Research Reimagined Podcast Series: Recent Episodes
Nottingham Trent University
Get closer to the researchers who inspire change and find answers to the questions that really matter to you.
In this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we dive into how the marketing and sponsorship of the Olympics has evolved over the decades, from Athens 2004 to Paris 2024. Discover who truly benefits from these partnerships and how strategies have transformed over the years. From iconic sponsors like Toyota and McDonald’s to groundbreaking newcomers, we uncover the wider impacts of these collaborations.
Don't miss out as Senior Lecturers David Cook and Steve Bingham from Nottingham Business School share their expert insights on the fascinating world of sports sponsorship.
Today, interest in mental health is higher than ever, yet there remains a lack of research into the mental health and wellbeing of top athletes, despite their increased risk due to the intense demands of high-level sport. Athletes, like everyone else, also experience various challenging life events. So, how do they cope with the stress and tough experiences they face outside of their sport?
To tell us more, we’re joined in this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast by Dr Ella McLoughlin, a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, who is exploring this very topic.
For many athletes, competing at the Olympics represents the pinnacle of their careers - a moment they have spent years training to achieve. The last thing they want is to be derailed by a common cold, stomach bug, or other illness. So, how do athletes ensure they stay healthy for the Games?
In this Olympics special episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we’re joined by Carla Baker from the School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University, who discusses the effects of exercise on the immune system and athlete health, and the measures Olympians take to remain germ-free.
Guest Hui-Ying Kerr, Senior Lecturer in Fashion Communication and Promotion at Nottingham Trent University, dives into Barbie’s evolution from a simple doll to a symbol of empowerment, questioning whether she has moved beyond outdated stereotypes or remains constrained by them. We also track Barbie’s journey through history, her impact on societal norms, and what lies ahead for this enduring cultural phenomenon.
From fake moon landings and alien encounters to history’s most talked-about assassinations, conspiracy theories capture our imagination and encourage us to question our understanding of the world. But have you ever stopped to think about why conspiracy theories are so popular, or the risks that come with them? In this eye-opening episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of conspiracy theories and their impact on society.
Join us as we talk to Senior Lecturer, Darel Cookson from the School of Social Sciences. Darel’s research focuses on understanding why people believe conspiracy theories and the social psychological consequences of holding onto these beliefs. Explore the role of social media in spreading conspiracy theories and how to navigate in a digital world where misinformation is just a click away.
Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, tune in to understand more about the appeal - and dangers - of conspiracy theories.
Mental health issues can affect one in for people at some point in their lives, and can have a profound influence on employee welfare – often leading to prolonged absences from the workplace. Amidst the prevalence of hybrid working, what actions can employees, managers and employers take to support mental health in the workplace?
In this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we sit down with Zara Whysall and Steve Brown from Nottingham Business School, who offer actionable insights and guidance on fostering a positive culture of mental health in the workplace.
Zara is an Associate Professor of Business Psychology who works at the intersection of academia and industry. She conducts research and consultancy within private and public sector organisations, with a wealth of knowledge around leadership development, talent management, diversity management, organisational culture change and presenteeism. Steve’s research examines how our psychology is shaped by the places we spend time in, such as our workplaces or where we live. As a Professor of Health and Organisation Psychology, he examines our social settings impact our mental wellbeing.
Listen now as we explore practical strategies for promoting good mental health in the ever-evolving work landscape.
In this episode, we’re delving into the wonders of space and exploring the intersections between science, art and culture. We’re joined by Dr Dan Brown, an astronomer from Nottingham Trent University who oversees the university’s observatory and planetarium.
We spend nearly half of our time under the open sky – it’s a canvas that has inspired humanity since the beginning of time. But how does it influence us, and how do we engage with the sky?
Dan will be guiding us through the connections we have as humans with the sky and the creative genius of individuals like Lord Byron, who passed away 200 years ago today. Lord Byron was a major figure of the Romantic movement and is regarded as being among the greatest of English poets. He penned the haunting poem Darkness during a time of celestial upheaval, but what was happening in the sky during Byron’s era, and how did it shape his writing?
Byron isn’t the only one captivated by the sky at that time – other writers, such as Mary Shelley, immortalised it in their craft and were inspired by the “Year without a Summer” in 1816, a chilling consequence of volcanic eruptions which altered our view of the sky and left a mark on history and inspired creative minds.
From dating historical events based on celestial phenomena to winding back time with our knowledge of the stars, Dan will help us to uncover how key actors in space guide our understanding of the sky and how changes are represented throughout history.
The menopause journey represents a significant time within the female lifespan. For some this may be a relatively straightforward process, but for others, the menopause can be very challenging. Most females are likely to experience menopause, yet it remains a topic that is rarely spoken about — by the females experiencing it and the health professionals trying to support them.
In the weeks following the Equality and Human Rights Commission announcing their new guidance for employers on their legal obligations to those experiencing menopause, we shed light on the physiological changes that happen during the transition - what happens to our bodies and why, exactly how our hormones are changing and the possible implications of this - and why female health and physiology has often been overlooked in the past.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Jessica Piasecki, from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, who offers valuables insights and practical tips for managing menopausal symptoms, and also discusses how we can foster meaningful conversations and improve education around female health, from childhood into adulthood, and empower ourselves with this knowledge.
In this episode, we speak with Dr Beth Jones, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Psychology, and Liam Cahill, Lecturer in LGBTQ+ Psychology. Both Liam and Beth are part of Nottingham Trent University’s LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing Research Group and share their insights on why it’s so important to celebrate and give a voice to those within the community.
The media has influenced public opinion of those in the community and it plays an influential role in shaping attitudes towards sexual and gender minority people in general. In recent years, new TV shows like Netflix’s Heartstopper have shed a positive light on the authentic stories of young sexual and gender minoritised youth in the UK, whilst certain platforms such as social media have typically been used to perpetuate negativity and present an unbalanced and unfair view of the community.
In this episode, we take a closer look at the influence of the media on the community and whether it is helping to foster a society in which LGBTQ+ people feel comfortable being their true selves. Plus, we reflect on some of the victories and outline what else can be done to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
If you’d like to find out more about the important work of NTU’s LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing Research Group, you can follow them on Twitter or visit their website.
Links to the resources mentioned in the podcast episode can be found below:
- Stonewall
- TransActional
The origin of pubs can be identified in the taverns of Roman Britain and the alehouses of Anglo-Saxon times, but today the nation’s pubs are closing at an alarming rate, with over 400 lost in the UK in 2002 alone. Even Wetherspoons have been left feeling the pressure, putting 32 pubs up for sale in recent years.
But with more and more pubs closing, are we losing something more significant than just a place to drink? Dr Claire Markham of NTU's School of Social Sciences has been researching the rural pub for over 13 years and explores the importance of this token of British village life in the latest episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast.
Ever since Bitcoin was launched in 2009, there's been a lot of chatter about cryptocurrencies, and interest in how these digital currencies can impact our daily lives has been steadily growing.
The landscape is now populated by thousands of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, the most actively traded cryptocurrency, has soared in price by 160 percent this month to a 20-month high of $44,000 (Financial Times, December 2023).
There's a prevailing notion that digital currencies like Bitcoin might eventually replace traditional methods of buying and selling goods and services.
But how are cryptocurrencies actually created? Are they a fad or are they here to stay?
In this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we're joined by Alexander Brauneis, a Professor of Finance and Innovation from Nottingham Business School here at Nottingham Trent University.
Alexander delves into the fundamental concepts of cryptocurrency and explores what lies ahead for Bitcoin and other digital currencies that have emerged in the last decade.
Research shows that friendly teasing can foster a stronger sense of belonging. Banter, described as an interactive way of bonding, is usually perceived as fun between friends and is common in many environments, from education to the workplace. It’s also been regarded by many sports leaders and coaches as a way of developing strong connections and promoting team unity. We see this in sports clubs and teams at universities - banter is often regarded as the “glue” bonding team mates together, representing trust and camaraderie.
However, banter isn't always positive; sometimes, it can be used to mask more hurtful intentions. When playful teasing crosses a line, especially at a time when Antmany young people are discovering new friendships and seeking a sense of belonging in clubs and teams, it raises important questions.
In the latest episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we’re joined by Loren Abell and Sarah Buglass, from NTU Psychology, part of the university’s School of Social Sciences, who help answer this question and explore why banter can sometimes feel us more isolated than included.
In this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we're joined by experts Lucy Betts and Oonagh Steer from NTU's School of Social Sciences. Together, they explore ways in which teachers can foster open conversations among children and young people about banter, encouraging them to consider how jokes might be perceived differently than intended. The episode also delves into the ambiguous nature of banter, emphasising how factors such as context can be important in determining meaning behind messaging. In this episode, we’re also joined by Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, Martha Evans, who provides an oversight into their work and their aims with Anti-Bullying Week.
