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Kill Phil

Diagnosis

Season 1, Ep. 1

In this first episode, Phil discusses his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis with Nyree and the ripple effect this had on his daily life – immediately after, and today, seven years on. He discusses the impact on his family life, his mental health and the feelings of helplessness as his physical health deteriorates.


Phil also shines light on the unexpected; how the years succeeding his diagnosis have also been some of his most colourful in his life.


This episode features guest speaker Dr Rhys Robert, consultant neurologist and director of MND care for Addenbrookes.

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  • 2. Why I'm doing this

    04:02
    Yes, assisted dying is a contentious issue. But why have we yet to have a more thoughtful (and nuanced) conversation about it?In this short episode, Phil explains why this project is so important, and how he hopes it will shape the debate around assisted dying.
  • 3. Phil's Diary

    04:19
    Over the past year and a half, we've been recording conversations that follow Phil's journey living with motor neurone disease (MND). These short "Phil's Diary" episodes are short collections of Phil's thoughts and how they change as time passes.Recorded in autumn 2020, this episode is about asking for help.
  • 4. Politics

    48:11
    It's becoming clear that if there's going to be a change in the law on assisted dying, it will come from the world of Westminster: not the Courts.In this episode Phil speaks to Sir Vince Cable, former Liberal Democrat leader, about how the debate is playing out in Parliament, and about his own journey on supporting the issue in the UK.
  • 5. Phil's Diary

    02:45
    In this mini-sode, Phil shares his thoughts on talking about death with his loved ones.
  • 6. The Law

    35:07
    How does the UK law on assisted dying work at the moment? How is it enforced? What does all that mean for Phil and his family? In this episode we hear from Adam Wagner, Human rights barrister at Doughty Street Chambers and Phil has a brutally candid conversation with former senior police officer Martyn Underhill which leaves him reeling.
  • 7. Phil's Diary

    02:40
    In this mini-sode, Phil shares his thoughts on time and what this means to him since his diagnosis.
  • 8. In conversation with Not Dead Yet

    01:03:17
    Phil speaks with Phil Friend, a disability rights activist who is a member of Not Dead Yet UK, a campaigning group opposed to the legalisation of assisted dying. This episode explores some of the key arguments against a change in law, and makes for a very honest and vulnerable conversation between two activists on opposing sides of the debate - both able to bring their own lived experience to the discussion.
  • 9. Phil's Diary

    03:58
    In this mini-sode, Phil tells listeners how his disease impacts his family dynamic: shaping their conversations and their everyday.