2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

‘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 debilitating
Practical strategies to manage energy levels day-to-day
How occupational therapy helps people with Parkinson’s improve their ability to carry out everyday tasks and stay independent
We 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/

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 versions
Why dosing isn’t one size fits all
Managing motor fluctuations and dyskinesia with medication adjustments
The function and timing of dopamine agonists and side effect considerations ..like risk of gambling
Managing OFF time, fluctuations, and dyskinesia
Dopamine agonists: benefits, risks, and side effects
Pumps, DBS, and other device-assisted therapies
Supplements like Macuna and CBD: hype vs evidence
Why honest doctor–patient conversations change outcomes
Resources including the Parkinson's MOOC for patients and carers
Parkinson’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

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
[email protected]

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

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Contact us at:
[email protected]

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
📧 [email protected]
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
[email protected]