In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen speaks with Dr. Victoria Rose, a UK-based consultant plastic surgeon, about her extensive humanitarian work in Gaza during the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The conversation opens with Dr. Rose's personal journey into medicine and plastic surgery, but quickly turns to her frontline experiences in Gaza, where she has completed three "tours" since 2018, working primarily with trauma victims – the majority of whom are children – in the besieged territory. Dr. Rose provides firsthand, harrowing accounts of the catastrophic impact of Israeli military operations on Gaza’s civilian population.

She describes the escalating numbers of wounded and killed, the relentless airstrikes, and the devastation wrought upon hospitals and essential infrastructure. The situation, as Dr. Rose recounts, is a direct result of the actions and policies of Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu's government. She underscores that this government is solely responsible for the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza, which she frankly describes as genocide. She details the work of her team in conjunction with IDEALS, a medical charity, and shares powerful stories of the local population’s resilience and unimaginable hardship—highlighting how Gaza, before the war, was a place full of culture, education, and strong community bonds, now reduced to ruins where survival is the daily struggle.

Dr. Rose discusses the profound psychological and physical toll on children, illustrating this with stories of child patients who have suffered life-changing injuries or lost family members in the bombardment. A significant part of the conversation focuses on the catastrophic failure of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the body currently tasked with delivering aid. Dr. Rose describes the GHF's approach as disgraceful, militarized, and deadly, with their flawed system resulting in additional deaths—including shootings at aid distribution points—and inadequate food provision (often just bags of rice and pasta, far from meeting the actual needs of the population). She states unequivocally that the GHF must be removed and replaced by legitimate, experienced humanitarian actors such as UNICEF, UNRWA, the World Food Programme, and other established aid organizations that are capable of providing comprehensive relief, including food, healthcare, water, sanitation, and protection for the most vulnerable.

Dr. Rose also addresses the misinformation and propaganda in Western media, calling out news organizations like the BBC for adopting narratives that label Palestinian healthcare workers as members of Hamas—assertions she firmly refutes based on her on-the-ground experience. She emphasizes that her colleagues in Gaza are doctors and nurses dedicated solely to saving lives amid impossible conditions. In her message to world leaders and the international community, Dr. Rose urges for immediate, tangible action: a ceasefire leading to a two-state solution, and the restoration of proper humanitarian agencies in Gaza. She insists that real change requires both political will and a return to basic human decency—her most striking takeaway being, "We just have to be nice to each other."

This episode offers a raw, urgent, and deeply informed perspective on the devastation in Gaza, directly holding Israel and its current leadership responsible for the humanitarian disaster, and calls for an overhaul of current aid mechanisms to prevent further needless suffering.

Sponsored by Wilson Auctions (wilsonauctions.com)

Join us for an inspiring episode of "What Makes You Tick" as we sit down with former professional rugby player Dev Toner! 🏉 In this candid conversation, Dev shares his journey from the rugby pitch to the world of financial wellness, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.

Discover how he navigated the pressures of professional sport, the importance of camaraderie, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. Dev also opens up about the impact of family, the significance of mental resilience, and how he’s now helping others achieve financial security.

Whether you're a sports fan or just looking for motivation in your own life, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt stories that will resonate with everyone. Tune in and get inspired! 🌟

#WhatMakesYouTick #DevToner #Rugby #FinancialWellness #Inspiration #Podcast

In this episode of "What Makes You Tick," host Stephen engages in a deep and insightful conversation with David Kearney, a former high-performance director for ladies' golf in Ireland and co-founder of Sigmoid Sports. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of mental resilience in sports, the challenges of promoting golf among women, and the significance of creating a welcoming environment for newcomers to the game.

David shares his journey in golf, from his early experiences to his current role in coaching and mentoring athletes. He emphasizes the need for a supportive community in sports, particularly for women, and discusses the unique challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated environment. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of coaching, the importance of self-talk, and the value of being present in the moment.

Listeners will gain insights into the dynamics of coaching, the role of parents in a young athlete's journey, and the significance of fostering a love for the game rather than focusing solely on competition. David's passion for golf and his commitment to making the sport accessible to everyone shine through in this engaging episode.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The role of psychology in sports and coaching

• The importance of community and support in golf

• Strategies for encouraging female participation in sports

• The significance of self-talk and mental resilience

• David's experiences and lessons learned throughout his career

Links and Resources:

• Sigmoid Sports Website

• What Makes You Tick Podcast

For more information and to access the full show notes, visit this link.

Join Stephen and David for an inspiring conversation that highlights the transformative power of sports and the importance of community in fostering growth and resilience.

This episode is sponsored by Wilsons Auctions, the largest independent auction company in Ireland and the UK. Wilsons Auctions are celebrating 25 years in Dublin - check out wilsonsauctions.com for more