2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

DBS Diaries

In this powerful episode, Kuhan takes us on an intimate journey through his life-changing deep brain stimulation (DBS) operation. From the moment he arrived at the hospital, through the intense experience of surgery, to the emotional moment the device was switched on. He opens up about the challenges, the breakthroughs, and how life has transformed since the procedure. It’s an honest, moving story of resilience, hope, and the impact of modern medicine. Watch Kuhan's moment of DBS switch on DBS Q...

Jul 20, 20251 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 47

Meet the Brain Surgeon

This episode is a big one for us. Kuhan is preparing to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS — a life-changing surgery that could help manage his Parkinson’s symptoms. Joining us is a very special guest: a member of the surgical team who’ll be operating on his brain. Harith Akram is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square, London. He tells us how he escaped from Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, started medical school at 16 and invented ...

Jul 06, 20251 hr 45 minSeason 1Ep. 46

Getting the Balance Right

Balance in Parkinson’s is a complicated thing but the good news is, help is on hand. We talk to expert neuro physiotherapist Laura Douglas, co-founder of Neuro Heroes and an expert in gait and balance. An informative chat, packed full of great advice to make your Parkie life a little easier. hello@neuroheroes.co.uk www.neuroheroes.co.uk Neuro Heroes live classes over Zoom are for people based in the UK. People outside of the UK can follow along to these pre-recorded videos made with Parkinson's ...

Jun 08, 20251 hr 10 minSeason 1Ep. 45

Catch Up

The boys are back after a short break. Kuhan shares his sleep secrets, Dave takes a tumble, Ryan Reynolds speaks out about his dad‘s Parkinson’s and Steph has a positive take on sleeping in separate bedrooms, plus the pain of a PIP review. AbbVie sleep video https://youtu.be/1S6GauUXVec? PD nurses attend St James palace event https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lzzjgvvw1o Cure Parkinson’s ‘Question of Time’ https://youtu.be/bSyVviLug7c Parkinson’s UK PIP Information https://www.parkinsons.org.uk...

May 18, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 44

Goodnight, G’day

Sleep problems can be a major issue when you have Parkinson’s. This week we talk to Jane Alty a professor of neurology at The University of Tasmania, Australia. She’s an expert in Parkinson’s sleep disorders. Her goal is to transform the brain health of adults globally - through research to detect the critical earliest stages of degenerative brain disorders. She also reveals whether she thinks AI will solve the Parkinson’s conundrum. Also this week.. The boys are full of the joys of spring, Kuha...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 43

STEM-ing Parkinson's

In this episode we head to Scotland and the Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh. We chat with Professor Tilo Kunath one of the world’s leading experts in stem cell research. The hope is that one day, implanted cells can reverse Parkinson’s. Just how close are we to that elusive cure? What’s happened to the people who’ve been given stem cells? How freezing cockroaches in his mum’s fridge kicked off his scientific career… Getting Involved in Research https://www.parkinsons.or...

Mar 23, 20251 hr 4 minSeason 1Ep. 42

The X & Y Factor

In this episode, Dave and Kuhan explore the differences between men and women when it comes to Parkinson’s. We hear from Clare Bale (associate director of research at Parkinson’s UK), Dr Clare Lehman (a General Practitioner who was diagnosed aged 37) and Jo Tosh (a retired nurse and star of the award winning DBS and Me series). Together we discuss the unique challenges that women face with Parkinson's including getting diagnosed, the impact of hormonal changes and medication-related dyskinesia. ...

Mar 09, 202548 minSeason 1Ep. 41

Thank You

We’ve reached a milestone on the podcast, our 40th episode, so we thought we’d celebrate with you the listeners. We dip into the mail bag and share some of your Parkinson’s stories. Plus Dave walks into a tree, Kuhan reveals who inspired him to stay out until one in the morning dancing and drinking tequila and hear about a real life STAR of the community - a young woman who travelled half way around the world to share her experiences of the condition. Brisk walking tunes 120 Beats Per minute Pro...

Feb 09, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 40

Inside Parkinson's UK

We take a trip to Parkinson’s UK’s new office, learn about their recent brand refresh and talk to the boss Caroline Rassell. She gives us the low down on all things Parkinson’s UK, shares her plans for the year ahead and reveals how Parkinson’s has got more personal for her recently. Parkinson UK helpline on 0808 800 0303 https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved https://techguide.parkinsons.org.uk/ People With Do Amazing Things Michael J Fox award https://www.bbc...

Jan 18, 20251 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 39

What Parkinson’s Feels Like

In this festive episode we talk to illustrator, mime artist and educator Barbara Salsberg Mathews @SalsbergMathews She’s the perfect person to put you in a great mood for 2025. Barbara has created and illustrated an amazing book about What Parkinson’s Feels Like' with contributions from the Parkinson’s community around the globe. What Parkinson's Feels Like (free ebook) What Parkinson's Feels Like (Amazon) Parkinson's Europe Parkinson's Canada PD Avengers Mime Over Mind Paradoxical Kinesia ⁠If a...

