In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing. 

Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing.

Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings. 

The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health.

Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health

With special thanks to our guests:

• Rachel Colles - Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and Minds
• Dr Carrie Ryan - Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and Sciences

Resources and mentions:

• ‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!)

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What if the key to better mental health, stronger families, and a more sustainable society was working less?

In this episode, Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess explore how reducing the working week could transform not just our work-life balance but public health more broadly.

They’re joined by:

• Joe Ryle – Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, advocating for a shorter working week with no loss of pay
• Professor Anna Cox – Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at UCL and Head of the eWork Research Group, whose work explores how technology impacts productivity and wellbeing

In this episode:

• How overworking is driving burnout, stress, and poor health outcomes
• What flexible and remote working has taught us post-COVID
• The role of digital technology in balancing work and life
• Why a shorter week could be good for the environment and the economy
• Whether AI might finally deliver on the long-promised work-life revolution

This episode also asks a deeper question: what would it take to truly shift our culture away from valuing busyness and burnout, and toward health, connection, and rest?

Resources and mentions:

• Four Day Week Campaign
• Bullsh*t Jobs by David Graeber
• Black Mirror episodes on the future of work and technology

Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public.

Read the full show notes and transcript.

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In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Dr Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health.

The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy.

Guests:

• Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation. Adam now works in the NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme.
• Professor James Wilson, Professor of Philosophy at UCL.

In this episode:

• The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse.
• Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking.
• The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike.
• How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government.

This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and communities in fostering a healthier society.

Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public.

Read the full show notes and transcript.

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In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing minds.    

Joining them are Mia Forbes Pirie, a leading international mediator, and Dr. Kris De Meyer, Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit. Together, they share their insights on effective communication strategies that prioritise relationship-building over persuasion, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions surrounding contentious topics. 

In this episode:

• How beliefs are formed and why they can become entrenched. 
• The role of cultural identity in shaping opinions and the fear of social rejection. 
• Practical strategies for engaging with differing viewpoints and fostering meaningful dialogue. 

Public Health Disrupted is produced by UCL Health of the Public and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative. 

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Welcome back to a brand new season of Public Health Disrupted!

As Rochelle makes her return to the podcast following maternity leave, we’re excited to present the very first episode of Season 5: a fascinating examination and celebration of the power of movement to foster connection and belonging.

This episode will be of particular interest to runners and fans of group or community exercising, or simply those interested in the intersection of public health and community engagement.

Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess delve into the transformative world of community fitness events, particularly the ground-breaking success of Parkrun. They explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping not only individual lives but entire communities by breaking down barriers to exercise and fostering social connections.

Joining them are Dr. Flaminia Ronca, leading expert in exercise neuroscience, and Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time world Ironman champion and former global head of health and wellbeing for Parkrun. 

In this episode:

• the profound impact of community fitness on mental and emotional wellbeing
• the science behind exercise and brain health
• inspiring stories of how Parkrun has created inclusive spaces for all.

Public Health Disrupted, hosted by Professor Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative 

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The World Health Organisation highlights the tobacco epidemic as one of the greatest public health crises in history, claiming over 8 million lives annually. Over 7 million of these deaths stem from direct tobacco use, while around 1.3 million are due to second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers. The scale of the human and economic tragedy that tobacco imposes is shocking, and preventable.

In this month’s episode, our experts Professor Jamie Brown and Hazel Cheeseman discuss the increasing political and public support for a smoke-free generation, proposed legislative changes, and their potential impact on smoking rates and improving the health of the public in the UK.

This episode offers valuable insights into the future of tobacco control in the UK for policymakers, public health professionals, and the public.

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The development of wastewater systems in the 19th century was one of the greatest achievements of public health, but in recent years there has been growing concern and scrutiny of water quality and sewage pollution. The critical issue of sewage contamination in the UK's rivers and seas is having a profound impact on environmental sustainability and recent reports have urged upgrades in wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of the public.

In this month’s episode, our experts James Cheshire (Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, UCL Geography) and Sam Nichols (Water Quality App Manager, Surfers Against Sewage), analyse the causes, health effects, and innovative mapping techniques used to combat sewage contamination.

Listen to understand what action is required from policymakers and the public to address sewage pollution and ensure our waterways are safe and clean for future generations.

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In this month’s episode, our experts dive into the exciting world of genetics, exploring the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations. They discuss not only the value of these advancements but also the ethical considerations surrounding them, particularly in how they can enhance the health of the public.

Dr Adam Rutherford, bestselling author, broadcaster and lecturer in genetics and society at UCL, shares his wealth of knowledge on the evolution of genetics, and the common misconceptions that persist in the field. Adam delves into the historical context of genetics and its entanglement with eugenics, reminding us of the ethical considerations that must accompany scientific advancement.

Prof George Davey Smith, a clinical epidemiologist and director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, discusses the impact of genetics on the health of the public. He highlights the potential of genetic data to revolutionise healthcare and offers a critical perspective on the consumer genetics market. 

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"It's not our children who are disordered, it's the environment in which we're expecting them to operate."

In this month’s episode, our experts explore the pressing issue of children's mental health in the UK. With one in five young individuals facing probable mental health disorders, the urgency for effective support systems is undeniable.

Joining the conversation are Kate Silverton, renowned broadcaster turned qualified child therapist, and Professor Nicola Walshe, a proponent of climate change and sustainability education. Together, they dissect the challenges faced by schools and parents in supporting children's mental health and the innovative ways to foster well-being through nature and the arts.

Kate Silverton shares her insights on the variability of mental health support in schools and the critical need for standardised, professionally trained mental health professionals on-site. She emphasises the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind children's behaviour and offers a sneak peak of some of the practical, science-backed strategies found in her latest book, ‘There’s still no such thing as naughty: parenting for the primary years’.

Professor Nicola Walshe discusses her work with the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, highlighting the transformative power of combining arts with nature to improve children's mental and emotional well-being. She presents compelling evidence from the Eco-Capabilities project, illustrating how such practices not only benefit the students but also reinvigorate teachers' passion for their profession.

This episode is an impassioned call to disrupt the status quo of public health and education systems, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritises emotional well-being and connection to nature as the foundation for learning and growth.

Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

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"Is technology the magic bullet for humanitarian aid, or does it come with its own set of ethical dilemmas?"

In this episode, hosts Dr Xand van Tulleken and Dr Rochelle Burgess delve into the complex world of humanitarian crises and the transformative role of technology in emergency responses.

With the expertise of Professor Maria Kett, an anthropologist with a rich background in disability-inclusive humanitarian aid, and Sarah Spencer, an AI technical consultant navigating the challenging intersection of AI, national security, and public policy, this episode explores the intricate relationship between technology and humanitarian action.

From AI’s potential for predicting and containing epidemics, to the potential pitfalls of humanitarian surveillance, our guests discuss how technology is reshaping the humanitarian landscape. They challenge us to consider the ethical implications of data security, consent, and the agency of vulnerable populations whose lives are increasingly datafied.

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