Chris Stark: The guy who's sort of running the night comes in and goes, did you instruct a load of people in in one of the rooms to leave? And apparently what she's done is she's grabbed everyone else in the room and like organised a sort of march out of. Now, she she's like, she's totally with it. She's doing this as a joke, right? And I'm really sorry that it probably wasted a couple of people's time that was working on that ward, but how wonderful is that that you've managed to connect, connect with this lady and over the next couple of weeks I'd go visit her. She was great fun.
Dr Rupy: That's brilliant. Welcome to the Doctor's Kitchen podcast. The show about food, lifestyle, medicine and how to improve your health today. I'm Dr Rupy, your host. I'm a medical doctor, I study nutrition and I'm a firm believer in the power of food and lifestyle as medicine. Join me and my expert guests where we discuss the multiple determinants of what allows you to lead your best life.
Dr Rupy: On today's bonus episode for books that I'm recommending for Christmas, we have Radio 1 DJ Chris Stark, co-host of the award-winning That Peter Crouch podcast with millions of listeners and now author of the new student cookbook, initially titled Eat, Sleep, Rave, Reheat and now changed to Eat, Sleep, Zoom for obvious reasons. We chat about Chris's humble beginnings in hospital radio, his passion for the platform, spreading humour and of course, that famous five-minute interview with Mila Kunis that introduced him to the world of A-list celebritidom, I don't know how you say that, plus his latest podcast and how that's led him all the way to hanging out with Prince William at the Kensington Palace. It's quite bonkers. We also talk about his future plans, following your dreams and the importance of being your most authentic self. And I really like this aspect of the interview and I didn't know it was going to go in this direction, but I think you're going to really see a different side of Chris that perhaps you're used to. His humour is amazing and his experiences have really left a lasting impression on a lot of us through the radio show that he does every week. I really think you're going to like this episode. Let's get on with it. It's weird interviewing you actually, because I hear you interview other people so often.
Chris Stark: This is the new way.
Dr Rupy: I just don't know where to start. Yeah. So I know, I did a bit of digging around actually, and I found out that your big break was Radio Northwick Park.
Chris Stark: Yeah. That's where it started for me. So I, it's, so Radio Northwick Park is a hospital radio station and when I was about 14, 15, I realised that I really loved radio. I just loved it. I loved Radio 1. I'd record bits off the radio and listen to it on the way into school. I just, I was kind of fascinated by it. And then my parents got me this little electronic set. They were called a little 60 to, it was called 60 to one. And basically you could wire it up a different way. It's so nerdy, but you could wire it up a different way. It's dead easy to do. And it showed you how to do it. But one of the settings on it was that you could make a little radio station which it only, it would only travel about three metres, but it meant if I was on one side of the room, I could, you know, I could do a little radio show to my mum who's on, who's in the room next door through the wall. And that's where it started for me. I just became obsessed with that idea and made little jingles. And these little jingles were just me on a tape going, Radio Stark. And so then I realised I, I kind of wanted to look into all of it more, but even though I loved football and could join a local football team, there wasn't really anything like that in radio, especially at that age. And after a bit of digging, someone told me about hospital radio. And I'd never heard of it. And I'm sure there's loads of people listening to this that have, you know, never heard of it. And you'd be surprised how many people who work in radio have started in hospital radio because it, it was something at that age. I don't, I actually looking back, I don't think I could join at that age. It took another year or two. But I went along and and and visited and had a little tour of it. And it's, it was unbelievable. It was a studio, it's a proper studio. They treated it like a proper station. I'd argue looking back, some of the people in it took it a little too seriously on that front, you know. But I quite like that as well because looking back, it it forced you to have to prove yourself. And even though realistically there probably wasn't that many people listening. So the idea was it's it's a free radio service for anyone in hospital, which is a lovely idea and it meant that if you couldn't afford TV in hospital, then you had hospital radio and you could get songs that you wanted played and it was local. And I just loved it. I remember being so nervous on my first show there. And then I, yeah, and then I started doing Wednesday nights there and it taught me a lot. And then it all just kind of went up from there because the principle of radio isn't really any different. It it's it's what we're doing now. It's just microphones, isn't it? And people talking. And then obviously you can play songs in and you can get better at that and you can get sharper at that. And but but actually the principle, the stuff that I learned at hospital radio, it's kind of the same and you carry it through and you improve it and you refine it and you get a slightly bigger audience every time, every radio station that you move from there. But really it's not much different. And that's what I've always loved about radio.
Dr Rupy: It's it's amazing because you've been refining your craft now like since, well, since you were a teenager essentially. And you've just gone from strength to strength, but you you've basically just followed your passion, your authenticity, you know, the the interview that you did with Mila Kunis that just went mad on Radio 1 was just like you being you and just yourself.
Chris Stark: But that's, that's a really interesting point in that radio for me was always a passion, but I was never good enough in the sense that I did hospital radio. I remember we entered a hospital broadcasting awards or hospital radio broadcasting awards and came second. And I loved it and we had a great night, but I always remember being so frustrated. I did student radio and I remember at the student radio awards, we didn't, we didn't win that. And then it was so hard getting jobs. It's so difficult to get paid to do this, this job. And you've just got to be a bit relentless. And actually, you know, I've had other jobs on at the same time as I've been trying to get into radio and I always say this, I always remember there was one night where I was really upset because I just felt, look, what more can I do? It's it's it's like I've tried to find every crack that that could conceivably give me a break in radio. And it was about two weeks after that, I got a call from the boss of Radio 1 who'd heard something I'd done on on Radio 1 on on the phone. And just wanted to learn a little bit more about me. And the second that that happened, I just didn't want to let it go. The first time I went into Radio 1, I always remember just loving it. I remember sitting there just thinking, God, somehow I've managed to get into this building because it's what I've always wanted to do. So from that point onwards, I was very keen not to leave. So I'd turn up early every day, I'd stay late. And then they didn't realize that I was only temporary. So they then wrote in a kind of floor plan for Radio 1. And then because I was always there, they just assigned me a computer. And at that point, I got a proper pass and then they really couldn't let me go. No way. So it is, it is kind of relentless. And as you say, there is, I don't want to say there's a high art to it because I'm not the world's greatest radio presenter, but where I've started, I think doing all right is kind of accepting that I'm not the world's greatest radio presenter and just tried to do what what is what is me and in my own lane. And that's what's working out for me at the moment. I've just got a bit more confidence in in being myself. But that's taken a long time because most of the time I've been trying to get into radio, I've been pretending to be someone I'm not. And actually, now I'm there, I've realized that actually the reason I'm there and the reason that, you know, I think I'm doing all right with it is is from actually having a bit of confidence and just being me and being, you know, a bit bang average. That's good.
