What would you say if someone suggested you go climbing to help manage your Parkinson's? Probably the same thing as the group of over-70s who looked at Natalia Kaminska like she was completely mad. But then they tried it — and something remarkable happened.

In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people who believe climbing might be one of the best exercises available for people living with Parkinson's. Natalia is a specialist neurological physiotherapist based in Leeds who has been running climbing sessions for people with Parkinson's, supported by Parkinson's UK. Jordi Cruz is a physiotherapist, paraclimbing competitor and founder of the Dreaming Awake Project, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's at 39 and climbing ever since. Joining Jordi is his wife Rebeca, who kindly translated throughout the conversation.

Together, they make a compelling case. Climbing hits almost every recommendation for Parkinson's-specific exercise in one go: big movements, coordination, balance, strength, and an intense focus that demands you stay completely in the moment. As Jordi puts it, when you're on the wall, you simply can't think about anything else. But beyond the physical benefits, there's something else entirely: the community, the sense of belonging, and the joy of achieving something you never thought possible.

Jordi also shares his research into velocity training and how training fast, even at low intensity, can help address bradykinesia, the slowness of movement that affects every person with Parkinson's. And Natalia shares the story of a 75-year-old who climbed for the first time and cried, because his family had told him he couldn't do it.

As Rebeca puts it on Jordi's behalf: when you get lemons, make lemonade. This episode is full of it.

🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-3-climbing/

Deep Brain Stimulation can sound terrifying when you first hear about it — and both Jo Tosh and Kuhan Pushparatnam will be the first to admit they felt exactly that way. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people navigating it with wisdom, warmth, and a refreshing refusal to let it define them. Jo is a Parkinson's UK advocate who had DBS three years ago after a decade with Parkinson's; Kuhan is the co-host of 2 Parkies in a Pod, just five months on from his own procedure. Together, they paint a vivid and honest picture of what DBS is really like — from the surgery itself and the moment the device is switched on, to the gradual (and sometimes unexpected) adjustments that follow.

They cover everything from how DBS differs for everyone, to managing medication changes, navigating airports with an implanted device, and adapting activities like tennis and swimming when coordination shifts post-surgery. Kuhan also shares his excitement about adaptive DBS — cutting-edge technology that reads your brain and adjusts stimulation automatically — while Jo reflects on her role helping to shape the future of DBS care through patient advisory boards.

Both Jo and Kuhan speak about gratitude with a conviction that only comes from knowing what the alternative feels like. Two people, two journeys — and a conversation that stays with you.

🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-2-deep-brain-stimulation/

Travel with Parkinson's might take a little more planning — but it's absolutely possible, and absolutely worth it. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by Emma Bracher, an occupational therapist with brilliant insights into empowering people with Parkinson's to live life to the full. They dive into the realities of travelling with a Parkinson's diagnosis — the challenges, the anxieties, and the moments that remind you why it's all worthwhile.

From managing medication across time zones and keeping it safely in your hand luggage, to navigating airports and public transport with confidence, Emma and the team share practical, reassuring advice for every stage of the journey. They also explore coping strategies for freezing episodes, the importance of staying hydrated, why declaring your Parkinson's on travel insurance really matters, and how a simple letter from your healthcare provider can make a world of difference.

But it's not all logistics — this episode is full of warmth, humour, and personal stories that speak honestly to what it feels like to travel when your body doesn't always play ball. Whether you're dreaming of a long-haul adventure or just wondering how to manage a day trip, Maria, Vicky and Emma want you to know: don't let fear hold you back. Plan, prepare — and then go enjoy your holiday.

🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-1-travel/