2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

Dave Clark & Kuhan

If you want to know more about Parkinson's, or how to cope with chronic illness, then this is the Podcast for you. Between them Clarky and Kuhan have been living with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years. They chat openly and honestly about the challenges and even the benefits of living with the condition.

  1. 6 HR AGO

    What Type of Parkinson's Do I Have?

    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 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 Podcasts Parkinson's Resilience Rose https://www.roses.co.uk/product/780299/rose-parkinsons-resilience-4l-pot-ngw PD Frontline (Genetic Testing) https://mantal.pdfrontline.com/en EJS ACT-PD Trial https://www.ejsactpd.com/ Parkinson's UK Get Involved in Research https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/get-involved/take-part-hub

    1hr 5min

  2. 4 APR

    Pump It Up

    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 information https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/drugs/produodopa

    1hr 7min

  3. 21 MAR

    Political Football

    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 Health https://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/pages/partner-symprove Padel for Parkinson's https://www.instagram.com/Padel4Parkinsons Billy Connolly Art https://www.castlefineart.com/products/a-chat-at-the-gym Alex Echo Art https://www.castlefineart.com/search?q=alex+echo

    36 min

  4. 7 MAR

    Sex, Shopping & Gambling - Out of Control

    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 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 📧 hello@parkinsons.org.uk Parkinson’s UK Impulsive Control Disorders https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/our-views/impulsive-compulsive-behaviour BBC Impulsive Series https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zlz0 Contact Noel: noel.titheradge@bbc.co.uk Yellow Card Reporting Side Effects https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ Ellie’s Blog  https://pdmamablog.wordpress.com/

    49 min

  5. 21 FEB

    Why Am I So Tired?

    ‘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 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 me https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/magazine/spotlight/how-can-occupational-therapy-help-me-if-i-have-parkinsons Bigger 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 clothing https://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/collections/parkinsons-uk-merchandise-1/2-parkies-in-a-pod The Tremor-Loes Choir https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n6FHxcvIQZTpv7mA4AObHQlpXg2Si5Exc Larry 100 Marathons https://secure2.convio.net/dpf/site/Donation2?mfc_pref=T&2720.donation=form1&df_id=2720 Skateboarding Parkie Phillip Brown  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCulUIOyLhCDo8YnwRqSL77Q The Shaking It Up Parkinson’s Podcast https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/launch-trailer/

    1hr 14min

  6. 7 FEB

    What Do My Meds Do?

    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 Medication https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/drugs Parkinson’s MOOC (massive open online course) https://mooc.utas.edu.au/course/20392 Parkinson’s Weekly Prof Bas Bloem (talking about Amandatine) https://oruen.com/category/podcasts/parkinson-weekly Megan’s Yogathon for Parkinson’s UK https://www.justgiving.com/page/megan-jones-1764255759495?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL Anders M. Leines ‘This is Parkinson’s’ https://www.detteerparkinson.no/en/media Emma Lawton ‘The Bendy Pencil’ https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/thebendypencil Miracle grandfather battling Parkinson's, 74, survives 60m mountain fall https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2161180/grandfather-battling-parkinsons-survives-60/amp

    1hr 15min
  7. Seasons Greetings

    23/12/2025

    Seasons Greetings

    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 - honest conversations, real lives, and a bit of festive cheer along the way…We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! Please rate, review and subscribe! 2parkiesinapod.com hello@2parkiesinapod.com

    28 min

  8. 13/12/2025

    Coming Out

    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 finding the courage to be seen. Paul reflects on how closely his Parkinson’s journey mirrored his experience of coming out as gay: “I guess I dealt with Parkinson’s in the same way I dealt with realising I was gay… by not talking to anyone about it for many years" Scott speaks honestly about living with Parkinson’s while single, gay, and without family support: “Being single, gay, with no family support, I did feel very isolated — and there weren’t many people I could see in the community that I had anything in common with.” In one of the episode’s most raw moments, Scott also opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts and explains how the helplessness he felt during tests for deep brain stimulation treatment resurfaced memories of past sexual abuse. His honesty shines a light on the complex mental health challenges faced by many people with Parkinson’s — challenges that often remain unspoken. This is a story about vulnerability, survival, and connection. A story of adversity, community and ultimately ...gratitude. Parkinson’s and The Invisible Man (Scott’s YouTube channel) https://www.youtube.com/@Parkinsonsandtheinvisibleman Parkinson’s UK Mental Health  https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms/behavioural/mental-health Podcast Club https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/young-onset-parkinsons-online-group LGBTQIA+ Network https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/lgbtqia-network-meeting-online DBS Network https://forms.gle/ApDHqGaDF38n6wYa7 Join our yoga group https://dawnwilliamsyoga.co.uk 1 in 3 living alone research insights https://denpruexeter.nihr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DeNPRU-Exeter_living-alone-with-a-progressive-neurological-condition_policy-brief.pdf Par-Con 2025 mental health video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PwOYRSe4Q&list=PL1ixQpbHed3Y9_jS-WuZePcFa7N_O7aNi&index=7&pp=iAQB0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzv Hear Me charity https://www.parkinsons.me/hearme Nutrition PD http://prksn.uk/47RAlmu Please rate, review and subscribe to the podcast  Contact us at: hello@2parkiesinapod.com

    55 min
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4.6
out of 5
91 Ratings

About

If you want to know more about Parkinson's, or how to cope with chronic illness, then this is the Podcast for you. Between them Clarky and Kuhan have been living with Parkinson’s for more than 20 years. They chat openly and honestly about the challenges and even the benefits of living with the condition.

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