In episode 06 of Campus Conversations, Keira and Inara engage in a lively and thoughtful discussion covering a wide range of personal and societal topics. They explore the role of religion in their lives and communities, reflect on cultural identity, and unpack perspectives on morality, forgiveness, and justice. The conversation also delves into relationships, family values, and the influence of education and societal expectations on young adults. With moments of humour, honesty, and deep reflection, this episode offers a compelling snapshot of student voices navigating complex issues in today’s world.

Trigger warning - This podcast episode discusses some very sensitive topics that may be triggering for the individual listening. If you feel you need a supportive conversation after watching, please do seek support. If you are a UCL student, you may wish to contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Transcription link:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-06-mixed-topics

Date of episode recording: 2025-02-05T00:00:00Z

Duration: 42:36

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Keira Gazzingan;Inara Vanessa André

Welcome back to a brand new season of Public Health Disrupted! As Rochelle makes her return to the podcast following maternity leave, we’re excited to present the very first episode of Season 5: a fascinating examination and celebration of the power of movement to foster connection and belonging.

This episode will be of particular interest to runners and fans of group or community exercising, or simply those interested in the intersection of public health and community engagement. Xand Van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess delve into the transformative world of community fitness events, particularly the groundbreaking success of Parkrun. They explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping not only individual lives but entire communities by breaking down barriers to exercise and fostering social connections. Joining them are Dr. Flaminia Ronca, leading expert in exercise neuroscience, and Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time world Ironman champion and former global head of health and wellbeing for Parkrun.

In this episode: - the profound impact of community fitness on mental and emotional wellbeing - the science behind exercise and brain health - inspiring stories of how Parkrun has created inclusive spaces for all. Public Health Disrupted, hosted by Dr Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken is edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-1-running-together-notes-and-transcript

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

Duration: 00:40:26

Language of episode: English

TAGS: #PublicHealthDisrupted #UCLHealthPublic

Presenter:Xand van Tulleken; Rochelle Burgess

Guests: Chrissie Wellington OBE; Flaminia Ronca

Producer: Anabelle Buckland

Can your hair type really prevent you from participating in neuroimaging research? In this episode, Beverley Isibor sits down with Dwaynica Greaves, a PhD candidate at UCL, to unpack the scope of a research study funded by the Centre for Equality Research in Brain Sciences. Along with the research team, Antonia Hamilton and Isla Jones, Dwaynica discusses how hair types and styles can impact participation. Additionally, they explore why accessibility in research matters, the biases in scientific equipment, and what can be done to make neuroimaging research more inclusive.

Transcription link:

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/about-faculty/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/edi-chronicles-brain-sciences-podcast/edi-4

Date of episode recording: 2024-12-09T00:00:00Z

Duration: 32:13

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Beverley Isibor

Guests: Dwaynica Greaves

Producer: Teresa Baker

In Episode 5 of Campus Conversations, Kate, Sophia and Nadia interview Dr Sonia Greenidge, Head of the UCL Counselling Services, to discuss the role of counselling in supporting students' mental well-being. They explore the importance of seeking help, the common misconceptions about counselling, and the skills counsellors use to create a safe and supportive environment. The conversation also highlights the benefits of talking therapy and UCL's mental health resources. Whether you're considering counselling or just curious about the process, this episode offers valuable insights into its importance in student life.

Transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/teaching-learning/ucl-student-success/students/campus-conversations/episode-05-ucl-counselling-services-lets-ask-staff

Date of episode recording: 2024-03-22T00:00:00Z

Duration: 13:22

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Kate Goodall;Sophia Mencatelli;Nadia Ahmed

Guests: Dr Sonia Greenidge

Producer: Devon Kuziw, Chantal Romain, Craig Cunningham

In this episode, we host Dr Elise Burton, an historian of science, race and nationalism in the modern Middle East and an Assistant Professor at the Institute of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Toronto. As part of a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss some of Dr Burton's findings from her recent book, “Genetic Crossroads: The Middle East and the Science of Human Heredity”, within which she draws on archival research across the Middle East, Europe, and the United States using sources in Turkish, Persian, Arabic, and Hebrew, to explore how Middle Eastern peoples—both as scientific actors and research subjects—have played an important role in the history of human genetics.

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

Duration: 00:35:26

Language of episode: English

Presenter:Dr. Sertaç Sehlikoglu; Meryem Zișan Köker; Hazal Aydın

Guests: Dr Elise Burton

Producer: Dr. Sertaç Sehlikoglu; Meryem Zișan Köker; Hazal Aydın. Edited by Alexander Pymm.

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 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 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