2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

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 – and sometimes challenging – aspects of her work, including giving Botox injections and helping people manage the Produodopa pump. Please consider donating to the Nurse appeal at:https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate/donate-great-care

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 consultation.✨ From Episode 20, Canadian broadcaster Harry Forestell tells us what it was like to meet Michael J Fox.✨ Dementia expert Rimona Weil on why she fell in love with neuroscience.✨ The Top 10 symptoms✨ Plus - The moments when things didn’t go quite to plan – including that fit of the giggles!

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 fascinating book, Why Is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?, which explores the history of political interviewing and shines a light on how the toughest questions shape public life.Send us your voice notes at hello@2parkiesinapod.comRob's Blog:https://unherd.com/2025/07/you-cant-hide-parkinsons-forever/Rob's Book:https://open.spotify.com/show/7KLaSpzKqS5x9fKKgLFMQj?si=ef8c8e47cf804fa7&nd=1&dlsi=80ebdbbb704d4d14https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-This-Lying-Bastard-Searching/dp/0008542481Balls to Parkinson's Bike Ride:https://ballstoparkinsons.co.uk/Parkinson's UK Brain Bank:https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/parkinsons-uk-brain-bankParkinson's UK Walk for Parkinson's 7th Sept :https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/walk-parkinsons-battersea-park/homeWalk to Cure Parkinson's 28th Sept:https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/walk-to-cure/Par-Con 2025 Parkinson's UK Community Convention 24/25 Oct:https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/par-conPlease rate, review & subscribe if you enjoy the show.

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.  https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/parkinsons-uk-brain-bankhttp://imperial.ac.uk/brain-bankbrainbank@imperial.ac.ukFind out if Kuhan’s DBS surgery has improved his tennis as the boys play their first post-surgery match….Par-Con 2025 the Parkinson’s UK community convention, is our free, 2-day event for the Parkinson's community. Join us in-person or online for talks, activities and to connect with others. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/par-conAMAZING THINGS Adam Roberts the author of The Amateur Gourmet has gone public about his Parkinson’s … Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud - by Adam Robertshttps://amateurgourmet.substack.com/p/every-silver-lining-has-a-cloudJimmy Choi American Ninjahttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ALSbWFLiW/?mibextid=wwXIfrAnd we take a moment to pay tribute to fellow Parkie and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, whose honesty and grit continue to inspire.hello@2parkiesinapod.com

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 of resilience, hope, and the impact of modern medicine.Watch Kuhan's moment of DBS switch onDBS Quiet Miracle Article⁠Parkinson's UK DBS information⁠⁠Stay Cool USB Fan

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 tells us how he escaped from Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, started medical school at 16 and invented the equipment that’s going to drill a hole in Kuhan‘s head!!He also tells us what to expect when you’re having deep brain stimulation.It’s personal, it’s powerful… it’s 2 Parkies In A PodLinks:Parkinson'a UK DBS informationStay Cool USB FanKuhan Hope MessageWe can be Weirdos Podcast with Harith

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.ukwww.neuroheroes.co.ukNeuro Heroes live classes over Zoom are for people based in the UK. People outside of the UK can follow along to these pre-recorded videos made with Parkinson's UK: Low intensity workout with Neuro HeroesModerate intensity workout with Neuro HeroesHigh intensity workout with Neuro Heroes2 Parkies in a Pod Spotify playlist:https://spotify.link/J7GX0gC40Tb Walk with Me by The Wells:https://thewellsparkinsons.bandcamp.com/track/walk-with-meAn Interesting Detail by Kimberly Campanello:https://guardianbookshop.com/an-interesting-detail-9781526680594/Mime Over Mind by Barbara Salsberg Mathews:https://mimeovermind.com/videos/

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 videohttps://youtu.be/1S6GauUXVec?PD nurses attend St James palace eventhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lzzjgvvw1oCure Parkinson’s ‘Question of Time’https://youtu.be/bSyVviLug7cParkinson’s UK PIP Informationhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/personal-independence-payment-and-adult-disability-paymentParkinson’s UK PIP Campaignhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/what-latest-disability-support-reforms-mean-people-parkinsonsPavilion Dance South Westhttps://www.pdsw.org.uk/Lee Silverman Voice Treatmenthttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/speech-and-language-therapyTom Finch Fundraisinghttps://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-hulme-1734256927282?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015Sports Parkinson'shttps://www.sportparkinsons.com/Ryan Reynolds Hallucinations videohttps://www.moretoparkinsons.com/Parkinson’s UK Helpline 0808 800 0303hello@2parkiesinapod.com

