(Non COVID) NHS story time - for years, I couldn't speak without my jaw shaking. Bricked it at every opportunity whenever I was asked for my opinion. I was happy tweeting but I turned down gigs knowing I'd absolutely fluff it.

2015 - told my doctor and therapist at the Uni of Nottingham that I'd love to do political commentary - I was writing loads and was confident in what I was saying, but if you asked me to say it to a crowd I'd choke.

They both recommended beta blockers to stop my jaw rocking like a hurricane. I'd obviously still be nervous in my head, but keeping everything calm physically was the main hurdle so I could at least sound 'with it'

They're not just prescribed to anybody - but I was lucky. I took one for most interviews. And between '15-'18 - there were a lot. But I tried I showed them every interview I did, whether it be a local radio station, RT, or the BBC. And they'd beam.

At one point I cried out of happiness after the fact because I spoke for fifteen minutes with @georgegalloway without shaking, the same with a Newsnight interview with @iankatz1000. Sometimes you need a little help to build your confidence.

It took four years, but from 2019 I could just roll up and talk without any medical help. If you asked me to talk about veganism with @piersmorgan tomorrow I'd give it a good go.

I don't think I've ever spoken about it before - and not sure if you'd all care. My therapist knows, but I really hope my wonderful GP at Uni also knows just how much that chance changed my life. Have a great day everyone