Shaking it Up with Parkinson's

Reach Your Peak and The Fitness Mum
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Monthly

Welcome to Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s, the empowering podcast breaking the silence and stigma around life with Parkinson’s. Join Maria Lewis, specialist physiotherapist and founder of Reach Your Peak, and Vicky Rees-Davies, aka The Fitness Mum, as they share their lived experiences with honesty and humour. Together, they explore movement, mindset, motherhood, and more, with expert advice, real stories, and inspiring guests who are shaking things up in their own way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, a healthcare professional, or a loved one, this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. 21 Aug

    The Other Side of the Diagnosis: Jeremy Vine and Sonya John on Family Life with Parkinson's

    Most podcasts about Parkinson's focus on the person with the diagnosis. This one is for everyone else. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by broadcaster Jeremy Vine and his sister Sonya for one of the most honest and moving conversations in the series so far. Sonya's husband Chris was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 34, just two months after their wedding. More than 18 years later, she knows this world inside out, and she speaks about it with a warmth, humour and practicality that is impossible not to be moved by. Jeremy, who also lost his father to Parkinson's, brings his own perspective as a sibling watching from the outside, and admits with characteristic honesty that there are times when the pain of watching Sonya and Chris simply becomes too much to talk about. They cover everything from the early shock of diagnosis and the slow, relentless progression of the condition, to the life-changing impact of the Duodopa pump, the challenge of staying connected in a relationship when speech becomes increasingly difficult, and the very real frustration of watching someone you love sit on the sofa when you know movement is medicine. But Sonya also brings a remarkable toolkit of practical advice for partners, parents and family members: from PIP and ESA (always describe your worst day), to disabled parking, the National Carers Card, registering children as young carers, the free gym membership available through Everyone Active, and the importance of finding a haven of your own. Sonya's is a loft studio she paints in with the trap door closed. Whatever yours is: find it, protect it, and don't give it up. And running through it all is Jeremy's quietly held conviction that one day he'll turn on the news and hear that they've done it. This episode is for everyone still waiting for that day. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-6-a-family-story/

    The Other Side of the Diagnosis: Jeremy Vine and Sonya John on Family Life with Parkinson's

  2. 30 Jul

    Your Second Brain: Melody Mackeown on Gut Health and Parkinson's

    Most of us know roughly what we should be eating. But do we know what our gut is doing while we eat it, and what that has to do with Parkinson's? In this episode, Maria and Vicky sit down with Melody Mackeown, a gut health and Parkinson's nutrition specialist, to explore one of the most fascinating and fast-moving areas of Parkinson's research: the gut-brain connection. Melody explains the three components linking gut to brain, the enteric nervous system, the vagus nerve, and the gut microbiome, and why understanding them matters so much for people living with Parkinson's. Did you know the gut produces around 50% of the body's dopamine? Or that gut inflammation decades before diagnosis could be an early indicator of Parkinson's? Or that protein and dopamine medication use the same transporter system in the gut, meaning the timing of meals really does matter? Melody demystifies the difference between probiotics and prebiotics, makes the case for a Mediterranean-style diet, and shares the kind of practical, personalised advice she gives her clients: from what to eat for breakfast and whether intermittent fasting is worth trying, to how dietary changes helped one client sleep for 30 minutes instead of four hours, and another partially regain their sense of smell. As Maria puts it in her key takeaway: you cannot out-supplement a poor diet. It all starts with what's on your plate. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-5-gut-health-nutrition/

    Your Second Brain: Melody Mackeown on Gut Health and Parkinson's

  3. 11 Jun

    Make Your Future Bigger: Richard Waters on Wild Swimming and Life with Parkinson's

    Rich Waters has written travel guides for the most remote corners of the world, freedived with sperm whales, and investigated allegations of genocide in Laos' Forbidden Zone. He's also lived with Parkinson's for 16 years, and this episode is about what happened when he stopped putting the diagnosis in the bin and started writing about it instead. In this conversation, Maria and Vicky sit down with Richard Waters, international award-winning travel writer and Sunday Times bestselling author, to talk about his book Swimming with the Viking of Skye. Part memoir, part adventure, part self-help, it tells the story of how cold water swimming in the lochs and freezing pools of Skye helped him find a way to live well with Parkinson's. Rich talks with remarkable honesty about the early years, the isolation, the difficulty of keeping going with a demanding career, and the unexpected detour into ghost writing that took him somewhere better. He also opens up about something the book tackles head-on: the impulsive behaviours that can be linked to Parkinson's and its medication, and the very personal lessons he's drawn from them. And woven through the whole conversation is a hard-won philosophy: make your future bigger, don't put things off, and know who is batting for you. Oh, and he's awaiting a software update for his deep brain stimulation device. If ever there was a reason to stay hopeful, that is it. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-4-wild-swimming/

    Make Your Future Bigger: Richard Waters on Wild Swimming and Life with Parkinson's

