What happens when a natural disaster hits, or we lose access to power, water and the internet?

NTU’s Professor Rowena Hill, an expert in emergency response and Professor of Psychology, says it’s time we all played a more active role in preparedness.

As disasters become more frequent and complex, relying solely on the government isn’t enough. We need to shift from a consumer mindset to one of citizenship – where communities work together to support emergency response efforts.

With the UK emergency alert system test coming this week, now’s a perfect time to think about how prepared we really are.

In today’s episode, we’re questioning the belief that all zoos are unethical. Our guest is Dr Sam Ward, Associate Professor of Zoo Animal Welfare at Nottingham Trent University, based in the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences. Dr Ward shares insights into the reality of the modern zoo industry and what the science says about animal welfare in these spaces.

In this episode of Re:frame, we question whether ditching meat and dairy in favour of plant-based alternatives is actually as sustainable as it seems. We’re joined by Professor Emily Burton, an expert in Sustainable Food Production at NTU, who investigates the true cost of our diets.

In this episode, we question an assumption we all make: that access to justice is something everyone can rely on should we ever need it. For many, the legal system is seen as a safety net - but does it really work that way for everyone? We’re joined by Dr Liz Curran, Associate Professor at Nottingham Law School and a legal expert with decades of experience, to help us uncover the truths we might not be seeing.

Joining us on this episode of the Re:frame podcast is Dr Jenny Mackay, a Principal Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Nottingham Trent University and a Chartered Psychologist.

For the last ten years she has researched women's perpetration of intimate partner violence. In this episode, we uncover surprising truths that challenge everything we thought we knew about domestic violence.

Joining us on this episode of the Re:frame podcast is Dr Christopher Terrell-Nield, an expert entomologist at Nottingham Trent University whose passion for understanding the natural world has led to incredible discoveries. In this episode, we’ll explore the surprising ways insects contribute to the health of our planet, reframing how we think of insects and bugs as just garden pests.

Are smartwatches and fitness trackers as beneficial for our health as they seem? While these gadgets promise to enhance our fitness and wellbeing, research at NTU reveals a darker side, such as increased anxiety, compulsive tracking and even negative impacts on mental health.

In this episode, Dr Sahar Bakr, a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at NTU, discusses how self-tracking our every step and heartbeat might be doing more harm than good. With a background in pharmacy, an MSc in Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, and a PhD in Business and Management, her research sheds light on the complex ways we use smart devices for health, fitness and self-tracking.

In this episode, we question the idea that the end of war brings peace for all. Joining the episode is Dr Blerina Kellezi, Associate Professor in Social and Trauma Psychology at NTU, whose research investigates the complex matter of how people collectively deal with life-changing events like war, dictatorship and the long road to justice.

She has worked with over 1,000 survivors who have experienced severe human rights violations and trauma, resulting in a deep understanding of human experiences.

In this episode of Re:frame, we explore the emotional ups and downs of bringing a new puppy into your life, challenging the idealised notion of puppyhood as nothing but joyful. From feelings of overwhelm to navigating the day-to-day struggles, we discuss how new pet owners can find balance and support during this time.

We’re joined by Dr Jackie Boyd, Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences. Dr Boyd’s expertise spans parasitology, genetics, performance animal biology and anthrozoology, with a special focus on dog health and welfare.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into some of the most challenging questions about charity and its role in society. Is charity truly the solution to poverty, or does it sometimes only address the symptoms while leaving the root causes untouched?

Don’t miss out as Dr Colin Alexander, a Senior Lecturer in Political Communications at Nottingham Trent University, explores how the ‘warm glow’ of giving can distract from tackling deeper structural issues and discuss the impact of celebrity-led campaigns, like Band Aid, and media portrayals of global crises.

His research spans diverse topics including propaganda, public diplomacy, charity’s societal role and critical journalism studies.