Dr Rupy: There's something that's just so like endearing about honesty through the medium of like what we're doing right now, just talking into microphones. It's very analog considering all the technology and augmented reality and all the like fun exciting stuff. But there's something that really grounds us, I think, of just listening to a conversation that's genuine between two people. And and it's something that, you know, I I describe it as you doing well, but it's just you being confident enough to be vulnerable and, you know, to to essentially like have the mick taken out of you as well if that's what people want to do. Like the the whole the interviews that you've done with some of the biggest celebrities around the world, it's just you being you and, you know, people will laugh at that, but, you know, it's it's enjoyment. You're you're touching people in so many different ways.
Chris Stark: Yeah, there's I'm not stressed about that at all. It's it's all part of the fun of it. And I I think you're right. And I think this is why radio will never die. And I think this is why podcasts have become extremely popular in that you can choose to do anything you want with your phone, right? You can listen to anything, you can watch anything. You've got the whole whole world, you know, on a device. And yet so many people are turning to podcasts. And I think it does something with your brain. I think when you hear humans talking and when you're, if if something it triggers something in your brain different to when you're being really passive and watching some epic Netflix drama, which it does something different. And I've always found that and that's what I've always loved about radio. It's what I loved about hospital radio right at the start. I loved the idea there was someone in a hospital bed, not I didn't love that, obviously, but I loved that we could try and, you know, play a song. It's the power of music and say something which hopefully just makes them feel ever so slightly better. And really only radio can do that. And I think podcasts can do that as well. And it's funny because it's it's kind of fashionable for everyone to have a podcast. No offense, mate. And and I think it's fashionable for people to say that they enjoy podcasts. I don't mean that in that people don't really enjoy podcasts. I just mean that it's very now and people are happy to say that. Whereas radio's always been there and I think people sometimes take radio for granted because really radio or the radio that I love doing and the radio I feel that I'm lucky to make with Radio 1 has always been that. It's about trying to either help people, improve their day, do something that makes them laugh, do something that gets them thinking, and most importantly, make people feel special. And I think that's what podcasts are so good at because there'll be people listening to this and they're probably listening to this because they just want to be able to take one thing away from it or can relate to a bit of chat. And that's so special and that's so powerful and yeah, that's why I I I guess coming back to it all, I feel very, very lucky that this is what I do. And and yeah, I think I am good at my job and I have great ideas and and I'm so proud of everything I've done. And I'm so proud that I've managed to get from Northwick Park Hospital on a Wednesday night, my dad messaging me to hurry up because he's trying to dodge the parking at a hospital, which is obviously it's very difficult to do, isn't it?
Dr Rupy: Hospital parking is literally my bug bit. I've had so many fines throughout. I've been a doctor now for like 10 years and I've gone, I used to work at Northwick Park, I used to work at North Middlesex, I currently work in West London as well. And I've literally paid thousands in fines, mate. They are relentless. They're worse than the council.
Chris Stark: That's outrageous, don't but but but explain that because I always remember at the time, I I'd put my hospital pass in the window and just say, look, I'm doing the doing the radio. I wasn't on yellow lines or anything. I was just in the car park. And I always remember getting a fine and then saying to my mum, well, look, I can't afford this. So I'm not going to pay it because this is ridiculous. I'm doing hospital radio for free. I'm, you know, I'm not getting paid for this. I just want to turn up and do my job. And then it goes wider than that. You you hear the same with doctors, nurses that can't park in a car park for free. Yeah, yeah. And then and then and then it's the same. You go visit a, you know, a family member that's ill in hospital. You want to spend as much time with them as possible. You know, what if you can't afford that? And where where are you meant to go? I when my grand was in hospital, and we'd visit Hillingdon Hospital and the staff there were amazing. But the parking was it was ridiculous. And I get you've got to have some control with it because otherwise people will just park there and walk down to the station or or whatever. But there's got to be, there's got to be a different way to this because you shouldn't be getting fined and nor it's just the whole thing seems crazy.
Dr Rupy: You know, like people listening to this might think, oh, it's like a small thing, but actually it's a massive thing because A, we're British and we hate getting parking fines. But B, it's those little experiences that can mar something that's already quite horrific for for people going to hospital and and witnessing their their loved ones in a vulnerable state. And it's, I'll be honest, Chris, and I don't want to like go digress into like a big political discussion about the NHS and why it's creaking at the seams. But it's those small sort of bureaucratic elements of our healthcare system that just it's created this environment that is like just wading through treacle. That's how it feels sometimes. And it's it's little things like not being able to report a broken computer effectively or, you know, the roster not being accurate and so you're working three weekends in a row instead of what you should be doing so you can recharge or like, you know, the bigger things like the issues with nutrition in hospitals and that kind of stuff. And all this, all these different elements add up as to why, you know, hospitals are are not a great place and and they could be improved a lot a lot more.
