GCU Common Good Podcast: Recent Episodes
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glasgow Caledonian University's podcasts showcase the very best of GCU's research and explains how it benefits people and communities locally, nationally and around the world.
Dr Alison McIntosh, the Director of GCU's Research and Knowledge Exchange Services, joins the Common Good Podcast to outline the role of her new department, how it was formed, and its objectives. Dr McIntosh also discusses her journey in academia.
In this episode of Global Voices the conversation centres on the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme and the experiences of international students at Glasgow Caledonian University. Gordon Hill is joined by Martin Murchie, Programme Leader for the MPH, and Chinaenyenwa Ugo, an MPH graduate and current Vice President for the School of Health and Life Sciences within the Students’ Association. Together, they explore what makes GCU’s MPH distinctive, from its focus on global health challenges and community impact to its supportive learning environment.Martin discusses the structure and aims of the programme, highlighting how it equips students with the skills needed to address complex public health issues across diverse contexts. Chinaenyenwa shares her journey as an international student—from applying and adjusting to life in Glasgow, to developing her academic confidence and leadership skills through the programme.The discussion offers valuable insights for prospective international applicants, illustrating how GCU fosters both professional growth and personal development. Listeners gain a sense of the university’s inclusive community, its commitment to real-world health impact, and the opportunities awaiting students who choose to pursue their public health studies at Glasgow Caledonian University.
In the fourth episode of the Global Voices podcast series, Dr Gordon Hill sits down with Dr Artaban Jeldi, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, and two international students, Ritika Kapadia and Abdullah Jamal, who share their experiences of studying the MSc Advanced Physiotherapy Practice Programme at Glasgow Caledonian University.Ritika and Abdullah reflect on their motivations for choosing GCU, offering honest and insightful accounts of their journey from overseas to the heart of Glasgow. From their initial impressions of Scotland to their academic experiences on the programme, they highlight the university’s supportive learning environment and its emphasis on evidence-based practice.Listeners will also gain practical tips on preparing for international study, from adapting to a new culture, to balancing coursework and life in a new city. This engaging conversation offers a warm and authentic glimpse into what makes GCU a top choice for physiotherapy professionals seeking advanced practice training.Whether you're considering postgraduate study or simply exploring your options, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their physiotherapy career on a global stage.
Dr Andrea Quinlan, Professor Lesley McMillan, Dr. Gethin Rees and Professor Deborah White, join the Common Ground podcast to discuss their international project on sexual assault care in rural and remote areas of Scotland and Ontario, Canada. Included in the podcast are voices from sexual assault service providers from both regions. Together, they describe the challenges in accessing and delivering sexual assault care and forensic evidence collection in rural and remote areas, and what can be done to address them.
In the latest podcast in the Global Voices series Dr Gordon Hill meets up with Lisa Forrest, Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, first year student, Rosie Howes and Blessing Christian, a second year student. Both Rosie and Blessing are studying the MSc Pre-Registration programme in Occupational Therapy at Glasgow Caledonian University.In the podcast, Blessing and Rosie tell us about what motivated them to apply to GCU, what is was like arriving in Glasgow, details about their programme and give us some great hints and tips for new international students.Lisa also tells us about her experiences of meeting international applicants overseas, the vibrant discussions in the OT classes and about international opportunities in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Gordon, Lisa, Rosie and Blessing also discuss the support available at GCU for international studentsThis is a must listen for everyone who is applying for or starting Occupational Therapy at GCU.
In this podcast, Dr. Gordon Hill meets with Dr. Natalia Farmer, Lecturer in Social Work, and Amaka Ofili, a recent graduate of the MSc in Social Work program. Amaka is now working as a Social Worker in Glasgow, within the Children and Families team.Amaka, who moved to Scotland from Nigeria to pursue her studies, shares with Gordon and Natalia her motivation to become a Social Worker and what led her to choose Glasgow Caledonian University. In the podcast, Amaka discusses her experiences of moving to a new country and her dissertation, which explored the experiences of African students. Together, Amaka, Natalia, and Gordon also highlight the support available at Glasgow Caledonian University for students, emphasizing the value of learning from the experiences of past students.Natalia provides insight into the Social Work programs at Glasgow Caledonian University, including international opportunities within the Department of Social Work, her own research, and the various roles that Social Work graduates can pursue.If you are interested in Social Work programs at Glasgow Caledonian University, this is the podcast for you!(The corporate podcast intro used in this podcast is by Lundstroem and is licensed under an Attribution 4.0 International License.)
Dr Gordon Hill, the Assistant Head for International at the School of Health and Life Sciences, sits down with Dilan Aydemir, a first-year PhD student at Glasgow Caledonian University, specialising in pelvic health research. Dilan, originally from Türkiye, previously completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in physiotherapy and rehabilitation before embarking on her PhD journey at Glasgow Caledonian University.During their conversation, Gordon and Dilan explore her experiences of moving to Scotland, adapting to life in Glasgow, and the various challenges she has encountered along the way. They also discuss important topics such as scholarships, student support, and ways for international students to engage with the local community.Dilan's research focuses on the conservative treatment of endometriosis-associated pain, a complex and often debilitating condition affecting millions of women worldwide. Her goal is to identify new therapeutic targets and develop effective, evidence-based physiotherapy treatments to alleviate pain, improve quality of life, and enhance sexual function for women suffering from endometriosis. By emphasising non-surgical and non-pharmacological options, Dilan aims to reduce the burden of this condition.Join us as Dilan shares her excitement about the potential impact of her work and her commitment to advancing the field of endometriosis research.(The perfect corporate podcast intro used in this podcast is by Lundstroem and is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.)
Dr Patrick Ring, a Reader in Financial Services at Glasgow Caledonian University, and Jack Stanbury, a Senior Project Manager at the University of Bristol, join the Common Good Podcast to discuss Future Finance, a new initiative that aims to enhance innovation and productivity in the sector and help organisations adapt to challenges, ranging from AI and data to changes in regulation and widening access to services. The £1.8million initiative, funded by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council, is initially being rolled out as a pilot in Scotland today. The pair discuss the genesis of Future Finance, how business can benefit from it, and how it can grow and develop in the future.
Dr Salaheddin Hosseinzadeh, a lecturer in the Department of Cyber Security and Networks, and Dionysios Voutos, a fourth-year student on the programme, join the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss the development of a cutting-edge cybersecurity project that could be key to safeguarding our critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks – a cyber test bed that has taken the form of a model trainset.
Dr Ruth Barn joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about a new approach to tackling diabetes-related foot ulcers in Scotland. Dr Barn and her team have received a grant of almost £300,000 from the Scottish Government's Chief Scientist Office to develop a research project exploring "motivational interviewing", which can empower patients to adopt new lifestyle changes and ultimately reduce ulceration, amputation and death rates among people with diabetes.
Professor Katrina Bannigan joins the latest Common Good Podcast to share her experiences of taking part in Points of Pride, one of the most important events that takes place at GCU and gives our staff the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the success and the achievements of their peers and colleagues. Professor Bannigan talks about receiving a nomination, why she nominated others, and what it meant to her both professionally and personally.
Oscar Mendoza, a former political prisoner and Chilean refugee who has lived in Scotland since 1975, joins the Common Good Podcast to reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Chilean coup d'état where the democratically elected President Salvador Allende was overthrown and replaced by a military junta led by General Augusto Pinochet. Speaking with host Craig G Telfer and University Archivist Carole McCallum, Oscar talks about his early life in Chile and the events that led up to 11 September 1973, the day itself, and the immediate aftermath. He then goes on to discuss his 20-month detention under the regime, his exile to Scotland and his time at the Glasgow College of Technology, one of the founding institutions of Glasgow Caledonian University.
Josh Roberts, the Acting Head Student Recruitment (UK) at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about clearing. Clearing opens for students who received their SQA qualifications on Tuesday 8 August. Josh discusses what it means, how the process works, and how any potential students can get involved. He also provides some hints and tips and dos and don'ts.
Find out more about clearing at Glasgow Caledonian University by visiting gcu.ac.uk/study.clearing or by phoning us on 0800 027 9171.
Dr Azam Nekahi, a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Power Engineering, and Gail McEwen, a member of the University's Suite of Assessment team, join the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about Women in Engineering Day 2023. The pair discuss why events like this are important, the barriers that prevent girls and young women from studying STEM subjects, and what needs to be done to change this. They also talk about a new piece of research that explores the harm of gender-coded language and the obstacles in can create.
Dr Karen Lorimer joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research examining working-class women's experiences of sexual violence. Dr Lorimer explains why this is a first-of-its-kind study, how we define "working class" and how this research can be used in a practical context. She also discusses other research projects, her methodology, and her background in sexual health and wellbeing.
Alan Jack, a lecturer in the Department of Applied Video Games, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about his experiences of living with ADHD. Alan, who was diagnosed with ADHD with autistic traits in his late thirties, describes what his life was like before and after his diagnosis, and how he supports students with similar neurodivergent traits. He also talks about games design and how GCU is developing the next generation of video games developers.
Jimi Mitchell, a Senior Library Administrator at the Sir Alex Ferguson Library, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about a brand new recording facility on our Glasgow campus. Jimi talks about the genesis of the snappily titled Recording Studio, his hopes and ambitions for it, and how it can become and important facility for students, staff and the wider GCU community. He also talks about his own background in podcasting and his career at the University.
The second of our special podcasts celebrating International Women's Day 2023 sees Dr Yvonne Dempsie, a lecturer in pharmacology, joining the show. Dr Dempsie looks over her career, from her undergraduate degree to working at Glasgow Caledonian University. She discusses the challenges of academia, her experiences on the Aurora Programme, and what International Women's Day means to her.
As part of International Women's Day 2023, the Common Good Podcast is proud to bring you the first of two interviews with female members of the GCU community. Tabitha Nyariki joins the show to talk about her journey from the African Leadership College in Mauritius to the University's Race Equality Charter Project Officer. Tabitha talks about why she chose to study at GCU, her experiences in student politics and what International Women's Day means to her.
Dr Bryan McCann and Dr Ciara Reidy join the Common Good Podcast to talk about the ProActive Minds programme, a knowledge transfer partnership between Glasgow Caledonian University and Sport Aberdeen designed to embed the principles of sports psychology in high schools. Dr McCann and Dr Reidy discuss the genesis of the project, how it will work, and how it could be rolled out across the country.
Dr Liza Morton, a Lecturer in Applied Psychology, joins the first Common Good Podcast of 2023 to talk about her new book Healing Hearts and Minds: A holistic approach to coping well with congenital heart disease. Dr Morton talks about her own experiences of living with congenital heart disease and how it inspired her to write the book, as well as how she hopes it can be used to help and support other people condition, their families and health professionals.
Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to look back on her 17 years at Glasgow Caledonian University. The Principal discusses how GCU has changed under her leadership, the challenges she faced along the way, and what the future holds when she steps down at the end of December.
Fiona Stewart-Knight, Assistant Vice Principal Business Partnerships and the Director of GCU’s Institute for University to Business Education, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the role of her team and its wider work in Scotland and around the world. Fiona discusses how U2B solves problems for industry and some of her proudest achievements.
This week's episode of the Common Good Podcast looks forward to the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the first international football match. GCU sports historian Dr Fiona Skillen, Graeme Brown, founder and gaffer of the Hampden Collection, and Glasgow Football Tour founder Lindsay Hamilton join the show to talk the famous match between Scotland and England, the events taking place in the build up to the anniversary, and their own favourite memories from following the national team.
