Surrey Speaks

Prisons across England and Wales are under unprecedented strain. Overcrowding, staff shortages and rising reoffending rates are forcing urgent questions about whether the current system is working at all.

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Melissa Hamilton, an expert in criminal justice reform, joins Georgie and Ness to examine how prisons should be run and what meaningful reform could look like.

The conversation explores the biggest failures of modern prison systems, including unsafe conditions, limited access to rehabilitation and the long-term social cost of mass incarceration. Professor Hamilton explains how prison environments can directly influence reoffending and why short custodial sentences are linked to particularly high rates of repeat offending.

The episode also looks at the financial cost of incarceration, the pressures created by prisons operating at near full capacity, and whether building new prisons alone can solve structural problems without sufficient staff and support services.

Turning to alternatives, the discussion examines community sentences such as electronic tagging, curfews and rehabilitation programmes. Do they actually reduce crime, or are they seen as soft options? The episode also considers whether certain non-violent offences should result in imprisonment at all.

Professor Hamilton discusses racial and economic disparities within the justice system, including evidence that minority groups face higher charging rates, and explores what policy changes could reduce inequality at every stage of the process.

Finally, the episode asks a fundamental question. If the prison system in England and Wales were rebuilt from scratch, what should it prioritise? From technology and staffing to rehabilitation and public safety, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what a modern justice system could become.

A powerful and timely discussion for anyone interested in criminal justice, prison reform and how society responds to crime.

Quantum computing is often described as the next technological revolution, with the power to solve problems that would take today’s computers thousands of years. But what actually is quantum computing and how close are we to using it in everyday life?

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Paul Stevenson, a leading quantum researcher at the University of Surrey, joins Georgie and Ness to demystify one of the most complex and misunderstood technologies of our time.

The conversation begins with the basics. Professor Stevenson explains how quantum computers differ from classical machines and why their ability to process information in entirely new ways could transform science, medicine and climate modelling. Using real-world examples, the episode explores how quantum systems can solve certain calculations in seconds that would take conventional computers many hours or even days.

The discussion also tackles growing public concern around security. Could quantum computers crack today’s encryption and put online banking and personal data at risk? Professor Stevenson explains how realistic these fears are, how long it would take for quantum systems to break modern encryption, and how quantum technologies could also be used to strengthen cybersecurity rather than undermine it.

Looking ahead, the episode explores where quantum computing could have the greatest impact, from healthcare and drug discovery to climate forecasting. It also addresses the major barriers holding progress back, including cost, specialist skills and the enormous cooling requirements needed to run quantum machines.

Finally, the conversation turns to ethics and responsibility. As computing power accelerates, who should control access to it? Should quantum education begin in schools? And could this technology help solve humanity’s biggest challenges or create new risks we are not yet prepared for?

A fascinating and accessible episode for anyone curious about the future of computing and the technologies that may shape the decades ahead.

From artificial intelligence and deepfakes to identity fraud and online hate, the internet is evolving faster than the systems designed to protect us. As digital tools become more powerful, questions are growing about who is responsible for keeping people safe online.

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Nishanth Sastry, a leading expert in digital safety at the University of Surrey, joins Georgie and Ness to explore the growing challenges shaping online behaviour and trust.

The discussion begins with artificial intelligence and large language models. Professor Sastry explains what LLMs are, how AI memory functions work, and whether storing personal information in digital tools could increase the risk of identity theft and fraud. The episode also examines how deepfake technology is changing online crime and whether current UK legislation is keeping pace with these rapid developments.

Shifting focus, the conversation turns to online abuse, hate speech and trolling. With research showing that many young people encounter harmful content online, the episode explores whether AI moderation tools can realistically detect and reduce online hate, and where the limits of automated systems lie.

Professor Sastry also discusses how platforms can protect vulnerable users, including teenagers and marginalised communities, while still safeguarding freedom of expression. The episode considers whether regulation, technology or cultural change offers the strongest route forward.

Closing the discussion, the episode asks a bigger question: what is our collective responsibility in building a safer internet? From platform design to user behaviour, this episode looks at how individuals, companies and governments all shape the future of online safety.

A vital listen for anyone concerned about AI, digital identity, cybercrime and the future of the internet.

Veganism has moved from the margins into the mainstream. With millions now following plant-based diets, questions are growing about whether this shift reflects genuine health and environmental progress or simply the latest lifestyle trend.

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Susan Lanham-New, a leading expert in nutrition at the University of Surrey, joins Georgie and Ness to examine whether veganism is here to stay or at risk of fading like past diet crazes.

The discussion explores why veganism has surged in popularity, including the influence of social media, identity, ethics and environmental concern. Professor Lanham-New explains the crucial difference between veganism as a lifestyle choice and plant-based eating as a dietary pattern, and why the distinction matters for health.

The episode also tackles one of the most debated issues in vegan nutrition: deficiencies. Drawing on her research into vitamin D and bone health, Professor Lanham-New explains the risks linked to low vitamin D and calcium intake, how these nutrients interact, and whether deficiencies are more common among vegans.

The conversation looks at whether vegan diets are accessible to everyone, whether cost and food availability create inequality, and if long-term restriction can increase the risk of disordered eating. It also asks whether humans are biologically suited to veganism without careful planning and education.