Chris Stark: But the people are amazing and you know, I I had I had a situation where, you know, we're in hospital a bit um last year and uh I I can't get over how amazing um the people were. It was at John Radcliffe Hospital. And um in a maternity ward there and they were just they they were amazing. And this is the thing like so many people I reckon listen to this and like myself would would happily do more. If someone could come and say to me, right, you can look after those guys by doing this, this and this. And and fair enough actually, I could go and look into it a bit more. I don't mean just send money. I mean like there is a there is an element of dignity around all this and looking after people that are looking after us. And yeah, okay, I I there's a political argument here about the role of government and governance and all that kind of thing. But I'm talking more as just someone that encountered these amazing people. And I I'm sure there's more people like me that would like to give something back. And we do, you know, obviously we all pay taxes, we all it's hard, there's not much time, there's not much money going around it feels at the moment. People people are struggling. I get that. But um I just wish there was something I could do that was more effective in giving back a little bit and helping them to help us and just everything feeling a bit more positive on that front. But that's kind of very easy to say and much harder to do, isn't it?
Dr Rupy: Yeah, I mean, we're definitely brainstorming ideas about how you can make a more effective system and, you know, there's the clinical entrepreneurship program, which is NHS innovations, which is actually getting ideas from the front line as to how A, they can help, but also B, we can make a more effective public organization. Um, which which is,
Chris Stark: But do you know, do you know what? It's also the little things though. It's like, as I was saying, like in that maternity um bit that I was in, you look at the walls, right? And you're in there and you're hearing some, you know, devastating stuff, right? And I find myself looking at a wall and seeing this beautiful little picture on there. And I asked about it afterwards because then you end up having to be in that room for hours as you wait for results and it's horrible and things like that. But the picture really stuck in my mind. Now someone donated that picture. And they won't know when they donated that picture how much it changed, didn't change my day massively because I was having a really shitty day if I'm being honest. Really bad time. But um it's things like that where I think, well, I'm talking about that picture now that someone for one reason or another has donated just to try and give a little bit, just that little half a percent that difference to someone that's in that experience. And I I would love to know uh more of that kind of thing that people could do. I would love, I love, I guess there is an element of common sense. Like I wouldn't have thought of sending in a picture, but equally, I wish there was a list of things. You know, a bit like when you go to a wedding and there's a Christmas, not a Christmas list, when you go to a wedding and there's a gift list. Yeah. And I'm not talking about going and buying scanners for the hospital because I'm not that guy. I trust me, I don't get paid that much. But I would love to know that if there was someone at that hospital that I could call and say, look, what what is there a couple of rooms that need a couple of pictures or is there something I can paint if I was good at drawing. Do you know what I mean? Those little ideas. And it's those little things that I think it'd be fascinating at some point for someone to hopefully have a job in a hospital where they can um they can explore what those little differences are that make quite big differences to people's experience.
Dr Rupy: Yeah, I I know what you mean. It's the kind of thing I'd love to be part of. Yeah, it's it's like making it a bit more human because obviously, you know, the government is there to fund the big things like, you know, the scanners and the walls and the buildings and all the rest of it. But then making it a lot more human, um and those small touches like a picture or um artwork in the foyer or, you know, we used to have these, obviously not right now, but we used to have like choirs that came in, um volunteers, obviously, all that kind of stuff because they know that families are coming in during this time and it's not a very nice situation to be in. So we're going to put music on and all that all those different elements like that. And even the hospital radio, you know, the fact that they
Chris Stark: No, well, that's that's what I loved about it. That's what I loved about it because we'd go around and take requests for the first six months of joining hospital radio, they wouldn't let you do anything on the radio. This this is this was what was great about it. It was run by people that, you know, I do love them, but it was a very serious structure there. And actually being young in that, I did feel I had to almost try and prove myself a little bit more. But before they even let me do something called a voice test, I don't want to put people off hospital radio because I'm sure it's changed a bit. Um I had to do six months of collecting requests around the wards. So every Wednesday I'd go and meet people, write what song they wanted, tell them to tune in and basically tune in their radio for them. Now, what I I at the time, I remember thinking, God, like I just want to be on radio. I don't really want to be doing this. But then actually looking back, it focuses you on learning what your audience was going to be. And that's really important because actually you're not doing hospital radio for yourself. It's great that you can learn the skills from it, but you're actually doing it for people in hospital. But most of all, when you go and meet people, they might not have seen anyone all day or for days. And it's it's it's so lovely and I do look back on it being able to have gone around the wards and meet people. I always remember there was this lady and um there was a few elderly people in this one particular ward. I can't remember the name of the ward. I'm tempted to say Frederick Salmon Ward or that's a name that sticks in my head from North Park, but um I was going around the wards and there was this really like she was an amazing character. And got talking to her and she requested a song. Can't remember what song it was. And she was like, I just want to get out. I just want to get out of here. That's what she was saying. I just want to get out of here. But she was really chipper about it. She was great. And uh really got on with her. So took requests. Now, I went downstairs to the hospital radio and I thought, well, she's made all these jokes about leaving and and wanting to get out of there. So I played the great escape and dedicated it to this lady and all the other ladies that were on this in this particular, I don't know what you call it, room in the ward. And uh didn't think much of it. And then we get a call down to the hospital radio and um the guy who's sort of running the night comes in and goes, did you instruct a load of people in in one of the rooms to leave? And apparently what she's done is she's grabbed everyone else in the room and like organized a sort of march out of. Now, she she's like, she's totally with it. She's doing this as a joke, right? And I'm really sorry that it probably wasted a couple of people's time that was working on that ward, but how wonderful is that that you've managed to connect, connect with this lady and over the next couple of weeks I'd go visit her. She was great fun.
