Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

***Trigger warning - episode discuss topics relating to cancer and medical ethics, which some listeners may find distressing***

In this episode, I try to explore the remarkable story behind HeLa cells, the first “immortal” human cell line that revolutionised modern science. Originally taken from Henrietta Lacks—a young African American mother of five—without her knowledge or consent in 1951, these cells paved the way for breakthroughs in cancer research, the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and more. Yet, the story of HeLa is also deeply intertwined with ethical questions: How were these cells obtained, and who has benefitted from their widespread use?


Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgB1IqGp8BE
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.b2ae44fd-319d-c29b-47b6-a7ab103a4435?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_ovf__pvt_aiv-21
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/B004M4CT4K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DTDZLRB61AWU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Gbi0Tt2uaH0pGN7K13kVC-7cXvLKKJPiQV6yulEevWUSkXqyc69shgqu9wJHvaSRfXASPmRkSJSPFl4PEbDtzG7kN8SnsEgB-BXex8qj3Qnr3w_Ihpjn65v9BrmCnUhcQ84BzxPW-_Ilg9flznaPNeOvW-DMJhmnpm91qZW9AKYgiXtcYMVlx37DmBnkTRGxlAi1XQ39unzUvWKoFz3ajECBoT66cUOLrITEtsqi2i7h0Hev6MCcbg9RZAyl8hUg.Mle9duqIu4sLRVwtzTDtZOEPWqOvUfh05jc5BbQpbmE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+immortal+life+of+henrietta+lacks&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1736298952&s=instant-video&sprefix=the+immortal+li%2Cinstant-video%2C74&sr=1-1-catcorr

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of Rosalind Franklin, the brilliant scientist whose groundbreaking work in X-ray crystallography paved the way for understanding DNA’s double-helix structure.

Born into a supportive family in 1920s London, Rosalind defied societal norms to pursue a career in science, excelling in the male-dominated field of physical chemistry. Her dedication led to the creation of “Photo 51,” a pivotal image that revealed DNA’s structure—but her contributions were overshadowed, and she was denied the recognition she deserved during her lifetime.

Discover the story of her resilience, brilliance, and the injustice that has since come to symbolize the challenges faced by women in science. Let’s honor Rosalind Franklin—a trailblazer who changed the world and whose legacy continues to inspire.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Sources:

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00349-1
https://www.smithsonianmag.com
https://royalsociety.org/people/rosalind-franklin-11421


Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

Discover the inspiring story of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, a trailblazing astronomer whose groundbreaking work redefined our understanding of the stars. From her early days in England, where her fascination with science defied societal norms, to her pivotal encounter with Sir Arthur Eddington and her struggles at Cambridge University, Cecilia's journey was one of resilience and brilliance. Despite barriers to women in academia, her landmark thesis on the composition of stars changed astronomy forever. Join us as we explore her legacy—a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of discovery.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Sources:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Stars-Are-Made-Payne-Gaposchkin

https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/bee-orchid

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

This episode centres around a letter written to my mum, including reflections on neurodiversity, acts of kindness, and personal growth.


Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this conversation, Mandi Dickey shares her profound journey following a traumatic brain injury. She discusses her background in healthcare, the challenges she faced navigating the medical system, and the importance of advocacy for proper care. Mandy opens up about her mental health struggles post-accident, the coping mechanisms she developed, and the role of her support system in her recovery. She reflects on her identity transformation and the lessons learned through her experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and embracing change. In this conversation, Mandi Dickey shares her insights on brain health, the importance of sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and discusses common misconceptions surrounding brain injuries. She emphasizes the need for proper sleep routines, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity to support brain health. Mandi also reflects on her personal journey from being a healthcare provider to a patient after experiencing a traumatic brain injury, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned along the way.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

sources:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BXNRC2K9?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_HHQJBH6519XCBJCPKFKF

https://bio.link/brainwellnessnp

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this episode, we explore the incredible journey of Mohamed Bzeek, a foster father in Los Angeles who has spent decades opening his home and heart to terminally ill children. Learn how his unwavering compassion has touched countless lives and inspired a global conversation about empathy, sacrifice, and the power of love.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

sources & go fund me link:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/j9anbb-mohamed-bzeek-foster-father
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_brkqV9RQc

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this conversation, Rachel Claire Farnsworth shares her journey from a conventional career to becoming a hypnotherapist and author. She discusses the impact of trauma on health, the power of hypnotherapy, and the importance of self-love in healing. Rachel emphasises that transformational wellness is about achieving optimal health by addressing the root causes of ailments, which often lie in unresolved emotional issues. She provides practical steps for wellness, including the significance of self-talk and nutrition, and addresses common misconceptions in the wellness industry. The conversation highlights the role of the subconscious mind in healing and the necessity of awareness in the journey towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

sources:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Your-Subconscious-Mind-revised/dp/1471179397/ref=asc_df_1471179397?mcid=2006937b76a83ab8a4ac504459515384&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697264028800&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=353938494717017482&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007003&hvtargid=pla-611808492934&psc=1&gad_source=1
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decoding-Bodys-Messages-Unlock-Wisdom-ebook/dp/B0D118D88T?
https://wellnesswithrachel.co.uk/
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/world-kindness-day

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this episode I delve into the life and legacy of Emmeline Pankhurst, a pioneering figure in the women's suffrage movement. From her early exposure to social causes to founding the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), Emmeline's journey is a testament to resilience and change. I explore the bold and militant strategies that the suffragettes employed to demand women's voting rights, culminating in the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918. The episode highlights Emmeline's relentless advocacy, her experiences with imprisonment, and her ultimate impact on British politics and society.


Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

sources:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/transformingsociety/electionsvoting/womenvote/
Emmeline Pankhurst Suffragette: My Own Story

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

This mini episode I discuss Jonas Salk, a visionary medical researcher who developed the world’s first effective polio vaccine in 1955, bringing relief to millions facing the crippling disease. Rather than patenting his breakthrough, Salk famously declared, 'There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?' His selfless choice allowed for widespread distribution, transforming public health and solidifying his legacy as a true hero of kindness.

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)

sources:
https://rarediseases.org/organizations/march-of-dimes/https://www.marchofdimes.org/about-us/mission/history/history-march-dimeshttps://warmspringsfoundation.org/the-foundation/https://www.britannica.com/science/polio/Polio-through-historyhttps://www.fdrlibrary.org/poliohttps://www.salk.edu/

Before we dive in, I’d love to hear from you! Text me your stories or thoughts on kindness

In this intriguing episode I delved into the life and legacy of Norman Borlaug, the man often credited with saving over a billion lives through his groundbreaking work in agriculture. From his early days on a farm in Iowa to his controversial role in the Green Revolution, we explore the profound impact and contentious criticisms of his efforts to combat world hunger. Was Borlaug's work a monumental act of kindness, or did it lead to unforeseen consequences that still affect us today?

Please note transcription accuracy may vary.

Sources:

https://wheatworld.org/podcast/july-august-podcast-2/
https://www.britannica.com/plant/wheat
https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/dr_norman_e_borlaug/about_norman_borlaug/
https://www.who.int/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Hope-Healing-Words-Light/dp/1785305166/ref=asc_df_1785305166/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7891748936176287123&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007003&hvtargid=pla-2281435178138&psc=1&mcid=697d4537c3a63d46ba89079b6594894c&th=1&psc=1&hvocijid=7891748936176287123-1785305166-&hvexpln=74&gad_source=1

Music by:
(Neffex - A year ago)
(Neffex - dont want to let myself go)