For our first episode of series 6 we are delighted to be joined by former BBC reporter Rory Cellen-Jones. As well as a successful career in journalism, Rory is also part of “Movers and Shakers’ - the hit podcast about life with Parkinsons.

Rory was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2019 and has spent recent years investigating the role technology can play in improving the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We discuss the role medicines now play in his life, his experience of healthcare and the need to make Parkinson’s disease more visible with help for patients to navigate the system.

A key theme of Rory’s experience has been the impact of communication - both good and bad. In our micro-discussion we discuss the report by DEMOS “I love the NHS but… preventing needless harms caused by poor communication in the NHS” https://demos.co.uk/research/i-love-the-nhs-but-preventing-needless-harms-caused-by-poor-communications-in-the-nhs/ - a powerful exploration of the problems caused by poor communication and recommendations on how to solve it.

We also discuss Rory’s fantastic memoir ‘Ruskin Park - Sylvia, me and the BBC’ - http://litalist.com/book/9781914613432. Keep an ear out for the drug ‘Oblivon’ and its interesting instructions…

As with all of our guests, Rory shares with us a Desert Island Drug, a life anthem and book that has influenced his life. Rory’s choice comes with a lesson from Steve in Pharmacology…!

Rory’s fame of course is succeeded by his more famous pet - check out #sophiefromromania on Twitter to enjoy the story of a rescue dog from Romania.

Our new website is now live https://www.theauralapothecary.com/ and as well as being a searchable database of all episodes, we will be uploading transcripts and extra content for your enjoyment and education. Have a look and let us know what you think!

You can find out more about the superb Movers and Shakers podcast here; it is superb and a must listen for anyone interested in the lived experience of people with a chronic condition. @moversand6 https://open.spotify.com/show/4dipKcMG0IocnGsdRmB2nJ

Our latest blog posts talks about our first live public show - ‘Music, Memories and Medicines’ - have a read here; https://www.theauralapothecary.com/blog/the-three-apothecaries-music-medicines-and-memories/

To get in touch follow us on Twitter @auralapothecary or email us at [email protected] . Don’t forget to rate us and comment wherever you have got this podcast from.

You can listen to the Aural Apothecary playlist here; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OsWj4w8sxsvuwR9zMXgn5?si=tiHXrQI7QsGtSQwPyz1KBg

You can view the Aural Apothecary Library here; https://litalist.com/shelf/view-bookcase?publicId=KN6E3O