Dr Rupy: That's brilliant.
Chris Stark: But it was it's just something that I always thought, isn't that the wonderful, what a wonderful moment in radio that you can be downstairs playing the great escape and upstairs in in this hospital ward, these these couple of ladies have decided to go wandering down.
Dr Rupy: I want to see. It's those stories that uh keep us going as like people who work in hospitals as well. It's like it's the humor, it's that that human element of it, the the yeah, just just the um the the the image of that, a bay full of patients like sneaking out in the middle of the night. That's brilliant. That's so good.
Chris Stark: No, it was it was such good fun. And and you try out little ideas there and you know, I feel really lucky that every day I can go to BBC with with ideas and fun ideas and we just get to do them. And that is where it started. It's nice reminiscing to be honest.
Dr Rupy: Yeah, no, it is. It is, definitely. And so, obviously, like you you've you've turned um your radio career into now a publishing career. Uh you've come out with this amazing book. Um eat, sleep, it was it called rave or is it is it literally officially been changed?
Chris Stark: I do have a book out. I don't want to harp on about it to be honest because I I way I way prefer what we're talking about. But um but it's where we met basically. We met because we were doing the same TV show, right? And I was I was promoting this book. And I'm not here to promote it, but the problem is now I'm going to talk about it and it will sound like I'm promoting it. So please bear with everyone. But I'll tell I'll tell you what it is. If if you know someone going to university, um it's it's a student cookbook that I've made and I'm not a chef. I'm not a I'm definitely not a chef, am I? But
Dr Rupy: Well, mate, you made a a chocolate brownie in 90 seconds on live TV. It's pretty amazing if I'm honest.
Chris Stark: No, cheers, pal. Um it's, yeah, it's a student cookbook. It's just loads of stories from my time at uni. I had the best time at uni. Um but it was actually my grand, my grand got me a student cookbook when I went to uni and it's just been something I've had in my head for ages that I wanted to do. I'm really passionate about food and um yeah, I I'd love to think it's the book that my grand would have got me uh back then. And I think she'd be proud because when she got me that student cookbook, uh I genuinely couldn't cook a thing. I was the worst. Cooked pasta in a kettle. I've done all sorts. I mean, all sorts.
Dr Rupy: Pasta in a kettle? I didn't know that was possible.
Chris Stark: Yeah, well, what I thought is, you know how you boil water in a kettle and then put it in the pan, but by then it's kind of boiling, so it's it speeds up the process. I thought, and also saving on washing up, cut out, cut out the middle man, don't need a pan. So I just put the the pasta straight into the kettle and turned it on, made this horrendous squeaking noise and then fused. But that was uni. That was my uni life. I went to Southampton Uni. Um I spent most of my time doing student radio there and DJing nightclubs and so I ate really bad and um I just wanted to make a book which a student cookbook which was fun and yeah, it's listen, people aren't listening to this because they need to be sold something like that. But if you um if you do know someone that's at uni or or or you know, someone going to uni next year, um feel free to check it out. It's called, it is called eat, it was originally called eat, sleep, rave, reheat, but then obviously I've released a student cookbook in the middle of a pandemic, um just when it was looking like unis weren't even going to have students going back. So they quickly decided it should be called eat, sleep, zoom after, you know, Zoom. Um reheat. So, so yeah, that that's where that's at.
Dr Rupy: So I I I wanted to specifically talk about uh the book, not not obviously just to promote the book, obviously it's a great book and I've I've read it and everything. Um but uh students right now are having quite a a tough time. Um I can't imagine what it's like or what it would have been like going to medical school and not having that sort of connection and going out and with your peers and forming new relationships and and strong friendships that I still have today. Um given the current scenario. So and and also, you know, you've been passionate about radio throughout your whole career, um all the way back, you know, to North Park days uh to to what you do now. So I wonder if you've got any specific advice perhaps for students uh right now going through what they're going through uh and and how to navigate what is quite a tough situation.
Chris Stark: It is a really tough situation for students. Um the truth is, I think students have rightfully gone through a whole range of different emotions from upset to to anger. You know, students don't go to university to be locked in their rooms, have a load of money taken from them, um and then end up doing lectures which they could have done from home, um on a computer, you know. So I I get frustrations around that. I hear so many stories of of brilliant student communities that have been formed uh despite everything, despite not being able to go out, do the normal freshers. We get so many messages from people that have made new friends at uni, still managed to make it work. Um I just, I feel sorry for students in the sense that you're not able to do the the normal freshers week. You know, normally me, uh I'd be at every pretty much every university this time of year, DJing freshers nights and and they are fun, but it's not the be all and end all. Uni was all about people. And I look back at uni and the thing that I miss the most is, you know, my housemates, my my best mates from uni and spending time and it's so tricky because that all comes with hindsight. And at the moment, this is a terrible situation for everyone. Um but but specifically students, which is what you're asking, I think it's, I do think it's a really tough time. I think like everyone and anyone else in in this whole pandemic, you've just got to make the very best of it that you can. And uh the flip side of that as well is that students need to be supported the very best they can. And that I think varies between universities by the sounds of it from what from what I've heard and from what I'm seeing. Um but most importantly, I I think students need to also uh they don't need to. I think students hopefully are still able to enjoy university to the very best, you know, that you can given the parameters of everything. Um and it's so tricky because I'm one of those types of people that always think, well, what what can I do to help? Like, what what can I actually, what can I actually say or do that helps the situation? The truth is I can't. I just I just really hope students are able to make the very most of it and um yeah, yeah, it's a really tricky one to answer, isn't it? You know, I'm not a student. Obviously, I I hear from lots of students and get a lot of messages on social media and um but but I think there's a lot of, you know, a lot of students that I hear from are really positive. They've made new friends. They're having a good time at uni. It's just not ideal and it's not the best time. And also the flip side of that is that's not an excuse for unis to not look after people properly, you know. I've heard stories of students not, you know, getting fed properly and and all sorts when they've spent so much money to then be told that they've got to be, you know, in a room or in a halls like that. I just hope every student's okay because the the thing that never really gets talked about with students and it was only something I became aware of after uni is how isolated some students can already be. Going to uni, although on the face of it, for someone like me, it was fun. You can go and get involved in freshers week, go out drinking, you know, that was that was my kind of lifestyle, so it was great. But for for a lot of people, it's very hard going to uni as well and you could be quite an insular person, being forced to suddenly, you know, in ordinary ordinary terms go and party. It's very hard for a lot of people and, you know, I've I've heard uh horrendous things about, you know, students, um without going too deep, it's, you know, students that have felt so lonely to the point of, you know, extreme desperation. And I I just worry that in this pandemic, it is forcing people to that to that kind of point in so many different areas of life. Um that I just, yeah, I just really hope students are okay and and can make the most of it and, you know, as I always say, if there are students listening to this, you know, and you're struggling, it's okay, it's okay to say that and and reach out. And if you haven't got family and you haven't got mates that you feel you can do that to, then, you know, DM me, do something, talk to someone. Um yeah, it's it's a hard one to convey, isn't it? Because I don't want to sound doom and gloom and there are students having a great time and I'm sure there's students having a hard time as well. Um and I just think it's important everyone recognizes both of those sides.
Dr Rupy: Yeah, definitely. I mean, like, I'll put some resources down in the show notes actually for for any students or anyone actually going through a bad time, uh who want to talk about these things because the first thing like you said is to be able to have an outlet for all this kind of stuff. And I I remember like on the uh on the subject of being like quite insular and introvert, I was definitely like that at school. And then suddenly when I went to university, it was just this explosion of activity and parties all the time and, you know, events and DJs and I I was quite um it was it was a bit of a shock to the system for me. I mean, I I eventually like learned to love it, but initially I was like, I don't know whether this is for me or not. I don't know whether I'm going to fit in and all that kind of stuff. Um and and now like I I just think it's it's probably harder, but
Chris Stark: Yeah, but you're a personable guy, right? And I can see that. And now I am. Uni uni for us, it's it's it's a really, I think it's just always important to realize and I probably didn't realize so much at the time, but I really think it now, that my uni experience is no better, no worse, no more valuable or less valuable than someone that does not want to go out partying, that does not want to be a fresher per se, that really has no interest in in drinking or or any of that. I kind of played the the role of fresher whilst being a fresher. I used it as like, right, I've watched American Pie, I've watched like like it was all a bit of a feeling of that. It was suddenly, you know, suddenly there was freedom, but yeah, I I the other thing to say with that as well is student unions have great people, um, you know, ex-students often that are part of a student union. I also hope that anyone that's turned up at uni and suddenly stuck in halls or or anything, still has had an opportunity to understand how student unions work and how you can reach out to people there. Um and that they are there to try and help you. Um they're not teachers. It's not like it's a funny mindset to be in, but it's realizing that there's a union of people there that if you have any worries or concerns, you can you genuinely can get in touch with. Um even if it feels scary to do so.
Dr Rupy: Do you reckon you would have done anything different at university? It sounds like you've done, you know, all your interviews and radio and all that kind of stuff and you continue that throughout uni, but anything that you would do differently?
Chris Stark: Yeah, 100%. 100%, mate. I would have, at uni, you have a society for literally everything. So, I wish I'd challenged myself a bit more. You know, I I was DJing nightclubs, I started to earn some money by doing that. So I would often be very late at night, not wake up in the morning. I didn't go to lectures, I didn't go to seminars. And actually, looking back, I could have done even a little bit more and it would have made a much bigger effort. And then I fell behind, and then I got stressed about falling behind. And then, and then you're in all sorts of kind of trouble with it. And then I really stressed myself out. And then I remember going and meeting my tutor there and saying, look, I'm really sorry. I'm going to be honest here. I haven't been to any lectures. They knew I hadn't been to any seminars because, you know, they could see on the register for it. But lectures, they never took a register. And I said, I just feel like I've got jobs in the evening. I'm trying to do the coursework, but I just feel so unmotivated. Um eating crap, ironically. I, you know, don't get me wrong, I was happy, but I was super lazy, like and unmotivated. And I do look back and go, I wish I'd done, I wish if I'd gone and got involved in the lectures, I think I would have felt better. And the other thing is, I wish I'd gone to the tutor before um not stressed about thinking of them as teachers because they're not. And I just thought I was going to get told off or kicked off the course. And actually, she she really helped me and gave me an extension on the coursework and um it and I caught up and I did all right. But uh the other thing I really wish I'd done is I had a gym membership and I went once. I wish I'd used the swimming pool. I wish I'd signed up to a few of the sports clubs at the lowest level. And I wish I'd, I wish I'd gone and tried something new. I wish I, I could look back at that time and just go, right, there's something new that I I learned or gave a go because it's a perfect time. And the other thing from uni that I really regret is you are surrounded by such talented people, like if you have an idea for a website, there is another student out there that can build it for you. And I just wish I'd collaborated a bit more with other people and and thought how I think now then, you know, because rather than me having to pay money for someone to make a website or do this or do that, um we could have all just done this at uni, you know. And we had all the resources there. And all the time as well. And all the time, mate, all the time. So, I I loved it. I had the time of my life, but it's a hindsight thing, isn't it? And it sounds maybe, maybe I'm more organized now to a to a certain extent. You you've seen my organization isn't isn't the best, is it, man? But um
Dr Rupy: It's but I I would just say like it it was it was a good time to if you had good ideas to actually make them happen.
