Guest: David Dexter, Director of Research, Parkinson’s UKThere’s a real sense of optimism in Parkinson’s research right now! In this episode we’re asking whether we’re closer than ever to treatments that can slow, stop, or even reverse the disease.David Dexter joins us to discuss exciting developments including breakthrough stem cell research, the promising results from a drug called Syntara, why reducing brain inflammation could be a game changer, and how Parkinson’s UK decides which research to back.We also chat to Yorkshireman Andy Cassy who’s had millions of Stem Cells “planted” in his brain.  Two years on from his 12 hour operation, is it working?We also explore whether stress affects Parkinson’s, if an apple a day really can help keep the neurologist away, the science behind fatigue and NAD+ a cheap energy boosting supplementWe finish with a fun quick-fire round to discover the person behind the scientist.Plus- how Dave managed to skip into Wimbledon for semifinals day.Parkinson’s UK Researchhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/researchPar-Con 2026https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/community/par-conSymprovehttps://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/pages/partner-symproveNAD+https://amzn.eu/d/0aA8NY3sWhy am I so tired?https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/podcast/episode/223d81c7/why-am-i-so-tiredAsk the professorhttps://www.2parkiesinapod.com/podcast/episode/2da15954/ask-the-professor2parkiesinapod.comhello@2parkiesinapod.comPlease subscribe, rate & review 

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/davidplummerimagesKuhan reflects on his DBS 1 year on with DBS specialist nurse John:https://youtu.be/gCkyRdcNgbgCiaran and Lucy share their remarkable story of cycling around the world to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s:https://www.instagram.com/ciarandoesthings_FA Cup Final Ian Moorehouse:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwus8-XDxMYRock Choir - over 400+ local choirs across the UK and Ireland:https://rockchoir.com/BURT - The Movie:https://www.joeburke.net/burtEver fancied appearing in a film? A former Coronation Street actor explains how you could become a star of the silver screen:https://www.instagram.com/108a_filmsSam reveals how he’s using artificial intelligence to help compose, create and produce new music:https://www.instagram.com/samuelsmithmusicAnd two Emmas tell us all about a festival designed especially for Parkies:https://bigskyhideaway.com/parky-in-the-parkTwelve amazing people with inspiring stories. One uplifting episode celebrating the people who are making a real difference in the Parkinson’s community.Plus Dave tries out a expiratory muscle strength  trainer:https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/expiratory-muscle-strength-training-emst/https://www.amazon.co.uk/EMST150-Expiratory-Muscle-Strength-Trainer/dp/B0094ME5BAPlease rate, review and subscribe!

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 to Parkinson’s, how that experience- and the experiences of the Parkinson’s community - shaped the design, and why gardens can become spaces for reflection, resilience and hope.Plus we meet Raymond the Chelsea Pensioner with Parkinson's

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 on Sophie the Romanian rescue dog, Dave gets hacked and Kuhan experiments with voice cloningLinkshttps://rorycellanjones.substack.com/https://www.moversandshakerspodcast.com/https://www.ejsactpd.com/Wispr Flow voice to text special offerhttps://wispr.ai/pwp

What type of Parkinson’s do I have? Featuring Prof Alastair NoyceYou’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 discuss if having a genetic type means your children will inherit Parkinson’s ? To help make sense of it all, we’re joined by one of the leading minds in the field: Professor Alistair Noyce, clinician, researcher, and a driving force at the cutting edge of Parkinson’s science.Elsewhere, Kuhan boards a plane to Spain for the first time since his brain surgery, while Dave heads to the Yorkshire coast in search of puffins.     And we spotlight a powerful awareness campaign - the “rose without a smell”- highlighting one of Parkinson’s lesser-known symptoms.Listen and follow at 2parkiesinapod.com or on Spotify / Apple PodcastsParkinson's Resilience Rosehttps://www.roses.co.uk/product/780299/rose-parkinsons-resilience-4l-pot-ngwPD Frontline (Genetic Testing)https://mantal.pdfrontline.com/enEJS ACT-PD Trialhttps://www.ejsactpd.com/Parkinson's UK Get Involved in Researchhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/get-involved/take-part-hub

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 'Professor AI' tell us the pros and cons of pumping it up!Plus- Find out what happened when Kuhan turned off his DBS to play tennis…Dave starts his brain surgery journey…And Billy Connolly gets a new job as a museum tour guide…More informationhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/drugs/produodopa

