WE ARE BACK FOR A NEW SEASON!!

After a short hiatus, The Link is back for a new season of explorative and engaging podcasts!

This Month: Staffordshire Tales, Tim Davies.

Sam O’Brian returns with more Staffordshire Tales. He speaks to Tim Davies, Staffordshire University’s Head of department: Allied Health for theory, covering Operating Department Practice, Midwifery and Paramedical Science.

Tim Talks about his past, present and future, from humble beginnings as a salesman, to seasoned paramedical professional, to becoming a lecturer in paramedical science and finally his progression to head of department.

Tim talks openly about his life journey and most formative experiences in his clinical practice and how that has impacted on his career mindset.

Worldwide travel, clinical gems and insightful career/life advice for aspiring students are all included in this Podcast, a great listen!

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].



Upcoming podcasts

More Staffordshire tales with Linda Harty.
Roland Butcher, Former Cricketer and coach for England talks to Sam O’Brian

Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Follow TheLinkPodcast on Twitter!: @TheLinkPodcast_

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

This Month: Everything Autism, ADHD and Dyslexia with The Aspie World's Daniel Jones

We take an explorative dive into neurodiversity with the inspirational Daniel Jones, founder of The Aspie World, YouTube sensation, influencer, public speaker and international voice on Autism and other neuro-diverse conditions. We talk about Daniel's story, why he created an evidence based support channel on YouTube and how using his own personal perspectives living with Autism/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has supported millions of people all over the world, to be able to thrive, not only survive with Neuro-diversity.

We are Joined also by Anthony Hadley (Staffordshire University's student voice for disability support networks) and 1st year student Ella. They share their own perspectives and insights living with Neurodiversity.

We talk with Daniel about how to be open about our conditions, great advice about the support connections offered by our University as well as practical strategies on how to better engage with others when recognising our qualities as well as our needs, in order to get the most out of University life. Whether you are a student, or a member of staff!

This is a great essential listen for everyone interested in learning more about neurodiversity!

We are so grateful for Daniels time and support with this podcast.

Here are some links to websites mentioned in the pod!

The Aspie World:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKKRcJey93Ms-dL630UNIQ
Twitter: @TheAspieWorld
Instagram: @TheAspieWorld

ADHD Spoon Theory
https://www.additudemag.com/fatigue-adhd-spoon-theory-habit-stacking/

Autism UK
https://www.autism.org.uk/

Disability links (Staffordshire University students/staff only):

https://www.staffsunion.com/representingyou/representativenetworks/

"The Aspie World: Autism and University Hacks (top ten tips)

https://youtu.be/hG3XooPu5PU




If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].



Upcoming podcasts

Tales from the front line: trauma paramedic speaks of his experiences with Sam O'Brian

Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Staffordshire Tales, brought to you by The Link Podcast.

On today’s episode, Sam O'Brian speaks to Jessica Runacres, Senior lecturer in research practice at Staffordshire University, School of Health Science and Wellbeing. Get to know Jess, her journey through academia, early education, and her career within Higher Education. Also Get some workflow tips from Jess, including a technique named after a tomato!
Sam guides us through this amazing listen!

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].



Upcoming podcasts
Influencer, Campaigner and famous YouTuber Daniel Jones (Aspie World) joins us and two students, to talk all things Neurodiverse, accommodations, strategies and how his ADHD/Autism and OCD traits have led him on his journey and vision for supporting the Neurodiverse community! (We record and film on the 13th of April).



Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

Welcome to a brand new episode of Staffordshire Tales, brought to you by The Link Podcast.

On todays episode, Sam O'Brian speaks to the inspirational Mike Phillips, Executive Dean at Staffordshire University, School of Health Science and Wellbeing. Get to know Mike, his journey through childhood, early education, his career within the NHS as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP), to his pioneering work as one of the first Physicians Associates in Anaesthesia, and how he came to be involved in Higher Education...
Sam guides us through this amazing listen, with such an inspirational figurehead within our school!

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].



Upcoming podcasts
Influencer, Campaigner and famous YouTuber Daniel Jones (Aspie World) joins us and two students, to talk all things Neurodiverse, accommodations, strategies and how his ADHD/Autism and OCD traits have led him on his journey and vision for supporting the Neurodiverse community! (we record and film on the 13th of April)



Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

This podcast series explores the professional journey and broader life experiences of staff and friends from Staffordshire university. So sit back, relax and enjoy these educational, inspirational and entertaining tales from the wonderful and diverse world that is Staffordshire University.

This First Episode, we speak to Ed Tolhurst Dr Edward Tolhurst, Senior Lecturer in Health Research, Course Leader – MSc in Medical Education & Current chair – School of Health and Social Care Research Ethics.

Upcoming podcasts

Staffordshire Tales: Mike Philips (executive Dean)

Autism/ADHD: Daniel M Jones (Aspie World) famous YouTuber and influencer, public speaker and a advocate for ADHD/OCD/ASD and Neurodiversity, joins us to talk all things Neurodiverse in higher education, from how to ask for accommodations, to better study strategies! a must for staff and students...



Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst &Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

On this months podcast!

We talk to the inspirational Amanda Mansfield, who has worked in the pioneering role of consultant midwife for London Ambulance Service. We discuss her career, her experiences and what it has meant- in terms of her legacy, to undertake such a role that has led to better training for pre-hospital professionals and improved patient safety.

Amanda also explains another of her inputs to patient safety, the "maternity Card" that she introduced to pre-hospital clinicians to help them spot, and treat maternal emergencies with more accuracy and confidence!

Sam O'Brian (paramedic tutor) and Myself (Ben Woodrow-Hirst) thoroughly enjoyed delving into the history of this remarkable healthcare professional, and even ask her what it was like to be a 'named house' for our brand new Inter-professional education cohorts!


If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].



Upcoming podcasts:

Talking about endometriosis, a student paramedics experience.



Want to get involved?

We have a new state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!

Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

In this episode Julian provides useful advice for paramedics on how to prepare for and appropriately treat a patient in traumatic cardiac arrest. This incorporates Type 1 and type 2 thinking whilst providing a 'script' to follow in these situations.

The second half of the podcast provides a powerful insight into Julian's process of talking with bereaved family members and expands on his own techniques to cope with seeing traumatic events on a daily basis.

''The powerful content of this podcast will be extremely beneficial for any prospective or current paramedic and is not only limited to those who wish to embark on a career in the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service''- S. O'Brien

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

Upcoming podcasts
Safety Focus mini-series: Simulation and Patient Safety
Experiences of an Australian trauma paramedic.

Want to get involved?
We have a new state of the art Podcast room!
Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!
Contact us: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brien: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Sam O'Brian
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

What do you do rejuvenate or turbocharge? Lizzie Crisp (Senior Midwifery Lecturer) & Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Inter-Professional Education, Lecturer in Allied Health/ Simulation and Tech Enhanced Learning) are today joined by Alisen Dube (Nurse, Medical Statistician & PhD student) and Professor Karen Ousey (Professor of Skin Integrity) to explore the wonderful world of wound care and prevention, ageing skin and education. From weird and wonderful dressings to turbocharging skin. This podcast is OOZING with interesting information that will get you “very excited about skin”

Want to Tweet myself, Lizzie, Alisen or Karen?
@benw_h
@lizzie_Crisp
@alisen_dube
@Karenousey

Want to get involved with The Link Podcast show at Staffordshire University? tweet me! lets Pod!
@benw_h

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Sarah-Jane Jones
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

This month: Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Inter-Professional Education, Lecturer in Allied Health/ Simulation and Tech Enhanced Learning) joins Parker Siviter (Student Paramedic) to have an open and honest conversation about his journey transitioning to his gender. Parker reveals a truly heart-warming truth, navigating his formative years, the unseen struggles, the happiness, telling friends, bravely confronting family, the importance, and significance of his name change, through to setting up an LGBT+ support group at his school, teaching his fellow classmates about transgender matters and helping to normalise this for others in his wake.

“This is not only a heart-warming truth of bravery, self-exploration and experience of gender transitioning, it is deeply informative for those who may be transitioning themselves and for people who want to understand more and become informed allies”.
“Medical Would you Rather” is BACK!!! Would Parker prefer de-fib for hands (where you receive 10% of the shock when used) or Local anaesthetic for tears (but it numbs your eyes, nose, and mouth when you cry)?

Links for transgender support mentioned by parker in the podcast:
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk (transgender support charity)
https://www.stonewall.org.uk (LGBT, transgender Bi, support, and information resource)

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

Upcoming podcasts
Safety Focus mini-series: Simulation and Patient Safety
Experiences of an Australian trauma paramedic.

Want to get involved?
We have a new state of the art Podcast room!
Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Lets Pod!
Contact me: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Jo Natalello [email protected]

Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

*Trigger warning*

Contains topics on mental health and trauma

Lizzie Crisp (Senior Midwifery Lecturer) & Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Inter-Professional Education, Lecturer in Allied Health/ Simulation and Tech Enhanced Learning) are moved to hear a story that inspired research led by Dr Fiona Cust (Associate professor of children’s nursing and collaborative practice) and Ruth Lovelady (Senior Midwifery Lecturer). Fiona and Ruth talk about how peer support can be used to support mental health in a variety of settings. Peer support is an example of a non-pharmacological intervention that could be prescribed if available by a social prescriber Dr Jessica Runacres (Senior Lecturer in Research Methods) joins Ruth and Fiona to introduce the concept, benefits and challenges of social prescribing and engage in a thought-provoking discussion about how we can better support mental health.

If you have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

Want to get involved?
We have a new state of the art Podcast room!
Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Contact the Podcast team, Lets Pod!

@benw_h (twitter)
[email protected]
[email protected]
samuel.o'[email protected]


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways