Best Michaela Benson Podcasts (2025)

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S4 E4 Free speech for whom? 32:20

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3d ago32:20

32:20

What's the link between free speech, bordering, and the 'MAGA' project of Donald Trump and his backers? And how does free speech as enshrined in the US constitution, contrast with what's happening on the ground in the USA? Sociologist Heba Gowayed, author of 'Refuge', Carnegie fellow, and voice against the arrest of students protesting genocide in …

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Season 4 | Episode 8 | Comparative Global Sociology and Masculinities with Satanik Pal 37:31

5d ago37:31

37:31

Sociological researcher at the National University of Singapore, Satanik Pal, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss his research into comparative global sociology, with particular focus on masculinities and status hierarchies and caste systems in India and Japan.

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Season 4 | Episode 7 | Reimagining gender roles, and much, much more, with Dr Finn MacKay 45:51

18d ago45:51

45:51

Well-known sociologist, Finn MacKay joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss their wide-ranging research into a range of sociological topics surrounding gender. Finn's research features in the AQA and OCR specifications and this is an excellent opportunity to learn more.

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S4 E3 Forever Undocumented 36:23

1M ago36:23

36:23

What does it actually mean to be "documented" or "undocumented" as a migrant to the USA? What's the lived reality like of existing somewhere in between the two, including under the category of "temporary protected status", or TPS, created by Congress in 1990 for people from countries deemed too unsafe to return to? UCLA sociologist and leading migr…

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Season 4 | Episode 6 | Researching the Manchester Arena Bombings, with Ashley Collar 39:33

1M ago39:33

39:33

PhD student Ashley Collar joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the Manchester Arena bombing. Fascinating discussion about research practice, interviews, subjectivity, sensitive issues and values as well as Ashley's own inspiring story of how she came to be an academic sociologist.…

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Season 4 | Episode 5 | Gender and families today, with Professor Leah Ruppaner 48:52

2M ago48:52

48:52

Melbourne University sociologist, Leah Ruppaner - a public sociologist active on TikTok and podcasts, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into gender, families and mental load.

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S4 E2 No place for migrants in the American Dream 38:28

2M ago38:28

38:28

American Dream? Or American nightmare? The targeting of migrants and minoritised populations under President Trump poses a serious challenge to the long-standing idea that if a person comes to the USA and works hard, they will enjoy social mobility and 'success'. Continuing our series on the role of borders and migration in the roll out of the 'MAG…

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Season 4 | Episode 4 | Brexit, Post-Brexit and Migration, With Professor Michaela Benson 55:46

2M ago55:46

55:46

Professor of Public Sociology at Lancaster University, Michaela Benson, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research on Brexit, post-Brexit and migration - fascinating for those of us teaching culture and identity, demographic changes, stratification but also for research methods.

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Season 4 | Episode 3 | Exploring the Importance of Sociologically-Informed Social Care, with Dr Sam Teague and Dr Chad Morrison 37:49

2M ago37:49

37:49

Sam Teague and Chad Morrison, who are launching a new degree in Applied Social Care, join Katie in the Sociology Staffroom for a fascinating conversation about their research, their new degree and the importance of social care. This is of particular interest to those studying the Health optional topic, but also to consider issues around social poli…

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Season 4 | Episode 2 | Education and Equity with Abrilli Phillip 38:55

3M ago38:55

38:55

Former Director of Education for Lambeth, sociologist, and former teacher, Abrilli Phillip, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss education policy and equality, drawing on her vast experience of working in education and local and national government.

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S4 E1 Raiding Sanctuary 35:23

3M ago35:23

35:23

When anti-immigration raids intensified in the USA after Trump's return to the presidency, it left many wondering: how could this happen in places like LA, ostensibly a "Sanctuary City"? What, in fact, are sanctuary cities? Launching our new series on the role of borders and migration in the roll out of Donald Trump's MAGA project, Rachel Humphris,…

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Season 4 | Episode 1 | Researching Racism and Anti-Racism, with Dr Aaron Winter 1:11:19

3M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

In the first episode of the new season, public sociologist Aaron Winter, from Lancaster University, joins Katie in the sociology staffroom to discuss his research on racism and anti-racism, as well as issues relating to values and objectivity in research.

