GCU Common Good Podcast

Professor John McKendrick joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about his research into poverty. He gives a definition of the term and examines its prevalence in modern Scottish society, before looking at how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation for people living in poverty. Professor McKendrick also speaks about research conducted by the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit at the GCU, which he co-directs, as well as his career as a professional football referee.

Ben Parkinson from the Department of Nursing and Community Health joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss how stroke survivors can benefit from mindfulness. Ben talks about how mindfulness helps the community deal with stress and anxiety and whether or not it can be used by families in lockdown.

Scotland's drug problem has become a "public health emergency", with 2018 seeing the highest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in the country. Kirsten Trayner, a PhD researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss the crisis, outlining the prevalence of drugs in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow, as well as the rise in numbers of people who inject drugs. She then goes on to look at the available interventions, including drug consumption rooms.

Eilidh Fulton, the GCU Students' Association Student President, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her role in guiding the University through the coronavirus crisis. She discusses the challenges the student community have faced over the past six weeks and how she and her team have provided support. Eilidh goes on to talk about what motivated her to get involved with student politics and her plans after she steps down from the role later in the year.

Professor Cam Donaldson, Glasgow Caledonian University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), joins the Common Good Podcast to explore the discipline of health economics. He examines it within the context of the current coronavirus pandemic and explains why health professionals make the decisions they do in terms of testing and treatment. Professor Donaldson also discuss how he and GCU's Executive Board have been running the University during the lockdown.

The latest episode of the Common Good Podcast stars Sebastien Chastin, a Professor of Health Behaviour Dynamics at Glasgow Caledonian University, who talks about the best ways to stay physically active in the current climate. Professor Chastin also talks about the best way to break sitting behaviours at work and the importance of getting a good night's sleep.

Dr Christopher Hand, a lecturer in psychology, joins the Common Good Podcast (from a remote location) talk to talk about health and wellbeing in the time of the coronavirus. Speaking with Craig G Telfer, Dr Hand offers advice to people working and studying from home on ways to adjust to the new climate, as well as discussing ways to deal with any anxieties surrounding the disease.

The first Common Good Podcast of 2020 stars Dr Nancy Lombard, a Reader in Sociology and Social Policy at Glasgow Caledonian University, to talk about her research into violence against women. She discusses her work with schoolchildren and their understanding of violence, as well as her study into the links between football and domestic abuse. Dr Lombard also talks about her son, Dylan, who lives with mandibular dysplasia, a rare condition that affects just 13 people worldwide.

Peter Yetton, Glasgow Caledonian University's Head of Visas, Immigration Support and Advice, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss his work in helping overseas students coming to study at GCU. Peter outlines the complex Visa process, some memorable cases, and the challenges posed by Brexit.

Dr Katy Proctor, a lecturer in criminology and policing at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into stalking. After interviewing 128 victims of stalking, she talks about their experiences including why people stalk, the different forms it can take and the lasting impact it has. Dr Proctor also discusses the police's attitude towards stalking and whether or not Scotland requires specialist taskforces to tackle the issue.