Best IOE Podcasts (2025)

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Learning teaching: Why mindset matters and what this means for mentors | The Staffroom 54:18

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18d ago54:18

54:18

Tessa Blair (East London Teaching School Hub) tells us how mentors can support the development of positive orientations to learning. She tells Mark and Elaine how a professional culture tied to learning and mentorship can make a big difference in the lives of early career teachers (ECTs). Tessa explains that mentors can help foster an inclusive and…

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Episode 4 - Living Between Tempos — ADHD, Music, and the International Student Journey with Kaito Mizukoshi 40:58

10d ago40:58

40:58

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 growin…

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Season 2, Episode 4 - Music and Memory, featuring Dr Jess Jiang 19:25

20d ago19:25

19:25

Can music unlock memories for people with dementia? In this episode, Professor Philip Schofield and Dr Jess Jiang, Senior Research Fellow in Neurodegenerative Diseases, draw on cutting-edge science as they explore the links between hearing and dementia. Dr Jiang explains how music not only supports treatment and emotional connection but also helps …

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How Can Crypto Protect Forests and Empower Communities 35:17

20d ago35:17

35:17

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 explo…

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Empowering creative talent | Creative Landscapes in East London 1:18:55

22d ago1:18:55

1:18:55

How do you support the next generation of creative leaders? Explore how East London’s creative ecosystem nurtures talent after the 2012 Olympics. Host Liza Fletcher and guests dissect bridging gaps between institutions and grassroots organisations, affordable spaces, and youth entrepreneurship in the Olympic Boroughs. With a focus on growth, repres…

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Bringing balance to the 'reading wars' debate | The Staffroom 54:25

1M ago54:25

54:25

A holistic view of how phonics, writing, reading and language come together to make a child truly literate. Dominic Wyse and Charlotte Hacking tell Mark and Elaine about the "double helix" of reading and writing, an approach that combines phonics teaching with engaging reading and writing activities. They chat about the importance of creating a bal…

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Episode 23- Jenny Lange on the gothic history of neuroscience, a Halloween special 34:33

1M ago34:33

34:33

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 RobinsonBy UCL

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The fight to protect Black hair in schools 59:36

2M ago59:36

59:36

Ruby Williams was told her hair was too big for school - and she refused to accept it. In this episode, Ruby and her mother Kate speak with Alison Wiggins about the emotional and legal journey that followed. Their story is a call to action for educators and institutions to do better. Full show notes and links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/oc…

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Slow Down and Listen: Hermeneutics for Social Entrepreneurs 41:27

2M ago41:27

41:27

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 misst…

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Unearthing the creative pulse in our East London Olympic boroughs | Creative Landscapes in East London 1:34:00

2M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

In this episode, we hear about the cultural landscape within the Olympic boroughs, and the evolution that has occurred in the wake of the 2012 Olympics. Our panel of speakers share their insights on the opportunities and challenges of reaching under-represented audiences through initiatives such as education, screenings, exhibitions, and workshops.…

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Episode Three: Ethical Methods 43:06

3M ago43:06

43:06

Episode summary: Ethical methods. How can we do migration research ethically between borders in the context of social injustice? Rachel Benchekroun asks Amandas Ong, Sabina Barone, Franca Roeschert and Hend Aly about their research. Presenter: Dr Rachel Benchekroun, Senior Research Fellow, UCL Social Research Institute (Thomas Coram Research Unit) …

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The Bartlett Review. Cities in Flux - Rethinking Temporary Urbanism and Adaptability 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

Cities in Flux - Rethinking Temporary Urbanism and AdaptabilityCan 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 …

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The Bartlett Review. Roadkill, unveiling the true cost of our toxic relationship with cars 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

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 soc…

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Season 5 - Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing older 42:57

3M ago42:57

42:57

Episode title: Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing olderIn 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 lectur…

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Episode Two: Reproductive Justice 27:30

3M ago27:30

27:30

Reproductive Justice. What does 'reproductive justice' mean in the context of precarious migration? What strategies and possibilities are there for reproductive justice in the UK? Rachel Benchekroun asks Júlia Fernandez Molina, Pip McKnight and Mariam Malik about their research and practice. Presenter: Dr Rachel Benchekroun, Senior Research Fellow,…

