The science intersection

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What does it really mean to ask, “Where is the evidence?”

In this episode of The Science Intersection, I’m joined by Helen Pearson, award-winning science journalist, editor at Nature, and author of Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works.

We talk about how evidence-based thinking transformed medicine and began influencing other fields, including education, social policy, conservation and everyday decision-making. Helen explains why evidence can be powerful, but also why it rarely gives simple answers on its own.

We also discuss storytelling in science writing, why politicians may struggle to act on evidence, how to assess claims more critically, and what misinformation, influencers, AI and social media mean for public trust in science.

Helen’s book Beyond Belief is available now.

To find out more:

Helen Pearson’s website:
https://helenpearson.info/

Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works:
https://helenpearson.info/book/what-to-believe/

The Life Project:
https://helenpearson.info/book/the-life-project/

Nature overview/interview about Beyond Belief:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01359-1

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In part two of my conversation with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVP Solutions, we look at what violence prevention can mean in practice.

Robert explains why top-down intervention can sometimes backfire, and why people need a different “landing spot” built around identity, purpose and community. We discuss care teams, information sharing, and how schools and local services can notice different pieces of the picture before someone reaches a formal threshold.

The episode also includes practical examples of prevention in action, from a student who thrived when adults recognised a different side of him, to a community pottery class that helped someone find connection and purpose.

Find out more about Robert’s work here: https://tvtpsolutions.com/

If you enjoy the episode, please follow The Science Intersection, share it with someone who might find it useful, and consider leaving a rating or review.

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What if violence prevention is not only about responding to danger, but about noticing struggle earlier?

In this first part of my conversation with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions, we talk about behavioural threat assessment, the pathway to violence, and why prevention can’t just mean cameras, metal detectors, locked doors and emergency drills.

Robert explains why some interventions can backfire when they make people feel controlled or attacked, and why identity, purpose and community matter when someone is becoming isolated or drawn towards harmful ideas. We also discuss his idea of “Zen security”: making the environment calm enough that people can notice the smaller ripples before a crisis escalates.

This episode looks at school safety conversations, why physical security is only one part of the picture, and how seemingly small details — from how students are greeted at the door to lighting, sound, layout and atmosphere — can shape whether a space feels welcoming or like a danger zone.

In Part 2, we’ll look more at information sharing, care teams, and how schools and local services can respond before someone crosses a formal threshold.

Find out more about Robert’s work and TVTP Solutions here:
https://tvtpsolutions.com/

If you found this episode useful, please share it with someone who might be interested, follow or subscribe to The Science Intersection, and leave a rating or review if your podcast app allows it. You can also support the podcast using the donation link in the show notes.

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In this episode of The Science Intersection, I speak with Daniel Hodges, founder of Pieces of Me, an organisation working to eliminate stigma around disability, physical difference and chronic illness.

Daniel shares his own experiences of being born with multiple disabilities, including blindness and chronic pain, and how those experiences shaped his work in disability advocacy, healthcare access and organisational inclusion. We discuss the difference between performative inclusion and meaningful systems change, why disabled people often face worse outcomes because of social and structural barriers rather than disability itself, and why accessibility should not be framed as “lowering standards.”

Daniel also talks about the shocking assumptions he faced as a blind parent, including having to fight for the right to parent his own child, and how that experience deepened his commitment to helping organisations, healthcare providers and communities do better.

Find out more about Daniel’s work at:
 https://www.peacesofme.org/

This episode explores disability, healthcare, employment, parenting, accessibility, bias, and the human-made barriers that can  and should be changed. Daniel argues that inclusion begins with curiosity, trust and a willingness to redesign systems so people can compete and participate fairly. 

A huge thank you to Daniel Hodges for joining me on this episode and for sharing his experiences, insight and advocacy work so generously.

If you found this conversation valuable, please consider following The Science Intersection, sharing the episode with someone who might benefit from it, or leaving a review. It really helps the podcast reach more people and continue exploring the links between science, society and wellbeing.

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In this episode of The Science Intersection, I speak with Ian Fillingham, who helped found Rhythms of Resistance and was involved with Reclaim the Streets.

We discuss the origins of Rhythms of Resistance, the role of samba and carnival-style protest, and the wider history of anti-globalisation and environmental direct action. Ian reflects on actions in Prague, Reclaim the Streets, the Liverpool dockers, climate protest, greenwashing, military emissions, and the question of what protest movements can realistically achieve.

This is a conversation about social movements, power, capitalism, environmental crisis and the contested politics of protest. It includes discussion of direct action, policing, sabotage, and controversial activist tactics. 

Wrt episode I don’t think legality and morality are always the same thing. History is full of legal harms and illegal acts of conscience. But I also think it’s important to discuss these questions carefully, especially when protest tactics involve risk, confrontation or harm.

A big thank you to Ian for joining me.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the show grow, please share it, leave a comment, or consider making a donation. 

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In this episode, I speak with Phil Wiles and Matteo Menapace about how games can be used in science communication, education and public engagement.

We discuss how tabletop games can help people understand complex systems  from hospitals and medical research to coding, disease spread and climate change. We also talk about why games can make abstract problems feel more tangible, how they allow people to practise decision-making in a safe space, and how they can create a sense of agency rather than despair.

Matteo Menapace is best known as the co-designer of Daybreak, the critically acclaimed cooperative board game about stopping climate breakdown. He designs and delivers bespoke “serious” games, ranging from playful policy simulations for strategic planning to gamified consultation processes for stakeholder engagement.

You can find out more about Daybreak here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8GH1j7-sg8

A huge thank you to Phil and Matteo for joining me.

If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the show grow, please leave a comment, share it with someone who might enjoy it, or consider making a donation. The donation link is in the show notes.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan from Social Shortcuts to talk about what actually helps people build better social lives.

We discuss why so many people feel isolated even when they live in busy cities, how Meetup and events can help people make new connections, and what often gets in the way of turning conversations into real friendships. Ryan shares his views on small talk, vulnerability, confidence, social risk-taking, self-sabotage, dating, and why connection is less about labels like “friend” or “acquaintance” and more about care, understanding and consistency.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more confident socially, build deeper connections, or understand why making friends as an adult can feel so difficult.

To learn more go to: 

https://socialshortcuts.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Wills Taube, who has been living with long Covid since 2022 and went on to set up Long Covid Solidarity, a peer support project connecting people affected by the condition.

Emma talks about what it was like to become disabled after Covid, the confusion of not having a clear diagnosis at first, and how speaking to someone else with long Covid helped her begin to accept what was happening.

We also discuss the day-to-day reality of long Covid, including how it can affect energy, identity, work, relationships and mental health, as well as the challenges of navigating healthcare and being taken seriously with an invisible condition. Emma also talks about the importance of peer support, community, and why Long Covid Solidarity matters.

Please note: if you are thinking about trying supplements or other alternative approaches discussed in this episode, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional before doing so.

If you would like to find out more about Emma’s work, you can visit her site here:

https://sites.google.com/view/longcovidsolidarity/home

Other groups for people with long Covid include:

• Long COVID Support
• Long COVID SOS

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, comment and follow the podcast.

If you want, I can also make this a bit more SEO-friendly for Buzzsprout.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Julia, founder of VirWave, to talk about “emotional regulation technology” and how wellbeing tools can feel more accessible when they’re designed for different learning styles. 

We discuss how VirWave began (from a plush robot prototype to an app), why the platform focuses on visual, customisable breathwork (including a box-breathing style you can personalise), and how the app aims to help users manage emotions rather than suppress them.

We also cover VirWave’s connections/community feature (designed around consent/approval rather than adding strangers), its built-in journaling options for everything from full entries to “one-word” check-ins, and the ideas and methods that influenced the approach (including Kate’s background in yoga training and DBT-inspired tools).

If you’re curious about practical, low-pressure tools for getting through hard moments  and how wellbeing tech can be built with real humans in mind this one’s for you.

Try VirWave / sign up: head to virwave.com to join the email list and get updates. 

The app is out on the 27th of March

Support the show: If you enjoyed the episode, please follow, share, and leave a quick rating/review. You can also donate via the show notes — it really helps keep the podcast going.

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With thanks to Michael Dodd this episode’s guest. 

This week is a short interlude episode due to a scheduling change: something practical and a bit different. Next week we’ll be back with our usual format.

Communication is a wellbeing issue. When we’re put on the spot at work, in healthcare settings, in community conversations, or in public life our nervous system can shift into fight/flight/freeze. That shapes psychological safety, inclusion, and whether people feel able to speak up.

In this episode, I’m sharing a conversation recorded earlier with journalist and media trainer Michael Dodd on handling difficult questions with calm, clarity, and self-respect. We explore why we can become defensive or shut down under scrutiny, and practical ways to stay grounded in high-stakes moments.

Next week we’ll be back with the planned guest and our usual theme.

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