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Season 3 | Episode 15 | Ethnicity, Gender and Education with Professor Heidi Mirza 56:05

5M ago56:05

56:05

Professor Heidi Mirza, author of many books and articles on ethnicity, race, gender, education, families, inequalities and intersectionality, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom for the last episode of Season 3. This is a fascinating conversation and lots in there that you can share with your students too!…

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Season 3 | Episode 14 | Researching Inequality, with Professor Lucinda Platt 44:59

6M ago44:59

44:59

Professor Lucinda Platt, from the LSE, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research across a wide range of topics relating to inequality, poverty, social mobility, migration, intersectionality and much more! Great for teachers of Stratification and Education and also for questions around the links between Sociology and Social Poli…

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S3 E11 Labour's new immigration plan is anything but Brexit 34:17

7M ago34:17

34:17

Michaela and Nando get together to discuss the UK's Labour Government 2025 promise to restore control over immigration by reducing net migration. The resonance with Brexit rhetoric couldn't be clearer in the language and narrative surrounding this. Yet, Brexit remains the elephant in the room. They reflect on several key elements of the paper: heal…

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Season 3 | Episode 13 | Education and Sustainability, with Dr Katy Wheeler 35:41

7M ago35:41

35:41

Senior lecturer in Sociology at the University of Essex, Dr Katy Wheeler, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into how sustainability and environmental issues are taught in school. This is a fascinating discussion for teachers generally - how should we broach this subject - and for sociology teachers in particular, both i…

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Season 3 | Episode 12 | Sociology and Education with Diane Reay 44:58

7M ago44:58

44:58

Professor Diane Reay from Cambridge University joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into education and social class, and her thoughts on the impact of recent policies on students as well as what might come from the new government. As you might imagine, from this famous author of Miseducation and many, many journal articles…

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Season 3 | Episode 11 | "Teaching controversy: navigating British Values and political neutrality in the classroom", with Andrew Jones 47:00

8M ago47:00

47:00

Assistant headteacher, PhD student and experienced sociology teacher, Andrew Jones, returns to the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how teachers of sociology (and other subjects) can maintain political neutral in the classroom, as well as the limits to that neutrality. Another fascinating chat with this great returning guest.…

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Season 3 | Episode 10 | Gender, employment, social policy and inequality, with Dr Helen Kowalewska 59:01

9M ago59:01

59:01

Sociology lecturer at the University of Bath, Helen Kowalewska, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her research into the impact of social policy on women and gender inequality. They discuss Helen's most recent research into women over the age of 60 (including the WASPI women) and the different research methods that she has employed. …

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Season 3 | Episode 9 | Personal and Family Relationships with Dr Katherine Davies 50:01

9M ago50:01

50:01

Dr Katherine Davies, from the University of Sheffield, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her research into siblings and other family and friendship relationships, as well as her work on the impact of Brexit on families. She also discusses her qualitative and creative research methods. Definitely worth a lesson to hear about some …

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Season 3 | Episode 8 | Qualitative Research & Legal Aid with Dr Emma Cooke 42:52

9M ago42:52

42:52

Criminologist and sociologist from the University of Kent, Dr Emma Cooke, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about her journey into the subject and her research into the criminal justice system, as well as how we can support students for Higher Education. Want to add something really contemporary to your lessons on the CJS? Here's a goo…

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Season 3 | Episode 7 | Key words in essay questions with Duncan Hall 41:11

10M ago41:11

41:11

The Sociology Staffroom returns in a new "every other week" schedule with lots of great guests scheduled. In this episode, the subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to look at those important words that can be key to higher marks in Sociology essays. One area they particularly focus on is "today"…

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Season 3 | Episode 6 | Interactive Lessons with Richard Brinkley 30:54

1y ago30:54

30:54

Experienced sociology teacher Richard Brinkley joins Duncan in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how to make lessons more interactive, including some great ideas!By tutor2u Sociology

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Season 3 | Episode 5 | Engaging GCSE Sociology Pupils, with Rhiannon Watson 34:46

1y ago34:46

34:46

Experienced social science teacher Rhiannon Watson joins her old Sociology teacher Katie Tyler in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss issues relating to GCSE Sociology and how to engage and inspire the students.By tutor2u Sociology

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Season 3 | Episode 4 | Applying the science of the brain to Sociology, with Zenab Farag 38:18

1y ago38:18

38:18

Experienced sociology teacher, Zenab, joins Katie in the Sociology staffroom to discuss how we can apply various aspects of brain science to our teaching as well as exploring some popular misconceptions.By tutor2u Sociology

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Season 3 | Episode 3 | September Teacher Panel Discussion 41:46

1y ago41:46

41:46

In this episode, a teacher panel (consisting of Anna Lise White, Craig Gelling and Duncan Hall) discussed a range of issues relating to the start of a new term, mostly ones raised by teachers in the AQA A Level Sociology Teachers Group.By tutor2u Sociology

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Season 3 | Episode 2 | Sociology & Literacy, with Richard Brinkley 45:42