  4. 11 May

    Reach Higher: How Climbing is Transforming Life with Parkinson's

    What would you say if someone suggested you go climbing to help manage your Parkinson's? Probably the same thing as the group of over-70s who looked at Natalia Kaminska like she was completely mad. But then they tried it — and something remarkable happened. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people who believe climbing might be one of the best exercises available for people living with Parkinson's. Natalia is a specialist neurological physiotherapist based in Leeds who has been running climbing sessions for people with Parkinson's, supported by Parkinson's UK. Jordi Cruz is a physiotherapist, paraclimbing competitor and founder of the Dreaming Awake Project, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's at 39 and climbing ever since. Joining Jordi is his wife Rebeca, who kindly translated throughout the conversation. Together, they make a compelling case. Climbing hits almost every recommendation for Parkinson's-specific exercise in one go: big movements, coordination, balance, strength, and an intense focus that demands you stay completely in the moment. As Jordi puts it, when you're on the wall, you simply can't think about anything else. But beyond the physical benefits, there's something else entirely: the community, the sense of belonging, and the joy of achieving something you never thought possible. Jordi also shares his research into velocity training and how training fast, even at low intensity, can help address bradykinesia, the slowness of movement that affects every person with Parkinson's. And Natalia shares the story of a 75-year-old who climbed for the first time and cried, because his family had told him he couldn't do it. As Rebeca puts it on Jordi's behalf: when you get lemons, make lemonade. This episode is full of it. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-3-climbing/

    Reach Higher: How Climbing is Transforming Life with Parkinson's

  5. 9 Apr

    Switched On: Real Experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation

    Deep Brain Stimulation can sound terrifying when you first hear about it — and both Jo Tosh and Kuhan Pushparatnam will be the first to admit they felt exactly that way. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people navigating it with wisdom, warmth, and a refreshing refusal to let it define them. Jo is a Parkinson's UK advocate who had DBS three years ago after a decade with Parkinson's; Kuhan is the co-host of 2 Parkies in a Pod, just five months on from his own procedure. Together, they paint a vivid and honest picture of what DBS is really like — from the surgery itself and the moment the device is switched on, to the gradual (and sometimes unexpected) adjustments that follow. They cover everything from how DBS differs for everyone, to managing medication changes, navigating airports with an implanted device, and adapting activities like tennis and swimming when coordination shifts post-surgery. Kuhan also shares his excitement about adaptive DBS — cutting-edge technology that reads your brain and adjusts stimulation automatically — while Jo reflects on her role helping to shape the future of DBS care through patient advisory boards. Both Jo and Kuhan speak about gratitude with a conviction that only comes from knowing what the alternative feels like. Two people, two journeys — and a conversation that stays with you. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-2-deep-brain-stimulation/

    Switched On: Real Experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation

  6. 5 Mar

    Plan, Prepare, Go: A Travel Guide for Parkinson's

    Travel with Parkinson's might take a little more planning — but it's absolutely possible, and absolutely worth it. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by Emma Bracher, an occupational therapist with brilliant insights into empowering people with Parkinson's to live life to the full. They dive into the realities of travelling with a Parkinson's diagnosis — the challenges, the anxieties, and the moments that remind you why it's all worthwhile. From managing medication across time zones and keeping it safely in your hand luggage, to navigating airports and public transport with confidence, Emma and the team share practical, reassuring advice for every stage of the journey. They also explore coping strategies for freezing episodes, the importance of staying hydrated, why declaring your Parkinson's on travel insurance really matters, and how a simple letter from your healthcare provider can make a world of difference. But it's not all logistics — this episode is full of warmth, humour, and personal stories that speak honestly to what it feels like to travel when your body doesn't always play ball. Whether you're dreaming of a long-haul adventure or just wondering how to manage a day trip, Maria, Vicky and Emma want you to know: don't let fear hold you back. Plan, prepare — and then go enjoy your holiday. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-1-travel/

    Plan, Prepare, Go: A Travel Guide for Parkinson's

  7. Trailer

    Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s - Video Trailer

    Welcome to Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s, the empowering podcast breaking the silence and stigma around life with Parkinson’s. Join Maria Lewis, specialist physiotherapist and founder of Reach Your Peak, and Vicky Rees-Davies, aka The Fitness Mum, as they share their lived experiences with honesty and humour. Together, they explore movement, mindset, motherhood, and more, with expert advice, real stories, and inspiring guests who are shaking things up in their own way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, a healthcare professional, or a supportive loved one, this podcast is for you. Our first episode releases on Thursday, March 5th 2026, so like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and keep an eye on our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for useful links and resources. Shaking It Up with Parkinson’s is hosted by Maria Lewis and Vicky Rees-Davies. It is recorded and produced by Chaos Created.

  8. Trailer

    Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s - Audio Trailer

    Welcome to Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s, the empowering podcast breaking the silence and stigma around life with Parkinson’s. Join Maria Lewis, specialist physiotherapist and founder of Reach Your Peak, and Vicky Rees-Davies, aka The Fitness Mum, as they share their lived experiences with honesty and humour. Together, they explore movement, mindset, motherhood, and more, with expert advice, real stories, and inspiring guests who are shaking things up in their own way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, a healthcare professional, or a supportive loved one, this podcast is for you. Our first episode releases on Thursday, March 5th 2026, so like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and keep an eye on our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for useful links and resources. Shaking It Up with Parkinson’s is hosted by Maria Lewis and Vicky Rees-Davies. It is recorded and produced by Chaos Created.

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s, the empowering podcast breaking the silence and stigma around life with Parkinson’s. Join Maria Lewis, specialist physiotherapist and founder of Reach Your Peak, and Vicky Rees-Davies, aka The Fitness Mum, as they share their lived experiences with honesty and humour. Together, they explore movement, mindset, motherhood, and more, with expert advice, real stories, and inspiring guests who are shaking things up in their own way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, a healthcare professional, or a loved one, this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Reach Your Peak and The Fitness Mum
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reach Your Peak and The Fitness Mum
  • Show Website
    Shaking it Up with Parkinson's