In this episode of Just A Sharp Scratch, Kachusha Nkosha shares her inspiring journey into midwifery, discussing her motivations, the challenges she faced, and her initiatives aimed at improving midwifery practices in Zambia.
She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, evidence-based practices, and the need for midwives to advocate for their roles in healthcare. Kachusha also reflects on her TED Talk experience and the significance of continuous guidance in midwifery.
The conversation highlights the current challenges facing midwives in Zambia, including employment issues and the need for policy changes, while also looking forward to the future of midwifery and the role of technology in healthcare.
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, Martyn welcomes Peter Murphy Lewis, creator of the documentary series People Worth Caring About, and Erin Hart, Chief Operating Officer of the National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA).
The discussion explores the challenges and opportunities facing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in the United States, drawing parallels with the Nursing Associate role in the UK. Peter shares insights from filming People Worth Caring About, capturing the lives of CNAs and residents in long-term care. Erin highlights NAHCA’s work in advocacy, training, and creating career ladders that give dignity and progression to frontline caregivers.
Together they cover:
The reality of working in long-term care facilities
Why storytelling is crucial for workforce recognition
The power of career ladders and professional development for CNAs
What the UK can learn from the U.S. approach to supporting frontline carers
This is a thought-provoking conversation for anyone passionate about valuing the people who provide hands-on care every day.
Delivering Babies Down Under: Part 2 with Sydney Graves.
In this follow-up episode, Sydney opens up about:
The reality of midwifery in Australia
Challenges midwives face at home and abroad
Misinformation and stigma around breastfeeding
The potential role of AI in maternity care
Hopes for the future of the profession
An honest, insightful conversation you don’t want to miss.
🌍 International Midwifery Mini-Series – Australia with Sydney Graves
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, we travel (virtually) to Australia to chat with Sydney Graves a UK-trained midwife who swapped life in the NHS for a new chapter down under.
Although she’s no longer practicing clinically, Sydney has built a new career as a hypnobirthing instructor, digital creator, and founder of Serene Birthing with Syd. We talk about her journey from midwifery to entrepreneurship, how she uses her platform to educate and support expecting parents, and the cultural differences she’s noticed between the UK and Australia.
Of course, there’s also a hilarious case of mistaken identity on shift that still has us laughing.
🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
#InternationalMidwifery #JustASharpScratch #SydneyGraves #Hypnobirthing #MidwiferyPodcast #HealthcareHumour
Midwife and advocate Lara Basini returns for Part 2 of her powerful conversation with host Martyn Davey and co-host Ellisha Wright on Just a Sharp Scratch: The Pulse.
Together, they unpack the emotional challenges midwives face, the importance of advocacy, and the need for change in maternity care across the UK.
This episode is honest, challenging, and packed with insight.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music
📺 Full video on YouTube — Just a Sharp Scratch: The Pulse
Midwife Under Pressure: A Story of Survival and Strength
Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose
In this powerful and honest conversation, Midwife Millar (Lara Basini-Millar) shares her experience of bullying and trauma in the NHS. From feeling isolated at work to facing mental health struggles, this is a raw and important story about what happens when support systems break down — and what it takes to survive.
Content Warning:
This episode contains open discussions around bullying, workplace trauma, and suicidal thoughts. Some viewers may find this distressing. Support details are listed below.
💙 If you’re struggling, please remember you’re not alone. Support is available:
Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7)
Mind – 0300 123 3393 or text 86463
NHS Mental Health Helpline – Call 111 and press option 2
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications to hear more real voices from healthcare.
Thank you for listening, and please take care.
#MidwifeUnderPressure #JustASharpScratch #TheExtraDose #MidwifeMillar #WorkplaceBullying #MentalHealthMatters #NHSVoices #CountdownToChange
To follow Midwifmillar on Tiktok click on the link below:
https://www.tiktok.com/@midwifemillar?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
In this heartfelt episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, we’re joined by Midwife Alyssa, a Nurse Practitioner and educator based in Oklahoma, whose work spans both local communities and global healthcare settings.
Together, we explore what truly patient-centered care looks like — from listening to the body, to honouring the voice of the mum-to-be, and creating space for informed choice and respectful care. Alyssa shares her journey, insights from the field, and why trust, advocacy, and compassion are the foundation of meaningful healthcare.
Whether you're a student, clinician, or someone passionate about improving care — this episode is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is listen.
In this powerful episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, host Martyn Davey — Nursing Associate and recent new dad — sits down with Dr Seifu Kebede, a health economist and global health expert originally from Ethiopia.
Together, they explore how midwifery is shaping maternal health outcomes in Ethiopia, the role of policy and investment in supporting midwives, and what the UK and global health systems can learn from Ethiopia’s approach.
Part of our international midwifery series, co-hosted by Ella Wright, this conversation highlights why investing in midwives is not just a health issue — it's a global priority.
🎙️: "Leading with Purpose: Dr. Marcelena Joseph-Rochea on Elevating Patient Care"Guest: Dr. Marcelena Joseph-Rochea, DNP, RN, CMSRN – Patient Care Director at Gracie Square Hospital
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, Martyn engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Marcelena Joseph-Rochea, a distinguished nursing leader whose career spans diverse clinical settings and leadership roles. From her early days in psychiatric nursing to her current position as Patient Care Director at Gracie Square Hospital, Dr. Joseph-Rochea shares insights into her journey, the challenges faced, and the initiatives she's championed to enhance patient care and nursing practice.