Dec 29, 202459 minSeason 1Ep. 38

The Woman Who Can Smell Parkinson’s

Meet the amazing Joy Milne who has the nose to diagnose Parkinson’s. She first noticed the smell of Parkinson's on her husband Les. Years later a chance encounter made her realise that she could smell Parkinson’s on other people too. Find out how her superpowers have changed the face of diagnosis, how scientists are using this amazing discovery and what Parkinson’s smells like. Plus joy tells us the famous t shirt story about how the nose really did diagnose… The Woman who can smell Parkinson’s ...

Dec 02, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 37

Living Well with Parkinson's: Live with Bas Bloem

In this special live video episode Dave and Kuhan chat to one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s experts, Bas Bloem, about living well with the condition. We talk about everything from exercise to cannabis, dystonia to diet and how some people get “chemical creative” when using Parkinson’s medication. Plus the audience tell us what activities make them feel like they don’t have Parkinson’s. This podcast was recorded live in front of a large audience at Parkinson UK’s Parcon conference at the Roy...

Oct 20, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 36

A Walk in the Park

For the second year running Dave and Kuhan join a Walk for Parkinson's at London's Battersea Park, hosted by Parkinson's UK. Along the way they hear from Geoff, Ruth, Matt and his lovely family about diagnosis, the importance of exercise and tips for living well with Parkinson's. They also bump into volunteer steward Tara who tells them about her promising work in gene therapy. Dave has his annual neurologist appointment, tells us about his new Parkinson's pants (!) and rummaging around TK Maxx....

Oct 04, 202442 minSeason 1Ep. 35

Can singing help my Parkinson’s ?

The boys are back after a summer break. Find out what happened when Kuhan went “Med free” for the first time in 11 years as he contemplates major brain surgery. Dave talks about the challenges of a long haul flight to Vietnam, getting caught in a typhoon and whether you should celebrate your birthday! This week the 2 Parkie’s are joined by Nicola Wydenbach, a classically trained and experienced vocal coach. In 2014, she started working with people living with Parkinson's using singing as tool to...

Sep 16, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 34

Nordic Walking

This week we speak to retired PE teacher, Christine Stanley. Christine has always loved being active and despite being diagnosed with cancer and then Parkinson's she hasn't lost her passion for life. She's recently become a Nordic walking instructor and credits it with giving her a sense of hope. Christine shares her tips on positivity and battling against the odds. Hosts @DaveClarkTV @morethanatremor (Kuhan) Guests @Stanner96187706 (Christine) Links Man uses sculpting as therapy for Parkinson’s...

Aug 01, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 33

Strictly Parkinson's

This week the boys enter the world of dance! Not the opulent, spray tanned, sequin clad Strictly, but the life changing benefits of the dance for Parkie’s. We chat to Helen Gould who’s just been awarded an MBE for "charitable services to people with Parkinson’s"! Helen is the co-founder of LPM Dance, which has developed the transformational Neuro-Moves programme to help people with Parkinson’s. We also chat about how lessons from Bruce Springsteen can improve your Parkinson’s. Kuhan says goodbye...

Jun 23, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 32

Finding My Voice

Are you struggling to get yourself heard because your voice is quiet, mumbled or you just cant get the words out? Are your meds getting stuck in your throat? Do you dribble or have a dry mouth? We may be able to help! This week the boys catch up with Tim Grover, consultant speech therapist in the movement disorders department at University College London. He tells us why people with Parkinson’s suffer speech problems, offer some tips on swallowing and explains the right time to seek specialist h...

May 21, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 31

Will I die from Parkinson's?

This week we talk about the “ The Elephant in the room “ - mortality rates amongst people with Parkinson’s. Our special guest is Professor Bas Bloem, one of the world’s leading Parkinson’s experts. Bas has written a paper on the subject of life expectancy with the condition. In recognition of his outstanding work in the field of Parkinson’s, the professor has recently been knighted in his native Netherlands. He’s one of the most engaging and eloquent speakers in the Parkie world. https://www.par...

Apr 28, 202451 minSeason 1Ep. 30

Parkinson's Fact or Fiction

Joining Dave & Kuhan for a game of Fact or Fiction are Claire & Simon from Parkinson’s UK who help dispel some of the common myths about Parkinson’s. Show links Go to 2parkiesinapod.com or reach out to us on social media email us at hello@2parkiesinapod.com Parkinson’s UK Helpline 0808 800 0303 Parkinson’s UK Research Network Parkinson’s UK Become a Member Parkinson’s UK Information Resources Catalogue Parkinson’s UK World Parkinson’s Day Economist Article Association of British Neurolog...

Apr 10, 202450 minSeason 1Ep. 29

They Made Songs from our Tremors

In this episode Kuhan gets his tremor wired for sound, taking part in a ground breaking research study at University College London. The team created 5 unique songs from the tremors of 5 unique people with Parkinson’s. The album ‘Tremors vs Tremors’ is available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Music & Amazon… there’s even a limited edition vinyl record. All royalities are being donated to Parkinson’s UK. We’re joined by the man behind the project Dr Christian Lambert and two of the other stud...

