The Backstage Academic

This time we tackle the strange world of misogynistic extremism with Laura Bates's new book 'Men Who Hate Women; The Extremism No One Is Talking About'. From incels to pick up artists, this books explores all the levels of the manosphere with it's unflinching look into the dark world of online radicalisation. As usual, I'm joined by my co-host Andrea as we give our very honest run down analysis of this piece of writing and share our thoughts on what this tomb contains. This one is a bit edgy-er in parts than usual, so it goes without saying that any offence is never our intention but of course our personal opinions are stated here. 

I am joined this time by PhD researcher Emma Smith as she tells me all about her exciting work in addiction. Emma uses a technique called photovoice to tell the different stories of people’s recovery from substance abuse. Currently, she is at the University of Worcester, although Emma hails from the States originally. Anyone that has an interest in how addiction works, photography, alternative research methods etc would love this episode.

Further information about her work can be found here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/about/news/2021-research-investigates-new-ways-of-understanding-individuals-in-recovery-from-substance-use

Have you ever wanted to know about the types of ghosts, the seance movement, how they debunk mediums, or class and genders strange connection with the paranormal? We discuss a whole host of bizarre topics from ectoplasm, to the role of women in this strange movement, to haunted German U boats, it's got it all. Join us as we review Clarke's attempt at investigating some of the west's most interesting paranormal folklore and famous ghoulish case studies. As usual, joined by my good friend and fellow bookworm Andrea. 

Have you ever wanted to know how forensic experts figure out the time of death with a corpse? Wanted to know the origins of fingerprinting or maybe wondered how Iphones solve murder investigations, whether you like it or not? How experts are used incorrectly in courtrooms? And many, many aspects to solving serious crimes. Join me and my crime obsessed friend Andrea as we review Val McDermids Forensics of Crime. Never has murder and death been so...deliciously written. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forensics-Anatomy-Crime-Wellcome-Collection/dp/1781251703/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=forensic+crime+val+mcdermid&qid=1613735862&sr=8-1

This week I’m joined by the talented Daniel Buxton, a talented singer and songwriter in his own right Daniel he has also worked for many years as a sound engineer, producer and course advisor at SSR, for the next generation of budding musicians. We discuss humanities connection with music – why does music affect us the way it does? As usual, we take some tremendous questions from the audience and cover a range of topics:

Why do songs trigger memories?

How is music is used to heal trauma?

Why does music allow us to push beyond our normal limitations?

Why are we offended by other people’s music tastes?

Bio: Pt Luke Murphy has been training in gyms for 15 years and a personal trainer for 6. Mainly he works with people who want to train in the bodybuilding style to build a body they have never had.  Love working with people on a personal level. Luke is currently studying to become a counsellor and in the future will be combining the personal training with psychotherapy, in order to offer the complete service to help others. https://www.facebook.com/ptlukemurphy

Today we tackled some really big issues for people trying to physically and mentally improve themselves, such as:

What's the best way to tone and lose weight?

What's the secret to motivation?

Is willpower just genetic?

What can marshmallows tell us about ourselves? 

What's the best way to get that Viking Body?

How do you fight your metabolism and gain muscle?

This week we are joined by the knowledgable Harry Armitage, a social policy researcher and PhD student who's currently researching homelessness at MMU. We look into the areas of personal responsibility, the role of the authorities, and the criminlisation of vulnerable groups. Heroically (although failing) trying to answer such questions as why does homelessness still exists in a wealthy country? And why is rough sleeping is still such a taboo subject to talk about? As usual, we take some great questions, and really get to grips with some of the more complicated factors that lead to this social problem.

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=4925

Join me as I review Darren's latest work 'Poverty Safari', a scathing look into the anger that exists in some of Britains most deprived communities. Great for those into politics, psychology, autobiographies, class. social sciences or anyone just wanting to understand points of view that are maybe a little alien to you.  

Check out his website here for all his work:

https://darrenmcgarvey.com/