Just A Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Just a Sharp Scratch: The Extra Dose, we reflect on the personal impact of false allegations and what it takes to move forward after harm is caused.

Our guest shares her lived experience of being falsely accused online, the emotional toll it took, and how the situation was ultimately resolved through dialogue, accountability, and apology. The conversation centres on truth, reflection, forgiveness, and the human cost of public accusations — without speculation or sensationalism.

We close the episode by looking ahead to 2026, carrying lessons forward, and finishing with a lighter New Year’s Eve moment.

This episode discusses personal experiences of false allegations and their emotional impact. Some listeners may find this difficult, so please take care while listening.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Sally Pezaro shares her journey from midwifery to academia, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the field.

She emphasizes the importance of professional identity, leadership, and the role of technology in midwifery practice. The discussion also touches on gender equity, intersectionality, and the need for midwives to evolve and advocate for themselves and their patients. Dr. Pezaro highlights the significance of collaboration and the potential for midwives to make a difference both within and outside the NHS.

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

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Thank you for listening, and please take care.

#MidwifeUnderPressure #JustASharpScratch #TheExtraDose #MidwifeMillar #WorkplaceBullying #MentalHealthMatters #NHSVoices #CountdownToChange

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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.