Michail Georgiou, a PhD researcher at the University, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about how living near a blue space can reduce the risk of mental health conditions derived from socio-economic deprivation by 6 per cent. Michail discusses the importance of this project, how it was carried out, and how its findings can be put into a practical context.
This special episode of the Common Good podcast, released to coincide with Black History Month, focuses on the subjects or racism, language and self-identity.
Hosted by Adrian Lui, Glasgow Caledonian University's Equality and Diversity Advisor, the podcast brings together members of the GCU community to discuss how they identify themselves and the evolution of language in relation to race.
Adrian is joined by Professor Tuleen Boutaleb, the Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Dr Davena Rankin, Student Mobility and International Partnership Administration; and Tabitha Nyariki, Race Equality Charter Project Officer.
Dr Emma Green and Leona McQuaid join the Common Good Podcast to talk about the launch of the snack-sized self-care initiative, a scheme designed to boost the mental health and wellbeing of our students. The Pair discuss the project's genesis, how it was developed with partners across GCU and how it can be rolled out across the University and beyond.
Points of Pride is GCU's flagship event that celebrates staff success and achievement. As nominations close on Friday 7 October 2022, Claire Currie, a lecturer in diagnostic imaging, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her experiences of being nominated and why she's "paid it forward" for this year's event.
Professor Simon Hunter returns to the Common Good Podcast to talk about the results from the Scottish Mental Illness Stigma Survey. Professor Hunter had previously spoken about the project after it launched and now he discusses its findings and how they can be put into a practical context.
Mandy Abbott, a lecturer in podiatry at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her recent experience volunteering at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, providing foot healthcare for hundreds of elite athletes. Mandy reveals how the opportunity came about, the camaraderie amongst her colleagues and how the spending 10 nights in student accommodation.
Professor Rohinton Emmanuel, Director of the BEAM Centre at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the phenomenon of urban heat islands and their contribution to the climate emergency. Professor Emmanuel explains how urban heat islands develop in our city centres, why some neighbourhoods in the same city are hotter than others, and how we can mitigate against this phenomenon. He also reflects on a career in academia that has seen him travel the world.
Dr Chioma Nwafor, a lecturer in financial services, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss The Paradox of Educational Attainment and Income/Poverty: Has the Nexus Broken?, a new study that examines why there is a disparity between the calibre of education and income amongst Scottish Africans. Dr Nawfor discusses the project and why previous studies into this area have been flawed. She outlines how she carried out the research and how its findings - including the requirement of a new term to replace "BAME" - can be put into practice.
Dr Jane McKay joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the concept of perfectionism and how it can be used to help improve the student learning experience. Dr McKay explains the positive and negative connotations of perfectionism and its role in mental health. She discusses the HAPPY project and how our students can benefit, as well as her background in athletics, which has shaped her career in academia.
Dr Sanjukta Brahma, a Senior Lecturer in Finance, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast, to talk about her research exploring the links between the LGBTQ community and finance. Dr Brahma outlines the four areas her study investigates, how it fills in the missing gaps in existing literature, and how it can be implemented in a practical context.
Anna Talbot, the Programme Co-ordinator with the Rhodes University Community Engagement Team, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about her work and its importance within South African higher education. Speaking with Julie Adair, Anna discusses why community engagement is vital to universities, her team's outreach work with local schools, and how the University sprung into action during the pandemic.
Adil Rahoo, the outgoing Student President at the GCU Students' Association, joins the Common Good Podcast to look back on his 12 months in office. Adil discusses how he and his team supported the transition from remote learning to face-to-face teaching back on campus, as well as their other successes during his time in office. He also looks to the future and outlines his next steps.
Dr Gillian Hunter joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about how GCU is implementing sustainability in its laboratories. Dr Hunter, a lecturer in the Research Centre for Health, explains why her department is implementing the principles of LEAF and how a £5,000 grant from the University will help them cut down on their waste.
Dr Lucyna Gozdzielewska joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about World Hand Hygiene Day, which takes place on Thursday 5 May 2022. Dr Gozdzielewska, a researcher in the Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) research group at GCU, talks about how the team are marking the day, as well as their wider work in raising awareness for good hand hygiene.
Dr Paul Baker joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the GCU campus in Glasgow has become a haven for birdlife. Dr Baker, a Lecturer in Cell and Molecular Biology and a passionate ornithologist, has been monitoring the campus' bird life for four years and last year he recorded 12 species on campus, including a migratory Woodcock, which may have flown in from as far away as Russia. He discusses why birdlife is thriving and his own role in attracting it to campus, as well as his long-standing interest in ornithology and shares stories of his time spent watching birds.
As we approach International Women's Day 2022, the GCU Common Good Podcast focuses on its success in Graduate Apprenticeships and how it is supporting girls and young women in STEAM. Sarah Speirs, a graduate apprenticeship in Environmental Civil Engineering, is joined by Dr Andrew Cowell, the Programme Leader for the Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering, Design and Manufacture, to share their experiences in both areas.
Annamae Burrows, a PhD student in the School of Health and Life Sciences, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her forthcoming study into the impact of gender and masculinity on male loneliness and social isolation. Annamae outlines the project, which aims to talk to men aged between 18 and 30, and how we define terms like "loneliness" and "masculinity". She also discusses the role alcohol plays within this community and how it helps people communicate their feelings.
Adrian Lui, GCU's Equality and Diversity Advisor, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the University's Call It Racism campaign, a new initiative designed to tackle racism on our campuses. Adrian discusses racism within the higher education sector, why we need this new campaign, how our students and staff can benefit from it.