You can download the resource packs and find out more about Lucy and Oonagh's work here.
Join us on the Research Reimagined podcast as we uncover the fascinating journey of women in American Football. From pioneers like Jennifer Welter, who shattered the glass ceiling in 2015 by securing a coaching post, to the remarkable 15 women now strategizing on the field as coaches.
Yet, beneath the surface, questions linger. What lies beneath these triumphs? How far must women's American Football journey to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its male counterpart?
In this episode, we feature an expert at the forefront of these conversations. Dr Katie Taylor, a distinguished lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Nottingham Trent University and former American Football coach, joins us to shed light on the current picture of gender equality in the sport. Through her insights, you will gain a unique insight into the past, present, and future of women in American football.
Notes
In the episode, Katie refers to the GB Women's Flag Football team, who were due to compete at the European Championships at the time of recording. The team went on to win gold at IFAF Women's European Flag Football Championships, beating Spain in the final at the end of August.
The UK has a long history of protest, from the suffragette movement of the early 1900s to the miner’s strikes in the '80s - protests are fundamental to UK democracy. Disruptive tactics have been used throughout history, however activist groups like Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil have generated widespread controversy over recent years for damaging public monuments and causing disruption at major public celebrations and events.
The Public Order Act 2023 was passed in May 2023 to address the chaos caused by ‘extremist’ protesters, particularly targeting actions such as ‘locking-on’ to buildings or highways. However, the new bill has been criticised by human rights organisations such as Amnesty International UK for “restricting people’s fundamental rights to peaceful protest".
So what do these changes mean? Do the police really have more powers to stop protests?
In this episode of the Research Reimagined podcast, we’re joined by Dr Ali Bowes, lecturer in the Sociology of Sport at Nottingham Trent University. Having recently appeared in a powerful new Netflix documentary entitled Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport, Ali discusses her role in the film, and with the start of the world cup, she talks about the current picture in women’s professional football. Interest in women’s sport has grown dramatically, but how does this reflect on wider society, and is the increasing media coverage we’re now seeing add to the momentum, or does it do a disservice to the players and their talent?
In his book, parkrun: An Organised Running Revolution, David draws on new research to shine a light on parkrun’s success and unpack what makes this free, weekly activity such a popular community event. In this episode, David talks to Helen about some of the themes that are included in his book, such as inclusivity, community and health. David also unpacks the ethos: ‘it’s a run, not a race’ - a statement that lies at the very heart of parkrun.
In this true crime episode of the Research Reimagined podcast, we’re joined by Serena Simmons, Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, to help us answer these questions and more as she unpacks the psychology of serial killers. Serena brings with her lots of experience as a specialist in serial violent crime: as well as being the lead researcher for recent Amazon Prime series Cops Who Kill, she also worked in practice at Rampton Maximum Security Hospital prior to teaching.
Please note: This episode contains topics of a sensitive nature, which may be triggering for some listeners. We advise listener discretion.
Often referred to as “fashion’s biggest night out,” or the “fashion Oscars”, the Met Gala is a star-studded fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City.
Welcoming celebrities, creatives and industry giants, invitations are highly sought after for this annual celebration of fashion, which is held on the first Monday in May every year. Attendees are encouraged to pay homage to a different theme, leaving the media and the world to scrutinise who has followed the annual fashion assignment, and who has not.
In this episode, we’re joined by two academics from the Nottingham School of Art and Design – Vanessa Brown and Naomi Braithwaite – who offer a unique perspective on the event, its history, and its relation to fashion and the wider world.
What amazing things can happen when you bring local people, community organisations and researchers together in a revolutionary new project? Co(l)laboratory, an exciting new eight-year initiative from the Universities of Nottingham, aims to find out.
Helen is joined by Rebekah Smith McGloin - Director of the Doctoral School and Research Operations at NTU - and Matthew Young - Co(l)laboratory Doctoral Programme Manager – as they give more information about some exciting new projects that will be helping to change lives in the city.
The conversation around transgender athletes in sport has divided opinion both in and out of the sporting sphere. It’s a complex topic that has led to many international and domestic sports organisations updating their regulations on the inclusion of transgender athletes.
