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In Episode 6 of EDI Chronicles at Brain Sciences, Beverley speaks with Professor Carolyn McGettigan, former LGBTQ+ Committee Chair at UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences about pronouns what they are why they matter and how they support gender inclusion in everyday work and learning. Carolyn shares their personal journey to using they them pronouns explains why not everyone feels able or ready to share pronouns publicly and offers practical ways to build inclusive habits without putting anyone on the spot. The conversation also explores the role of allyship in normalising pronoun use how to respond when mistakes happen and simple language shifts such as moving away from gendered greetings that can help create more welcoming classrooms meetings and professional spaces. If you want this slightly more formal or slightly more conversational let me know and I will adjust it. Duration: 42.03 Language of episode: English Presenter: Beverley Isibor Guests: Professor Carolyn McGettigan Producer: Teresa Baker Transcription link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/about-faculty/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/edi-chronicles-brain-sciences-podcast

In this episode of EDI Chronicles at Brain Sciences, Beverley Isibor sits down with Professor Anna Cox (Vice Dean for EDI, 2019–2024) to unpack what EDI leadership looks like in practice. Anna shares how she first stepped into leadership through Athena Swan work, why fairness sits at the heart of her approach and what helped Brain Sciences make meaningful progress over five years. Together, they explore the power of clear governance structures, faculty-wide collaboration and using tools like annual reporting and staff surveys to track progress and drive coherence across diverse departments. The conversation also highlights the human side of EDI leadership and showing how culture change is built through both strategy and care. Duration: 38.06 Language of episode: English Presenter: Beverley Isibor Guests: Professor Anna Cox Producer: Teresa Baker Transcription link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/brain-sciences/about-faculty/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/edi-chronicles-brain-sciences-podcast

Despite mine closures and talk of phasing out, global coal usage is at an all-time high, with countries like the UK still importing coal for key industries. Dr Andrew Seaton, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in History, joins Professor Philip Schofield to discuss how coal never truly disappeared but evolved in form and influence. From Britain's re-importation of coal to global surges in consumption, Dr Seaton challenges the idea of a clean energy transition, and uncovers coal’s deep ties to industry, health, inequality, and the climate. Date of episode recording: 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Philip Schofield Guests: Dr Andrew Seaton Producer: Professor David Docherty OBE & Dr Paul Ayris (Pro-Vice-Provost LCCOS: Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science, UCL) Transcription link: https://liveuclac-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/ucylaem_ucl_ac_uk/ESY-yPbC7wJAsD5EGLcfFSoB3Ozb3iq-QB5bhEQBTX3q6g?e=JdZ8Yq

The UK faces a deepening housing crisis. As the population grows, pressure on an already stretched housing stock continues to mount. Experts estimate that up to 4.5 million new homes may be needed to close the gap. That’s a shortfall that’s driving economic strain and worsening issues from social inequality to homelessness. In this episode Professor Priti Parikh is joined by Professor Stanimira Milcheva and Pete Gladwell to set out the scale of the problem, the reasons that have led to the current situation and some potential solutions which may address it. Credits: Date of episode recording: 2025-11-13 Duration: 00:34:35 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Priti Parikh Guests: Professor Stanimira Milcheva; and Pete Gladwell Producer: Adam Batstone and Chizoba Onyiuke Podcast owner: Chizoba Onyiuke

In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, hosts Zhitong Li and Phoebe Chen sit down with pianist and UCL Management Science student Kaito Mizukoshi for a conversation that flows between introspection, culture, and the unexpected rhythms of life with ADHD. Kaito opens up about receiving his ADHD diagnosis in London, years after growing up in Japan where the condition is often overlooked—or even quietly associated with success. He shares how this new understanding reshaped the way he studies, practices music, and takes care of himself, revealing the strategies, struggles, and surprising gifts that come with a restless mind. From five-hour piano practice sessions to battling distraction during coursework, from navigating UCL as an international student to finding connection across cultural gaps, Kaito reflects on identity, belonging, and the power of self-knowledge. The trio dive into stigma, romanticisation of mental health, friendship, and the small but meaningful ways we learn to work with—not against—our own nature. Set to the delicate beauty of Debussy performed by Kaito himself, this episode is an intimate look at how one student turns introspection into empowerment and transforms challenge into creativity. Credits: Date of episode recording: 2024-07-04 Duration: 00:40:58 Language of episode: english Presenter: Zhitong Li, Phoebe Chen Guests: Kaito Mizukoshi Producer: takoua jendoubi Podcast Owner: Takoua Jendoubi

Discover how technology and innovative finance are helping communities protect forests and build sustainable economies. In this episode of Life of PIE, host Onye Idoko speaks with Nicolas Prieto, MSc Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship alum and CEO of climate tech startup Voltiva, and Tereza Bízková., co-founder of Refi Medellin. They explore real-world examples of crypto and regenerative finance in action in Colombia. Date of episode recording: 2025-11-09 Duration: 00:35:17 Language of episode: English Presenter: Onya Idoko Guests: Nicolas Prieto and Tereza Bízková Producer: Juan Manuel Fournier Castillo Names of the podcast owner: Victoria Howard

Date of episode recording: 2025-10-02 Duration: 00:47:48 Language of episode: English Presenter: Steve Fleming, Selina Wray Guests: Caswell Barry, Lucy Unwin Producer: Patrick Robinson