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Episode One: Friendly Spaces 31:20

3M ago31:20

31:20

Friendly Spaces. How do spaces and places shape friendly relationships and access to support? Rachel Benchekroun, Jessie Sullivan and Franca Roeschert discuss their research. Date of episode recording: 2025-06-25 Duration: 00:31:23 Language of episode: English Presenter: Dr Rachel Benchekroun, Senior Research Fellow, UCL Social Research Institute (…

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MOSUL LIBRARY; REBUILDING KNOWLEDGE - A conversation with Dr Mohammad Jassim 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Dr Mehiyar Kathem speaks with Dr Mohammed Jassim on rebuilding Mosul University’s Central Library after ISIS.Date of episode recording: 2025-08-01Duration: 24:08Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Mehiyar KathemGuests: Dr Mohammed JassimProducer: Mehiyar KathemTranscript link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-d…

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Can UK universities survive and thrive? | Research for the Real World 36:29

4M ago36:29

36:29

As headlines warn of university closures and staff cuts, Professor Huw Morris offers a deeper look at the forces reshaping UK higher education. In conversation with Dr Elin Arfon, he explains why some institutions are struggling more than others, and what role government, regulation, and research can play in building resilience. They also explore t…

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Active Minds: Exploring the Links Between Student Lifestyles and Mental Health 24:59

4M ago24:59

24:59

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 an…

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Professional learning – it's not just from the neck up! | The Staffroom 52:53

5M ago52:53

52:53

In this episode, Louise Stoll tells us her story of 'improve-isation'. Louise tells Mark and Elaine about her career to date. She talks about the importance of building capacity for learning and supporting pupils to thrive in an uncertain future. "You need people to enable you to take risks, to say it's not going to be perfect the first time. It re…

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Building Better Minds: Neuroarchitecture and the Future of Inclusive Design 32:18

5M ago32:18

32:18

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 converg…

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Season 5 - Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking public health and personal freedom 43:51

5M ago43:51

43:51

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 int…

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Britain's got (international student) talent - but what do they really think of them? | Research for the Real World 43:05

5M ago43:05

43:05

In this episode, Dr Benjamin Abrams speaks with Hend Aly and Dr Heather Rolfe about their research into public attitudes and how these views shape migration policy and the future of higher education. They explore surprising findings from their report, the role of media narratives, and the strategic challenges facing UK universities. With global com…

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The Bartlett Review Podcast - Tomorrow’s Cities: AI in Urban Planning 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

AI’s influence on planning and cities is no longer theoretical—it is already transforming how urban environments are designed, managed, and experienced. While it holds great promise, can the sector address political, ethical, and practical challenges to ensure these technologies deliver on their potential for better, fairer cities? Prof. Mike Raco …

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Wellbeing? Don't give me things to pretty up my life | The Staffroom 40:27

5M ago40:27

40:27

What does supporting teacher wellbeing look like? And how can school leaders create a culture of wellbeing? Samantha O'Sullivan's research finds that teacher wellbeing is found in authentic recognition of their work, appropriate CPD, time to do the job well, good colleague relationships, and autonomy to make decisions for themselves. In other words…

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The Bartlett Review - Recognising Slavery’s History in City Regeneration 34:52

5M ago34:52

34:52

How can the history of enslavement be recognised in the way we shape and regenerate cities today? In this special episode marking 20 years of the Bartlett’s Sustainable Heritage MSc, we explore how cities can confront the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, the role of community-led projects, and how heritage can drive more inclusive and meani…

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Navigating the economics of UK higher education | Research for the Real World 29:26

5M ago29:26

29:26

Professor Gill Wyness shares her expertise on the intricacies of university funding, the student finance system, and the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access and attainment. Discover why the current funding model is under strain, how it impacts students from all backgrounds, and what urgent reforms are needed to secure the future of this vita…

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THE WORK AND HERITAGE OF THE JEWS OF KOYA - A Conversation with Dr Bzhar Ahmed 38:12

