GCU Common Good Podcast

Our COP26 Podcast Series continues with a special interview with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and Emeritus Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, about climate justice and how it fits into his vision for a post-pandemic society.

Professor Yunus says bold action is needed to stop humanity from continuing on its “suicidal path” and how mankind will become an “endangered species” unless climate change is prevented. He also talks about how tackling wealth inequality and preventing mass unemployment are the second and third pillars of his vision, and how we should build “new structures” to prevent the same mistakes being made.

He finishes the podcast by talking about his long-standing relationship with GCU, which goes back to 2008.

You can also watch a video of our interview with Professor Yunus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQwUJvSuQXc

Professor Penny Endersby, the Chief Executive of the Met Office, joins the second instalment of the COP26 Podcast Series to discuss the role the institution is playing in tackling the climate emergency.

Professor Endersby outlines how the Met Office works with the UK Government to drive its policy on climate change, how it collaborates with its counterparts across the world, and whether or not climate change denial is more than a fringe conspiracy theory.

She also discusses her hopes for COP26 and the Met Office's involvement in the event.

You can also watch a video of our interview with Professor Endersby on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFGe4GtS6Hg

The GCU Common Good Podcast is delighted to bring you the COP26 Podcast Series, a series that focuses on climate change and the bid to tackle the climate emergency in the build-up to COP26.

The first episode stars Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director of the Centre for Climate Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University, to talk about the concept of climate justice, what it means, and how it can be achieved. Professor Jafry also discusses her work with the Centre for Climate Justice and how their research is benefitting communities across the globe, as well as her hopes for COP26.

Watch this podcast on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4nHUtyGEek

Shirley Tulloch and Melanie Armstrong join the Common Good Podcast to talk about GCU's Menopause Cafe, a space where students and staff from across the University can talk about their experiences of the menopause. The pair discuss the genesis of the cafe, how they have both benefitted from participating in it, and where they see it going in the future.

Tabita Kristel, a final-year student on the Health Psychology programme, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her work with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and how she provided remote psychological support to stroke survivors and their carers over the lockdown.

She also talks about her journey in academia and her hopes and aspirations for the future.

Tabitha Nyariki and Priscilla Otuagoma, full-time officers with the GCU Students' Association, join the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the University is marking Black History Month. They outline the table of events before looking at how the meaning of Black History Month has changed over the last year. They also discuss their roles at the Students' Association.

PhD researcher Lauren Beatty and sports historian Dr Fiona Skillen join the Common Good Podcast to talk about a new study that charts the development in women's golf in Scotland over the past four decades. The pair touch on their findings and how they can be used in a practical context, before exploring how the women's game began (and busting a few myths along the way). They also discuss what golf must do to attract more female players.

Rebecca Meechan, a Student Communications Assistant, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the small changes she's made to her behaviour and lifestyle in a bid to fight climate change. Rebecca talks about her burgeoning interest in this topic, how she's ditched fast fashion, and her hopes for the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow. She also discusses the Climate Group’s Young Leaders Development Programme and why she has chosen to take part in this award-winning initiative.

Daniel Baxter, a Lecturer in International Tourism and Event Management, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss his research into drag events and how they can boost the happiness and wellbeing of their audiences. Daniel talks about the rise of drag over the past 15 years and RuPaul's influence on its mainstream appeal, how LGBTQ+ audiences have meshed with their cis-het counterparts at shows, and how this study fits in with the University's mission For the Common Good.

Dr Kareena McAloney joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into people's mental health and resilience during the first lockdown of spring 2020. Dr McAloney outlines her findings and how they can be used in a practical context, as well as discussing her career in academia.