2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

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

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

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 gambling
Steve, who became addicted to adult webcam sites and spent £40k
A solicitor who stole £600k from clients to fund a secret double life
How 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]
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: [email protected]
Yellow Card Reporting Side Effects
https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
Ellie’s Blog 
https://pdmamablog.wordpress.com/

‘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