In the months of both Ramadan and Lent, Generation One joins in with reflections on the relationship between food, community, and health with our fifth episode of Season 5.

Hosts Mark and Simon explore not only the impacts of climate change on global food availability, but societal behaviour around food and decision-making, and the effects of both on our health.

They’re joined by two UCL experts: Mark Miodownik (Professor of Materials & Society) who deconstructs the supply chain to highlight the damaging effects of packaging and microplastics. And Gail Taylor (Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences), who explains how the latest developments in plant science and agrotechnology can help make food more nutritious and widely available.

We also heard from Dr Andrew Simms of the New Economics Foundation. And from UCL students Carson and Valentina, leaders of the Students’ Union’s Zero Food Waste project, which aims to tackle food waste on campus.

Zero Food Waste: https://studentsunionucl.org/volunteering/organisation/zero-food-waste

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/climate-change/podcasts-videos/ucl-generation-one-climate-podcast

Date of episode recording: 6 and 21 March 2025

Duration: 55.46

Language of episode: English 

Presenter: Professor Mark Maslin and Dr Simon Chin-Yee 

Guests:

Professor Mark Miodownik, UCL

Professor Gail Taylor, UCL

Yat Hin Carson Chan, UCL Students’ Union

Valentina (Hye Won) Chang, UCL Students’ Union

Producers:

Adam Batstone

Caitlin Mullin

In episode 04 of Campus Conversations, Keira and Inara are joined by Student Success Manager Luther where they dive into the impacts of pop culture on society. From cancel culture and social media’s influence to the role of reality TV and news consumption, they explore how these trends shape our perceptions, values, and everyday lives. The discussion also touches on the balance between staying informed and protecting mental health, as well as the power and pitfalls of social media in modern student life. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the cultural forces that define our world today.

Transcription link:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-04-pop-culture

Date of episode recording: 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:40:33

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Keira Gazzingan; Inara Vanessa André

Guests: Luther Mayers

Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw

Today Olivia is joined by Dr Jessica Farren, a consultant gynaecologist at University London College Hospital (UCLH) with a passion for early pregnancy care, and for empowering women with education about their health. Jessica’s PhD focused on the psychological impacts of early pregnancy loss. Today we dive into her work by discussing what these psychological impacts are, and how best to support women who are experiencing this, whether as a healthcare professional, colleague, friend or family member.

This episode highlights the importance of seeing early pregnancy loss not as one diagnosis or experience, but rather acknowledging the range of factors and emotions involved. To learn more about ‘This is Womanhood’, and how you can register your businesses interest in a session to learn essential medical knowledge and support every woman needs, every step of the way, visit https://www.thisiswomanhood.uk/

If you or someone you know is experiencing pregnancy loss and needs support, you may wish to point them in the direction of three wonderful organisations: The Miscarriage Association, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, and Saying Goodbye.

Date of episode recording: 2025-03-22T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:31:10

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Olivia Moir

Guests: Dr Jessica Farren

Producer: Olivia Moir, Institute for Women's Health

In this episode, we speak to Chloe He, Postgraduate researcher at UCL, who educates us on fertility treatments. We cover the 50-50 split between male and female infertility factors, the rising rates of infertility (now affecting one in six people), and the worrying impact of pollution on male fertility. The conversation also touches on the challenges of accessing fertility services, including the frustrating "postcode lottery" in the UK. Chloe breaks down the IVF process—from ovarian stimulation to embryo selection—and unpacks the ethical dilemmas around pre-implantation genetic testing. Plus, we discuss the unique barriers the transgender community faces in fertility care. So, yes, we cover a lot in 33 minutes!

Transcription link:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/healthcare-engineering/health-handbasket-podcast/engineering-solutions-infertility

Date of episode recording: 2024-06-10T00:00:00Z

Duration: 33:00

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Ferdouse Akhter

Guests: Chloe He

Producer: Ferdouse Akhter; Shakira Crawford

In episode 03, Ayesha and Angelica are joined by Student Success Officer Adella to share and chat about their experiences of living and studying in London. They discuss the challenges of adjusting to the city's fast-paced lifestyle, high cost of living, and competitive housing market while also highlighting the vibrant opportunities London offers—from cultural diversity and student discounts to free events and green spaces. They offer practical advice on budgeting, making the most of student resources, and navigating both university life and future career prospects.

