Oxford Brookes Unscripted

What happens when societal stigma shapes how we treat mental illness? In this episode of Oxford Brookes Unscripted Podcast Series, we explore the complex relationship between public attitudes and mental health treatment in the UK. Oxford Brookes undergraduate student, Georgia-Mae Williams-Sims, delves into her research on how stigma influences the perceived acceptability and necessity of antidepressants for adults experiencing depressive symptoms. From media narratives to personal experiences, we unpack the cultural forces that impact treatment decisions - and why it matters. Join us as we challenge taboos, confront misconceptions, and discuss how shifting perceptions can lead to more compassionate and effective mental healthcare. You can explore this work wider by checking out a piece Georgia wrote on the impact of stigma on men: https://www.bps.org.uk/news/public-stigma-and-masculinity-exploring-barriers-mens-mental-health-treatment-and

In this episode of Oxford Brookes Unscripted Podcast Series, Professor Marcel Vellinga takes us on a fascinating journey into the world of vernacular architecture - buildings created by communities for their own needs, often without formal architects. He explains why these structures are much more than quaint relics; they embodied cultural identity, social values and sustainable design long before the term became popular. Marcel also explores how new technologies, climate change and the push to decolonise architectural discourse are reshaping our understanding of what architecture is - and who gets to define it. You can explore this work wider by visiting his staff profile: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/marcel-vellinga

In this episode, we dive into the FORTEe project, an innovative European study exploring how exercise combined with digital health technologies could help children and young people during cancer treatment. Joined by Professor Eila Watson who is a Professor in Supportive Cancer Care, and Hayley Marriott and Dr Alba Solera-Sanchez, who are both researchers in this project at Oxford Brookes University. We discuss the potential benefits of these interventions and explore how this research is shaping the future of cancer care for young people. You can explore this work wider by visiting www.fortee-project.eu/, or the FORTEe projects social media pages.

In this episode, we speak with Dr Sam Thrower, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Oxford Brookes University, about the vital but often overlooked role that parents play in youth sport. Drawing upon over 10 years of experience, Sam explains how parent education and support interventions can have a powerful impact on young athletes' participation, long-term development, and performance in youth sport. From navigating the emotional highs and lows of competition to fostering open communication during the car journey home, this episode offers practical insights into building psychologically informed youth sport environments. You can explore this work wider by visiting his staff profile: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/sam-thrower

In this episode, we dive into Banking on Health – a project empowering young people and their families to cook nutritious, affordable meals while building essential life skills. Led by Dr Shelly Coe and Dr Sarah-Louise Mitchell, researchers at Oxford Brookes University, the initiative tackles the growing challenge of food insecurity and low nutritional literacy by delivering hands-on workshops in schools. We hear how the project is helping children understand the connections between food, health, and sustainability, and why practical, community-based education is key to long-term change. Tune in for inspiring stories, valuable insights, and a fresh perspective on what it means to bank on health. You can explore Shelly’s and Sarah’s wider work on their staff pages: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/shelly-coe and https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/sarah-louise-mitchell

The role of sustainability practitioners is evolving—so how can education and industry keep up? In this episode, we explore the shifting skill sets required for sustainability careers and what this means for workplace training and higher education. We discuss the importance of education-industry partnerships and how research informs both organisational strategies and teaching approaches. Speaking with Dr Karen Cripps, Senior Lecturer in Responsible Management and Leadership in the Oxford Brookes Business School, and Charly Cox, founder of Climate Change Coaches and Entrepreneur in Residence at Oxford Brookes Business School, we examine how institutions can align with the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) to prepare future sustainability leaders. You can explore this work wider by visiting: https://climatechangecoaches.com/sustainabilitys-new-skills-research/

In this episode of Oxford Brookes Unscripted, Dr Syahirah Abdul Rahman (Shera), Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, explores the transformative potential of commercialising SHAPE research - Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts for People and the Economy. She challenges misconceptions around commercialisation, explaining how it’s not just about profit but about creating sustainable, real-world impact. We discuss how SHAPE and STEM can work together, why a cultural shift in academia is needed, and how universities can support researchers in turning knowledge into practical solutions. With inspiring examples of successful SHAPE ventures, this episode highlights commercialisation as a powerful vehicle for research impact and long-term societal change. You can explore Shera’s wider research by visiting her staff profile: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/syahirah-abdul-rahman https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mark-mann-aa83467_tto-shape-socialenterprise-activity-7289677022618943489-UWKN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAA4JqMIBJgB-u7z-mVuNdYo_XknZsbZn0I0

Who really pays for policing football matches? In this episode, Oxford Brookes Lecturer in Criminology, Dr Rich Hester explores the complex world of special police services, cost recovery, and the ongoing tensions between football clubs and law enforcement. From high-risk fixtures to legal battles over policing costs, we dive into the challenges of keeping the game safe—and who should foot the bill. You can explore Rich’s wonder work on his staff page: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/Richard-Hester

Oxford Brookes Research Area Lead and Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Dr Sarah-Louise Mitchell discusses her paper: Refocusing marketing effort to support net-positive social impact. How can marketing go beyond profit to drive real social change? In this episode, Sarah-Louise explores how nonprofits, local government, businesses and researchers can refocus their marketing efforts to achieve net-positive social impact. Drawing from her latest research, we discuss the Social Impact Pathway (SIP) framework, the challenges of measuring meaningful change, and the role marketing plays in tackling biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequalities. Tune in to discover how impact-driven marketing can move beyond greenwashing and create lasting, measurable change. You can explore Sarah-Louise’s wider work on her staff page: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/profiles/staff/sarah-louise-mitchell You can also access her paper, written with Sharyn Rundle-Thiele, Fran Hyde and Zoe Lee: Refocusing marketing effort to support net-positive social impact: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ejm-06-2023-0465/full/html?skipTracking=true as well as her Special Issue editorial: Guest editorial: A personal perspective on why social impact matters | Emerald Insight: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/ejm-07-2024-992/full/pdf

In this episode, we explore efforts to embed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into academic library collections and practices at Oxford Brookes University. From responding to Black and BIPOC students' requests for more diverse content, to the challenges of overcoming systemic biases, we discuss what’s been achieved, what still needs work, and the wider implications for libraries in the face of growing opposition to EDI initiatives. You can explore this work wider by visiting: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/library/resources-and-services/inclusivity-and-diversity