Show notes
Get the book here: https://amzn.to/3zgVlV6
Guest: Gary Simonds, Author, Professor
On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-simonds-5b0225a/
On Twitter | https://x.com/garyrsimonds
Website | https://garyrsimonds.com/
On Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@GaryRSimonds
On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/garyrsimonds/
On TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@garyrsimonds
On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/garyrsimonds/
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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast
On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli
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Episode Introduction
Gary Simonds, a retired neurosurgeon who continues to teach and write, joined Marco for this episode. He introduced himself and shared a bit about his extensive career in medicine, including thousands of operations and his role in leading neurosurgical programs.
From Neurosurgery to Ghost Stories
Intrigued by Gary's transition from neurosurgery to writing about ghosts, Marco delved into Gary's motivations and experiences. Gary explained that his interest in storytelling emerged from his encounters with patients and their intense, often heart-wrenching stories. Initially intending to write non-fiction, Gary shifted to fiction to make the reading experience more immersive and engaging. His novel explores the idea of a neurosurgeon encountering ghosts and wrestling with the boundaries between the scientific and the supernatural.
Balancing Reality and Fiction
Gary emphasized the importance of grounding his stories in the reality of neurosurgery and patient experiences. While the scientific aspects remained accurate, he wove a narrative that blended these elements with the intriguing concept of ghosts. This approach aimed to keep readers engrossed and thoughtfully questioning the nature of reality and the supernatural.
Teaching Through Stories
Marco and Gary then explored the role of storytelling in education. Gary highlighted how stories captivate students and make complex concepts more relatable. By starting with patient histories and personal anecdotes, Gary effectively engaged his students, allowing them to connect deeply with the material. This method helped students see the humanity in medicine and fostered a genuine interest in the subject.
Ethics and the Human Element
The conversation took a thoughtful turn as Marco asked about the ethical challenges faced by medical professionals. Gary shared that judgment based on patient behavior, like substance abuse, can affect how healthcare providers perceive and treat patients. Through storytelling and self-reflection, Gary encouraged empathy and a commitment to treating every patient with equal respect and care.
The Future of Neurotechnology
Drawing from his background, Gary provided insights into the advancements in neurotechnology, the potential for brain-electronic interfaces, and the ethical implications of such innovations. His reflections underscored both the positive possibilities and the darker ramifications of these technological advancements.
From Medicine to Fiction Writing
Gary also discussed his transition to writing fiction, a process he described as liberating and enjoyable compared to non-fiction writing. He shared his plans for future projects, including a soccer-themed coming-of-age story and a post-apocalyptic novel exploring a disease that alters human behavior.
Closing Thoughts
The episode wrapped up with reflections on the power of storytelling in education and the joy of writing fiction. Marco and Gary emphasized that storytelling is inherent to humanity and a vital tool for learning and understanding the world.
Conclusion
This episode of the Audio Signals Podcast offered listeners a unique blend of insights into neurosurgery, the art of storytelling, and the fascinating journey of a neurosurgeon-turned-author. Whether you're interested in medicine, fiction, or education, Gary Simonds' experiences demonstrate the profound impact of storytelling on all aspects of life.
About the Book
Brain surgeon and unlikely war hero, Ryan Brenan, has it all. A booming practice, a beautiful home in an idyllic setting, and a happy loving family. Then, the apparitions begin.
Subtle at first, but soon there's no doubt about it–he's seeing ghosts, spirits, and the undead. Of course, he could just be going nuts, cracking under the pressure of his constant exposure to death, mayhem, and tragedy. But he believes he has proof that the ghosts are very real, and that they are specifically haunting him.
We join Ryan as he tends to the sick and injured in his hospitals' trauma bays, intensive care units, and operating rooms, all the while seeking to understand why he has become a target of the dead. Will he break down? Will he lose all that is precious to him? Will he be drawn to the other side of the great divide?
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Resources
Death’s Pale Flag (Book): https://bqbpublishing.com/product/deaths-pale-flag/
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For more podcast stories from Audio Signals:
https://www.itspmagazine.com/audio-signals
Watch the video version on-demand on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllQvnJ8eHUlVX8AuyhehtexA
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