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 will solve the Parkinson’s conundrum.Also this week.. The boys are full of the joys of spring, Kuhan nearly gets run over, Dave does a rapAnd Hamming it up…. How a piece of Donald Trump ended up in a sandwich!Sleep & Parkinson's

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 mum’s fridge kicked off his scientific career…Getting Involved in Researchhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/get-involved-researchDeep Brain Stimulationhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/deep-brain-stimulationDave’s new shoes https://www.nike.com/gb/easyonAmazing ThingsOzzie Osbourne / Black Sabbath mega gigUkulele playing PeterAloha to Island living Lisa on Insta

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 Parkinson's including getting diagnosed, the impact of hormonal changes and medication-related dyskinesia.We also have a special announcement about our new partnership with Parkinson's UK.People do amazing things:The Parkinson’s raverhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3j988jkwnoJudo for  Parkinson's https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czepkeexw4xoWalk for Parkinson's 2025 is now open for sign ups!https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/walk-parkinsons/homeA letter to my newly diagnosed Parkinson’s selfhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/stories/letter-my-newly-diagnosed-parkinsons-selfwww.2parkiesinapod.com

We’ve reached a milestone on the podcast, our 40th episode, so we thought we’d celebrate with you the listeners.  We dip into the mail bag and share some of your Parkinson’s stories.  Plus Dave walks into a tree, Kuhan reveals who inspired him to stay out until one in the morning dancing and drinking tequila and hear about a real life STAR of the community -  a young woman who travelled half way around the world to share her experiences of the condition.Brisk walking tunes 120 Beats Per minutePropranolol for Parkinson'sDave Clark Independent articleAMAZING THINGSSpringsteen raises $ for Parkinson’sWhy 2 parkies in a pod loves Leah ForsterThe press upping pig farmer with Parkinson’sThe pitch perfect Parkie (Parkinson's UK)

We take a trip to Parkinson’s UK’s new office, learn about their recent brand refresh and talk to the boss Caroline Rassell. She gives us the low down on all things Parkinson’s UK, shares her plans for the year ahead and reveals how Parkinson’s has got more personal for her recently.  Parkinson UK helpline on 0808 800 0303 https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved https://techguide.parkinsons.org.uk/ People With Do Amazing Things Michael J Fox award https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c2dx6gd0k66o Kayaking scientist  Guillaume Brachet … https://parkinsonseurope.org/2024/12/13/person-with-parkinsons-is-developing-new-drug-  The Parky Blinders - Boxercise classes   https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn9gy4vqvrvo

In this festive episode we talk to illustrator, mime artist and educator Barbara Salsberg Mathews @SalsbergMathews She’s the perfect person to put you in a great mood for 2025. Barbara has created and illustrated an amazing book about  What Parkinson’s Feels Like' with contributions from the Parkinson’s community around the globe. What Parkinson's Feels Like (free ebook) What Parkinson's Feels Like (Amazon) Parkinson's Europe Parkinson's Canada PD Avengers Mime Over Mind Paradoxical Kinesia ⁠If art were a drug ⁠ Walk to reduce anxiety Doing Amazing things .. The story of one man and his dog Michael J. Fox CNN Heroes Legacy Award Larry Gifford honored with King Charles III Coronation Medal — PD Avengers

Meet the amazing Joy Milne who has the nose to diagnose Parkinson’s. She first noticed the smell of Parkinson's on her husband Les. Years later a chance encounter made her realise that she could smell Parkinson’s on other people too. Find out how her superpowers have changed the face of diagnosis, how scientists are using this amazing discovery and what Parkinson’s smells like. Plus joy tells us  the famous t shirt story about how the nose really did diagnose… The Woman who can smell Parkinson’s BBC Documentary Audrey’s 2025 Calendar: Dawn Diaries from Orford Quay Ellie PD Mama Youtube John Stapleton Good Morning Britain www,2parkiesinapod.com

In this special live video episode Dave and Kuhan chat to one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s experts, Bas Bloem, about living well with the condition.  We talk about everything from exercise to cannabis, dystonia to diet and how some people get “chemical creative”  when using Parkinson’s medication. Plus the audience tell us what activities make them feel like they don’t have Parkinson’s.   This podcast was recorded live in front of a large audience at Parkinson UK’s Parcon conference at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. We hope you enjoy!