Dr Rupy: Yeah. Talking about building things, um you've gone from radio into podcasting now and you've built this amazing connected audience with the Peter Crouch podcast and and all the other things you're doing. Where did that kind of stem from? Was that just like a natural evolution of what you wanted to do or did you just suddenly think one day, oh, I want to do a podcast and I want to talk about football and let's see if Peter Crouch wants to do it.
Chris Stark: Well, with with Radio 1, we were already doing podcasts. So, for example, our show podcast was was massive in that, but it was a bit different because it was essentially the radio show without the music. Um so the Peter Crouch podcast, they approached me about getting involved in that. Um and at the time, it was really, if he's being honest, it was because he had a book out and he wanted to sell the book. And the podcast was essentially just going to be an interview kind of thing with and it was it was a really funny one because when they approached me about it, had a different name. I think the idea of it was different. However, everything I do on Radio 1, I wanted, I I saw an opportunity with this podcast that I felt I could perhaps change what the podcast was going to be there from a typical sports person podcast, maybe try and bring in a tiny bit more of an entertainment element into it. And luckily, when I met Crouchy, he was exactly that guy and that's exactly his humor and that's everything that we ended up making the podcast and it you're you're so right. I think me, Crouchy, Tom, then the guys involved in making it, we're the thing we're proudest of the most is just this community of listeners that message us with issues. It's almost like a safe space. A lot of blokes feeling that they can talk, which I love. Um I think the podcast is is a good laugh. You know, we have a few drinks, we we record it and um I love how many people it seems to sort of just give them a little bit of a smile. And it comes back to the hospital radio thing, doesn't it? It's exactly what drove me at hospital radio, I think is what drives me with this Peter Crouch podcast. And then it's mad. We end up with, you know, the last episode that we did was was with Prince William. And uh it's just, it's just insane how you can go from, I mean, you really have got me thinking about how it how it does go from that and just desperately wanting to get to Radio 1 and yeah, the whole thing is a bit, it's bonkers. But it's good. It's good. And and actually, I think, I think with the Crouchy podcast, it anyone listening could do, could do it. Anyone could because what I like about it is it's just real and we have a proper chat. And it's a release for me. To be honest, when we record it, it's fun and it's a release for me. And I think that's what people like about it. It's it's like being in the pub with your mates. And that that is almost could be seen as a negative perhaps for how you describe a podcast, but I I also think it's very powerful. And that's not to say we don't plan things and we don't think through things. It's, you know, there is an element of work that goes into it, but the truth is, I think we all talk honestly at times. We have a laugh, but we all talk honestly at times. Um and just at a very base level, I just hope we occasionally make people feel better. Same with Radio 1, same with me and Scott. You know, I've learned more and more as I've worked with different people, uh when you work with nice people, good stuff happens. And that's the other difference with radio and TV. Like with radio, I can go into a studio, me, one other person, or a podcast like this, me, you. With TV, I think the reason I've never really got on with it that well is you have about 30 or 40 people working on a TV show and everyone's inputting, everyone's telling you what to say. You you you speak the words of 30 or 40 other people. And some people are amazing at TV, don't get me wrong, but that's why I never know where I stand with it. I've always struggled with it a bit in that I love the process of radio. I love that we can do this and just talk. But with TV, I've always found it hard.
Dr Rupy: Yeah, I've I've never really thought about it that way actually, but you're right because there are so many different um sort of obstacles and and you know, checkpoints that you need to go through before you can actually say something on TV because it's so precious. Um whereas with with radio or even podcasting, you know, it's just you, three other people, maybe a bit of prep. And actually, I was going to ask you how you prep for interviews if at all, um and particularly with the the the last one you did with the the Prince as well because that was that was literally like you were in the pub with him. I mean, you were having drinks as well.
Chris Stark: We were in, it was mad. We were in Kensington Palace and he uh they'd spoken to us in the week about what drinks we want and stuff, which I thought was a great sign. And then we turned up and he had a pint. We had about, the time got reduced for the podcast actually. We we were due to have a certain amount of time, then it got reduced, which suggests he had some sort of meeting or something. And then we got about an hour in and this lady said, um sir, you you have your next appointment. And he basically said, no, I I'll carry on with this, thanks. And then we ended up having a few drinks. It was great. Um he was he was awesome. He was talking all about, he was talking all about his heads up campaign. And uh I I've got to say, like, I know a lot of people are cynical and what have you, but you know, when you go and have a beer with someone, you'd have to be the world's greatest actor to to to not let it slip. And he's really sound and the stuff he's trying to do is really solid and really, really good. You know, he he's got that thing that I'd like to think we have with the podcast, which is he actually does want to try and help somehow and help people. And that's why he was up for doing this type of podcast and just having a proper chat. Nothing was really off the table. He let us say what we wanted. He said stuff which, you know, I was amazed. I'd never really heard him talk like that. Um and I was just really humbled by it all. You know, it's just mad when you're a few drinks in with with someone like him. It's a crazy experience. But in terms of prepping for an interview, yeah, I think, you know, that's changed over the years for me. When I interviewed Mila Kunis, I hadn't prepared at all. It was really last minute. And it it was it was a really good situation. Yeah, and it went massive, but I think that was a really interesting time because then that interview sort of told me, it's okay just to talk about Watford and Nando's. And then the mistake I made was then I got lined up to a couple more interviews. I think there was one with Robert Downey Jr. and maybe another one, I can't remember. And I went too far with it. I started thinking, it was almost like I think I got a bit cocky in thinking, oh, well, this is just the formula. You talk about Watford, you. And actually, that wasn't, that wasn't me being real. And and I think now, the best bit of advice I've ever heard with interviews is just treat people like your mates. You know, and sometimes they're not going to be warm to that, but that's just, you know, the nature of things. But more often than not, if you just imagine they're your mates, I think you generally get a good reaction from them and an honest reaction. And the other thing it really taught me is you don't have to catch people out. You don't have to be looking at whatever is their big headline at the moment and and try and get that out of them. Just talk about something totally different. It's more interesting hearing about Jennifer Aniston's experience of going on a girl's holiday when she was younger than it is trying to do what every other journalist