After dozens of interviews, co-host James Thomas finally takes his turn in the guest seat — the first of two holiday specials where the hosts swap roles.

Andrea and Amanda ask about Lego obsessions, losing a Welsh accent at medical school, that first patient who died, learning to delegate without red pen and why wandering through a career without a plan might be the best advice he's ever followed.

A conversation about shyness beaten out by medicine, creativity in different forms, inclusion work that matters and bringing your whole self to work — even when it's uncomfortable.

Next time: Andrea's turn in the hot seat.

Rachel Gibbons works on reception in histopathology at Sherwood Forest Hospitals. She greets people with a smile, types reports and prepares MDT slides – but her knowledge gained from years in the department has saved lives closer to home than she ever imagined.

In this episode, Rachel shares how her understanding of pathology helped spot cancer in three family members: her stepson's rare sarcoma, her own endometrial cancer, and a malignant melanoma on her husband's back. All three survived, thanks to early detection and NHS care.

Rachel also reflects on the vital role of admin staff in healthcare, why AI can't replace human intuition, and what it means to work behind the scenes in one of the hospital's most critical departments. A powerful reminder that every role matters – and that knowledge, kindness and paying attention can change everything.

Dr Saroona Haroon is a histopathologist at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and a self-described "detective of the microscope." In this conversation, she reveals the world behind the biopsies – the careful art of diagnosing disease from tiny tissue slices, the three-micron precision of lab work, and the deep satisfaction of solving diagnostic puzzles that directly help patients she'll never meet.

Saroona talks about growing up surrounded by microscopes and x-ray boxes in her grandfather's GP practice, following her mother into laboratory medicine, and finding her passion in dermatopathology. She shares how her faith guides her approach to work and life, the importance of halal income, and how she balances clinical excellence with raising a family.

This episode celebrates the heroes behind the scenes – the pathologists, biomedical scientists and lab teams whose meticulous work underpins diagnosis and treatment across the NHS. Saroona's infectious enthusiasm for her specialty reminds us why histopathology matters, even if most patients never see the people examining their slides.

A conversation about precision, purpose and the joy of work that genuinely fulfills.