. On the other: a team of MPs from the All-Party Parliamentary Group. But this isn’t just about goals and glory. This match shine...

Sex, Shopping & Gambling - Out of Control This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we uncover the darker side of dopamine agonists — a group of Parkinson’s drugs that, for some people, have triggered devastating impulsive behaviours. Sudden, overwhelming sexual urges, out-of-control gambling and compulsive shopping that’s cost families tens of thousands of pounds. We speak to BBC Investigative Reporte...

‘Why am I so tired?’ features occupational therapist Emma Bracher Research shows, fatigue is the most burdensome symptoms for people with Parkinson’s, yet it’s still one of the least talked about and least understood. So what is Parkinson’s fatigue? What causes it? And is there anything we can do to live with it — or even prevent it? This week on 2 Parkies, we’re joined by Emma Bracher, Specialist...

Parkinson’s Medication Explained with Professor Jane Alty from the University of Tasmania. Parkinson’s meds can feel overwhelming. If you don’t know your Entacapone from your elbow, this is the Podcast for you. The professor cuts through the confusion — busting myths and jargon explaining what each medication actually does, and why treatment should always be personal. From first prescription to ad...

Season's Greetings from 2 Parkies in a Pod !  Dave and Kuhan get in the festive spirit as they open the postbag and share some truly inspiring stories from the community ..including the challenges of running a nuclear power plant with Parkinson's, more remarkable DNA stories and we hear from friends.. old and new.  Plus 2 Parkies in a Pod receives its own community award ! As always - hone...

Many people living with Parkinson’s struggle to talk about their diagnosis. Fear, stigma, and uncertainty can keep people silent for years. Even Michael J. Fox kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis private for almost a decade. This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we meet Scott and Paul, who share powerful, deeply personal coming out stories — not just about Parkinson’s, but about identity, isolation, and fin...

In this episode, we meet Lucy (not her real name), who shares her extraordinary Parkinson’s journey. Lucy discovered she has a genetic form of Parkinson’s known as LRRK2. What started as a simple Ancestry DNA test to explore her family roots soon led to life-changing revelations — uncovering far more than she ever expected. Before releasing this episode, we sought advice from Lucy’s counsellor, an...

10 Tips for a Better Day You can watch this episode at: https://youtu.be/H7IFQfcp2os In this special live episode from Parkinson’s UK’s Par-Con event in Birmingham, Kuhan and Dave are joined by a buzzing audience of more than 1000 people in person and online and the incredible Laura Douglas, neuro physiotherapist and founder of Neuro Heroes. Laura shares her expert advice from getting out of bed,...

A new study published today reveals a worrying trend: there are now 166,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s but a further 21,000 are estimated to be undiagnosed.. and unsupported. The Parkinson's UK study, the largest of it's kind, also reveals more than a third (36%) were of working age when diagnosed. Separately the number of people with a more complex form of Parkinsonism (e.g....

In this episode, we’re joined by specialist Parkinson’s nurse Becky Heslop, who recently starred in a film highlighting the vital role nurses play in supporting people living with Parkinson’s. Becky talks us through what a Parkinson’s nurse actually does, from being a key part of your care package, to offering advice, reassurance, and hands-on treatments. We hear about some of the more practical –...

We’ve hit a huge milestone – 50 episodes, and 2 Parkies in a Pod is celebrating in style! In this special edition, we take you back through some of our most memorable moments: ✨ The inspiring Matt Eagles, who’s been living with Parkinson’s for more than 50 years, shares how he stays positive. ✨ Professor Tom Foltynie answers your questions at Queen Square and explains how to prepare for your con...

This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we’re joined by television producer and editor Rob Burley. Rob has worked with some of the biggest names in political journalism – from Jeremy Paxman to Andrew Marr, Laura Kuenssberg to Emily Maitlis. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021, Rob talks openly about his journey and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with the condition. We also discuss his fasc...

Dave and Kuhan take you behind the scenes of the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank at Imperial College London. They witness an incredible brain dissection led by a world-class neuropathologist — an unforgettable experience. Have you ever wondered how you can make a real difference to Parkinson’s research? Find out how you can donate your brain to science and help unlock the mysteries of this condition.  ...

In this powerful episode, Kuhan takes us on an intimate journey through his life-changing deep brain stimulation (DBS) operation. From the moment he arrived at the hospital, through the intense experience of surgery, to the emotional moment the device was switched on. He opens up about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and how life has transformed since the procedure. It’s an honest, moving story...

This episode is a big one for us. Kuhan is preparing to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS — a life-changing surgery that could help manage his Parkinson’s symptoms. Joining us is a very special guest: a member of the surgical team who’ll be operating on his brain. Harith Akram is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square, London. He tell...

Balance in Parkinson’s is a complicated thing but the good news is, help is on hand. We talk to expert neuro physiotherapist Laura Douglas, co-founder of Neuro Heroes and an expert in gait and balance. An informative chat, packed full of great advice to make your Parkie life a little easier.   hello@neuroheroes.co.uk www.neuroheroes.co.uk Neuro Heroes live classes over Zoom are for people based in...

The boys are back after a short break. Kuhan shares his sleep secrets, Dave takes a tumble, Ryan Reynolds speaks out about his dad‘s Parkinson’s and Steph has a positive take on sleeping in separate bedrooms, plus the pain of a PIP review. AbbVie sleep video https://youtu.be/1S6GauUXVec? PD nurses attend St James palace event https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lzzjgvvw1o Cure Parkinson’s ‘Questio...

Sleep problems can be a major issue when you have Parkinson’s. This week we talk to Jane Alty a professor of neurology at The University of Tasmania, Australia. She’s an expert in Parkinson’s sleep disorders. Her goal is to transform the brain health of adults globally - through research to detect the critical earliest stages of degenerative brain disorders. She also reveals whether she thinks AI...

In this episode we head to Scotland and the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh. We chat with Professor Tilo Kunath one of the world’s leading experts in stem cell research. The hope is that one day, implanted cells can reverse Parkinson’s. Just how close are we to that elusive cure? What’s happened to the people who’ve been given stem cells? How freezing cockroaches in his m...

In this episode, Dave and Kuhan explore the differences between men and women when it comes to Parkinson’s. We hear from Clare Bale (associate director of research at Parkinson’s UK), Dr Clare Lehman (a General Practitioner who was diagnosed aged 37) and Jo Tosh (a retired nurse and star of the award winning DBS and Me series). Together we discuss the unique challenges that women face with Parkins...