Dr Zoe Tieges, a SMART Technology Research Centre Research Fellow, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss a new study that's found people living close to canals can cut their risk of chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, stroke or hypertension by 15 per cent. Dr Tieges explains the regeneration of canals and their impact on areas like the north of Glasgow, how she and her team carried out their research, and how it can be applied in a practical context.
Nathan Tagg joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the work of the Caledonian Club, GCU's multi-award winning widening participation and community engagement initiative that works across our local communities in Glasgow and beyond. Nathan, the manager of the Caledonian Club, discusses its genesis, how it works with a wide spectrum of children, from nursery age to high-school leavers, and the challenges of working throughout the global pandemic.
Simon Hunter, a Professor of Applied Psychology at GCU, joins the first Common Good Podcast of 2022 to talk about the launch of a new survey that will allow people with experience of complex mental illnesses to share their views and experiences of stigma and discrimination to help shape policy, support and services in Scotland.
Professor Hunter outlines the kind of stigmas people with mental health problems can face, why this survey is needed and how its findings can be put into practice.
GCU Sports Historian Dr Fiona Skillen and Richard McBrearty, a curator at the Scottish Football Museum, join the Common Good Podcast to talk about a new exhibition celebrating Rutherglen Ladies FC, a trailblazing women's football side from the 1920s and 1930s who paved the way for today's superstars. Dr Skillen and Richard discuss how Rutherglen Ladies FC's story had been forgotten until very recently, the rise and fall of the club, and how and why this discovery has "rewritten the history books" about women's football.
Stephanie Pitticas, the Director of Recruitment and Admissions, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the admissions process at Glasgow Caledonian University. Stephanie discusses how she and her team have processed 11,000 applications from potential students and the challenges involved in dealing with such a large volume. She also talks about how her team have made a positive impact on hundreds of students as they start their journey with GCU, before looking back on her long association with the University.
Dr Elaine Ritch, a Senior Lecturer in Marketing, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about hew new book, New Perspectives in Critical Marketing and Consumer Society, and how it ties in with GCU's mission. She talks about how the book is based on her own teachings and how the concept of sustainability is embedded within her programme and lectures. Dr Ritch also talks about concepts such as "wokewashing" and "greenwashing" and where her own interest in sustainability comes from.
In the final instalment of our COP26 Podcast Series, we are delighted to bring you this special episode with Glasgow Caledonian University's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, Dr Annie Lennox OBE, humanitarian, singer-songwriter and Chancellor of GCU, and social activist Dr Satish Kumar about education and the role it can play in tackling climate change.
Led by Professor Gillies, Dr Lennox and Dr Kumar talk about the importance of education and how it can inspire younger generations to take a serious interest in tackling the climate emergency. They also touch on the moment that sparked their own activism and how they successfully advocate for climate change in their everyday lives.
The discussion closes with Dr Lennox and Dr Kumar talking about their own aspirations for COP26.
Watch a video of this discussion on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA0n9ylXfJw
Our COP26 Podcast Series continues with a special interview with Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and Emeritus Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, about climate justice and how it fits into his vision for a post-pandemic society.
Professor Yunus says bold action is needed to stop humanity from continuing on its “suicidal path” and how mankind will become an “endangered species” unless climate change is prevented. He also talks about how tackling wealth inequality and preventing mass unemployment are the second and third pillars of his vision, and how we should build “new structures” to prevent the same mistakes being made.
He finishes the podcast by talking about his long-standing relationship with GCU, which goes back to 2008.
You can also watch a video of our interview with Professor Yunus on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQwUJvSuQXc
Professor Penny Endersby, the Chief Executive of the Met Office, joins the second instalment of the COP26 Podcast Series to discuss the role the institution is playing in tackling the climate emergency.
Professor Endersby outlines how the Met Office works with the UK Government to drive its policy on climate change, how it collaborates with its counterparts across the world, and whether or not climate change denial is more than a fringe conspiracy theory.
She also discusses her hopes for COP26 and the Met Office's involvement in the event.
You can also watch a video of our interview with Professor Endersby on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFGe4GtS6Hg
The GCU Common Good Podcast is delighted to bring you the COP26 Podcast Series, a series that focuses on climate change and the bid to tackle the climate emergency in the build-up to COP26.
The first episode stars Professor Tahseen Jafry, Director of the Centre for Climate Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University, to talk about the concept of climate justice, what it means, and how it can be achieved. Professor Jafry also discusses her work with the Centre for Climate Justice and how their research is benefitting communities across the globe, as well as her hopes for COP26.
Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4nHUtyGEek
Shirley Tulloch and Melanie Armstrong join the Common Good Podcast to talk about GCU's Menopause Cafe, a space where students and staff from across the University can talk about their experiences of the menopause. The pair discuss the genesis of the cafe, how they have both benefitted from participating in it, and where they see it going in the future.
Tabita Kristel, a final-year student on the Health Psychology programme, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her work with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and how she provided remote psychological support to stroke survivors and their carers over the lockdown.
She also talks about her journey in academia and her hopes and aspirations for the future.
Tabitha Nyariki and Priscilla Otuagoma, full-time officers with the GCU Students' Association, join the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the University is marking Black History Month. They outline the table of events before looking at how the meaning of Black History Month has changed over the last year. They also discuss their roles at the Students' Association.
PhD researcher Lauren Beatty and sports historian Dr Fiona Skillen join the Common Good Podcast to talk about a new study that charts the development in women's golf in Scotland over the past four decades. The pair touch on their findings and how they can be used in a practical context, before exploring how the women's game began (and busting a few myths along the way). They also discuss what golf must do to attract more female players.
Rebecca Meechan, a Student Communications Assistant, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the small changes she's made to her behaviour and lifestyle in a bid to fight climate change. Rebecca talks about her burgeoning interest in this topic, how she's ditched fast fashion, and her hopes for the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow. She also discusses the Climate Group’s Young Leaders Development Programme and why she has chosen to take part in this award-winning initiative.
