Movers and Shakers: a podcast about life with Parkinson's

How do you run clinical trials that maximise the efficiency for patients, clinicians and drugs developers? That's the challenge being addressed by world's largest ever clinical trial of Parkinson's medications. To discuss this new, and potentially extremely effective, way of runnings multiple trials simultaneously, the Movers & Shakers are joined at the pub by some of the core team from the project, who answer their questions and consider whether this represents the future of clinical trials.This special episode is sponsored by Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So, after two long years of campaigning, this week the Parky Charter – our set of demands for the government – had its moment in Parliament. With the Movers & Shakers and other supporters in attendance, MPs debated the need for improved care for people with Parkinson's across the UK. But what were the important moments from the debate? What wasn't mentioned? And where do we go from here? To celebrate how far we've come and mull over our next steps, the gang gathered back at Gillian HQ (though she was regrettably laid up with a fever) where the Parky Charter was first conceived, back in the winter of 2023. Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the Movers & Shakers are joined in the pub by our friends from Cure Parkinson's and Parkinson's UK. They are two of the charities working so hard to find ways of dealing with Parkinson's and improving the lives of those with the condition. But they also face huge challenges. Is enough being invested in research? Are the charities forced to compete with one another for limited resources? And what is the rule of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the huge American body that operates at a much larger scale than its UK counterparts? We're talking about all this – and more! – on today's episode.It's not too late to write to your MP ahead of next Monday's debate – you can do so here.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We try not to shy away from the less cheerful topics here on Movers & Shakers, and this week we're once again looking at depression. We're joined in the pub by a top expert – Professor Dag Aarsland – to look at how depression affects Parkies, whether there's something specific about the condition that causes it, and what responses are available. As ever, this is a candid chat that gets to the heart of a matter which is too often left silent.If you'd like to download a template for writing to your MP, you can find one here.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let there be light! Well, certain types of light, at least. That's what we're discussing down at the Movers and Shakers Arms today, where the gang are joined by Professor Glen Jeffery, an expert in the use of light therapies. Why are some lights – like infrared – good for us, whilst others – like UV – are bad? How does light impact on our mitochondria? And, most importantly, what does any of this have to do with Parkinson's?! Join us for a fascinating dive into a less-discussed, but possibly very important, piece in the puzzle of searching for a PD disease modifier. If you'd like to download a template for writing to your MP, you can find one here.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the summer months, we at Movers & Shakers HQ ran a competition: the local group who acquired the most signatures towards the Parky Charter petition would get their own special episode. And here it is, with the superstars from the Bexhill and Battle area, who acquired a whopping 573 signatures! Three of them joined the Movers & Shakers in the pub, and we also speak to the TikTok poet whose viral video spurred the campaign on. But most importantly, this episode contains important instructions on what you – yes: you! – need to do next. Write to your MP, share your experience, and urge Britain's politicians to give this debate proper consideration.If you'd like to download a template for writing to your MP, you can find one here.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are few great anxiety inducers for Parkies than the prospect of having a fall. Squeezed into the Notting Hill pub – having dodged bustling waiters, stray chair legs and a labyrinthine tangle of cables – the Movers & Shakers are joined by two experts, Laura Douglas from Neuro Heroes and the University of Exeter's Dr Will Young, to discuss the reality of falls. Are people with Parkinson's at greater risk? And, if so, what can we do to a) prevent falls, and b) mitigate the seriousness? Navigating our way, ever so carefully, through this issue should shine a light on how to stay safe and help your loved ones.A note for listeners: Will Young and his team are currently running a research project looking at the psychological impact of various potential symptoms of Parkinson's. The aim is to validate a new questionnaire (the Lo-Co-Motion) that could be used as part of training/therapies for managing symptoms and any associated anxiety. This in an online survey that takes about 30-50 minutes. Further information and the online survey can be found here. Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Movers & Shakers, we're putting down our pints and rolling a joint talking about how cannabis could be an important part of Parkinson's treatment. Subject to stigma over its use, have we been ignoring the therapeutic qualities of the plant? To discuss this, we talk to Professor Mike Barnes, a world expert in medical cannabis, and hear from many of our listeners who have dabbled with the various strains. With uses for everything from pain to sleep, this is an in-depth look at a much-maligned treatment option.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you hide your Parkinson's? And should you? Those are the questions we're tackling today, as we're joined in the pub by Rob Burley, a former BBC producer and author of Why Is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?, a book about the lost art of the political interview. After his PD diagnosis, Rob went on television and found himself subjected to unfortunate social media feedback. Do we always know when it's time to reveal a diagnosis? And can you really keep things private as symptoms set in? This candid chat explores the difficult reality, especially for people still in the workforce. Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parkinsonism is the term used to refer to a group of conditions – like multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and Lewy Body Dementia – which resemble Parkinson's in some of their symptoms. To discuss these sibling conditions, the Movers & Shakers are joined at the pub by guests from across the spectrum who share their stories – often very uplifting – about learning to live with the new realities brought on by their illnesses.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Movers and Shakers are back in the pub after a relaxing summer. Oh, who are we kidding? It's been a frantic struggle to get the #ParkyCharter petition to 100k signatories but we – which is to say: you – did it! Now we're kicking off the new series with a look at Gillian's big news. She's had the brand new produodopa pump installed. But is it the blessing its champions suggest? Or do the downsides outweigh the positives? To discuss, we're joined by international expert Professor Camille Carroll, as well as hearing some testimony from other users.Sponsored by Albion Chambers.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a special extra, to round out this fifth season of Movers and Shakers, the show is coming to you live from Henley! Away from the pub (and with a live audience) the gang talk about their Parkinson's progress and are joined by a couple of special guests, representing the local area and giving you a glimpse inside Paul's brain...Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week saw the first substantial debate in the UK Parliament on the subject of Parkinson's – and it was initiated by an enterprising Scottish MP, Graeme Downie, off the back of the Movers and Shakers' Parky Charter. So, for this emergency episode, Gillian and Mark report live from Parliament, introducing some highlights from the debate, and speaking to Graeme and his office manager, the inimitable Vonnie, about how politics can be used to help Britain's Parkies.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this, the last episode in our current series, the Movers & Shakers have gathered at the Notting Hill pub with (most of) their spouses, to talk about how to navigate a relationship after the diagnosis. With the able assistance of a relationship expert, Gillian and Mike, Mark and Jo, Paul and Julie, Nick and Liz, and Rory – riding solo – talk through the ups and downs of coupledom in the wake of the Parkinson's reveal. Honest, revealing and often very funny, this is a guide on how to (or, perhaps, how not to) stick it out. Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Travelling with Parkinson's shouldn't be a nightmare – but often it is. From long lines at the airport to the constant battle for a seat on the Tube, how can people with Parkinson's navigate the frenetic world of travel? On this episode, the Movers and Shakers gather at the pub to consider their experiences – good and bad – and whether there's the chance to reinvent the way that companies and the public think about disabled people travelling. We also speak to a top travel expert, and a former Home Secretary, about the changes needed to make the world of travel a more accommodating place.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this very special episode of Movers and Shakers, the gang head out of the Notting Hill pub to take, once again, to Downing Street. But handing over the latest petition is only the start of an action packed day – from there, it's on to the Houses of Parliament to convene with hundreds of Parkies for The Big Sing! This episode is a little journey through the day, as we speak to people who made the trip down to London about their experiences and hopes for the future. Plus, Mark Mardell is up in Huddersfield, as the WPD celebrations spread across the country.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each time we, the Movers and Shakers, convene at the pub for a recording session, we follow it up with an anarchic planning session, where we analyse the episodes that been recently broadcast and debate what should be featured on future instalments. This week, we're leaving the microphones running during this meeting to give you the inside scoop on how the podcast is made, and a little preview of the exciting editions that might be headed your way soon.Don't forget to sign the Parky Charter petition by going to ParkyPetition.com!And for more information about our plans for April 11th, World Parkinson's Day, please visit our website.Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's no doubting the ability of music to uplift the soul – but could it also help to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's? That's what the Movers and Shakers are discussing today in the Notting Hill pub, as they're joined by musical experts, including a man who whistled for Monty Python's The Life of Brian and a Welsh samba band (who have brought their drums all the way to W11). Whether it's a conduit for new creativity, a means of raising awareness or a cuing mechanism to arrest the disease's progression, there's something undeniably special about music. So pause Classic FM (or BBC Radio 6, we don't discriminate) and tune in. Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's said that the most consistent symptom of Parkinson's isn't the tremor, but constipation. Could this rather inconvenient truth reveal a relationship between our gut microbiome and development of the disease? To help with this deep-dive into the gut, the Movers & Shakers are joined by a gastroenterologist, a professor of microbiome, and the creator of a probiotic for gut health. Tune in, and get to the heart of how a Mediterranean diet could help with PD (though sadly it doesn't consist of profiteroles, moussaka or a big bowl of paella).Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A recent spate of Parkinson's related headlines – from miracle pumps to worm-based solutions – have had the Movers and Shakers questioning exactly how the condition is portrayed in the media. Are we getting a good balance between raising the salience of the diseases ill effects, on the one hand, and inspiring hope on the other? To discuss this, the (rather depleted) team in the pub are joined by a top newspaper editor and the Parkinson's UK's media bod.Sponsored by Boardwave, who support Cure Parkinson's.Presented by Rory Cellan-Jones, Gillian Lacey-Solymar, Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Sir Nicholas Mostyn and Jeremy Paxman.Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.Sound mixing by Ewan Cameron.Music by Alex Stobbs.Artwork by Till Lukat.PR by Sally Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.