Podcast Reveals Remarkable Parkinson’s Genetic Discovery | 2 Parkies in a Pod
A powerful new episode of the popular podcast 2 Parkies in a Pod reveals a remarkable personal story that connects family secrets, genetics, and a deeper understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Hosts Dave Clark and Kuhan Pushparatnam sit down with “Lucy” — a pseudonym to protect her identity — whose unexpected health journey has shed new light on the hereditary nature of the condition.
A Diagnosis That Triggered a Life-Changing Discovery
Lucy was only in her early forties when she received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s — an early onset that raised questions for her and her medical team. Seeking clarity, she turned to DNA testing, hoping it would offer answers about her health and possible risk factors.
But what she discovered reshaped not only her medical understanding, but her entire sense of identity.
The LRRK2 Mutation: A Rare Genetic Link
Test results revealed Lucy carries the LRRK2 genetic mutation, a rare variant associated with Parkinson’s and found in just 1% of white British individuals. While the mutation is uncommon, it is known to significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
The presence of LRRK2 raised a crucial question: Where did it come from?
A Family Secret Revealed
When Lucy shared her genetic findings with her mother, an unexpected truth came to light: She had been conceived using donor sperm — a fact that had been kept from her all her life.
The revelation reframed everything she thought she knew about her medical history, triggering both emotional and practical implications. With no biological connection to the father she grew up with, Lucy now had to confront the health risks associated with her biological lineage instead.
Tracing Her Biological Father and a Clear Pattern of Parkinson’s
Using DNA database matches, Lucy identified the man who was her biological father. With sensitivity and caution, she reached out through a mediator, eventually establishing contact.
What she learned next was extraordinary.
Her biological father had also been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Even more striking, his late father — Lucy’s biological grandfather — had lived with the condition as well.
This created a three-generation pattern of Parkinson’s linked through the same mutation, something Lucy had never been aware of until her diagnosis compelled her to investigate.
A Mission to Protect Others Conceived From the Same Donor
Armed with new knowledge, Lucy has become committed to helping others who may unknowingly share her genetic risk.
She is now working to alert:
Other donor-conceived individuals connected to the same biological father
Family networks that may be unaware of hereditary risk
Medical specialists who can offer early monitoring for those carrying the LRRK2 mutation
Lucy hopes her story will help others seek awareness, avoid delayed diagnoses, and access early treatment options when necessary.
Inside 2 Parkies in a Pod: A Space for Truth, Science, and Support
The conversation with Lucy forms part of 2 Parkies in a Pod, a podcast celebrated for its authentic storytelling and its dedication to uplifting the global Parkinson’s community.
The series:
Features honest interviews with patients, caregivers, scientists, and advocates
Provides expert insights into treatment, lifestyle management, and research
Builds connection through lived experience and relatable conversations
Since launch, the podcast has grown into a worldwide resource, reaching audiences in over 135 countries and achieving more than 270,000 plays across major platforms including:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon
YouTube
Parkinson’s ON
Meet the Hosts: Dave Clark & Kuhan Pushparatnam
Dave Clark
A former Sky Sports presenter, Dave has been a public champion for Parkinson’s awareness. He has raised nearly £500,000 for Parkinson’s causes and remains one of the UK’s most visible advocates.
Kuhan Pushparatnam
A telecoms specialist and the creator of the Parkinson’s ON app, Kuhan offers technological support to the community, including:
Symptom tracking
Medication management
Self-help resources
Digital tools for day-to-day living
The pair bring a combined 27 years of lived experience with Parkinson’s, blending empathy, humour, and practical wisdom. Their natural chemistry is rooted in a friendship that began long before they publicly shared their diagnoses — when Kuhan first contacted Dave on social media.
A Podcast Bringing Global Awareness to Parkinson’s
The episode with Lucy stands out for its emotional impact, scientific relevance, and public health importance. It highlights not only the complexities of being donor-conceived, but also the urgent need for genetic transparency, ethical donor practices, and increased awareness of hereditary Parkinson’s.
New episodes of 2 Parkies in a Pod are available on all major podcast platforms, continuing their mission to educate, support, and empower listeners around the world.