Daniel Baxter, a Lecturer in International Tourism and Event Management, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss his research into drag events and how they can boost the happiness and wellbeing of their audiences. Daniel talks about the rise of drag over the past 15 years and RuPaul's influence on its mainstream appeal, how LGBTQ+ audiences have meshed with their cis-het counterparts at shows, and how this study fits in with the University's mission For the Common Good.
Dr Kareena McAloney joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into people's mental health and resilience during the first lockdown of spring 2020. Dr McAloney outlines her findings and how they can be used in a practical context, as well as discussing her career in academia.
Student Events Co-ordinator Jessica Walker joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about one of the most important events of every new student's time at university: Freshers' Week.
Jessica explains what Freshers' Week will look like as lockdown restrictions lift, the logistics and planning involved in such a high-profile event, and how her own role at GCU has changed over the last 18 months.
With lockdown restrictions across the country lifting, Professor John Lennon, the Director of the Moffat Centre at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the return of Glasgow's tourism industry. Professor Lennon explains how the industry has been decimated by the pandemic and why it will take years for it to recover. He also goes on to discuss what Glasgow needs to do to become a more modern "20-minute city".
Dr Danielle Hutcheon joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the Men's Sheds initiative and how it supports the mental and physical wellbeing of men around the world. She also explains how it feeds into the Sheds for Sustainable Development Project, which created a toolkit to increase the number of Men's Sheds in the UK and Ireland.
Dr Tuleen Boutaleb joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the ways in which GCU is tackling racism on its campuses. In this wide and varied discussion, Dr Boutaleb touches on concepts like microaggressions and decolonising the curriculum, as well as the nine steps the University is taking to eradicate racism.
Dr Elena Dimova joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into alcohol labelling and why alcoholic products in Scotland should carry mandatory health warnings. Dr Dimova also discusses the challenges in changing Scotland's drinking culture and how big a part alcohol plays in our society.
Professor Valerie Webster joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the Aurora Programme, a leadership development initiative for women and people who identify as women working in higher education. Professor Webster discusses the importance of Aurora and how it has led to systematic changes at GCU, as well as how it can enhance and develop the careers of our female members of staff.
Julie Fisher, Head of Admissions, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the clearing process at GCU and how prospective students can apply for a place to study at the University. Julie talks through the clearing journey and gives hints and tips for applicants, before discussing her wider role at GCU.
For more information on clearing visit: https://clearing.gcu.ac.uk/
Dr Val Ness joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into the behaviour of nurse independent practitioners (NIPs) and the discovery that two-thirds feel pressured into prescribing their patients with antibiotics, even if they might not need them. Dr Ness outlines why NIPs are motivated to do this and how they can better manage patient expectations, as well as the "global crisis" surrounding the overuse of antibiotics. She also talks about her experiences as a nurse in A+E and her move into academia.
Dr Cara Connell, Programme Leader of the International Fashion Branding course, joins the Common Good Podcast to preview the GCU Fashion Showcase, one of the highlights of the University calendar. Dr Connell outlines the format of the showcase and the kind of designs on show, as well as how sustainability is a key theme.
Dr Connell also explores how the fashion programmes at GCU prepare our students for the ever-changing industry and the kind of roles they can go into when they graduate.
To sign up for the GCU Fashion Showcase on Thursday 24 June, use this link: https://catalyst.eventsair.com/gcu-fashion-showcase-2021/registration/Site/Register
Dr George Loumakis joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss his research into how Scotland's lochs hold the the potential to increase the country's solar power production through the use of floating panels. Dr Louamkis outlines his three-month research project to map lochs to determine their suitability to host floating solar panels and how his data can be practically implemented.
Glasgow Caledonian University is marking Carers Week (June 7 to 13) by highlighting the work we do to support our staff and student carers.
In this episode of the Common Good Podcast, Gail Herrigan from the Professional Services talks about her experiences as a carer and how GCU has helped her balance her career and her caring responsibilities. Gail is joined by Adrian Lui, GCU's Equality and Diversity Officer, to outline how the University is supporting staff with similar requirements and building on its status as a Care Positive institution.
Dr Alec Wersun, a Senior Lecturer in the Glasgow School for Business and Society, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about PRME, the Principles for Responsible Management Education, and how GCU has adopted this United Nations-supported initiative to build the business leaders of the future. Dr Wersun charts PRME's journey since it was introduced to the University in 2012, how its been woven into our educational offering, and where he sees the relationship going next.
Professor Sebastien Chastin joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about his groundbreaking research into "the perfect cocktail" of exercise and rest that will lead to longer and healthier lives. Professor Chastin outlines the "three-to-one" formula, where three minutes of physical activity offsets every hour spent sitting, and how he and a team of international researchers carried out their study. He also looks at his work into how exercise can reduce the risk of infectious diseases like the coronavirus by a third.
Julie Duncan, the Head of Conference and Events at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the future of the events industry in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. She talks how she and her team were affected by the lockdown, the challenges of hosting online-only events, and what the future holds for conferences as we approach the easing of restrictions.
GCU Students' Association Student President Susan Docherty joins the Common Good Podcast to reflect on her 12 months in office and how she and her team have supported our students throughout the pandemic.
Susan discusses being the Student President during "these unprecedented times", the importance of positive mental amongst the student community, the challenges of remote working and her plans for the future.
Mark Majewsky Anderson, the Director of the Research and Innovation Office at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about social innovation and how it ties in with our mission as the University for the Common Good. Mark explains what we mean by the term “social innovation”, GCU’s participation in two recent social-innovation projects and how the concept will evolve and develop over the next decade. He also discusses his "second life" as a playwright and author.
