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

📧 hello@parkinsons.org.uk

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: noel.titheradge@bbc.co.uk

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/