However, the current media narrative appears to be missing one side of the debate: are the policies and decisions that exclude trans and gender-diverse athletes legal? And how are these decisions impacting trans and gender-diverse athletes psychologically?
In this episode of the Research Reimagined podcast, we’re joined by NTU Senior Lecturers Dr Seema Patel and Dr Beth Jones. Seema discusses the legal barriers that are in place for increasing inclusivity for trans athletes, whilst Beth explains the psychological barriers transgender and gender diverse people might face when participating in sport.
In this International Women’s Day special episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we hear from NTU Associate Professor, Natasha Hodgson and Lecturer, Daisy Richards from the School of Arts and Humanities, who join us to discuss gender, diversity and representation through time. By taking examples from both the past and the present, Natasha and Daisy explain how the representation of women in the media and on screen continues to affect women today, and what can be done to amplify their experiences.
Please note: This episode may include triggers for some listeners including descriptions of sexual violence, abuse, and other triggering topics. Please consider this when listening.
Happy New Year... or is it? 🤔
Many of us find January the most difficult month of the year, and there’s a reasonable explanation as to why we might be feeling so low. January brings with it short days, icy temperatures, a long wait for payday, and - sometimes - unachievable New Year’s Resolutions.
In this episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, we talk to Dr Daria Kuss, a Chartered Psychologist from the School of Social Sciences, about what we can do to tackle the January Blues and get 2023 off to the best possible start.
If you want to find out more about Daria's research, you can follow her on Twitter: @Dr_Kuss.
We typically think of addiction as involving drink or drugs, but what about the internet, video games, work, sex, or even exercise – can we be addicted to activities such as these? In this episode of the Research Reimagined podcast, we speak to distinguished NTU professor, Dr Mark Griffiths, who is an expert in behavioural addiction. Mark gives the lowdown on how someone might become addicted to a feeling or behavior, as opposed to a substance, and what the common behavioural addictions are. He also answers the question as to whether we overuse the word ‘addiction’.
If you want to find out more about Mark's research, you can follow him on Twitter @drmarkgriffiths.
this Black History Month (October 2022) and World Mental Health Day (10 October 2022) edition of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast, Dr Dung Jidong, a researcher in the Department of Psychology at NTU discusses the racial bias and discrimination facing black people in the UK when it comes to receiving mental health support, and how this affects African and Caribbean mothers in particular. Dung discusses why these prejudices exist, and how his research is helping to support new mothers through postnatal depression and anxiety.
This podcast may contain content that some listeners may find distressing. Listener caution advised.
To find more about Dung’s research, you can follow him on Twitter, @dungjidong.
To learn more about the 2nd International African and Caribbean Mental Health Conference, please visit the website.
There’s been a surprising surge in exorcisms in recent years. The thought of exorcisms may bring to mind scenes from horror movies like "The Exorcist" - but how accurate are these depictions? And how does the law apply to religious practices like exorcisms? Resident NTU expert Dr Reverend Helen Hall gives a fascinating insight into religious freedom, consent and the law in the very first episode of the Re:search Re:imagined podcast.
Please note: This episode contains topics of a sensitive nature, including descriptions of conversion therapy and child abuse, which may be triggering for some listeners. For time stamps and signposts to support, please see below
Content warnings:
Mentions of conversion therapy at 9min 43s, and from 17min 30s-19min.
Mentions of child abuse from 12min 50s-13min 17s; 21min-22min 40s; 25min 30s-26min.
Support links:
https://www.banconversiontherapy.com/support
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
NTU resident experts, Professor John Groeger and Lecturer John Rumbold explore how our body functions during the sleep cycle, how different sleep disorders work, and how the law applies to sleepwalking crimes.
To find out more about our guests' research, you can follow John Groeger on Twitter @SleepWellSci, and visit John Rumbold's Academia site: https://nottinghamtrent.academia.edu/JohnRumbold.
Please note: This episode contains topics of a sensitive nature, including violence and crime, which might be triggering for some listeners. For time stamps and signposts to support, please see below.
Content warnings:
Mentions of violence and crime at 1min 6s, 3min 45s, 21min 50s-22min 58s, 31min 10s, 32min 50s-34min 42s, 36min 44s-37min 25s, and 43min 45s
Mentions of sexual assault (Sexsomnia) at 44min 01s
Support links:
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/adults/sleep-disorders/sleepwalking/
https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/