Coughy Break – Details, episodes & analysis

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of Covid and Flu immunisations being given at the same time using "co-administration".

What are the advantages of giving the two together? What are the disadvantages?

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and the studies behind giving them together and lead you through how you will probably be having your Covid and Flu immunisations this coming winter.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Updated 24/9/25

Released 11/8/25

Show time 12 minutes 24 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome to the first Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this show we are joined by our two hosts, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley, who will introduce you to your new Coughy Break.

We enjoy bringing these shows to you and would like to thank you all, our listeners, for joining us and hope to have you here with us for many future shows.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com  

So, sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 8/8/25

Show time 3 minutes 24 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

Welcome to Coughy Break, the medical podcast for patients by their GPs!

Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

We're well in to season one and already planning season two. So, what is Coughy Break? Did we realise we'd spelt "Coffee" wrong? Who are the GPs behind the microphones? And what is all the fuss about food and drink?

This special "best of" preview to season one answers all these questions and more, and also gives you some of our highlights so far!

There's more to come so keep listening and we hope to see you on a Coughy Break!

Released 18/2/26

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of prostate cancer and PSA testing. We discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing and help dispel some myths about what seeing your doctor with prostate symptoms may involve.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam give you an easy to understand, digestible episode which will make everything clear.

Prostate Cancer UK's website is available at https://prostatecanceruk.org/

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 20/10/25

Show time 10 minutes 06 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

With winter now definitely here, and here to stay it seems, in this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin!

Why is it called that? How much should you take? When should you take it? And surely you can't have too much of a good thing can you? And can you overdose on Vitamin D by being in the sun too long?

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at Vitamin D in this episode and tell you all you need to know. Have you started taking any yet?

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 6/10/25

Show time 14 minutes 10 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the NHS Childhood Immunisation Program, what it's about, why it's important, and who is eligible.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would likecovered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical orhealthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 22/9/25

Show time 10 minutes 35 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the teamthat brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discussthe topic of Hepatitis C.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam explore how it may present, who is at risk, why it's important, and how to get tested.

For the NHS free home testing service, visit https://hepctest.nhs.uk/

If you have any suggestions for topics you would likecovered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical orhealthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 9/9/25

Show time 12 minutes 11 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast".

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of blood pressure and what makes a blood pressure high.

We talk about hypertension and the problems with running your pressures too high.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam go through how to take your blood pressure correctly at home as well as suggesting places you might be able to go for a blood pressure check.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠⁠  

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Links we discussed

Blood pressure UK, how to check your blood pressure

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 26/8/25

Show time 14 minutes 16 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break!

Painful, swollen toe. Must be gout. But how can it be? You don't drink port and you don't eat cheese, well not that much anyway! And when was the last pheasant or grouse you ate? Never. So, can't be gout then surely!

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of gout. It is surprisingly common, surprisingly painful, and generally not fun at all.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. And whether or not port is the cure, or the cause!

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at 

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

UK Gout Society https://www.ukgoutsociety.org/

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 2/3/26

Show time 18 minutes 26 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break!

Welcome back to Coughy Break.

In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by a very special guest. Gareth Hall is the Microsoft global health and lifesciences solutions team lead based in Seattle, Washington. He has experience of working in the NHS and healthcare as well as working at Microsoft HQ in Washington.

Dr Geoff and Dr Sam speak with Gareth and look at the current situation regarding AI in healthcare, medicine, science and technology, as well as exploring what the pitfalls are, what safeguards are in place, and what the future might hold for us.

If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com

Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break!

Legal Disclaimer

All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters.

Released 16/2/26

Show time 55 minutes 06 seconds

Music and audio under license

Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production