Douglas Little joins the Common Good Podcast for the final time to look back over his remarkable 35 years at Glasgow Caledonian University.
The Director of Estates, who announced he will retire from GCU at the end of April 2021, reflects on joining the Queens College, Glasgow in 1986 as a joiner, how the University was founded in 1993, the rapid transformation of the Glasgow campus and his role in the Heart of the Campus project in 2014.
Douglas is certain to be missed by his friends and colleagues at GCU and we wish him well in the next chapter of his life.
The importance of positive mental health has never before been so important, and GCU is always looking to improve its support for students and staff. Rachel Simpson, the Project Officer for Student Mental Health, and Helen Gallagher, Assistant Vice-Principal of Health and Wellbeing, join the Common Good Podcast to outline the University's mental health provision, how students and staff can access help and the launch of the "Spotlight On" series.
Dr Angela O'Hagan, the Deputy Director of the WISE Centre for Economic Justice at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to examine the theory behind feminist economics and the importance of gender budgeting. She also outlines the work of the WISE Centre and their role in influencing Scottish government policy, before talking about the launch of the new MSc in Human Rights at the University and the upcoming Ailsa McKay Memorial Lecture.
Elanor Cormack, a final-year student on the University's DPsych Sport and Exercise programme, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into gender stereotyping in sport and the harmful effects it can have on boys and girls. Elanor discusses how gender stereotyping can happen, which sports are more susceptible to it, and how teachers and coaches can prevent it from happening. She also reflects on her own research paper, "A systematic review of gender stereotype beliefs and their relationship with youth sport participation and performance" and how its findings can be put into practice.
Melissa Pettigrew, a Recruitment and Events Administrative Assistant at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss the importance of student recruitment to the University. She talks about how the global pandemic has changed the way her and her team work and the challenges in bringing in new students. Melissa also talks about her own journey, from a GCU student to a member of staff.
Peter Yetton, the Head of Visas, Immigration Support and Advice, returns to the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit will impact on GCU’s ability to recruit students.
In this wide-ranging podcast, Peter sets out the challenges posed by the pandemic and how the University can respond to it, and how it will usher in new ways of working.
He also examines Brexit and how it should be treated as an opportunity for the higher-education sector.
Dr Kate McAulay from the Department of Applied Science joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into developing a gel that can clean micropollutants from water. Dr McAulay talks about the science behind her theory, how it will work in practice and the benefits it could bring to the pharmaceutical industry. She also discusses her background in chemistry and science and some of the barriers women face in academia.
The University Archivist, Carole McCallum, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss the veritable treasure trove stored inside our archives. Carole talks about the various items stored within the archives, including some high-profile collections, the history of GCU, and why it's important we document and preserve items from the past.
Learn more about the Archive Centre at GCU by visiting the website:
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/archives/
Professor John McKendrick returns to the Common Good Podcast to discuss child poverty in Scotland and the steps being taken to alleviate the issue. Professor McKendrick talks about his research with the Scottish Poverty and Information Research Unit has informed a grab-and-go scheme designed to give schoolchildren a free breakfast.
Professor Babakalli Alkali joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss his research into making our nation's railways safer and more efficient. He talks about the current issues facing railway operators and how his work is helping improve customer satisfaction and the move towards decarbonisation.
Professor Alkali also reflects on a successful KTP with ScotRail in 2014 that looked to improve the efficiency of the doors on their fleet, which reduced delays and cancellations, as well as his upcoming professorial lecture on the benefits of remote condition modelling and reliability-centred maintenance.
The professorial lecture takes place online on March 2 at 4pm. Sign up using this link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/professorial-lecture-by-professor-babakalli-alkali-tickets-132931853753
Dr Christopher Hand returns to the Common Good Podcast to discuss a new study that examines the behaviour of Twitter users - and how a quarter of participants displayed psychopathic tendencies. Dr Hand talks in depth about his research, discussing why people behave in certain ways online, and explores what social-media companies can do to crackdown on abuse.
Dr David Farrell joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the Global Game Jam, one of the highlights of the year for GCU's video games department. Dr Farrell discusses the evolution of the event and what it will look like in the current climate. He also reflects on his own background in video games before looking at some of the key issues facing the industry, including crunch and microtransactions.
Patrick Quinn, a Senior Lecturer in Audio Technology, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about Celtic Connections on Campus, one of the most celebrated events in the GCU calendar. Patrick discusses its genesis and evolution, and what shape it will take this year in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. He also looks back on his journey in academia and the challenges of working in the current climate.
Professor Natascha Radclyffe-Thomas from the British School of Fashion joins the Common Good Podcast to examine how the fashion industry can be both sustainable and responsible. She outlines how the discussion around where our clothes come from is changing, how businesses can be sustainable while turning a profit, and good and bad examples from the industry.
The first Common Good Podcast of 2021 sees Professor Lesley Price talk about her work with the SHIP research group at GCU. SHIP - which stands for Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention - is a multidisciplinary team made up of nurses, microbiologists and health psychologists that work to improve the quality of patient care and awareness of good hand hygiene.
Professor Price outlines the history of the team, their public engagement work across Glasgow and how they came to hold two Guinness World Records.
Professor Claudia Estcourt joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into a new NHS digital revolution for people with sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) using a new automated online consultation giving patients 24-hour access to care. Professor Estcourt outlines how prevalent STIs are in the UK, existing NHS provisions and how this new app can transform the way they’re diagnosed and treated.
Dr Nicola Roberts joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into how the coronavirus pandemic has affected frontline NHS nurses. Dr Roberts explains how some nurses have been unable to support their families, both emotionally and financially, and how some younger nurses are experiencing higher levels of depression and anxiety.
