Bedside Reading
A medical humanities podcast where we explore themes from fiction, memoir and other non traditional non-textbooks which help to make us better at what we do.
Hosted by Dr Tara George, a GP and medical educator, in each episode a different guest explores a book that has changed their practice. Follow us on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/bedsidereading.bsky.social Facebook or Instagram @bedsidereadingpodcast. If you'd like to recommend a book or to come on the podcast as a guest please email: bedsidereadingpodcast@gmail.com. Episodes hosted by Tara George, edited by Levi Gee
Bedside Reading
Could Try Harder
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As we reach the end of Season 12, I'm delighted to close with a truly special conversation.
In this episode, I speak with author, illustrator, educator, and autism advocate Eliza Fricker about her latest book, Could Try Harder. Written in a graphic novel format, the book draws on Eliza's own experiences growing up as an autistic girl and young woman who remained undiagnosed until her mid 40s.
Many listeners may already know Eliza through her writing and illustrations, or from her widely recognised social media presence under the name "Missing the Mark". Through her work, she has helped countless people better understand autism, neurodivergence, and the realities of navigating a world that often misunderstands autistic experiences.
Could Try Harder is an insightful, accessible, and deeply relatable read. Combining humour, honesty, and striking illustrations, Eliza shares her journey from childhood through to adulthood, offering a powerful perspective on identity, belonging, and late diagnosis.
Preparing for this conversation was a joy, not least because Eliza has long been one of my social media heroes. Thankfully, despite the saying that you should never meet your heroes, this meeting exceeded all expectations.
It feels like the perfect way to bring another great season to a close.