In this episode, we take a deep dive into the journey of completing a Counselling Psychology doctorate with our guest, Sonia. From the early motivations to pursue psychology to the challenges and triumphs of the programme, Sonia offers an honest and relatable account of her experiences.

In this episode, we sit down with PhD student Zenab, who conducts ground breaking research on mental health within South Asian Muslim communities in the UK. Together, we explore key issues surrounding mental health, faith, and psychosis in these communities.

We begin with an introduction to Zenab's research journey before diving into the unique factors that make South Asians more susceptible to psychosis (03:50). Zenab shares insights into the stigmatisation of religion and how historical perspectives in psychology have impacted both mental health services and religious communities (09:40). She emphasises the need for spiritual-based interventions in mental health care (17:50), and highlights how her PhD research, embedded within a mental health trust, aims to address these gaps (22:00).

We wrap up by discussing the crucial role of family and friends in supporting individuals with mental health challenges in faith-based communities (36:00).

This episode offers a deep dive into the intersection of mental health, faith, and culture and provides valuable perspectives for mental health professionals and community members alike.

About Zenab

Connect with Zenab on Linkedin

Welcome to Psychology Cast, the podcast dedicated to exploring the intricate enigmas of the human mind and embracing the journeys of experts in psychology.
Prepare for thought-provoking interviews with esteemed psychologists, authors, and students as they dive into their motivations for immersing themselves in the world of psychology. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovative therapies, our guests share their remarkable anecdotes, knowledge, and expertise, granting you an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the fascinating domain of human cognition.

In this episode, we explore the landscape of anti-racism in higher education with Dr. Shames Maskeen, Lecturer in Psychology and Associate Director of The Race Institute. In this episode, Dr. Maskeen sheds light on the historical roots and contemporary challenges of racism within academia. Gain practical insights into dismantling systemic inequities and exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion in universities. Discover actionable steps for educators and students to engage in anti-racist practices and promote meaningful change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the complexities of racial dynamics in academic settings.

10:00 - Cultural Influence on journey

18:00 - Unpacking micro aggression in Higher Education24:00 - How not to burn out

29:00 - Education and Equity

40:00 - Conference Focus

44:00 - Going Forward

In this episode, we dive into the the conversation of 'Eugenics 'through a psychological lens with Professor Marius as your guide. In this captivating podcast series, we go through the the historical, ethical, and psychological implications of eugenics, delving deep into its origins, controversies, and modern-day relevance. This episode we navigate through the complexities of human genetics, societal ideals, and the profound impact of eugenics on individuals and communities.

Discussion Points

00:00 - Introduction

08:00 - What brought you to this space /conversation?

19:30 - What is Eugenics?

27:40 - What is the connection between Psychology and Eugenics?

47:16 - Conclusion

About Helen Roberts

Helen joined the Met Office as a trainee weather forecaster in 2003, and spent much of her career as an Operational Meteorologist working in a variety of sectors, including military, transport, retail and media. Having completed an MSc in psychology, Helen is the UK’s first Socio-Meteorologist, working at the intersection of the social and physical sciences in order to ensure weather forecasts and warnings help people make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. She is especially interested in communication that encourages behavioural response, with a particular focus on equipping people to prepare for and respond to extreme and impactful weather that is being exacerbated by our changing climate.

***About PSYCHOLOGY CAST***

In this this episode I talk to Louise who is from South Africa and works an editor and in this podcast she shares her insights in to language and writing in South Africa.

This episode I talk to Brad who is training to become a Clinical Psychologist. He shares his journey and his trigger moments on what lead him on this path.  

00:00 - Episode 70 

03:50 - When I was at college 

07:17 - Volunteering at the hospital 

10:30 - The Post it note 

11:20 - The power of sharing stories 

13:09 - Wanting to help people 

14:30 - Psychological Codes 

16:30 - Stigma of Jobs 

23:46 - What is training like ? 

27:15 - Making the most of the opportunities 

33:10 - Last Word

 About Brad

“Brad has an ambition to have a positive impact on as many people as possible. He is a 2nd year Trainee Clinical Psychologist, CBT Therapist and co-founder of ‘ThePsychologistCouple’ on Instagram. Prior to starting his Doctorate, he was named one of Bournemouth Universities 30 under 30. His route into clinical training was unique, from starting as a housekeeper in a nursing home, nearly failing his A-Levels, being elected as VP Welfare of the Students Union, to publishing his Masters dissertation, securing a Senior Assistant Psychologist strategy role and then being accepted on the Doctorate of Clinical Psychology”. 

About this Podcast

Welcome to the 'Psychology Cast' where I talk to a range of guests and explore the Psychology in the work they do and what makes them who they are today. My name is Jolel , I am a Chartered Psychologist and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I started my career in Psychology in 2006 and I now use it to explain human behaviour to the people around me and how they can apply it in their daily lives. I would not change one bit of my journey because it brought me where I am today. It's changed the way I think about the world and has shaped me as a person. 

Contact me : If you like to get in touch with me then, please do so on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @drjolel

This episode was a special edition to mark the 50 years independence of Bangladesh and what a special way then to hold a conversation with fellow British Bengali Hashu who is 'SMASH Bengali'. He shared his journey and motivation to do what he does. I won't say much more, as always it was an interesting conversation. 

 About Hashu aka 'SMASH Bengali'

"Hashu is an Actor & Comedian of British Bangladeshi descent born on May 10th, 1992 in Birmingham, UK to Khaleda Begum & Askar Ali. His parents came from Bangladesh in the 1970s to the UK with hopes to create a better life and set up a restaurant in the 1990s in Northfield, Birmingham. In what was then a pre-dominantly non-multicultural area, Hashu attended a church school where he discovered his love for arts through singing hymns and school plays. In order to make his parents happy, Hashu suppressed his creativity for much of his early life focussing more on being academic and studying subjects that were more traditionally studied by people from a South Asian background. After graduating with a 1st class integrated masters in Engineering with Business Management from the University of Birmingham, Hashu began to rediscover his love for the arts after setting up his YouTube channel in 2017 under the alias 'SMASHBengali'. Focussing primarily on creating content that draws on his upbringing and cultural identity, Hashu built an online community who he referred to as "The Gushti" which translates to "Family" in his mother-tongue Bengali. Hashu made his debut on television by being a contestant on season 3 of Channel 4's hit reality show "The Circle" where he stole the hearts of the nation by impersonating his 63 year old Uncle - Syed Islam. He currently wakes the nation up at the weekend breakfast host for BBC Asian Network." 

About this Podcast

Welcome to the 'Psychology Cast' where I talk to a range of guests and explore the Psychology in the work they do and what makes them who they are today. 

My name is Jolel Miah, I am a chartered Psychologist and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I started my career in Psychology in 2006 and I now use it to explain human behaviour to the people around me and how they can apply it in their daily lives. I would not change one bit of my journey because it brought me where I am today. It's changed the way I think about the world and has shaped me as a person. 

Contact me

If you like to get in touch with me then, please do so on Instagram, Twitter,, Facebook or Linkedin

@drjolel