Listeners will gain an understanding of the complexities of psychiatric nursing, the importance of leadership in healthcare, and the impact of mentorship and continuous learning in nursing careers. Dr. Joseph-Rochea's dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and her advocacy for nursing excellence serve as an inspiration for both current and aspiring healthcare professionals.
“Catching Life: A Midwife’s Journey with Ellisha Wright”
📝 Episode Description:
In this powerful first episode of our midwifery mini-series on Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, we speak with Ellisha Wright BSc, Senior Independent Midwife and Founding Director of MidwifeX.
Ellisha shares her inspiring journey into midwifery, her passion for personalised care, and what it means to support people through one of life’s most defining moments — birth. From navigating the challenges of the profession to founding her own midwifery service, this episode dives deep into what it truly means to “catch life.”
Released in celebration of International Midwives Day, this conversation kicks off a global exploration of midwifery and the incredible individuals behind the profession.
We’re thrilled to bring you a very special episode of our International Nursing Associate mini-series featuring Sandra Dawe — an experienced RN, IPHM-certified Holistic Practitioner, and university lecturer based in Texas. 🇺🇸
In this inspiring conversation, Sandra shares her insights into global nursing practices, the growing role of holistic health in mainstream care, and how education is shaping the next generation of nurses and nursing associates around the world.
Join us as we explore how international experiences and holistic approaches are redefining the future of nursing — from the UK to the US and beyond.
✨ Episode drops this Monday!
#JustASharpScratch | #NursingAssociates | #RN | #HolisticNursing | #NurseEducator | #InternationalNursing
🎙️ Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose — International Nursing Mini-Series Episode Title: Borderless Care: Elizabeth’s LVN Journey
In this episode of our international mini-series, we head to the heart of Texas to meet Elizabeth Espinoza-Rodriguez, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) whose career spans hospice care, ambulance response, and community-based nursing.
Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey into the world of vocational nursing, offering insight into what it means to be an LVN in the U.S. healthcare system. From fast-paced emergency work to the emotional depth of end-of-life care, her experience reflects the diverse and essential role LVNs play across settings.
We also explore how the LVN role compares to the Nursing Associate role in the UK — highlighting the similarities, the differences, and the shared passion at the core of nursing worldwide.
🌍 One world, many nursing voices — this is global nursing through the eyes of those living it.
🎙️ International Nursing Associate Mini-Series: Christine Green, LPN
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we continue our International Nursing Associate mini-series with a special guest—Christine Green, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)! Christine shares her journey as an LPN, offering insights into how the role compares to the Nursing Associate position in the UK, the challenges and rewards of the job, and the vital impact LPNs make in patient care.
We also have some exciting updates! 🚀
🎥 Our Just a Sharp Scratch YouTube channel is launching soon, and applications are still open for our Day in the Life of a Nursing Associate video series—but hurry, the deadline is March 28th! 📅
💡 Plus, don’t miss the BCU National Nursing Associate Conference, a must-attend event for Nursing Associates and students. Find out more here: BCU National Nursing Associate Conference
"In the first episode of our international Nursing Associate mini-series, we’re heading to Australia to explore life as an Enrolled Nurse in surgical theatres! 🇦🇺✨
Joining us is Bradley Ross, an EN working in operating rooms, who gives us an inside look at theatre nursing Down Under. From training and responsibilities to the challenges of surgical care, we discuss how the role compares to the UK and what we can learn from different healthcare systems.
📢 Don’t forget! Applications for our upcoming YouTube series, A Day in the Life of a Nursing Associate, close on March 28th. If you want to be featured, head to www.justasharpscratch.com to apply!
🎧 Tune in to Just a Sharp Scratch and The Extra Dose on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms!"
In this episode of Just a Sharp Scratch, we delve into a topic that’s often overlooked yet essential to overall well-being: pelvic floor health. Joining us is Dr. Sophie Wood, a general practitioner with a special interest in women’s health, who shares her insights on the importance of maintaining a strong, healthy pelvic floor for both men and women.
Dr. Wood discusses the common issues that can arise from pelvic floor dysfunction, from incontinence to pain, and offers practical advice on prevention, treatment, and lifestyle adjustments that can make a real difference. We explore why pelvic floor health is so crucial, how it’s connected to daily activities, and what steps healthcare providers can take to support patients in addressing these concerns with confidence and care.
Tune in to learn why a strong pelvic floor is the foundation of a strong body, and how you can take steps toward better health, whatever your age or background.
In this important episode, Dr. Sophie Wood joins us to discuss breast screening, a crucial tool in early detection and breast health. We explore what to expect during screenings, who should consider them, and the latest recommendations and technology. Dr. Wood also addresses common fears and misconceptions, providing insights to help listeners feel prepared and empowered when it comes to breast screening. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take charge of their health!
In this episode, Dr. Sophie Wood returns to shed light on a common but often overlooked issue: heavy menstrual bleeding. We discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as well as practical ways to manage and advocate for better care. Dr. Wood shares valuable insights into what’s considered “normal” versus what might signal a need for medical support, helping listeners navigate this often challenging experience with confidence and clarity.
In this episode, we’re joined again by Dr. Sophie Wood to explore the diverse world of contraception. From pills to implants, and everything in between, we discuss how to find the right fit for each person’s needs. Dr. Wood breaks down myths, shares essential tips, and empowers listeners with the information needed to make informed contraceptive choices. Whether you're exploring options for the first time or considering a switch, this episode has you covered!