is doing, which is to find out if she wants a baby or not or something really personal. Do you know what I mean? And that's what, that's kind of how I go and approach interviews now. And I try and think of areas of chat that would just be interesting rather than trying to catch them out. It it doesn't need to be like that. And um yeah, so there is a certain amount of prep that you do for interviews. And also, you you've got to have a lot of good ideas, especially on Radio 1. Uh ideas of things to do with guests. So, for example, we get a few film stars on the show and and I came up with this idea of doing uh we we called it playground insults. And actually, it was a really last minute idea. I was having a few beers out. I was actually in Reading and we had Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell on the show the next day. But I got a message saying, we had another idea for something we want them to do and the film company really last minute gone, they're not doing it. They're it's kind of what happens. These people all step in. It's not them themselves, it's like PR people. Anyway, so we needed a an idea really last minute. And I was out having a few drinks. I don't know really why I thought of it. I said, right, let's just sit them in front of each other and they've got to do really childish insults. And I think it could be funny because they're funny guys and it will it's a bit silly. And we did it and it went everywhere. I mean, mate, I think the YouTube alone was 20, 30 million views. It was crazy. And then we kept doing it with Hollywood A-listers and the guys at work made it look really good. Um you know, built a set for it. And I think when I last looked, we're we're about 200 million views just on that one idea, which was from a few drinks out in Reading. But I reckon there'll be so many people listening to this that perhaps do what I do, which is write ideas on your phone. But but then you never do it because you know, life gets in the way and we we've all got jobs and mortgages and kids and whatever. And what I've started doing the last year or so is just really whenever there's an idea that I put in my phone, I then try more and more now to is is there a way to make it happen? It's like the student cookbook. It was something that for ages I'd made excuses to not do it. But more and more, I've just thought, yeah, why box yourself? Why is anyone got to box themselves in? You know, even if you've got a job doing something totally different, doesn't mean you can't go and do the other thing. And yeah, perhaps I can get doors open slightly easier because, you know, people expect they'll get something in return, you know, talk about them on the radio or mention them in social. I don't I don't know how they think. But I I would also encourage people to to to not try and box yourself up if if there is a kind of burning passion inside because why not do it now? Don't don't wait till retirement. And if you're retired, go ahead and do it then. But what I mean is like sometimes the hardest thing to do is just to just sit down and go, actually, do you know what? I'm going to do this. I don't really care what people think. Family members, friends, they might laugh, but actually, what why not? And I would always say if there's anyone that's listening to this that that needs any help with something they think I can help with, then then reach out. You'd be surprised how many people out there are just a DM away from actually wanting to help or interested in what you're doing.
Dr Rupy: Absolutely, mate, absolutely. Like, honestly, that resonates with me so much because even when I started the Doctor's Kitchen five years ago, I'd thought about the idea and it was it wasn't in my phone, but I'd written it down and stuff and I just put it off and off and off because I thought people are going to ridicule me and, you know, people didn't know what I, you know, why I was so passionate about it or or whether I knew what I was talking about. Um and that's why I encourage people to just do what they love to do. Uh and and just building that confidence yourself. And and like you said, like now, you are literally a DM away from having a conversation with someone who could really help or just give you some advice. Um and and and now particularly, you know, given the current scenario and and how many people are losing jobs or or financially insecure. This is actually a time for opportunity. A lot of the, some of the best companies, some of the best ideas have come out of recession, um and and and hardship. So now is the opportunity. And this is why I really wanted you to to come on, mate, because I see what you're doing, I see what where you've come from and and you know, all the ideas that you're going and you bring humor and and a genuine sort of personality, which is why people warm to it. Um and yeah, and I I just wanted to know actually what what your path, obviously you've got the student cookbook right now and and that's what you're passionate about and and everything else. But what what does the future look like for you? What are you passionate about? What's in your phone that you you've been putting off?
Chris Stark: Yeah, what's in my phone? That's a great. There's a podcast in that. Um the um the other point with that, I should say as well is that I do think in this time, there is also a kind of pressure to have to do something as well. For some people, it's a bit like, you feel useless. So you and you hear of people, that's why everyone started making banana bread at one point. One person, I'm sure did it and it's like it's everyone's got to we've got to make banana bread. It's like it's cool, like you also shouldn't feel pressure. It is okay to to not do that. And um you really shouldn't beat yourself up about a kind of perceived pressure to be having to do more. That's not what I'm suggesting. What I'm suggesting is if you are the kind of person that has something in in sort of inside that you've always wanted to explore or you think to yourself, I'm really good at art. I've just never really, I've never really thought about selling my art or I've never thought about um like it's so funny where opportunities are. Like I I I came up with a little idea with a friend of mine who's a commentator and he writes these really neat match notes for every game. His name's Clive Tilsley. He's commented on massive games. And me and him decided to set something up where we basically sell his match notes. Now, the point that I'm trying to get across here is, well, all of a sudden, I'm looking at these beautiful, we call them charts, commentary charts, right? I'm looking at these beautiful charts, but we haven't got any decent pictures of them. So I went on Twitter the other day and was basically saying, look, is there a photographer out there? This isn't, you know, a kind of I want free photographs. I I want to pay someone to do it. But actually, I bet you that rather than me just go to a photographer that I know, I bet you there are so many good people out there at that kind of thing. And and that's that's what I mean. If you've got a a hobby or an interest that's inside and it's not about making this your full-time job, but it could be that one day. And and actually the most important thing is you don't you don't leave this thing kind of inside and locked up. If you have an idea in the notes of your phone, there are people that you can contact if you haven't got the resource for it that might go, well, actually, I want to be part of this and I've got the equipment to make it happen. I've got the recording equipment. Um it that's what I'm trying to get at is don't shut yourself off for fear of like, well, this isn't what I do. So I shouldn't be doing it. I'm in one lane. Um you should do it and you should feel empowered to do it. And equally, you shouldn't feel a pressure to have to do something extra as well. Um does that make sense?