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 shines a spotlight on something bigger- the powerful role exercise can play in living well with Parkinson’s. It’s about movement, resilience, and proving that diagnosis doesn’t mean standing still.And where better to make that statement than right at the heart of power?Adding to the occasion, the team also received a letter from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, praising the day and recognising the importance of raising awareness and championing the Parkinson’s community.With boots on the ground and voices raised, this episode captures a moment where the Parkinson’s community takes its message straight to the highest table in the land-loud, proud, and impossible to ignore.Plus we take a trip down memory lane, talk about gut health and Dave's unexpected visitor for breakfast !⚽ Movement is medicine.Please do subscribe, rate and review the podcast. Symprove Gut Healthhttps://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/pages/partner-symprovePadel for Parkinson'shttps://www.instagram.com/Padel4ParkinsonsBilly Connolly Arthttps://www.castlefineart.com/products/a-chat-at-the-gymAlex Echo Arthttps://www.castlefineart.com/search?q=alex+echo

Sex, Shopping & Gambling - Out of ControlThis 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 Reporter Noel Titheradge, who spent a year investigating the link between these medications and impulse control disorders. His documentary 'Impulsive’ for the BBC’s Radio 4 Shadow World series exposed stories that are hard to ignore.You’l also hear from:Ellie, who lost more than £50k to online gamblingSteve, who became addicted to adult webcam sites and spent £40kA solicitor who stole £600k from clients to fund a secret double lifeHow common are these side effects?Are patients warned clearly enough?And should drug companies be doing more?If you or someone you love has been affected, help is available.📞 Parkinson’s UK free confidential helpline: 0808 800 0303📧 [email protected]’s UK Impulsive Control Disordershttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/our-views/impulsive-compulsive-behaviourBBC Impulsive Serieshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zlz0Contact Noel: [email protected] Card Reporting Side Effectshttps://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/Ellie’s Blog https://pdmamablog.wordpress.com/

‘Why am I so tired?’ features occupational therapist Emma BracherResearch 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 Occupational Therapist and founder of Bigger & Better, a fitness and wellbeing programme designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Emma shares her expert insight into:What Parkinson’s fatigue really is (and why it’s more than “just being tired”)Why fatigue can be so debilitatingPractical strategies to manage energy levels day-to-dayHow occupational therapy helps people with Parkinson’s improve their ability to carry out everyday tasks and stay independentWe also get to know Emma’s personal journey — having a dad who has Parkinson’s, to how a six-year adventure in Australia inspired her to become a healthcare professional. And because it wouldn’t be 2 Parkies without a bit of fun, we also discover how Emma’s husband has turned their garage into an unexpected shrine to darts 🎯An honest, informative, and uplifting conversation about one of Parkinson’s toughest symptoms — with plenty of practical takeaways along the way.Links:How can Occupational Therapy help mehttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/magazine/spotlight/how-can-occupational-therapy-help-me-if-i-have-parkinsonsBigger and better https://www.biggerandbetterforparkinsons.co.uk/2 Parkies Bobble hats - use the code WarmFeb (up to 28/2) at checkout to receive 10% off any clothinghttps://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/collections/parkinsons-uk-merchandise-1/2-parkies-in-a-podThe Tremor-Loes Choirhttps://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n6FHxcvIQZTpv7mA4AObHQlpXg2Si5ExcLarry 100 Marathonshttps://secure2.convio.net/dpf/site/Donation2?mfc_pref=T&2720.donation=form1&df_id=2720Skateboarding Parkie Phillip Brown https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulUIOyLhCDo8YnwRqSL77QThe Shaking It Up Parkinson’s Podcasthttps://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/launch-trailer/

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 advanced therapies, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating Parkinson’s.Key Topics:When is the right time to start Parkinson's medication? (and why waiting isn’t always better)Understanding the role of Levodopa and its brand vs. generic versionsWhy dosing isn’t one size fits allManaging motor fluctuations and dyskinesia with medication adjustmentsThe function and timing of dopamine agonists and side effect considerations ..like risk of gamblingManaging OFF time, fluctuations, and dyskinesiaDopamine agonists: benefits, risks, and side effectsPumps, DBS, and other device-assisted therapiesSupplements like Macuna and CBD: hype vs evidenceWhy honest doctor–patient conversations change outcomesResources including the Parkinson's MOOC for patients and carersParkinson’s UK Medicationhttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/drugsParkinson’s MOOC (massive open online course)https://mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392Parkinson’s Weekly Prof Bas Bloem (talking about Amandatine)https://oruen.com/category/podcasts/parkinson-weeklyMegan’s Yogathon for Parkinson’s UKhttps://www.justgiving.com/page/megan-jones-1764255759495?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLAnders M. Leines ‘This is Parkinson’s’https://www.detteerparkinson.no/en/mediaEmma Lawton ‘The Bendy Pencil’https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/thebendypencilMiracle grandfather battling Parkinson's, 74, survives 60m mountain fallhttps://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2161180/grandfather-battling-parkinsons-survives-60/amp