Blog Post: A Week of Reflections and Reading in the New Forest

On the Edge with Jon

1×

0:00

-32:02

Blog Post: A Week of Reflections and Reading in the New Forest

Jon Biddle

Aug 03, 2024

Transcript

Hello, dear readers and listeners! It’s been quite the eventful week at the Biddle writing desk. Between diving into some truly fascinating books and basking in the natural beauty of the New Forest, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect, read, and write. Let me take you through the highlights.

Rejections and Resilience

This week brought the familiar sting of rejection, something all writers know too well. A prospective agent passed on my manuscript. Despite the polite and positive feedback, it’s still a “no.” But rejection is part of the journey, right? Each one brings you closer to finding that one person who really *gets* your work. And while it’s tempting to get down about it, I’d much rather have an agent who’s all in—someone who believes in the story as much as I do.

But enough about rejections—let’s talk about the silver linings. I received a fantastic response to last week’s podcast. Social media comments, emails, and texts from listeners gave me a much-needed boost. It got me thinking: why not up the ante and do two podcasts a week? One focused on my book research and the other on what’s coming up on Substack.

Exploring the New Forest

For those of you unfamiliar with the New Forest, it’s not actually new. This area of outstanding natural beauty in the south of England is a serene escape where ponies, pigs, and cattle roam freely. I spent the week soaking up the sun while Sam, my wife, showcased her art at the annual agricultural show. Watching her represent us and make the household proud was the highlight of my week.

Diving Into the News: The Lucy Letby Case

Now, onto something that’s been weighing on my mind—the Lucy Letby case. As someone who works in healthcare, this case hits close to home. Lucy Letby, a former nurse, was convicted last year of some horrific crimes—seven counts of murder and another seven attempts at murder, all involving infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The details of the case are chilling, and it’s hard to wrap my head around it.

But what really struck me was the role of NHS management in this tragedy. The case isn’t just about Letby; it’s about the broader implications for medical ethics. Why weren’t concerns raised earlier? Why weren’t proper actions taken when red flags appeared? These are the questions that need answers.

Is Trump a Racist?

Another topic that’s been swirling around in the news—and one that’s equally controversial—is Donald Trump’s recent appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention in Chicago. It was a surprising and, frankly, perplexing move for many.

Trump’s history with the Black community has been anything but straightforward, with numerous allegations of racism trailing his public life. From his infamous full-page ads calling for the death penalty for the Central Park Five in 1989 to his divisive comments on immigration and race during his presidency, the question of whether Trump is a racist has been a point of contention for years.

During the NABJ convention, Trump’s combative demeanor didn’t do much to dispel these accusations. His dismissive remarks towards the Black female moderators and his continued questioning of Kamala Harris’s heritage were particularly troubling.

For me, the question of Trump’s racism isn’t just about his words but about the broader impact of his actions and policies. It’s a complex issue, and one that likely won’t have a definitive answer anytime soon. Personally, I find Trump’s rhetoric divisive and antagonistic—traits that don’t sit well with someone in a position of such influence.

What I’ve Been Reading

But enough about the news—let’s talk books! I’ve had the pleasure of reading some fascinating works this month, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you.

1. “Eve” by Cat Bohannon**

This book is an absolute gem, diving into the evolutionary biology and anthropology of women. Bohannon’s narrative is both analytical and accessible, making complex scientific concepts easy to grasp. It’s essential reading for both men and women, offering deep insights into the genetic differences between the sexes and how these differences shape who we become.

2. “The Code Breaker” by Walter Isaacson**

If you’re fascinated by gene editing, this book is a must-read. Isaacson chronicles the life of Jennifer Doudna and the groundbreaking discovery of CRISPR technology. It’s a fast-paced, gripping account of how this technology is revolutionizing the way we approach diseases and genetic disorders. As a healthcare professional, I’m excited to see where CRISPR will take us.

3. “The Age of AI” by Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher**

I had high hopes for this one, but it turned out to be a bit of a letdown. The book delves into the transformative potential of AI but misses the mark on some crucial issues, particularly around AI regulation. It’s a missed opportunity to address the very real concerns about AI’s future impact.