For the second year running Dave and Kuhan join a Walk for Parkinson's at London's Battersea Park, hosted by Parkinson's UK. Along the way they hear from Geoff, Ruth, Matt and his lovely family about diagnosis, the importance of exercise and tips for living well with Parkinson's. They also bump into volunteer steward Tara who tells them about her promising work in gene therapy. Dave has his annual neurologist appointment, tells us about his new Parkinson's pants (!) and rummaging around TK Maxx. Kuhan shares his secret for managing dystonia pain, explains his chemical rollercoaster and comes up with a new jingle for the podcast! Show links www.2parkiesinapod.com hello@2parkiesinapod.com @DaveClarkTV @morethanatremor (Kuhan) Walk for Parkinson’s (UK) Cure Parkinson’s October Walking Challenge BBC Miracle Cure Documentary Chefs Pants Beech band Spotlight Bradford Neuro Rehab Sign up for Parcon 2024

The boys are back after a summer break. Find out what happened when Kuhan went  “Med free” for the first time in 11 years as he contemplates major brain surgery. Dave talks about the challenges of a long haul flight to Vietnam, getting caught in a typhoon and whether you should celebrate your birthday! This week the 2 Parkie’s are joined by Nicola Wydenbach, a classically trained and experienced vocal coach. In 2014, she started working with people living with Parkinson's using singing as tool to help address some of the symptoms. Clinical studies have shown that regular singing can improve vocal volume/quality and breathing issues. Singing Links http://www.nicolawydenbach.com   http://www.medising.co.uk Online Sessions (Friday 12.30 twice a month) Singing app Kings College London session (Tuesday 11.30 twice a month) Trinity Laban session (Friday 10.30 twice a month) People With Parkinson’s Do Amazing Things Poets with Parkinson’s Parkinson's comic book Charlie’s at the Cairns Cup (golf) Gary’s challenges Peckham to Penzance for Parkinson’s Register for Parcon 2024 Organised by Parkinson's UK, Par-Con is the free 2-day in-person and online event for the Parkinson's community to hear from expert speakers, connect with others and learn more about living well with Parkinson's https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/par-con-2024

This week we speak to retired PE teacher, Christine Stanley. Christine has always loved being active and despite being diagnosed with cancer and then Parkinson's she hasn't lost her passion for life. She's recently become a Nordic walking instructor and credits it with giving her a sense of hope. Christine shares her tips on positivity and battling against the odds. Hosts @DaveClarkTV @morethanatremor (Kuhan) Guests @Stanner96187706 (Christine) Links Man uses sculpting as therapy for Parkinson’s Jagdeep's Annapurna Trek fundraising British Nordic Walking Parkinson's Rugby article DBS couple Decathlon Nordic walking poles

This week the boys enter the world of dance! Not the opulent, spray tanned, sequin clad Strictly, but the life changing benefits of the dance for Parkie’s. We chat  to Helen Gould who’s just been awarded an MBE for "charitable services to people with Parkinson’s"!  Helen is the co-founder of LPM Dance, which has developed the transformational Neuro-Moves programme to help people with Parkinson’s. We also chat about how lessons from Bruce Springsteen can improve your Parkinson’s. Kuhan says goodbye to his Parkinson’s nurse and we talk about the mental impact of getting a blue badge.. Show Links https://lpmdance.com/ Neuro-Moves Rossendale- Mondays 2pm-3.15pm Neuro-Moves Preston- Wednesday 2pm-3.15pm Neuro-Moves online- Thursday 12.15-13.15pm Booking link: https://lpmdance.com/classesContact Helen at lpmdanceforhealth@gmail.com for more information Colin Wells - Walking for Parkinson’s Alex Echo - One Wave At A Time Ellie Finch - @PdMama Eirwen - Sparky Samba