EPISODE 52
NOTE: This episode was originally recorded in March 2025
We’re told to “trust the NHS” and “trust the science” – but what does that even mean in a broken system full of quick fixes…
This week, I’m sitting down with NHS GP Dr Mike Banna to go inside the high-pressure environment affected by political shake-ups, waiting lists and a service that’s been running in crisis mode for over a decade.
Mike pulls apart the hype around Ozempic and GLP‑1 weight-loss injections, the moral judgement baked into obesity conversations, and why misinformation might be one of the biggest threats to your health in the modern age.
Dr Mike joins Ty Temel on episode 52 of the Off Script podcast to share:
How the NHS really works from the inside, from constant crisis and staff shortages to “taking back control” of NHS England
The rise of Ozempic and GLP‑1 drugs, and the moral judgement we attach to people using them
Why misinformation and polarising online health content may be one of the biggest current threats to our health
The truth behind “Health at Every Size” and how to separate health behaviours from weight obsession and shame
How your algorithm quietly rewires how you see your body and your life
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
“The thing about the NHS is we either have an NHS or we don't. We either look after everybody or we don't. It's very difficult to try and do any sort of form of means testing.”
– Dr Mike Banna - 11:20
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“I don't remember a time during my career where we weren't under crisis or where you couldn't describe it as a crisis.” – Dr Mike Banna - 16:50
“The goal wasn’t to trump them. The goal was to deliver a better service, so ultimately, as a business I could charge more, which is what I did.” 13:31 - Phil Learney
“It’s like the guy in a nightclub standing in the corner waiting for the girl to come over and talk to him. This is what PT’s do.” - 18:00 - Phil Learney
“You’ve judged me maybe on what I’m wearing. Maybe the colour of my skin. You’ve not engaged with me when I’m a serious buyer.” 26:10 - Ty Temel
“It’s all about who has the most social followers or is creating the most engaging content, regardless of who’s actually delivering the best outcome for the client.” - 39:17 - Ty Temel
“Let’s not call it an alarm. Siren. You have a siren that goes off to wake you up in the morning.” - 52:43 - Phil Learney
“If you sleep in, you’re not in debt anymore. You’re jet lagged.” - 1:13:43 - Phil Learney
“You can be somebody who goes out every Friday and Saturday night and sleeps in every Saturday and Sunday. But if you do that, you have the biology of a shift worker.” - 1:15:41 - Phil Learney
“Every mammal on the planet gets up to the sun. We don’t. We get up when an alarm goes off.” 1:16:57 - Phil Learney