Dr Rupy: Yeah, absolutely, mate. That that definitely um definitely resonates with me.
Chris Stark: Uh for me though, the future, it's a really hard one this and it's something I've always battled with because I've always been convinced that I'm going to lose my job in the next six months. And ever since and it's it's something that I've had growing up because because I've had to to try and find so many different ways to get into Radio 1 or to try and build up radio, I've I've never said no to anything. And now I've got this job, the weird thing I can't get rid of is a certain element of imposter syndrome and I I also can't get rid of this feeling that if I say no to something or if I don't do something, then it could all be over. And I've got kids now and a mortgage and everything. And I do feel a certain pressure, but I've really started to learn over the last year or so that that pressure is something I put on myself and that actually I am doing all right and I've got to let myself relax. You know, I don't go, a lot of my friends go and play golf and a lot of my mates have seem to or seem to have time to go and do some of this other stuff. And I used to go, oh, they just haven't got kids. That's what it is. But now some of them have kids and they still go and do some of those things. And I think, I think it's because I I at times take on too much. And I I know why I'm doing it because I've I can't shake this feeling that I had, which is a feeling of having to keep moving forward and keep doing things. And it's mad. Like I'll sign a contract with Radio 1 and then the next day I'll be thinking, right, uh right, what do I need to do now? And it's like, God, just give yourself a break. And and I and and also a lot of time starts to move past, you know, and I don't I really I I do work hard and I do try and make the most of opportunities, but I also do want to start giving myself a little bit more of a break sometimes. And this sounds deep and I really don't want it to sound moany or anything. I love what I do. I absolutely love it. Um but equally, I do recognize that that is a bit of a a flaw in my matrix, uh which is that I I I struggle to just let myself be happy. I struggle to just let it go and kind of relax with myself and be comfortable. And maybe that's just because of the nature of the job that I do and and how I've had to get it. Um but I'm almost convinced there'll be other people listening to this that feel the same as that and they don't do the job that I do. So I I think it's it must be a personality thing. And I I've got to figure out a way of doing it because I love the idea of going away and playing golf with my mates. I'm crap at golf, but I love the idea of going and doing it. I love the idea of um you know, a few weekends away and stuff like that. I'm sure everyone does. Um but I've just got to, yeah, I've just got to balance that out a little bit more. And at some point realize that you can't go through your whole life stressing about the next thing. And and so this sounds like a very long answer to basically say, I don't have a clue what's going on in the future, mate. But but what I've learned is that um what I've learned so far is that it doesn't end, it keeps going. Um and one way or another, I've managed to figure it out. So at some point I've just got to trust that that process works rather than fearing it so much.
Dr Rupy: There's so much I want to unpick with that, but one thing is that even if there is no one listening who can resonate with that, I definitely do. Um because I suffer from imposter syndrome massively. And you know what? I think it's a big thing, Chris. I I think a lot of people, regardless of what position they're in, whether they're in a business that they've started themselves or they work for someone or they work in medicine, you know, it's imposter syndrome is a big thing. And I think we've lost that uh ability to be compassionate with ourselves and because everyone's making banana bread or starting a company, there is that sort of constant pressure to do something. And um I I'm not a fan of giving advice when it's uh not solicited, but I I will share with you one thing that I think has helped me and may help you, I don't know. But um I wrote a letter to myself, um like my younger self. It's something that I I've I've listened to on a podcast. This this podcast host does it with their guests at the end of the show. And you write a letter to yourself um at an age where you had no idea what you were doing. And for me, it was around 14, 15 when I was doing my GCSEs. And um and you just write yourself a letter detailing, you know, how you're feeling, giving that person, your younger self advice and sort of encouragement and sort of the knowledge that, you know, things are going to be okay. And that almost is a bit of a release for yourself in this present moment. Um they they call it something like expressive writing or something like that. But but that honestly, for me, I did that very recently because I've got a few things going on. And um the amount of release I had after doing that was was really, really impactful. And I think it's something I'm going to try and do at least once a year if not more often than that.
Chris Stark: It's a really, it is a really good idea. I it's something we've actually started doing on the show where we get people on to write letters to their 10-year-old self. And it is amazing that because you all the things you stressed about at the time, it is great to be able to talk to that person. It's not all rosy. It's a lot of hard stuff's happened in that time and it's good to acknowledge and it's good to get it down. Um mate, I'm I've really enjoyed chatting to you today. I'm going to have to go because my wife has just told me I've forgotten she needs to go to the doctors. Um and I've I don't want to let her down on that as well. Um and I know we've gone on a bit longer than we planned, but it's um it's been totally worth it and thank you so much for for this podcast.
Dr Rupy: Mate, thank you so much. Honestly. Have a good day. And um yeah, and and good luck with your wife. I hope everything's all right.
Chris Stark: Yeah, yeah, all all good, mate. And um but but let's do this again at some point. It's been fun. And um and thank you to you and everyone listening to this for for letting me on. I really appreciate it.
Dr Rupy: Thanks for listening to the episode. Remember, you can pick up a copy, just go to the links page on the doctorskitchen.com/podcast and I will see you here next time.