Mar 15, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 28

Keeping up Appearances

In this episode, we explore grooming and self-care. There’s an old saying.. No matter how you feel Get up Dress up Show up Never give up Shafaq @Dr_SF_Hussain⁠ a dentist with Parkinson’s shares her tips on mouth and tooth care Anne Marie Booth @annieconmonkey talks ditching killer heels, Dr Martyn’s, hair and nail care. Joe Gregory @JoeGregory100 tells us about slip on brogues and picking up a fashion bargain. Plus doing amazing this week… Richard Dunning, The shakey photographer @Richardpud1977...

Feb 29, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 27

Raising Awareness

This week the boys talk to Parkinson’s activist and fellow Podcaster Larry Gifford . His podcast ‘ When Iife gives you Parkinson’s ’ is an open and honest insight into the condition - no subject is out of bounds. Larry is also the founder of PD Avengers , a global alliance of people effected by the condition. In a wide ranging discussion we also talk about our D-Day (diagnosis) experiences, Larry's DBS journey and the impact Parkinson's has on relationships. People with Parkinson’s doing amazing...

Feb 12, 202452 minSeason 1Ep. 26

Tech Tips

In this episode the boys discuss how tech can make life a little easier for people with Parkinson’s. From voice assistants, to messaging tips and how Siri can help you listen to your favourite podcast. We also discuss Parkinson’s ON, a new app which aims to track symptoms, help with medication timing and generally improve your Parky life.. Plus more people with Parkinson’s doing amazing things. The man who’s rediscovered his love for playing Led Zep in the spare bedroom and a woman who’s fixed h...

Dec 22, 202343 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Discussing Dementia

In this episode we speak to Professor Rimona Weil from University College London. Rimona is one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s dementia. It’s not as depressing as you might think! She talks about ground breaking research which has discovered a link between vision and dementia, tells us who’s most at risk and whether it’s possible to prevent it! Plus how using pictures of cats and dogs can help to understand how cognition is affected in Parkinson’s. We also talk about people’s relu...

Dec 03, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 24

The Top 10 Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinsons .. Top 10 worst symptoms In this episode @DaveClarkTV and @morethanatremor (Kuhan) discuss the most troublesome Parkinson’s symptoms. Parkinson's Europe surveyed nearly a thousand Parkie’s with fascinating results. So what’s the number one worst symptom ? Shaking? Speech problems? Low mood? Have a listen and find out what tops the chart…. A huge THANKYOU to @kimrobsonuk for the chart. voice over and contributors Michèle and Katy.....

Nov 19, 202342 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Walking for Parkinson's

In this special bonus edition Kuhan and Dave join 300 people Walking For Parkinson’s at London's Battersea Park. Parkinson’s UK host a series of fundraising walks around the UK. Everyone walking has their own Parkie story to tell, the boys find out about a few of them… Walk for Parkinson's https://www.facebook.com/2parkiesinapod https://www.instagram.com/2parkiesinpod

Oct 09, 202314 minSeason 1Ep. 22

The Doctor with Parkinson's

In this episode Dave and Kuhan talk to NHS doctor, artist and Parkinson’s campaigner Dr Jonny Acheson. Jonny was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016 when he was just 41. Hear about how Bollywood dancing led to his diagnosis and what its like to work in an emergency dept with the condition. Jonny also talks about the Jekyll & Hyde feeling when his medication is wearing off, and his campaign to let people keep their own medication during a stay in hospital. ⁠ ⁠⁠ @jonny_acheson @ParkinsonsEN (Pa...

Sep 19, 202346 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Meeting Michael J.Fox, brain surgery & coming out

Canadian broadcaster Harry Forestell tells Dave and Kuhan his incredible Parkinson’s story. How he interviewed Michael J. Fox, his reaction to being outed by his daughter and how he was wide-awake whilst having brain surgery. From secrecy to advocacy, acts of kindness and singing to extend his TV career, it's a fascinating insight into the career of a much loved and respected journalist. Links: @DaveClarkTV @morethanatremor (Kuhan) @HarryForestell Harry's Interview with MJF The Essay...

Aug 14, 202351 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Any Questions?

In this episode Dave & Kuhan answer questions from listeners. They cover a host of topics from how to stay upbeat with Parkinson’s to constipation and podcasts. It’s an open and honest discussion with a few giggles along the way. @2parkiesinapod @daveclarkTV @morethanatremor This weeks People with Parkinson's do Amazing Things: Paul Sinha Samuel Smith Jon Goodwin...

Jul 25, 202328 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Can Yoga help my Parkinson's?

The boys talk to Parkinson’s Yoga expert Dawn Williams. There’s growing evidence that Yoga can help with a range of Parkinson's symptoms by improving slowness, stiffness, balance, flexibility and core strength Many people with Parkinson's also report improvements in their mood and sleep, plus benefit from the social interaction of group classes with other Parkies. Dawn explains the power of yoga and finishes with a relaxation exercise…. @DaveClarkTV @More Than a Tremor (Kuhan) Guests: @Annie htt...

Jul 09, 202357 minSeason 1Ep. 18
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