4. “The Emperor of All Maladies” by Siddhartha Mukherjee**

This book blew me away. It’s a comprehensive look at the history of cancer, written by an oncologist who clearly knows his stuff. Mukherjee’s writing is engaging, informative, and offers a fresh perspective on a disease that touches so many lives. It’s not just for healthcare professionals; it’s for anyone who wants to understand more about cancer.

What’s Coming Up on Substack

Looking ahead, I’ve got some exciting posts lined up on Substack. We’ll be exploring the transition from miasma to microbes and diving into the fascinating history of vaccines. These pieces offer a deep dive into the history of medicine and public health, shedding light on how far we’ve come and the lessons that still guide us today.

And don’t forget to tune in for next week’s podcast, where we’ll explore the medical contributions of the Ancient Greeks and their lasting impact on modern healthcare.

Wrapping Up

Thank you for tuning in! It’s always a pleasure to share these insights and stories with you. If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to hit that subscribe link on my Substack to stay updated on all my latest content and podcast episodes. And remember—stay curious, keep reading, and as always, stay frosty!

---

That’s all for this week. Until next time!

Discussion about this podcast

On the Edge with Jon

In this podcast, I'll take you through the highs, the lows, and the unexpected plot twists that define my days. Imagine this: one moment I'm navigating the complexities of a medical thriller, and the next, I'm handling the intricate details of anaesthesia in the operating room. It's a dual life that's as intense as it is rewarding.

But that's not all. 'On the Edge with Jon Biddle' isn't just about the work—it’s about the passion, the struggles, and the triumphs. As a survivor of child abuse, a mental health advocate, a combat veteran, and a dedicated medical professional, my journey is anything but ordinary. Each week, I’ll share raw, unfiltered stories that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.

Expect candid conversations, behind-the-scenes insights into my writing process, and a dose of dark humour that keeps me sane amidst the chaos. I’ll challenge you to think beyond your realities, question the facts, and perhaps see the world through a different lens.

So, why should you listen? Because my stories aren’t just tales—they're experiences that might shake you to your core. They're narratives that blend the stark reality of the medical field with the gripping suspense of thriller fiction. And through it all, I aim to inspire, provoke thought, and maybe even give you a few laughs along the way.

Tune in to 'On the Edge with Jon Biddle' and let’s embark on this roller coaster ride together. Whether you’re a fan of medical thrillers, a fellow mental health warrior, or someone seeking a peek into the life of a writer who’s lived through it all, this podcast is for you.

So grab your headphones, hit that subscribe button, and prepare to explore the fascinating intersection of medicine and storytelling. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single episode.

Are you ready to dive into the whirlwind of my weeks as a non-fiction writer and blogger? Join me, Jon Biddle, as I peel back the curtain on the chaotic yet exhilarating life of balancing surgical precision with literary creativity. In this podcast, I'll take you through the highs, the lows, and the unexpected plot twists that define my days. Imagine this: one moment I'm navigating the complexities of a medical thriller, and the next, I'm handling the intricate details of anaesthesia in the operating room. It's a dual life that's as intense as it is rewarding. But that's not all. 'On the Edge with Jon Biddle' isn't just about the work—it’s about the passion, the struggles, and the triumphs. As a survivor of child abuse, a mental health advocate, a combat veteran, and a dedicated medical professional, my journey is anything but ordinary. Each week, I’ll share raw, unfiltered stories that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Expect candid conversations, behind-the-scenes insights into my writing process, and a dose of dark humour that keeps me sane amidst the chaos. I’ll challenge you to think beyond your realities, question the facts, and perhaps see the world through a different lens. So, why should you listen? Because my stories aren’t just tales—they're experiences that might shake you to your core. They're narratives that blend the stark reality of the medical field with the gripping suspense of thriller fiction. And through it all, I aim to inspire, provoke thought, and maybe even give you a few laughs along the way. Tune in to 'On the Edge with Jon Biddle' and let’s embark on this roller coaster ride together. Whether you’re a fan of medical thrillers, a fellow mental health warrior, or someone seeking a peek into the life of a writer who’s lived through it all, this podcast is for you. So grab your headphones, hit that subscribe button, and prepare to explore the fascinating intersection of medicine and storytelling. Trust me, you won't want to miss a single episode.

Listen on