In this episode, Onya speaks with Mara Stoll (UCL MSc Prosperity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and theologian Dr. David Dark about how hermeneutics, the art of interpretation, can transform social entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack why understanding our own assumptions and a community’s lived reality is key to avoiding well-intentioned missteps. Discover how applying hermeneutic principles can help founders slow down, listen deeply, and co-create ventures that truly fit the people they are meant to serve. Date of episode recording: 2025-09-01 Duration: 00:41:27 Language of episode: English Presenter: Dr Onya Idoko Guests: Mara Stoll and Dr David Dark Producer: Manolo Fournier Podcast owner: Victoria Howard

Cities in Flux - Rethinking Temporary Urbanism and Adaptability Can mega-cities use adaptability and temporary urbanism to ignite innovation, support communities, and become more resilient? While adaptability sparks fresh and innovative approaches to urban design and planning, can city planners adopt tools like - temporary urbanism and meanwhile use - to create longer-term benefits for more liveable and resilient cities? In this episode Professor Lauren Andres is joined by Andy Wiley Schwartz and Emily Berwyn to explore why adaptability is crucial for mega-cities like London and New York, how it can be put into action in city transformation and how it has helped them navigate major crises—from the decline of UK high streets to the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcript here https://bartlett-review.ucl.ac.uk/podcast-cities-in-flux-rethinking-temporary-urbanism-and-urban-adaptability/index.html

In this episode of The Bartlett Review, Professor Dame Henrietta Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity, and Arthur Kay, Advisor to Innovo Group and founder of several technology and urban design companies, discuss their new book, Roadkill: Unveiling the True Cost of Our Toxic Relationship with Cars. They explore the social, financial, ethical, and environmental impacts of cars, challenge common myths, and share practical ideas for rethinking the way we use them to improve our cities and freedoms. While cars are often sold as symbols of freedom, Henrietta and Arthur show how they restrict choice, limit city life, and impose hidden costs on health, communities, and the planet. They share real-world examples, challenge myths about electric and autonomous vehicles, and offer practical ideas for rethinking how we use cars. Order your copy: https://getroadkill.com/

Episode title: Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing older In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing. Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing. Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings. The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health. Featured in this episode: Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health Guests: Rachel Colles– Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and Minds Dr Carrie Ryan – Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and Sciences Resources and mentions: ‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!) Date of episode recording: 2025-07-23 Duration: 00:42:57 Language of episode: English Producer: Produced by UCL Health of the Public and edited by Annabelle Buckland, Decibelle Creative Link to transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-5-ageing-playfully-notes-and-transcript

Dr Mehiyar Kathem speaks with Dr Mohammed Jassim on rebuilding Mosul University’s Central Library after ISIS. Date of episode recording: 2025-08-01 Duration: 24:08 Language of episode: English Presenter:Mehiyar Kathem Guests: Dr Mohammed Jassim Producer: Mehiyar Kathem Transcript link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-dr-mohammed-jassim

In the third episode of our Mental Health & Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter speaks with Dr Flaminia Ronca, Evie Watson, and Katie Sykes about the Active Minds Project at UCL, an innovative pilot exploring how students’ physical activity and lifestyle habits impact their mental wellbeing and cognitive function. Through wearable technology and behavioural insights, the team is working to refine interventions that can motivate students to move more, sleep better, and thrive both academically and personally. Together, they unpack the data-driven approach behind the project and how it aims to foster a healthier, more supportive university environment. This dynamic conversation touches on the real-world challenges facing students today and the ways in which physical fitness can serve as a pathway to mental resilience. Find out more: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/disruptive-voices-podcast/active-minds-exploring-links-between-student-lifestyles-and-mental-health

In the second episode of our Mental Health and Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter sits down with Professor Hugo Spiers, Dr Fiona Zisch, and Isabelle Charval, the trailblazing team behind the world’s first international centre for neuroarchitecture and neurodesign. Together, they delve into how neuroscience and the built environment are converging to shape healthier, more inclusive spaces for everyone. This wide-ranging conversation touches on the potential of this pioneering field to transform sectors such as healthcare, education, and urban planning. With deep insights from research and practice, the episode explores how our brains respond to the spaces we inhabit, and how better design can enhance wellbeing, accessibility, and human connection. Featured in this episode: Host: Jade Hunter – Coordinator, UCL’s Grand Challenge of Mental Health & Wellbeing With special thanks to our guests: Professor Hugo Spiers – UCL Department of Experimental Psychology Dr Fiona Zisch – Lecturer in Architecture, UCL Bartlett School of Architecture Isabelle Charval – Design Strategist and Co-Founder, Centre for Neuroarchitecture

Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking the intersection of public health and personal freedom In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health. The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy. Guests: - Dr Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation - Professor James Wilson, Professor of Philosophy at UCL In this episode: - The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse. - Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking. - The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike. - How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government. This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and individuals in fostering a healthier society. Date of episode recording: 2025-05-12T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:43:51 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Rochelle Burgess; Dr Xand van Tulleken Guests: Dr Adam Briggs; Professor James Wilson Producer: Produced by: UCL Health of the Public; Editor: Annabelle Buckland, Decibelle Creative