In My Own Time: Thoughts from Fort Buggeration - Introduction

Getting My Throat Cut — A Calm Thyroidectomy Tale: My experience with thyroid removal on the NHS

In this episode, I recount my surprisingly serene experience of having both thyroid glands removed on the NHS — from diagnosis and hospital gown, to anaesthetic bliss and a quick recovery. A gentle reflection on healthcare, goitres, and gratitude.

Bums and Benefits: My Colonoscopy via the NHS (National Health Service UK)

In this episode, Paul shares a very personal tale from the far end of the body. At 73, he's no stranger to medical prodding—and in this frank, gently humorous account, he recalls his two NHS colonoscopies with curiosity, gratitude, and not a hint of embarrassment. With a nod to his father's experience with bowel cancer, Paul explains why this intimate procedure is worth facing head-on (or rather, bottom-up). Expect brown paper pants, some inner housekeeping, and a reminder of why the National Health Service remains one of Britain’s finest ideas.

We Are Never Fully Known; Do we know one another or even ourselves?

The mystery we are to ourselves and others.1

Here's not looking at you: The Gen-Z stare

The Gen-Z stare The cover art is an AI generated image

Bugs and me: Large insects and small

My encounters with a few noteworthy bugs