The Doctor Who Turned His Diaries Into A Hit Show

2025-04-13

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Adam Kay knew exactly who he wanted to play him in the TV version of his life. After spending years working in hospitals across the UK, mostly in obstetrics and gynaecology, Adam—completely burnt out—took a break. What was meant to be a short pause turned into 14 years and counting. During his training in the labour wards, Adam kept a diary. Those diary entries would later become a best-selling book (This Is Going To Hurt, which sold over 5 million copies), and eventually a hit TV series starring Ben...

Adam Kay knew exactly who he wanted to play him in the TV version of his life.

After spending years working in hospitals across the UK, mostly in obstetrics and gynaecology, Adam—completely burnt out—took a break. What was meant to be a short pause turned into 14 years and counting.

During his training in the labour wards, Adam kept a diary. Those diary entries would later become a best-selling book (This Is Going To Hurt, which sold over 5 million copies), and eventually a hit TV series starring Ben Whishaw as Adam.

In this candid, emotional, and at times hilarious conversation, Adam talks about:

– The human cost of being a doctor
– Why mental health support in medicine is so urgently needed
– What changes are essential—both in the UK and here in Australia
– And… the strangest things people have turned up to hospital with inside their bodies.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever been a patient, worked in healthcare, or simply wants to understand the real cost of caring.

If you'd like to see Adam Kay live in Australia, he's currently touring the country. You can look at his tour dates here.

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CREDITS:

Host: Kate Langbroek

Guest: Adam Kay

Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Senior Producer: Grace Rouvray

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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