2 Parkies in a Pod: a Parkinson's Podcast

What happens when you’re told you have Parkinson’s — and years later, you’re told you don’t?
Mike Bells talks about the first signs, how the diagnosis affected both him and those around him, and the impact the Parkinson’s medication had. Then came the shock.. Mike was de-diagnosed almost a decade later.
Mike opens up about what it felt like to discover the news and what life looks like now.
Plus, Dave hits 60… and Kuhan gets back behind the wheel!

Mike Bell Maps
https://mikebellmaps.com/
Par-Con 2026
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/community/par-con
Parkinson’s UK Nurse Appeal
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/donate/parkinsons-uk-nurse-appeal/our-bbc-radio-4-appeal
Parkinson’s UK Walk Battersea Park 5th Sept 2026
https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/event/walk-parkinsons
Cure Parkinson’s Walk Battersea Park 
https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/events/walk-to-cure-parkinsons-the-london-walk/
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Guest: Dr Ashwini Oswal
For many people living with Parkinson’s, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is one of the biggest treatment decisions they’ll ever face. But when is the right time to start thinking about it? Should DBS be viewed as a last resort, or could earlier intervention offer greater benefits?
In this episode of 2 Parkies in a Pod, we’re joined by Dr Ashwini Oswal, Honorary Consultant Neurologist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. His clinical work and research focus on Parkinson’s disease, Deep Brain Stimulation and the next generation of adaptive DBS technology.
Together, we unpack the evidence behind DBS, explain how it works, discuss who is most likely to benefit, and explore whether the 5-2-1 rule is a useful guide for referral. We also talk about the role of medications such as Entacapone, Opicapone & Amandatine, ask whether DBS could one day prove to be neuroprotective, and look ahead to the exciting future of adaptive DBS.
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/treatments/deep-brain-stimulation
How to get involved in table Tennis
https://tabletennisengland.co.uk/news/2025/table-tennis-england-and-parkinsons-uk-announce-partnership/
The advert that made Dave Cry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GEpT3e7Dfg
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Guest: David Dexter, Director of Research, Parkinson’s UK
There’s a real sense of optimism in Parkinson’s research right now! In this episode we’re asking whether we’re closer than ever to treatments that can slow, stop, or even reverse the disease.
David Dexter joins us to discuss exciting developments including breakthrough stem cell research, the promising results from a drug called Syntara, why reducing brain inflammation could be a game changer, and how Parkinson’s UK decides which research to back.
We also chat to Yorkshireman Andy Cassy who’s had millions of Stem Cells “planted” in his brain.  Two years on from his 12 hour operation, is it working?
We also explore whether stress affects Parkinson’s, if an apple a day really can help keep the neurologist away, the science behind fatigue and NAD+ a cheap energy boosting supplement
We finish with a fun quick-fire round to discover the person behind the scientist.
Plus- how Dave managed to skip into Wimbledon for semifinals day.
Parkinson’s UK Research
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research
Par-Con 2026
https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/community/par-con
Symprove
https://shop.parkinsons.org.uk/pages/partner-symprove
NAD+
https://amzn.eu/d/0aA8NY3s
Why am I so tired?
https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/podcast/episode/223d81c7/why-am-i-so-tired
Ask the professor
https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/podcast/episode/2da15954/ask-the-professor
2parkiesinapod.com
hello@2parkiesinapod.com
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This episode celebrates some of the incredible people making a difference in the Parkinson’s community through creativity, courage, sport, music and innovation.
Meet wildlife photographer, filmmaker and now gardener David Plummer, one of the talented people who helped Arit Anderson create the stunning Parkinson’s UK Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show:
https://www.instagram.com/davidplummerimages
Kuhan reflects on his DBS 1 year on with DBS specialist nurse John:
https://youtu.be/gCkyRdcNgbg
Ciaran and Lucy share their remarkable story of cycling around the world to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s:
https://www.instagram.com/ciarandoesthings_
FA Cup Final Ian Moorehouse:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwus8-XDxMY
Rock Choir - over 400+ local choirs across the UK and Ireland:
https://rockchoir.com/
BURT - The Movie:
https://www.joeburke.net/burt
Ever fancied appearing in a film? A former Coronation Street actor explains how you could become a star of the silver screen:
https://www.instagram.com/108a_films
Sam reveals how he’s using artificial intelligence to help compose, create and produce new music:
https://www.instagram.com/samuelsmithmusic
And two Emmas tell us all about a festival designed especially for Parkies:
https://bigskyhideaway.com/parky-in-the-park
Twelve amazing people with inspiring stories. One uplifting episode celebrating the people who are making a real difference in the Parkinson’s community.
Plus Dave tries out a expiratory muscle strength  trainer:
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/expiratory-muscle-strength-training-emst/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/EMST150-Expiratory-Muscle-Strength-Trainer/dp/B0094ME5BA

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In this special episode, Dave and Kuhan head to the world-famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show to explore one of the most moving and meaningful gardens of the year: Parkinson’s UK’s Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey.
We’re joined by acclaimed garden designer and broadcaster Arit Anderson, who shares the deeply personal story behind the garden she created. Arit opens up about her family’s connection to Parkinson’s, how that experience- and the experiences of the Parkinson’s community - shaped the design, and why gardens can become spaces for reflection, resilience and hope.
Plus we meet Raymond the Chelsea Pensioner with Parkinson's