In the tenth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Michelize van Heerden, a doctoral researcher from the University of Chichester. Michelize’s research explores the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy (WSLA) - a pioneering residential programme that has supported over 450 women from 78 countries in developing as leaders in sport.

Against a backdrop of ongoing gender imbalance - with only 26% of CEO roles in sport held by women, and a global 3% decrease in female representation on funded sports boards - Michelize examines how WSLA creates a safe, empowering space for growth and connection. Her research draws on the personal stories of participants to disrupt traditional evaluation models, placing lived experience at the centre. Through this work, she aims to understand WSLA's long-term impact on women’s leadership development and the broader transformation of sporting culture.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Michelize van Heerden, University of Chichester

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the ninth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Daniel Griffiths, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Daniel’s research explores gender euphoria and gender congruence in trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse adults - focusing on the joyful, affirming experiences that accompany living authentically.

Through qualitative studies, Daniel has found that gender euphoria is a distinct and powerful positive emotion, often felt most intensely during the early stages of transition. Over time, it tends to evolve from moments of “explosive joy” into a more settled sense of contentment and alignment. His work aims to shift the narrative around trans lives, moving beyond deficit-focused perspectives to highlight diversity, fulfilment, and wellbeing - and to inform interventions that better support gender congruence and positive mental health.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Daniel Griffiths, University of Southampton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the eighth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Ramon Almeida, a doctoral researcher at the University of Southampton. A former lawyer in Brazil, Ramon investigates violence against LGBTQ+ people in the years following the 2019 criminalisation of homophobia and transphobia.

Despite this legal milestone, Brazil remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for LGBTQ+ individuals - with 291 violent deaths recorded in 2024 alone. Through qualitative research in Salvador involving 33 participants, including victims and legal professionals, Ramon uncovers deep inequalities in access to justice and persistent institutional prejudice. His work underscores the need for intersectional approaches and highlights how NGOs often provide more effective support than state systems. By amplifying these voices, Ramon aims to inform international policy and strengthen protections against hate crimes targeting marginalised LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Ramon Almeida, University of Southampton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the seventh episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Miranda Willis, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Miranda’s research explores the intricate relationships between people, animals, and landscapes in the New Forest National Park, focusing on the centuries-old practice of Commoning - where local residents graze livestock on shared land.

Against the backdrop of modern pressures such as tourism and development, Miranda examines how Commoning contributes to landscape management and biodiversity, while sustaining a deep cultural connection to place. Drawing inspiration from indigenous approaches to land stewardship, her work calls for a shift from ownership to shared care and responsibility. Using a blend of ethnography, visual methods, and mapping, Miranda aims to inform policy and promote coexistence, ensuring that traditions like Commoning continue to support sustainable futures.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Miranda Willis, University of Southampton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the sixth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Cheryl Williams, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Cheryl’s research explores the use of virtual reality (VR) as an innovative intervention for pain management, investigating how immersive experiences can reduce pain and anxiety in clinical settings.

Often used as a distraction technique during surgery and other hospital procedures, VR offers a promising way to improve patient comfort and wellbeing. With 25% of the global population experiencing chronic pain daily, Cheryl’s work highlights the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches and aims to expand VR’s role within NHS services. In the next phase of her research, she plans to test these mechanisms to further understand how VR can transform pain management.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Cheryl Williams, University of Portsmouth

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Nikki Smith, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Nikki’s PhD explores the experiences of autistic young people in mainstream secondary schools across England, with the goal of informing school and government policies to create more inclusive educational environments.

Drawing on her experience as a teacher, Nikki takes a participatory approach, working alongside autistic individuals to shape her research. Five autistic participants helped refine her research question and methods, leading to the creation of an innovative “star profile” tool for data collection. Through her work, Nikki highlights the importance of listening to autistic voices and tailoring support to help every student thrive - an approach inspired by her own classroom experience, where six autistic students excelled with the right support in place.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Nikki Smith, University of Brighton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fourth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Barbara Sherriff, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Barbara’s research examines the relationship between work and mental wellbeing — a pressing issue in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing prevalence of mental health challenges in the workplace.

Focusing on Generation Z employees, Barbara explores how expectations, communication, and organisational culture shape young people’s experiences at work. Through employer interviews, surveys, and focus groups, her study highlights the importance of proactive support systems — from wellness action plans to mental health training — in fostering healthier, more engaged workplaces. Her findings offer practical insights for employers aiming to reduce dissatisfaction and sick leave while building more supportive environments for emerging generations of workers.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Barbara Sheriff, University of Brighton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the third episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Nick Huxley, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Nick’s research investigates the integration of AI tutor bots in primary education, exploring how these emerging technologies influence learning, engagement, and the role of the teacher.

Amid growing interest in artificial intelligence in classrooms, Nick highlights the lack of evidence surrounding its use with younger learners, and the potential risks of deepening the digital divide. His research emphasises the importance of teacher agency, the cognitive relief AI tools might offer, and the need for thoughtful implementation to ensure technology supports rather than replaces educators. With one third of the world still offline, Nick also raises critical questions about equitable access and the future of AI literacy for teachers.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Nick Huxley, University of Brighton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Victoria Giacomelli, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Victoria’s research explores health literacy in young children aged four to eight - their ability to understand and use health information to make choices that support their wellbeing.

Addressing a global challenge, Victoria’s work highlights how fostering health literacy early in life can lead to healthier habits and improved outcomes across the lifespan. Drawing on her experiences as both a mother and an educator, she emphasises the importance of listening to children’s voices and recognising their capacity to engage with health information meaningfully. Her findings reveal that children do possess health literacy, and that targeted interventions can shape both immediate and long-term health behaviours.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk 

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Victoria Giacomelli, University of Portsmouth

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we speak to Max Dixon, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. Max’s research explores the intersection of foreign policy and the economy, focusing on Taiwan’s pivotal role in global supply chains.

As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, Max examines how Taiwan’s economic significance has become a growing concern within British foreign policy. His work reveals how anxieties about potential conflict between China and Taiwan are shaping the UK’s approach to economic security - from increased defence spending and Royal Navy expeditions to a renewed emphasis on supporting democratic allies like Taiwan and Hong Kong.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk 

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Max Dixon, University of Portsmouth

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.