In Two Minds Podcast

In part two of her conversation with dear friend Ruth Jones, Justine speaks with raw, unfiltered honesty about the heartbreak of slowly losing her mum, Annie. She shares the realities of caring, the moments she wishes she could relive, the memories she holds tight to and the overwhelming guilt that so many carers carry in silence. From the pain of a Christmas Eve goodbye to the love that never fades, nothing is left unsaid.

Driven by love and necessity, and determined that Annie’s life would leave a lasting mark, Justine went on to create . What began as grief became a legacy, a respite project that has transformed the lives of families living with dementia. A beautiful, dignified space where joy, music, kindness and humanity come first. Where carers are finally given permission to rest.

This episode is about more than loss.
It’s about making moments matter.
About finding light in the darkest places.
And about Annie’s legacy, living on through love, compassion and the lives she continues to touch.

If you have any questions for Justine and Prof Julie, email us at [email protected].
For further help and advice, please visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

🎙️ A very special episode on In Two Minds 💙

The one and only joins the podcast as guest co-host while Julie takes a short break. Alongside Ruth, Justine shares the story she never thought she could tell, the story of her mum, Annie, and their family’s journey through young-onset dementia.

Justine remembers Annie as she truly was: glamorous, hilarious, fiercely loving - a young mum and devoted grandmother. Together, Ruth and Justine talk honestly about the slow, confusing onset of dementia, the moments that only made sense in hindsight, and the heartbreak of watching independence, dignity and language gradually fade.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the reality of caring: the exhaustion, the humiliation dementia can bring, the “orchestrated fun,” and the painful question of who normality is really for.

A tribute to Annie, and to every family living with dementia - this is an episode about love in its rawest form, and why better understanding, support and respite matter so deeply.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

📩 Got a question for Justine and Prof Julie? Email [email protected]

🤍 For support and advice, visit alzheimers.org.uk

🎙️Produced by

🧠 New episode of In Two Minds is here

This week we’re joined by Dr. Emma Mead, Chief Scientific Officer at the Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, for a fascinating conversation on the future of Alzheimer’s and dementia research. We explore groundbreaking science, from the role of microglia and genetics to how new drugs are discovered and developed.

Dr. Mead shares an inspiring and hopeful vision for earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatments, and better quality of life for patients and families. Whether you’re curious about brain health, work in research, or have been touched by dementia, this is an episode not to miss.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
📩 Questions? [email protected]
🎧Produced by

Have you listened to the latest episode of In Two Minds yet? We’re joined by the amazing Tess Thomas, Manager at Ty Hapus in Cardiff - a unique respite centre supporting people living with young-onset dementia across South Wales.

Tess shares her passion for dementia care and how Ty Hapus creates a true home-from-home filled with purpose, connection, and joy for both guests and their carers. 💙

In this episode, we explore tailored activities and meaningful routines, the power of music and creativity, communication strategies that truly support, and the vital importance of respite for carers’ mental health.

Whether you’re a carer, health professional, or simply want to learn more about compassionate dementia care, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories and practical insights.

Whether you’re a carer, health professional, or simply want to learn more about compassionate dementia care, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories and practical insights.

🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
🎧Produced by

When someone you love is living with dementia, the future can feel frightening, confusing, and full of impossible choices.

In this episode, Clive Bowman (former Medical Director at Bupa) helps demystify what good care really looks like, and why planning before crisis hits can change everything.

Drawing on decades at both the bedside and the boardroom, Clive shares:
• why early planning matters
• how to recognise a high-quality care home
• why transparency with professionals is essential
• and how the right environment can protect dignity, connection, and quality of life

If you’ve ever wondered when to start looking at care options, whether transitions into care can improve wellbeing, or what truly defines compassionate care, this is a must-listen 🎧

📩 Questions for Justine & Prof Julie? Email [email protected]
💙For further support, visit the Alzheimer’s Society Website
🎧Produced by

dementiaresearch

Professor Julie and Justine were joined in the studio by the lovely Jen, owner of in Cardiff. Jen opens up about her mum’s PCA diagnosis, the sudden loss of her dad, and navigating life with young children while trying to hold everything together. Her story connects beautifully with Justine’s own caring journey: the confusion, the fear, the love, and the slow changes in someone you adore.

Jen shares how she’s learning to turn pain into power, and we talk about the small things that keep carers going, yoga, music, fresh air, or five guilt-free minutes to yourself.

This is a warm, honest conversation and a reminder that none of us are alone in dementia care. 💙

Have a story or question? 📧[email protected]

🎧 Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
🎙️ Produced by

“I want this disease and all these diseases to go the same way as all the other things that we’ve got rid of. We have had success with them and we will have success with this too.”

This week’s guest, Professor Caleb Webber, brings both expertise and personal experience to the In Two Minds studio.

He talks Parkinson’s, the science of dementia, why early detection matters, and the powerful reason he has dedicated his life to finding a cure.

An episode full of clarity, compassion, and hope.

Thank you Caleb for joining us in the studio 💙

Produced by 🎙️
Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🎧

This week, we were joined by the lovely Katie, daughter of Carrie from Season 1. 💙

Katie bravely opens up about what it was like growing up with a parent living with early-onset dementia, and the heartbreaking reality of watching her young, vibrant dad change over time.

In her episode, she reflects on the precious moments she had with him before he entered a nursing home, the emotional toll of becoming a young carer, and how she found support along the way.

Thank you, Katie, for sharing your story with such courage and honesty - we know it will help lots of young people in our community who are in the same position. 🤍

Inside the Future of Huntington’s Disease Research 🔬

This week on In Two Minds, neurologist and Huntington’s Diseases researcher Dr Tom Massey takes us deep into the science, hope and humanity driving the search for better treatments for Huntington’s disease.

Dr Massey shares why he’s feeling more encouraged than ever, with multiple trials underway and shares that there is a good chance that one of the drugs that can slow disease progression will come to fruition within the next 5 to 10 years. He also explains how emerging therapies might one day help people before symptoms even appear.

In an especially powerful moment, Tom reflects on the courage of patients and families who volunteer for complex and invasive trials, acts of hope that shape the future of HD care.

This is an essential listen for anyone affected by HD, working in neuro research, or curious about the future of brain health.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts
💬 Questions for Justine & Prof Julie? Email [email protected]
🎙️Produced by