Whether you're new to London or considering studying here, this episode provides valuable insights into student life in the capital. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.

Transcription link:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/episode-03-living-london

Date of episode recording: 2025-01-29T00:00:00Z

Duration: 41:42

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Ayesha Qamar;Angelica Davis-Aladren

Guests: Adella Forder-Gore

Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw

As populations continue to grow, what can increased pressures from climate change and financial crisis shape what modern urban generation means? In this podcast, we'll be talking about who are the main players in modern urban regeneration and can it be done without the dark side of social exclusion. Peter George, Strategic Director of Economy and Sustainability at Ealing Borough Council, joins expert researchers Professor Lauren Andres and Dr Sonia Freire Trigo from The Bartlett School of Planning to discuss how the focus needs to shift to withstand current regeneration pressures.

Transcription link:

https://bartlett-review.ucl.ac.uk/podcast-what-next-for-urban-regeneration/index.html

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:36:28

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Professor Lauren Andres

Guests: Dr Sonia Freire Trigo; Peter George

Producer: Adam Batstone and Chizoba Onyiuke

Episode 02 dives into finance by interviewing UCL staff. Join Kate, Sophia and Nadia as they ask Josh from the UCL Student Funding team the important questions about finance. Josh talks about financial support and, cost-of living and how students can manage their finances. Please note that the views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of our students and do not necessarily reflect the views of UCL.

Date of episode recording: 2024-07-22T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:12:43

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Kate Goodall;Sophia Mencatelli;Nadia Ahmed

Guests: Josh Du Sautoy

Producer: Chantal Romain, Craig Cunningham, Luther Mayers, Devon Kusiw

Did you know that disposable nappies account for approximately 400,000 tonnes of waste each year, representing 2-3% of household waste? Period products don't fare much better with one study indicating 200,000 tonnes of waste annually and then there's also adult incontinence products - we’re looking at 3 billion waste products annually for that. These are staggering numbers and ones we just aren't aware of.

In this episode we speak to Elze Porte and Ayse Allison who are working to reduce waste with absorbent hygiene products - that's things like nappies, period products and adult incontinence products. Hear how they're working with manufacturers, users and waste management systems to make sure we’re not adding to the landfill.

Date of episode recording: 2024-07-18T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:25:29

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Ferdouse Akhter

Guests: Elze Porte; Ayse Allison

Producer: Ferdouse Akhter; Shakira Crawford

Episode 1 dives into all things student life. Whether you're in the middle of your studies or reminiscing about your time at university, we’re here to explore the highs, lows, and everything in between. From myths about university life to the impact of COVID-19, and the real value of exams, we’ll cover a range of topics that all students can relate to.

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-11T00:00:00Z

Duration: 44:49:00

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Ayesha Qamar;Kate Goodall;Angelica Davis-Aladren

Producer: Luther Mayers, Adella Forder-Gore, Devon Kuziw

This week we’re exploring the relationship between religion and violence. What are the circumstances in which organisations motivated by religious ideas resort to violent methods? And how can such violence best be prevented?

The relationship between religion and violence is a subject of enduring debate. Religion is often portrayed as a force for peace and compassion. Yet history is littered with instances where religious actors have been involved in conflict. What conditions make religious organizations more likely to engage in violence? And what lessons can policymakers learn to prevent it?

In this episode, Prof Alan Renwick dives into these questions with Dr. Manuel Vogt, Associate Professor of International Security at UCL. Drawing on new research, he explores how both global forces and local factors shape the relationship between religion and violence.

Mentioned in this episode: Pischedda, C., & Vogt, M. (2023).

When Do Religious Organizations Resort to Violence?

How Local Conditions Shape the Effects of Transnational Ideology.

Ethnopolitics

Transcription link:

https://ucl-uncovering-politics.simplecast.com/episodes/when-does-religion-beget-violence/transcript

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-06T00:00:00Z

Duration: 00:34:1

Language of episode: English UK

Presenter:Alan Renwick

Guests: Manuel Vogt

Producer: Eleanor Kingwell-Banham