In advance of his Professorial Lecture, Slobodan Mickovski, a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Management, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the natural world can provide the solutions to civil-engineering challenges. Professor Mickovski outlines the content of his lecture, discussing his background in industry and academia across Europe, as well as why engineering needs "new thinking".
Susan Grant joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about her role as GCU's Community and Public Engagement Co-ordinator and how she links the University to the wider community. Susan discusses why it's important universities work with the communities they serve, some of the 200-odd projects she's work on over the past eight years, and how her role has changed during the global pandemic.
Dr Fiona Kennedy joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about teaching teachers and her role in training the next generation of academics at GCU. Dr Kennedy discusses her passion for the classroom, her teaching philosophies and the common challenges facing early-career academics. She also reflects on her own academic journey at the University.
GCU is providing essential training to support the mental health and wellbeing of its students. With financial support from Santander Universities, GCU is working alongside the Students’ Association and SAMH (the Scottish Association of Mental Health) to train around 400 members of staff who work directly with students.
Dr Helen Gallagher, Assistant Vice-Principal of Health and Wellbeing, and Keir McKechnie of SAMH join the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss this important project.
Tabitha Nyariki, the Vice-President for the School of Health and Life Sciences with the GCU Students' Association, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the University has celebrated Black History month across October. Tabitha explains the origins of Black History Month and places it in context of the the Black Lives Matter movement and the killing of George Floyd, before discussing the table of events at GCU. She also discusses her role within the Students' Association.
Professor Suzanne Hagen joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into urinary incontinence in women, a condition that affects one in three women across the UK. She discusses a recent study carried out by GCU and other universities into whether or not biofeedback devices make any difference in treating urinary incontinence, as well as her career in academia.
Professor Alastair Robertson joins the Common Good Podcast to explore GCU's transition from face-to-face teaching to online learning in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Professor Robertson discusses how online learning can revolutionise how GCU delivers degrees and whether or not large in-person lectures are a thing of the past, as well as his own 25-year career in academia.
Jill Watt, the Director of the GCU Foundation, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about the role her department has in raising money for the University, supporting our students, and working with our alumni community. She also discusses how she and her team have helped our students throughout the coronavirus pandemic and working with GCU's most notable honorary graduate: legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Professor Bruce Wood joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about UHatch, GCU's incubator hub that provides support and mentorship for young entrepreneurs taking their first steps in business. Professor Wood reveals the key ingredients required to become a success, how UHatch ties in with the University's mission, and his burgeoning collection of guitars.
Dr Catriona Miller joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her new book Cult TV Heroines. Dr Miller explains what we mean by "cult TV" and why she wanted to explore how women are portrayed in shows like The Avengers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X-Files. She also talks about fandom, how representation can be increased in the televisions writers' room and the process of writing her book.
Douglas Little, GCU's Director of Estates, returns to the Common Good Podcast to look in depth at the University's Safe Return to Campus programme. Douglas goes through the various guidelines and discusses how they will be implemented when students and staff are back on campus later in the month.
Law lecturer Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about social justice and how it underpins everything our law students are taught at the University. Seonaid also discusses her background in industry and her move into academia, GCU's celebrated Law Clinic and the new GCU Law Podcast.
Dr Romana Ramzan joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about video games and how different religions and genders are represented within the medium. Dr Ramzan also talks about how she got into video games as a child, her experiences in industry and academia and her passion for encouraging young girls into pursuing video games as a career.
Dr Patrick Ring joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to look at the UK Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic through the context of risk management. Dr Ring talks about resilience and why some governments performed better than others, before looking at businesses, society and whether or not people have become their own risk managers.
Dr Ben McConville, the head of GCU's journalism department, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the future of the industry. Looking back over his long career working at regional and national titles, as well as a spell in New York, Dr McConville analyses how much journalism has changed over the past three decades and where it goes next.
Dr Christine Hazelton joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into the links between people who have experienced stroke and eyesight problems. Dr Hazelton discusses her background as an optometrist, why she pursued a career in academia and her recent grant from the Stroke Association to study this area.
Dr Christopher Hand returns to the Common Good Podcast, four months after his last appearance, to look back over the lockdown period and examine the psychological effects it might have had on the British public. Dr Hand touches on the phenomenon of "online shaming", the knock-on effects of Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham, conspiracy theories and why some people are unwilling to wear masks in public.
Stuart Martin, a Senior Student Communications and Events Officer, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about how the GCU has kept in touch with its students over the past four months. Stuart discusses the best methods in communicating with students, how the pandemic has effected the way he works, the various campaigns he and his team have been involved in, and how they helped students celebrate graduations earlier in February.
Christina Kelly joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the support GCU offers its student carers. Christina, a Student Wellbeing Officer, defines what we mean by the term "student carer" and discusses the difficulties they might face during their time at university, as well as debunking any myths and misconceptions surrounding them. She also tells us why GCU received a Going Higher for Student Carers Award.
Glasgow Caledonian University is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Yunus Centre for Social Business and Health. Professor Rachel Baker, Director of the Yunus Centre, is joined by Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of GCU, and Professor Cam Donaldson, Yunus Chair, to chart the last 10 years and discuss the Centre's beginnings, its research and its impact, and what the future holds.
Rose Cawood, a Social Innovation Manager at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her work into research, innovation and enterprise at the University. Rose provides a broad definition of social innovation and explains how it ties in with our motto as "the University for the Common Good". She talks about the projects she and her team have been involved in and the challenges brought about by Brexit.
How will we physically distance in our gyms? Will we be able to exercise as normal? And can we still use the changing rooms? Kathleen Campbell, manager of the ARC at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to about the reopening of our gym and steps required to make sure it's safe for use. Kathleen also talks about online exercise classes and how to maintain a positive mindset during lockdown.