Looking ahead, the episode examines whether veganism’s momentum depends on climate anxiety, or whether cultural change has already taken hold. Professor Lanham-New also discusses the rise of lab-grown meat, its nutritional quality, environmental potential, and whether it could reshape the future of food.

A balanced and evidence-led episode for anyone interested in nutrition, sustainability, public health and the future of how we eat.

The jury system sits at the heart of the justice system, trusted to deliver fair and impartial verdicts. But in an age of 24-hour news, viral trials, and social media commentary, does trial by jury still work as it was intended?

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Dr Emily Finch, criminologist, criminal lawyer and Senior Lecturer in Law at the University of Surrey, joins Georgie and Ness to put the jury system on trial.

The discussion explores how juries are meant to function in theory and whether that ideal holds up in practice. Dr Finch examines how emotion, media coverage and online discourse can influence juror decision-making, drawing on high-profile cases such as the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, alongside examples closer to home in the UK.

The episode also looks at whether juries can ever be truly impartial. It considers how jurors are selected, how effective current safeguards are at filtering bias, and how factors such as race, gender and socioeconomic background can shape verdicts.

With cameras now entering some UK courtrooms for the first time, the conversation asks whether greater transparency strengthens justice or risks turning trials into performances. Dr Finch also unpacks whether jurors understand complex legal language, how majority verdicts work, and whether compromise decisions always lead to justice.

Finally, the episode compares jury-led systems with judge-only trials used in other countries and asks a bigger question: if we were rebuilding the justice system from scratch, would juries still exist at all?

A timely and thought-provoking episode for anyone interested in criminal justice, legal reform, and how society decides guilt and innocence.

ADHD content is everywhere. From TikTok clips to viral checklists, millions of people are questioning whether they might have a neurodevelopmental condition. But how much of what we see online reflects medical reality?

In this episode of Surrey Speaks, Professor Raja Mukherjee, who leads the Psychiatry specialism at Surrey Medical School, joins hosts Georgie Gould and Ness Bellringer to cut through the noise. Together they explore why ADHD content has surged on social media, how misinformation spreads, and why self-diagnosis can carry real risks.

The conversation looks at the gap between lived experience and clinical evidence, the impact of overestimating how common ADHD really is, and whether online trends may be influencing assessments and waiting lists. Professor Mukherjee also explains what ADHD actually looks like in a clinical setting and what steps people should take if they think they may need support.

A timely and thoughtful discussion about awareness, accuracy, and how to seek help safely in a digital age.

Embark on a journey to explore the profound questions surrounding AI and its potential to develop consciousness with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a distinguished expert in quantum physics, AI, and the philosophy of the mind.

Is there a possibility of machines achieving true consciousness? And if so, what are the implications of conscious AI for humanity? Will it be a collaborator, a threat, or an entirely new entity reshaping our world.

Join us for a captivating exploration of the boundaries between artificial intelligence and consciousness, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and humanity.

In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI in the media industry. Joining us are Professor Adrian Hilton, Director of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, and Professor Polly Dalton, a Cognitive Psychology expert from Royal Holloway.

Together, we explore how AI could revolutionise the way we create and consume media. From personalised audience experiences that consider age, language, neurodiversity, and disability, to AI's role in storytelling techniques and media inclusivity—this conversation is packed with insights. We also discuss the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion, a pivotal initiative shaping the future of digital media.

Tune in to hear about cutting-edge research, including the CoStar National Laboratory and the AI4ME initiative, and learn how AI is poised to reshape audience engagement and storytelling.

Don’t miss out—discover how AI could be the key to the future of the media landscape!

Join hosts Georgie Gould and Dr Caroline Shenton-Taylor as they sit down with Dr Valentina Pitardi, an expert in human interactions with AI chatbots, to unravel the complexities of AI friendship app addiction. With over 70% of individuals reporting a sense of dependency on AI-driven applications, the addictive potential of these technologies cannot be ignored.

Together, they explore how AI is currently contributing to addictive behaviors, the specific aspects of AI that pose the highest risk, and emerging technologies designed to keep users engaged at potentially addictive levels. They also delve into the psychological mechanisms behind AI algorithms and their impact on user behavior, shedding light on the psychological implications.

But it's not all doom and gloom—we discuss preventative measures users can take to protect their mental health, and whether AI itself could play a role in mitigating addiction. We also touch on ongoing studies and initiatives exploring the long-term effects of AI addiction on mental health, sharing key findings that are crucial for understanding and addressing this growing concern. Tune in for an insightful conversation that delves into the intersection of technology, psychology, and wellbeing.

Did you know that over 90% of kids interact with AI daily, shaping their educational experiences and playtime?Explore the future of parenting and teaching in this captivating episode featuring Dr Alexandra Grandison, a leading expert in psychology and Director of the Surrey Baby Lab.

Join the conversation as our guest sheds light on AI-driven personalised learning experiences and their significant impact on student outcomes. From improved engagement to higher assessment scores, the stats speak volumes about the potential of AI in education.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion that redefines the relationship between AI and the next generation. #Parenting #AIinEducation #FutureGeneration #PodcastInsights