The latest episode of 2 Parkies in a Pod, titled Coming Out focuses on two guests who share deeply personal stories.
Hosts Dave Clark and Kuhan speak with Scott Hickman from Totnes and Paul Morris from Bristol, two gay men diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease in their early thirties.
Their conversation moves through identity, stigma, trauma and the unexpected connections that helped them rebuild confidence.
Scott and Paul both describe their diagnoses as a “second coming out”. They speak about the shame and isolation they felt initially, and the moment they realised they no longer wanted to hide their symptoms or their struggles.
Their experiences were shaped by age and circumstances, as they did not know other people “like them” living with the disease at such an early stage in life.
The episode shows how the lack of visibility in young onset communities can intensify feelings of separation.
Scott explains that he spent eight years without meeting another person with Parkinson’s after his diagnosis in 2013 and 2014. A series of losses pushed him towards a rural life where he hoped to disappear, and he hid his symptoms until they became impossible to mask.
Paul recalls a similarly difficult period, marked by the deaths of both his parents and a period of severe emotional strain, before finding purpose again through new connections and a growing support network.
The discussion highlights how community can reshape a diagnosis. Both guests say the podcast itself played a small but important part in helping them feel understood.
Scott shares that he met his husband, Ben, after his diagnosis at an LGBTQ silent Buddhist retreat in Devon, describing the relationship as a positive turning point.
Paul describes creating his YouTube channel, The Invisible Man, as a rebellion against the pressure to stay quiet, and he has since formed links with people around the world.
The episode also touches on the realities of treatment. Scott speaks openly about the trauma he faced during the “off test” for Deep Brain Stimulation, explaining how the experience mirrored past events and required extensive therapy to process.
Paul talks about being one of the first in the UK to use Adaptive DBS, which has made a significant difference to his symptoms despite early complications.
The conversation concludes with both guests describing the value of online groups, including LGBTQ meet-ups, young onset podcast clubs and DBS support sessions.
2 Parkies in a Pod is available on all major podcast platforms.
