A new children’s podcast series will help to explain Parkinson’s through storytelling, music and movement.
Manchester-based Made By Mortals CIC has partnered with Parkinson’s UK to create a special three-part Armchair Adventures series for listeners aged six to ten.
The story, titled A Planet Exercise Adventure!, has been developed with people living with Parkinson’s, alongside carers and families, to ensure it reflects real experiences in an accessible way.
Across the episodes, listeners follow Chief Adventurer Connie, her Nanna Debs and a group of explorers travelling to a musical world called Planet Exercise.
The setting introduces different ways to stay active, from gentle stretching to energetic dancing, while highlighting that exercise can look different for everyone.
The narrative is shaped by Nanna Debs’ Parkinson’s diagnosis, as Connie looks for ways to help her stay well, offering younger audiences a way to understand changes in movement and daily life.
In the first episode, Nanna Debs explains, “Exercise can help people with Parkinson’s feel better, just like medicine.”
Through interactive storytelling and music, the series is designed to support conversations within families about Parkinson’s and its impact.
Andy Smith, Artistic Director at Made By Mortals, said: “Armchair Adventures is all about turning real experiences into joyful, imaginative stories for families.
“Working with Parkinson’s UK and people living with Parkinson’s has helped us create something that feels both playful and truthful, helping children understand a complex condition in a way that’s accessible and reassuring.”
Helen Sturman, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, added: “We’re really excited about the launch of this Armchair Adventures episode. Explaining Parkinson’s to children isn’t always easy, and this is a fun way to help them understand how it can affect people.”
The first episode launches on 7 May, followed by further instalments on 21 May and 4 June, with a companion Unpacked episode released on 18 June.
Armchair Adventures is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
