EXCLUSIVE: Round 2 with Mr Dispenser

Who hides under a hoodie
like this?

Yes, the world's most talked about pharmacist is back. Since my last encounter with the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills" earlier this year, he's brought out a second version of his much celebrated, talked about and read book.

"Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2" is a sequel to the original. He launched it at the recent annual Pharmacy Show in Birmingham and overwhelmed his fans with a delightful presence in the NEC. Once again, anecdotes and much hilarity is shared in the second version of this successful book.

The reader is once again taken in the world of a dispensary but in a way that entertains and informs with much hilarity. Already since it's launch, it has received positive feedback and much has been made of the comedy element of the book. This is a must read for anyone who is a pharmacist and for those who work in a pharmacy, regardless of their role in the dispensary.

But, arguably, the biggest winning point about this book is the unifying force it has to bring many people within the profession together and to relate to the experiences shared in the book. Never has such a phenomenon achieved so much in common between people, especially within a profession where inter-connectivity between people within the profession across a local area or nationally can be limited.

I had the pleasure in talking to the man behind "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills 2":

Q1: So I remember all those months ago you and I chatting away with anticipation over the release of the first edition of your new book - you are back again for more with a second edition now. What are you aiming to achieve this time around?

MR DISPENSER: I am aiming to make people laugh again and raise more money for the Pharmacist Support Charity. The first book caught people by surprise.

Q2: There's no doubt that you were very popular at the recent Pharmacy Show in Birmingham. Apart from all the positive appreciation shown towards your first book, what kind of feedback did you receive?

MR DISPENSER: At the Pharmacy Show, feedback mainly consisted of ‘I thought you’d be taller’.

Q3: Your identity must have been obvious in Birmingham, surely?

MR DISPENSER: Well clearly, people saw my face but my badge said Mr Dispenser on it. In the majority of photographs that were taken my back was to camera. I was surprised that most people didn’t actually ask my real name.

Q4: Are you planning to take up new initiatives or activities such as a national tour so that pharmacists everywhere can see you?

MR DISPENSER: It’s not quite a national tour but I am planning to visit a few universities. I attended the Huddersfield University Oath ceremony on Friday and gave a short speech to all the students. It was one minute inspirational and four minutes of stand-up. I can generally be found at most pharmacy conferences too.

Q5: Will we see a third edition of your book?

MR DISPENSER: I genuinely don’t know at the moment. I promised myself whilst editing the second that I wouldn’t do a third but I normally lie to myself. If I think that I can make it as good as the first two, then I will do a third. At the moment, I can’t guarantee that.

A major thank you to Mr Dispenser for answering more of my inquisitive questions. His book is now available to buy as a paperback or on Kindle. 

And, yes, the mystery remains. Who is the person behind Mr Dispenser?

PRESS RELEASE: "The Anas Hassan Show" - Episode 1

Welcome to the first ever edition of "The Anas Hassan Show". Both parts of this month's show are below for you to enjoy:

PRESS RELEASE

"The Anas Hassan Show" - Episode 1

A new programme has been launched by newly qualified pharmacist and Scottish media personality, Anas Hassan, on his official website and his YouTube channel Anas TV.

"The Anas Hassan Show" is a feature programme which aims to cover areas such as current affairs, entertainment, history, sport and much more from a Scottish perspective. Anas also intends to bring unique guests from many walks of life to give them a platform to showcase their talent, work and their personalities.

On the day of launch of the opening episode of his new show, Anas said, "I am absolutely overwhelmed with delight about bringing a new show to the world. Today really marks a major step in my media career."

"For many years I have presented on the radio, written and edited magazines, developed my public speaking skills and now today I add a new dimension to my portfolio of work and experience. This show is about life, particularly with a Scottish dimension."

"Life is very broad and full of many things and although I'm not employed by a major broadcaster, I am very enthused by YouTube and how they enable people like myself to showcase our talent and ability to create something engaging, entertaining and informative for online audiences. I really hope people appreciate the work I've put in to creating this new programme and strongly encourage comments, feedback and questions, whether they are positive or negative."

Anas also specifically emphasised the importance of his country's contribution to broadcasting and his enthusiasm, "This is the country where one of my fellow countrymen invented the television. John Logie Baird has transformed the lives of so many people worldwide.

"Television has enabled a platform of media to emerge where talents all over the world can showcase their talent and innovation - whether its the next best music talent from a well known hit music reality programme or the creation of the world's most successful quiz show of all time."

"I take a passionate interest in broadcasting, particularly north of the border, and have done so since I grew up. Scotland has well and truly been part of the television phenomenon story. Whether its Taggart from Glasgow or Rebus from Edinburgh, Scotsport, Only an Excuse or Mrs Brown's Boys (its filmed in Glasgow by the way), my country has contributed brilliantly."

"And it continues to do so locally through the expansion of local services by both STV and BBC Scotland. I value the output that our broadcasting industry brings to the public. And although I'm not currently employed by any major broadcaster, TV or radio, YouTube has enabled me to add some diversity to the different variety of programming available from Scotland. I welcome the world to my YouTube channel and official website to see my work."

Tonight's opening episode features a well known pharmacist called Mr Dispenser where he comes on the show to be interviewed by Anas about his new book, "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills". Anas also tours Robert Burns' birthplace of Alloway in South Ayrshire ahead of Burns Night in just under two weeks time.

Anas commented, "I had the absolute pleasure to interview Mr Dispenser about his new book. He provides a unique insight into how and why he wrote the book. I really hope viewers and listeners will appreciate the hard work he has put into producing this very unique title. And the fact a portion of the sales will go to a good cause in the charity Pharmacist Support will undoubtedly be welcome too. I wish him every success in the world with his new book and thank him enormously for coming on the show."

"And I also took a tour of Alloway in South Ayrshire. This is a truly beautiful part of the world with a very strong heritage. Burns Night is under two weeks away and this month is a very fitting time to explore the humble beginnings of the life of one of the finest sons of our nation. I want to thank the National Trust for Scotland and the very supportive and wonderful staff for their hospitality and for enlightening me about our national bard during my time in Alloway."

The show is now available to watch above and on Anas TV on YouTube.

"The Anas Hassan Show" comes to a screen near you!

Brace yourselves ladies and gentlemen, I'm arriving onto a TV, laptop, computer or smartphone screen near you!

Because I have a new and exciting show lined up for the YouTube airwaves! My new show, "The Anas Hassan Show" is a show for Scotland and the rest of the world, made in Scotland. The show will aim to cover many aspects of life such as current affairs, culture and travel. Plus we will be having interviews with the stars of today and tomorrow.

The show also aims to create a positive image of the Scottish nation and the can do attitude that makes us so great as a nation and people. For too long Scotland has been unfairly associated with negative connotations. However, although I'm only one person, I hope to reach out to audiences worldwide by providing entertainment and information that engages the viewer, regardless of who they are and where they are watching.

On the first episode next Saturday 12th January 2013, available from 6pm, we have an interview with one of the most talked about people in the pharmacy profession worldwide. Mr Dispenser, as he is known, has published a new book called "Pills, Thrills and Methadone Spills". Join me as I chat with him about his new book and about him as a person. And I also take you on a tour of Alloway, South Ayrshire - the birthplace of our national bard, Robert Burns, as Burns Night is only a few weeks away.

Should you have an idea for the show, comments, concerns, feedback or questions then please do not hesitate to contact myself at: anas@officialanashassan.com

I really hope that you can join me for my first show next weekend.