Make Your Future Bigger: Richard Waters on Wild Swimming and Life with Parkinson's

Make Your Future Bigger: Richard Waters on Wild Swimming and Life with Parkinson's

Rich Waters has written travel guides for the most remote corners of the world, freedived with sperm whales, and investigated allegations of genocide in Laos' Forbidden Zone. He's also lived with Parkinson's for 16 years, and this episode is about what happened when he stopped putting the diagnosis in the bin and started writing about it instead. In this conversation, Maria and Vicky sit down with Richard Waters, international award-winning travel writer and Sunday Times bestselling author, to talk about his book Swimming with the Viking of Skye. Part memoir, part adventure, part self-help, it tells the story of how cold water swimming in the lochs and freezing pools of Skye helped him find a way to live well with Parkinson's. Rich talks with remarkable honesty about the early years, the isolation, the difficulty of keeping going with a demanding career, and the unexpected detour into ghost writing that took him somewhere better. He also opens up about something the book tackles head-on: the impulsive behaviours that can be linked to Parkinson's and its medication, and the very personal lessons he's drawn from them. And woven through the whole conversation is a hard-won philosophy: make your future bigger, don't put things off, and know who is batting for you. Oh, and he's awaiting a software update for his deep brain stimulation device. If ever there was a reason to stay hopeful, that is it. 🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-4-wild-swimming/ [https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-4-wild-swimming/]

Reach Higher: How Climbing is Transforming Life with Parkinson's

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/ [https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-3-climbing/]

Switched On: Real Experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation

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 [https://www.2parkiesinapod.com/], 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/ [https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-2-deep-brain-stimulation/]

Plan, Prepare, Go: A Travel Guide for Parkinson's

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/ [https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-1-travel/]

Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s - Video Trailer

Welcome to Shaking It Up With Parkinson’s, the empowering podcast breaking the silence and stigma around life with Parkinson’s. Join Maria Lewis, specialist physiotherapist and founder of Reach Your Peak, and Vicky Rees-Davies, aka The Fitness Mum, as they share their lived experiences with honesty and humour. Together, they explore movement, mindset, motherhood, and more, with expert advice, real stories, and inspiring guests who are shaking things up in their own way. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time warrior, a healthcare professional, or a supportive loved one, this podcast is for you. Our first episode releases on Thursday, March 5th 2026, so like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and keep an eye on our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com] for useful links and resources. Shaking It Up with Parkinson’s is hosted by Maria Lewis [https://reachyourpeakonline.com/] and Vicky Rees-Davies [https://www.instagram.com/the_fitness_mum/]. It is recorded and produced by Chaos Created [https://chaoscreated.com].