6M ago38:12

38:12

Dr. Bzhar Othman Ahmed, history lecturer at the University of Soran, Kurdistan, Iraq, discusses his research on the Jewish community in Koya, Iraq from 1918 to 1951.Transcription link:https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-bzhar-othman-ahmedDate of episode recording: 2025-02-01T00:00:00ZDuration: 38:13Language of episo…

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Rewilding the University - Prof Cathy Elliott's inaugural lecture 37:34

6M ago37:34

37:34

This week we ask: could the University be a wild place? A resilient ecosystem of biodiversity, interdependent relationships, entanglements and emergence? What would it look like if we let go of command, control and management, and allowed the University to grow and thrive in ways that can't be predicted in advance but might exceed our wildest dream…

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Constitutional Reform in the UK 43:02

6M ago43:02

43:02

What are the prospects for constitutional reform in the UK? What options are on the government’s agenda? What might actually happen? And will any such changes be adequate for resolving underlying problems?Politics in the UK has been in turmoil in recent years—Brexit, Covid, movements for independence in Scotland and Northern Ireland, rule-breaking …

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Is Morality the Cause of Ideological Disagreement? 38:10

6M ago38:10

38:10

This week we ask what drives ideological disagreement in politics? How far do people on left and right disagree with each other because they have fundamentally different moral intuitions or for other reasons? Polarisation is a defining feature of contemporary politics, raising concerns among many observers. People on the left and right—liberals and…

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Disability Representation in Politics 39:28

6M ago39:28

39:28

This week we’re looking at the representation of disabled people in politics. Why are there so few disabled politicians? What impact does that have? And what can be done to level the playing field? While one in five people in the UK is disabled, the proportion of disabled individuals among elected representatives is significantly lower. Despite bro…

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AI and Public Services 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

This week we’re looking at AI and public services. How far could AI tools help to tackle stagnant public sector productivity? What dangers are associated with AI adoption? And how can these dangers be addressed? Artificial intelligence is increasingly being touted as a game-changer across various sectors, including public services. But while AI pre…

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Imagining Turkey with Gündüz Vassaf 35:58

6M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode, we welcome acclaimed writer, psychologist, and intellectual Gündüz Vassaf, whose work spans 17 published books blending literature, philosophy, and psychology. Author of the bestselling "Prisoners of Ourselves: Totalitarianism in Everyday Life" and his more recent novel "The Painter's Rebellion," Vassaf explores with us what it mea…

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Beyond consent: Ethical dilemmas in co-design research | Research Ethics 31:09

6M ago31:09

31:09

Professor Eileen Kennedy shares her experiences regarding the ethical dilemmas encountered in the co-design context, where research participants are actively involved. What unforeseen ethical challenges might surface as the research progresses? Could there be situations where obtaining participant consent is not enough? How should one proceed in su…

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Preview: Is higher education's sustainability at risk? | Research for the Real World 3:19

6M ago3:19

3:19

We explore the growing financial pressures on UK universities and what they mean for the future of higher education. From frozen tuition fees to the reliance on international students, the system is reaching a tipping point. But alongside the challenges, we highlight the research-driven solutions already emerging. Through expert insights and real-w…

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Embracing chaos: Creativity, agency and ethics in digital storytelling | Research Ethics 31:04

6M ago31:04

31:04

Dr Michelle Cannon joins Dr Hakan Ergül to explore the ethical dilemmas that arise when using digital technologies for creative work in the classroom. How do we strike a balance between guiding students in their storytelling while preserving their agency? What strategies can researchers employ to navigate the complexities of confidentiality, privac…

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5. The Aesthetic Self: James Lewis 43:49

6M ago43:49

43:49

In this episode, we discuss the fifth and final section of Cusk’s Outline alongside a draft book chapter by James Lewis entitled The Peculiar Allure of Another’s Aesthetic Worldview. Lewis argues that appreciating someone’s aesthetic tastes is a central part of achieving intimacy with them. We discuss Cusk’s narrator’s prose style as a reflection o…

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Making sure everyone matters: Evelyn Forde tells 'herstory' | The Staffroom 51:22

6M ago51:22

51:22

Evelyn Forde shares her lived experience, from not feeling she mattered in school to becoming headteacher of the year. Evelyn tells Mark and Elaine about finding her way back into education, after feeling like she didn't belong and was disillusioned with school. She talks about the importance of making both children and adults feel like they matter…

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4. The Ethics of Attention: Iris Murdoch 43:00

6M ago43:00

43:00

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 6 of Cusk’s Outline alongside an essay by Murdoch called The Idea of Perfection. In this essay, Murdoch argues that the way we pay attention to the world is ethically significant. We talk about how Cusk’s narrator attends to the world, and what this leads the reader to infer about her character and sense of self.…

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Imagining Turkey Through Romeyka: A conversation with Professor Ioanna Sitaridou 40:09

6M ago40:09

40:09

In this episode, we are hosting Professor Ioanna Sitaridou, Professor of Spanish and Historical Linguistics at the University of Cambridge and co director of the Cambridge Centre for Greek Studies. Professor Sitaridou is widely known for her pioneering work in the study and preservation of languages, including her ongoing with the Romeyka Project,…

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Season 5, Episode 7 - From sidelines to solutions: Tackling emissions in sport 49:41

6M ago49:41

49:41

As summer kicks-off, UCL Generation One dives into the intersection of sport and sustainability – exploring how sport contributes to climate change, and how the climate crisis is already affecting how and where we play. Mark and Simon are joined by Sofie Junge Pedersen, professional footballer and climate campaigner (Inter Milan, Denmark national t…

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The Bartlett Review - The AI Blueprint for the Construction Industry 34:32

6M ago34:32

34:32

From smart buildings to robotics, solving sustainability problems to solving skill shortages, can the construction industry effectively harness the power of AI? Prof Priti Parikh is joined by Dr Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu, Dr Andrew Mitchell and Dr Vijay Pawar as they look at the construction sector and how it already is adapting to the use of artificia…

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Season 5 - Listening to connect: how understanding beliefs can transform public health 42:35

6M ago42:35

42:35

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing mi…

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Empowering agency: Collaborating with children in the context of migration | Research Ethics 25:49

6M ago25:49

25:49

Dr Sara Young reflects on her experiences collaborating with children in the context of migration. How feasible is it to uphold ethical principles amid the uncertainties of the field? Taking the participants' vulnerability into account, what ethical considerations should be made both before and during fieldwork to ensure that children are actively …

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3. The Ethics of Authenticity: Charles Taylor 37:18

6M ago37:18

37:18

In this episode, we discuss Chapter 5 of Cusk’s Outline alongside Chapters 3 to 5 of Taylor’s book, The Ethics of Authenticity. Taylor identifies a tension between the sense of identity which is derived from belonging to a community and contemporary culture’s emphasis on the importance of individual self-creation. We reflect on the ways in which Cu…

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Has creativity gone out of fashion? No, it's more important than ever | The Staffroom 40:43

7M ago40:43

40:43

Sarah and Phoebe from Freshwater Theatre show how drama builds creativity and empathy... and can improve wellbeing for teachers too. Sarah and Phoebe explore how drama can be a vehicle for teachers to enhance lessons and deepen learning – but also a way to inject fun into the classroom, for both students and the teachers themselves. They talk about…

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2. From Sincerity to Authenticity: Bernard Williams 49:15

7M ago49:15

49:15

In this episode, we talk about Chapters 2 and 3 of Rachel Cusk’s Outline alongside a chapter from Williams’s book Truth and Truthfulness. The chapter considers the differences between sincerity and authenticity as contending ideals of truthfulness about the self. These two ideals, on Williams’s argument, entail different ways of thinking about the …

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Working with/for children: Documenting social change | Research Ethics 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

What ethical questions does working with young children raise? A conversation with Dr Karen Wilkes. How should researchers approach collaborating with children in creative ways to ensure the research is beneficial for all involved? In this conversation, Karen discusses her thoughts and experiences on research ethics, offering advice to researchers …

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1. The Conversational Self: Daniela Dover 36:48

7M ago36:48

36:48

In this episode, we consider the first chapter of Cusk’s Outline alongside a paper by Daniela Dover entitled ‘The Conversational Self’. The paper examines the role of conversations in getting to know people, what an understanding of this entails for how we think about the self, and how open we should be to the influence of others. We analyse the co…