1y ago45:42

45:42

Experienced sociology teacher Richard Brinkley joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to talk about the important links between sociology and literacy.By tutor2u Sociology

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Season 3 | Episode 1 | Managing your ECT year, with Lizzie Skinner 28:47

1+ y ago28:47

28:47

ECT social science teacher Lizzie Skinner joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her experiences of ECT 1.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 35 | Reflections on Season 2 with Katie and Duncan 14:54

1+ y ago14:54

14:54

Regular host Katie Tyler and subject lead for Sociology at tutor2u, Duncan Hall, look back on what's been a fascinating second "season" of the Sociology Staffroom and forwards to what's coming in September.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 34 | Improving and Updating our Subject Knowledge, with Fran Nantongwe 31:34

1+ y ago31:34

31:34

Experienced teacher Fran (otherwise known as Norfolk Fran) joins Katie to discuss ways to check, develop and update our Sociology subject knowledge.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 33 | Supporting High Achievers with Liv Le Poidevin 25:11

1+ y ago25:11

25:11

Experienced sociology teacher Liv joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how to support, stretch and challenge high achievers in A Level Sociology.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 32 | Multicultural awareness with Anna Lise White 32:57

1+ y ago32:57

32:57

Experienced Sociology teacher Anna Lise returns to the Sociology Staffroom to talk to Katie about the importance of multicultural awareness in Sociology teaching.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 31 | Teaching Global Development, With Bridget Gray 44:27

1+ y ago44:27

44:27

Experienced Sociology teacher Bridget Gray joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss her experience of teaching the Global Development optional topic for A Level Sociology.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 30 | Teaching Sociology Remotely, with Nicole Levy 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

Experienced teacher, Nicole Levy, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to share her experiences of teaching sociology remotely, challenges and opportunities, and effective techniques.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 29 | How to make effective starters, with Ian Luckhurst 33:38

1+ y ago33:38

33:38

Experienced sociology teacher Ian joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to share some of his great ideas for starting lessons, and explore the reasons why simple, effective starter activities work.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 28 | GCSE Troubleshooting, with Vicki Woolven 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

Subject lead for GCSE Sociology, Geography and History at tutor2u, Vicki Woolven, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss misconceptions about GCSE Sociology and how to deal with some of the problems that are specific to that qualification.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 27 | Supporting and Retaining Trainees, with Alison Wiggins 44:11

1+ y ago44:11

44:11

Subject leader for PGCE Social Sciences at UCL, Alison Wiggins, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom for a fascinating discussion about trainee teachers and how we can support them in the early part of their career.By tutor2u Sociology

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S3 E10 Migration and the making of Global Britain 53:19

2y ago53:19

53:19

What's the significance of migration for the making of 'Global Britain'? And what are the theoretical and conceptual tools that can help to unpack this question? In this episode, we turn our attention to the value of racial capitalism for understanding migration to and from the UK after Brexit. Elena Zambelli explains what we mean when we talk abou…

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Episode 26 | In conversation with Duncan & Katie: Issues and concerns for teachers towards the end of the Spring term 24:44

2y ago24:44

24:44

In a departure from the usual format, usual host Katie and subject lead Duncan have a conversation about issues that teachers face at this time of year: when to "start revision", what to do if there's content still to complete, etc.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 25| Teaching Culture & Identity, with Shahina Yasmin 27:18

2y ago27:18

27:18

Experienced sociology teacher, Shahina, joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss switching to the optional topic of Culture & Identity, why you might want to, challenges faced, and advice for teaching it.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 24 | How to Lecture Less, with Katie Tyler 36:20

2y ago36:20

36:20

Regular host Katie Tyler joins Duncan in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss how and why to lecture less and have more student-focused lessons. Lots of practical tips and professional discussion about teaching and learning.By tutor2u Sociology

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Episode 23 | Helping students who have underperformed in their mocks, with Kate Flatley 35:42

2y ago35:42

35:42

Experienced Sociology teacher and YouTuber Kate Flatley (@theteachersociology) joins Katie in the Sociology Staffroom to discuss "bouncing out of the pit" - how to encourage and support students whose mocks show they have a lot to do!By tutor2u Sociology

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S3 E9 (Not so) safe routes 54:56

2y ago54:56

54:56

What are the UK Government's 'safe and legal routes'? How do these relate to 'stop the boats', the Rwanda Plan, and the curtailment of asylum as laid out in the 1951 Refugee Convention? What can we learn from listening to the Hong Kongers and Ukrainians beneficiaries of these humanitarian visas? And what if these routes are not so safe after all? I…