2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

Dave Clark & Kuhan
  • 3.9 (7)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 6D AGO

    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/

    1h 14m

  2. FEB 7

    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

    1h 15m
  3. Seasons Greetings

    12/23/2025

    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

  4. 12/13/2025

    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
  5. Lucy’s Genetic Journey: My Amazing Parkinson’s Story

    11/15/2025

    Lucy’s Genetic Journey: My Amazing Parkinson’s Story

    In this episode, we meet Lucy (not her real name), who shares her extraordinary Parkinson’s journey. Lucy discovered she has a genetic form of Parkinson’s known as LRRK2. What started as a simple Ancestry DNA test to explore her family roots soon led to life-changing revelations — uncovering far more than she ever expected. Before releasing this episode, we sought advice from Lucy’s counsellor, and we’ve taken every step to protect the privacy of everyone involved in this remarkable story. If you’ve been affected by the topics discussed, or want to learn more about genetic Parkinson’s, you can contact the Parkinson’s UK Helpline for confidential advice and support: 📞 0808 800 0303 📧 hello@parkinsons.org.uk Donor Conceived Support https://donorconceiveduk.org.uk (peer led support) https://www.uhliverpool.nhs.uk/services/service-finder/donor-conceived-register (national register) EJS ACT PD Get Involved  https://www.ejsactpd.com/ Watch 2 Parkies at Par-Con https://youtu.be/H7IFQfcp2os Neuro Heroes https://www.neuroheroes.co.uk/ Parkinson’s Europe Work Survey https://parkinsonseurope.org/parkinsonslife/careers-cut-short-financial-loss-and-fear-of-stigma-new-survey-working-with-parkinsons/ Parkinson’s UK Nurse appeal https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate/donate-great-care Neuralink https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/oct/first-uk-patient-uses-thought-control-computer-hours-after-neuralink-implant hello@2parkiesinapod.com

    1h 41m
  6. Live from Par-Con: Rise & Shine

    11/01/2025

    Live from Par-Con: Rise & Shine

    10 Tips for a Better Day You can watch this episode at: https://youtu.be/H7IFQfcp2os In this special live episode from Parkinson’s UK’s Par-Con event in Birmingham, Kuhan and Dave are joined by a buzzing audience of more than 1000 people in person and online and the incredible Laura Douglas, neuro physiotherapist and founder of Neuro Heroes.Laura shares her expert advice from getting out of bed, stretches for dystonia and tips for getting dressed.Packed with practical tips, uplifting moments, and plenty of fun, this episode will help you start and end each day feeling stronger, steadier, and more confident — no matter what. Neuro Heroes Tips Plus a couple of special announcements. Subscribe to 2 Parkies in a Pod

    1 hr
  7. Special Episode: Is Parkinson's on the Rise?

    10/23/2025

    Special Episode: Is Parkinson's on the Rise?

    A new study published today reveals a worrying trend: there are now 166,000 people in the UK living with Parkinson’s but a further 21,000 are estimated to be undiagnosed.. and unsupported. The Parkinson's UK study, the largest of it's kind, also reveals more than a third (36%) were of working age when diagnosed. Separately the number of people with a more complex form of Parkinsonism (e.g. Lewy Body Dementia, MSA, PSP) has increased to 28,000. The study also finds stark differences in rates based on ethnicity. Even more concerning, in some parts of the country people are waiting up to five years to see a neurologist. The charity has called it a “Parkinson’s diagnosis crisis.” With someone in the UK diagnosed every 20 minutes, we ask: why are the numbers rising, what’s driving the crisis, and what needs to change? Join us as we dig into the data, with 3 experts from Parkinson’s UK and explore what this means for the Parkinson’s community — now and for the future. For more information: Parkinson's UK News Article: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/thousands-are-living-parkinsons-undiagnosed-and-unsupported-our-new-research-finds Read the Parkinson's UK Research Blog: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/research-blog/our-research/parkinsons-uk-what-do-we-know Parkinson's UK Statistics: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/parkinsons-statistics Research Paper: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mdc3.70368 www.parkinsons.org.uk UK Helpline 0808 800 0303 Join the Research Support Network: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/research-blog/our-research/parkinsons-uk-research-support-network https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/race-equality-research Join the Black, Asian, Arab and Mixed Heritage Support Group: https://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/black-asian-arab-and-mixed-heritage-support-group-meeting Listen to Will I Die from Parkinson's: https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/podcast/episode/1e8a6b26/will-i-die-from-parkinsons https://ourfuturehealth.org.uk/

    55 min

  8. 10/11/2025

    Call the Parkinson's Nurse

    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

    1h 2m
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3.9
out of 5
7 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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