Advertise on podcast: Dystonia Matters Podcast

In this episode, Dayna speaks with Tom, who shares his honest and deeply personal experience of living with a rare form of dystonia called ProGene dyskinesia. Diagnosed at 18 after years of misdiagnoses and uncertainty, Tom reflects on the journey to getting answers, the daily reality of managing 10 to 20 spasms a day, and the emotional weight that comes with explaining a little-known condition to those who don’t understand it. Through humour, openness and clear-eyed insight, Tom brings listeners into his world, sharing the highs and lows with compassion and clarity. Together, Tom and Dayna explore the impact of dystonia not just on the body, but on relationships, mental health, and identity. From the challenge of navigating the healthcare system to the freedom he finds in fitness and routine, Tom offers a powerful message about self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of community. Whether you’re living with dystonia, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand more about this condition, this conversation is a generous and important listen.

In this episode of the Dystonia Matters podcast, Dayna is joined by Josh-Jayy who shares the emotional and impactful story of his mum’s journey living with neck (cervical) dystonia. Through Josh-Jayy's eyes, we hear how the condition has affected not just his mum’s life but the family’s experience as a whole. From recognising the first signs to dealing with diagnosis delays and the challenges of treatment, Josh-Jayy gives an honest account of supporting a loved one with a little-known neurological disorder. He offers valuable insights into the daily realities of life with dystonia, including the social stigma, invisible symptoms, and the importance of family and community support. His reflections are heartfelt and thoughtful, capturing the complexity of being a carer and an advocate. The episode highlights the power of sharing stories to raise awareness and create a more compassionate understanding of life with dystonia.

In our first episode of season five, Karen sits down with Dayna to share her story with warmth and humour. She talks about her journey living with dystonia, from being born with the condition due to a possible birth injury and facing a long road to diagnosis in her 30s, to breaking down barriers in her career after receiving her diagnosis.  View the transcript of Karen's story here. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ Visit ⁠www.dystonia.org.uk⁠  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.

After hearing about Lola's brilliant football stadium fundraiser, Dayna couldn't wait to chat to her for the last episode of season four. Lola talks about her grandad's experiences of living with dystonia and how this has affected her, as well as the difficulties of going out and about in society when living with dystonia and her determination to raise awareness about the condition to help her grandad and others like him. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ Visit ⁠www.dystonia.org.uk⁠  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.  

After hearing about Emma's high flying plans to do a wing walk in aid of Dystonia UK, Dayna was so excited to sit down with her on the podcast. Tune in to hear about Emma's experiences with medication and alternative therapies (including infamous cold dunks!!), the challenges of trying to get people to understand dystonia, and her dream to help others living with the condition. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Visit www.dystonia.org.uk  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.  

Having met Mark at many Dystonia UK events, Dayna could't wait to have him on the podcast. Tune in to hear about Mark's experiences with his local group and how he came to educate Nicky Campbell on dystonia and how much he loves Sara (without an H) all live on national radio. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Visit www.dystonia.org.uk  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.

After a few months of trying to get together Dayna and Jason finally got to sit down and record the podcast. Jason reflects on the challenges of living with a chronic condition and how he is finding hope through alternative treatment solutions. By speaking with Dayna, Jason also experiences a transformative breakthrough towards his attitude to dystonia. Not to mention his amazing fundraising experience and how he is eager to learn more about our amazing community. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Visit www.dystonia.org.uk  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.

Parents Emma and Gareth share the story of their incredible eight-year-old daughter, Hayley, who has become the first in the world to undergo a new form of advanced deep brain stimulation. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Visit www.dystonia.org.uk  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.

For the first episode of Season Four, Dayna is joined by the wonderful Rebecca! Rebecca discusses her life's unexpected shift from an active student midwife to life full-time in a wheelchair. Amidst this transition, she created a new path as an accomplished author, creating a range of children’s books and young adult titles. She also opens up about the heartfelt encounter that led to meeting her husband and offers insights into the perspective her children hold of her. In October 2023, Rebecca released a poetry collection, 'Freefall Dysfunctionally Me', with all royalties from the collection being donated to Dystonia UK.   Tune in to explore Rebecca's extraordinary story of resilience and perseverance. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: [email protected] Visit www.dystonia.org.uk  for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on X, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather’s Media Hub Ltd.  

In our latest episode we were joined by the super talented Paralympic Boccia champion - Claire Taggart.Hear Claire talk about inclusion in sport and how she's using her voice to raise awareness of dystonia. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: [email protected] Visit ⁠www.dystonia.org.uk⁠ for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd

In this episode Katie joins Dayna to chat about having an incredibly busy home life! How dystonia has changed her life beyond measure affecting her confidence and friendship groups, Life in a wheelchair, meeting people with the condition for the 1st time at Dystonia Matters Live 2023 and how much of a relief that was and how she is taking control of her future. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: [email protected] Visit www.dystonia.org.uk for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd

In episode 2 of the 3rd season of the podcast, Dayna is joined by the fabulous Beccy! Beccy who has been diagnosed with hemi-dystonia, has run marathons, been a torch bearer for the 2012 London Olympics and opens up with a brave vulnerability & unflinching honesty about her life. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would like to share your story on our Dystonia Matters podcast, get in touch: [email protected] Visit www.dystonia.org.uk for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd

For the first episode of Season Three, Dayna chats with Tajana about her dystonia story; from her experiences having deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a child and what that was like at school and the hospital, to some of her employment highs and lows, to talking about awareness. Contact Information Visit www.dystonia.org.uk for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd

In this episode of the Dystonia Matters podcast, Dayna and Luca got to sit down and have a chat about how it was growing up with dystonia, having deep brain stimulation surgery, and what it is like now being 15, taking exams and having a long term condition. We have watched Luca grow up and have heard his story through his mum's eyes. It was a pleasure to hear it in his own words and see how much raising awareness means to him. Please note the sound quality in some parts of the recording are not perfect. Contact Information Visit www.dystonia.org.uk for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd

Dystonia Superstar Award winner, Kimberley, stopped by the podcast to chat to Dayna about her dystonia story. They talked about about Kimberley's surprise at winning one of the Dystonia UK awards after a nomination from her mum (which she forgot doing!), her journey to getting a diagnosis, meeting her husband and becoming a mum. Contact Information Visit www.dystonia.org.uk for further information and details on becoming a Dystonia UK member. Email: [email protected] for any questions or topic suggestions you may have for future episodes. This show is brought to you by Dystonia UK. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram @DystoniaUK. Hosted by: Dayna Ferdinandi, Director of Fundraising and Communications Post Production: Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd