Documentaries
2023
Tourette’s: The Truth Behind the Tics
In this 60 minute documentary created for Virgin Radio, Aidy Smith, one of the worlds only TV presenters with Tourette syndrome, delves into what could easily be the most misunderstood condition on the planet. Speaking to a variety of known personalities and community advocates, Aidy uncovers the harrowing stigmas and co-occuring conditions of Tourette’s alongside the daily pain and trauma those with it often go through. What is often deemed as a ‘swearing disease’ and mocked by comedians and the general public on a daily basis is so much more than meets the eye. What’s more - while Tourette’s does present it’s struggles there is another side of the condition that is so infrequently touched upon - the Tourette Superpower. This documentary is one of the first to delve into this topic in never previously heard footage of incredibly successful people from all walks of life attributing the very thing that society deems to be their weakness as their catalyst to success. Emotional, deep, inspiring.
Produced and presented by Aidy Smith (Rainbow Cork Productions)
Beyond Distraction:
The Complex Reality of ADHD
In recent months ADHD has been at the centre of scrutiny, as some media outlets claim anyone can get a diagnosis. But what is the truth? Is it a difficult process? How does someone go about it? And beyond this, what even is ADHD?! TV presenter and award-winning broadcaster Aidy Smith is on mission to find out. He wants to look beyond the stereotypes of a little girl talking too much or a hyperactive little boy throwing a chair across a classroom to uncover the reality of what this condition is and how it affects peoples lives. Having long suspected he himself has ADHD, Aidy is seeking out the truth, with listeners being a fly on the wall at each stage of the diagnosis journey. Along the way he meets with a variety of known personalities and industry heroes as he unravels the complex reality of what this condition is, far beyond the stigmas you’ve been led to believe. Taking things a step further, he delves into the world of ADHD superpowers, showcasing the remarkable talents of those who for too long have been made to feel like they are a burden on society. This is the perfect documentary for anyone who may think they have ADHD or to get a better understanding of those around you who do.
Produced and presented by Aidy Smith (Rainbow Cork Productions)
2022
The Truth About Tourette’s
Aidy Smith has Tourette Syndrome - commonly thought of as a swearing disorder. But in reality, 90% of people with Tourette’s don't swear. Over the decades, popular culture has built up a skewed picture of Tourette Syndrome. Documentaries have focused on those with extreme symptoms and Coprolalia. Hollywood movies have used it as a means of manufacturing cheap laughs. Comedians have used it as a punchline.
In this programme, Aidy meets people with incredible talents and successful careers who have overcome the struggles and the stigma. People like Pete Bennet, who rose to fame in 2006 after winning the seventh series of the Channel 4 reality show Big Brother, and Dr Wilson Tsai, a thoracic surgeon in the US who hopes to inspire others by sharing how martial arts and practicing medicine gave him confidence and a sense of worth.
Click here or the image below to listen.
Produced by Rosa Production | Presented by Aidy Smith
for BBC Radio 4