Robotic devices like Amazon's Alexa are becoming increasingly prevalent in our households - they help us organise our lives and can sometimes indulge us in conversation - but will there come a point when these machines can put us in touch with God? And can they ever achieve their own sense of spirituality? Professor Mike Mannion joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about his research into artificial intelligence and his theory that, one day, these devices can act as our spiritual companions.
Dr Lesley Holdsworth is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy at GCU and the Clinical Lead for Digital Health and Care with the Scottish Government. She joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about how she successfully mobilised two-thirds of Scotland's clinical working staff to work remotely using Microsoft Teams, and got 70,000 carrying out remote consultations during the coronavirus pandemic.
GCU's Director of Estates, Douglas Little, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about how he and his team have maintained the University campus during the lockdown. Douglas talks about the day-to-day challenges he's faced, the steps involved in re-opening the campus and what social distancing will look like and how it will be implemented.
Alan O'Neill, Glasgow Caledonian University's Director of IT, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about how he and his team successfully transitioned GCU to remote learning and teaching at the start of the lockdown. Alan talks about how quickly the IT department reacted to the coronavirus pandemic, how they tackled any issues and what the future holds for working from home.
Chris Dolan, Leader of GCU's MA TV Fiction Writing Programme, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about the rapid evolution of television over the past 20 years. He discusses how consumers have moved away from "appointment" TV to bingeing boxsets and streaming services. Chris also looks at how changing technology has played its part in dictating how we behave as well as the impact the global pandemic will have on the industry, both creatively and practically.
Professor John McKendrick joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to talk about his research into poverty. He gives a definition of the term and examines its prevalence in modern Scottish society, before looking at how the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the situation for people living in poverty. Professor McKendrick also speaks about research conducted by the Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit at the GCU, which he co-directs, as well as his career as a professional football referee.
Ben Parkinson from the Department of Nursing and Community Health joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss how stroke survivors can benefit from mindfulness. Ben talks about how mindfulness helps the community deal with stress and anxiety and whether or not it can be used by families in lockdown.
Scotland's drug problem has become a "public health emergency", with 2018 seeing the highest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in the country. Kirsten Trayner, a PhD researcher at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss the crisis, outlining the prevalence of drugs in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow, as well as the rise in numbers of people who inject drugs. She then goes on to look at the available interventions, including drug consumption rooms.
Eilidh Fulton, the GCU Students' Association Student President, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her role in guiding the University through the coronavirus crisis. She discusses the challenges the student community have faced over the past six weeks and how she and her team have provided support. Eilidh goes on to talk about what motivated her to get involved with student politics and her plans after she steps down from the role later in the year.
Professor Cam Donaldson, Glasgow Caledonian University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), joins the Common Good Podcast to explore the discipline of health economics. He examines it within the context of the current coronavirus pandemic and explains why health professionals make the decisions they do in terms of testing and treatment. Professor Donaldson also discuss how he and GCU's Executive Board have been running the University during the lockdown.
The latest episode of the Common Good Podcast stars Sebastien Chastin, a Professor of Health Behaviour Dynamics at Glasgow Caledonian University, who talks about the best ways to stay physically active in the current climate. Professor Chastin also talks about the best way to break sitting behaviours at work and the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
Dr Christopher Hand, a lecturer in psychology, joins the Common Good Podcast (from a remote location) talk to talk about health and wellbeing in the time of the coronavirus. Speaking with Craig G Telfer, Dr Hand offers advice to people working and studying from home on ways to adjust to the new climate, as well as discussing ways to deal with any anxieties surrounding the disease.
The first Common Good Podcast of 2020 stars Dr Nancy Lombard, a Reader in Sociology and Social Policy at Glasgow Caledonian University, to talk about her research into violence against women. She discusses her work with schoolchildren and their understanding of violence, as well as her study into the links between football and domestic abuse. Dr Lombard also talks about her son, Dylan, who lives with mandibular dysplasia, a rare condition that affects just 13 people worldwide.
Peter Yetton, Glasgow Caledonian University's Head of Visas, Immigration Support and Advice, joins the latest episode of the Common Good Podcast to discuss his work in helping overseas students coming to study at GCU. Peter outlines the complex Visa process, some memorable cases, and the challenges posed by Brexit.
Dr Katy Proctor, a lecturer in criminology and policing at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to talk about her research into stalking. After interviewing 128 victims of stalking, she talks about their experiences including why people stalk, the different forms it can take and the lasting impact it has. Dr Proctor also discusses the police's attitude towards stalking and whether or not Scotland requires specialist taskforces to tackle the issue.
Professor John Lennon, Dean of the Glasgow School for Business and Society at GCU, joins the Common Good Podcast to discuss his research into the dark tourism - the phenomenon of travelling to locations around the world associated with death and disaster. Professor Lennon talks about what makes a dark tourism site, touching on places like Auschwitz and Pripyat, the abandoned city near the Chernobyl disaster, how governments protect areas of dark tourism and his recent work examining the gulags of Kazakhstan.
Professor Carol Emslie joins the second episode of The Common Good Podcast to discuss her research into the relationship between alcohol and gender. Speaking with Craig G Telfer, Professor Emslie examines the differences between men's and women's alcohol consumption, problem drinking within the older community, and how Glasgow Caledonian University's research has played a part in shaping Scottish Government policy.
Dr Fiona Skillen, a Senior Lecturer in History at Glasgow Caledonian University, joins the Common Good Podcast to chart the evolution of women's football in Scotland. Speaking with Craig G Telfer, Dr Skillen looks at the game's origins in the Elizabethan era, its development in the late 19th century, and its rise in popularity over the last three decades. Dr Skillen also examines the key moments and important characters who helped shape the women's game and how the team will fare at the forthcoming World Cup in France.