Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose – "Nurse Blake and his Viral Comedy"
Released on March 5, 2025
Overview
In this engaging episode of Kat on the Loose, host Kat Zamuto welcomes Nurse Blake, a seasoned surgical ICU nurse who has ingeniously blended his nursing career with his passion for comedy. With over a decade of experience in Level 1 trauma centers and a successful international comedy tour, Nurse Blake shares his journey of finding humor amidst the chaos of healthcare, building a supportive community for nurses, and promoting mental health awareness within the profession. This candid conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career with creative pursuits, offering valuable insights for both healthcare professionals and comedy enthusiasts.
Introduction to Nurse Blake
Kat Zamuto opens the episode by introducing Nurse Blake, highlighting his unique ability to merge his nursing expertise with his comedic talent. Blake is celebrated for creating positive disruptions in the nursing space through his humor, which resonates with a global audience.
[00:00] Kat Zamuto: "My guest today, Nurse Blake. Yes, he's a real nurse, including having a career in surgical ICU. But the amazing thing about him is that he has such a natural knack for comedy that he turned his talent into an extremely successful business."
Humor as a Coping Mechanism in Nursing
Nurse Blake discusses how humor became essential in his high-stress nursing environment. He emphasizes that making jokes is not only a survival tactic but also a natural trait among nurses.
[04:14] Nurse Blake: "You gotta be funny to get through it. Like, if you're not cracking jokes, you're not going to survive nursing. So I think we're just funny people."
Blake explains that while the humor may sometimes tread into sensitive territory, he carefully avoids making fun of patients, focusing instead on the broader nursing experience and interactions with colleagues.
[05:00] Nurse Blake: "I make sure not to make fun of patients. I mostly pick on just the broader experience or pick on other nurses or nurse leaders and stuff, but I get no hate."
Personal Stories: Dating in the Medical Field
The conversation shifts to Blake’s personal experiences with dating doctors, highlighting the inherent stress and challenges of such relationships. He contrasts real-life scenarios with the dramatized portrayals seen in TV shows.
[05:30] Nurse Blake: "I was so, so excited to meet you because I love your energy, I love your sense of humor. And then the LA fires hit... so we had to scratch that, unfortunately."
Blake shares anecdotes about his past relationships, emphasizing the difficulties of maintaining personal connections within the demanding medical field.
[07:25] Nurse Blake: "I will not date a doctor. That is, like, my red flag. I will not get close to a doctor ever."
Reality vs. TV: The True ER Experience
Blake and Kat delve into the stark differences between real-life ER work and its depiction on television. They discuss how shows like Grey's Anatomy romanticize the medical profession, often leading to misconceptions about the realities of nursing.
[23:21] Nurse Blake: "When it comes to them caring for the patient, like doing procedures and stuff, like, all of that's bullshit. So it's definitely a journey when you watch that show as a healthcare worker."
Blake emphasizes that the intense and often chaotic environment of the ER leaves little room for the dramatic personal interactions portrayed on TV.
Nurse Blake’s Comedy Journey
Nurse Blake recounts how his foray into comedy began as a personal coping mechanism for burnout and depression. Initially a hobby, his comedic content gained traction on social media, creating a supportive community for nurses worldwide.
[24:23] Nurse Blake: "I was so burnout. I was totally depressed, I was anxious. And that's when I actually started making videos on social media, which were so helpful to me and my mental health."
Encouraged by positive feedback, Blake expanded his comedic reach, leading to sold-out shows and eventually a global tour known as the Shock Advisory Tour. His efforts culminated in the creation of Nurse Con at Sea, a unique nursing conference held on a cruise ship, blending education with entertainment.
[15:30] Nurse Blake: "Every year I do a conference called Nurse Con at Sea where I rent out the whole ship and we bring over 3,000 nurses on board and we do education and theme nights and bingo and drag shows and three parties."
Building a Community and Promoting Mental Health
Blake highlights the importance of community and self-care among nurses. Recognizing the loneliness and high stress inherent in healthcare professions, he uses his platform to advocate for mental health and provide a space for nurses to unwind and connect.
[15:34] Nurse Blake: "It's all about mental health for healthcare workers. We will take care of everyone else but our own health."
His initiatives, including comedy shows and conferences, offer nurses a chance to relax, share experiences, and gain continuing education in a fun and supportive environment.
Impact and Future Plans
Nurse Blake reflects on the impact of his comedy career, noting how it has provided both personal healing and joy to others. He discusses plans for expanding his comedic endeavors and upcoming tours, emphasizing his commitment to balancing career and creativity.
[29:10] Nurse Blake: "My husband was his case. But we're just making light of the situation because...I never had the chance to be freaky at the hospital."
He expresses pride in his ability to uplift others while staying grounded in his nursing roots.
Closing Remarks: The Importance of CPR
In the episode’s final segment, Nurse Blake underscores the critical importance of knowing CPR. Drawing from personal tragedy, he encourages listeners to become certified to potentially save lives.
[31:43] Nurse Blake: "Everyone should know CPR... you could still save someone's life. Be a hero, which is great."
He shares a heartfelt story about his father's passing due to a heart attack, motivating him to advocate for widespread CPR education.
[33:03] Nurse Blake: "My dad died from a massive heart attack in the middle of the night. We do not know if you would have saved him or not, but...it’s something to keep in mind."
Conclusion
This episode of Kat on the Loose offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Nurse Blake's dual life as a dedicated nurse and a successful comedian. Through his stories and insights, Nurse Blake illustrates the power of humor in coping with the demands of healthcare, the importance of community and mental health support, and the profound impact one individual can have by following their passion. Whether you're in the medical field or simply seeking inspiration, Nurse Blake's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the universal need for laughter and connection.
Notable Quotes:
- Nurse Blake: "You gotta be funny to get through it. Like, if you're not cracking jokes, you're not going to survive nursing." [04:14]
- Nurse Blake: "I make sure not to make fun of patients. I mostly pick on just the broader experience or pick on other nurses or nurse leaders and stuff, but I get no hate." [05:00]
- Nurse Blake: "I will not date a doctor. That is, like, my red flag. I will not get close to a doctor ever." [07:25]
- Nurse Blake: "When it comes to them caring for the patient, like doing procedures and stuff, like, all of that's bullshit." [23:21]
- Nurse Blake: "Everyone should know CPR... you could still save someone's life. Be a hero, which is great." [31:43]
Connect with Nurse Blake:
- Website: nursecanadc.com
- Social Media: @NurseBlake
Upcoming Events:
- Shock Advisory Tour: Launching this fall, with performances across the US, Canada, Europe, and special shows like the Sydney Opera House.
- Nurse Con at Sea: April 7th-11th, Miami to the Bahamas. A unique conference combining education, fun, and networking for over 3,000 nurses.
Nurse Blake’s story is a remarkable blend of dedication, humor, and community-building, offering a refreshing perspective on life in healthcare. Tune in to Kat on the Loose for more inspiring conversations.