A man of many passions, Dr Mark Mikhail shares his favourites with BlueSkyFriday. From political podcasts and brain science to meaningful charitable work, the joy of a properly good night out, plus the simple rituals he returns to when life feels (very) full.
Favourite Podcast
I cannot survive without my news podcasts. I am, for better or worse, a disgusting consumer of news and politics. The rest is politics, the newsagents, newscast - apparently this passion is part of my star sign, so not my fault, but who knows. I think it is more that with my life being total chaos it is quite nice to see that there is chaos everywhere else in the world and maybe we’re all in it together.
Favourite Charity
Facing The World (ftw) is a wonderful charity that has been changing the lives of thousands of Vietnamese children for decades by educating, training and supporting hospitals and surgeons in looking after the high prevalence of congenital conditions. I have been fortunate enough to see this work up close in Vietnam and in the UK and cannot recommend their mission enough.
Favourite Book
Kyra Bobinet is a US PhD that studies a tiny place in the brain called the Habenula. Her book The Unstoppable Brain is a fascinating exploration of this area and how this 1cm bit of brain tissue is responsible for every time we give up on doing something because it is unconsciously too hard - but importantly - how to overcome it!
Favourite Way to Unwind
I do love socialising over some wine or tequilas. I have to admit that the recent well documented downturn in alcohol consumption made me think about all the friendships I have that have been galvanised over a couple of drinks. As a doctor I do realise the negative effects of alcohol and as a human I have definitely felt those effects. My approach to medicine is that there are some risks that are worth taking and for those, there are normally ways to ameliorate the risk, at least partially - whether it is with peptides, supplements or just moderation!
February, 2026
