Beckett Talks

Leeds Beckett University
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Introducing a new podcast sharing voices from across Leeds Beckett University. Hear from some of our world-leading researchers, how they’re transforming the world around us today and how they aspire to create a better tomorrow.

  1. Jonzi D: Breakin Class Convention (Dancing Class)

    1 DAY AGO

    Jonzi D: Breakin Class Convention (Dancing Class)

    In this episode of Dancing Class, pioneering hip hop artist Jonzi D shares how growing up in a creative family and discovering hip hop shaped his identity and ambitions. From early school performances to training at The Place, he reflects on navigating class and cultural barriers within the world of contemporary dance to carve his own path. Jonzi recounts the creation of groundbreaking works like Aeroplane Man and Lyrical Theatre, which fused rap, poetry and movement, giving voice to political and social realities often absent from mainstream stages. He also discusses founding Breakin’ Convention at Sadler’s Wells, an international festival that redefined how hip hop is seen in theatre and challenged entrenched notions of “high” and “low” art, Jonzi speaks about identity, community, race, and the limitless potential he found in hip hop culture. Content Guidance: Light reference to drug useRecorded: 1st October 2025Sound Recordist: Dr Laura TaylorEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

    1h 33m
  2. Martin Hargreaves: North-West Side Story (Dancing Class)

    10 MAR

    Martin Hargreaves: North-West Side Story (Dancing Class)

    In this Dancing Class podcast episode, Martin Hargreaves reflects on his journey from a working-class upbringing in Wallasey near Liverpool to becoming Head of the Rose Choreographic School at Sadler’s Wells. Raised in a family with little direct connection to the arts, his early exposure to dance came indirectly through his sister’s ballet classes and films like West Side Story. He discusses how dance shaped his sense of identity and confidence as a queer teenager, and how it has remained central to his life through writing, teaching, and critical engagement. Image Credit: Jason DimmockContent Guidance: Recorded 14th March 2025Sound Recordist: Charlotte RyanEditing: Dr Laura TaylorAudio accompaniment: Dr Jess Blaise WardAudio accompaniment mastering: Michael Ward

    1h 25m
  3. Sarah Blanc: Class Ceiling (Dancing Class)

    4 MAR

    Sarah Blanc: Class Ceiling (Dancing Class)

    In this episode of Dancing Class, dance artist Sarah Blanc vibrantly explores her journey from a council estate in Waterford, Ireland, to becoming a freelance choreographer and performer in the UK. Sarah shares candid reflections of navigating the challenges of class and access alongside themes of ambition, identity, imposter syndrome, and the freelance hustle. The discussion is wrapped in Sarah’s humour and warmth. Recorded in binaural sound, this immersive episode invites listeners to reflect on how dance and class identity can shape careers in the UK. Content Guidance: Bi-neural

    1h 22m
  4. Gary Clarke: A Miner's Gala (Dancing Class)

    9 FEB

    Gary Clarke: A Miner's Gala (Dancing Class)

    In this episode of Dancing Class, choreographer Gary Clarke shares his journey from growing up in the mining village of Grimethorpe to founding his own dance company. Gary reflects on childhood memories of the miners’ strike, discovering movement through rave culture and baton twirling, and the teachers who helped him along the way. He shares stories of training at Northern School of Contemporary Dance, performing with Lea Anderson, and creating politically charged works like Coal and Wasteland. The conversation explores resilience, class, creativity, and how dance can tell working-class stories. Content Guidance: Reference to drug use

    1h 51m
  5. Reimagining Coaching Culture (Carnegie Conversations Episode 5)

    5 FEB

    Reimagining Coaching Culture (Carnegie Conversations Episode 5)

    In this episode of Carnegie Conversations, Tanya Arnold looks at why women remain under-represented in coaching and why the answer isn’t simply “more programmes.” With Leanne Norman (Director of the Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub), Annette Stride (Director of Centre for Social Justice in Sport and Society), and Vicky Huyton (Female Coaching Network), the discussion unpacks the stubborn numbers and the tougher truth behind them: many women who do enter coaching report poor experiences, from exclusion and discrimination to bullying and unsafe cultures. The guests argue the focus must shift from fixing women to fixing the system... pay gaps, costly CPD, informal recruitment networks, and job designs built around the “unencumbered worker.” They also challenge the idea that women should only coach in women’s sport, pointing to the National Football League as an example of how deliberate intervention can normalise women in elite roles. Listen now to learn how we can begin to reimagining coaching culture!

    49 min
  6. Strength, science and the rematch (Carnegie Conversations #4)

    16 JAN

    Strength, science and the rematch (Carnegie Conversations #4)

    In this episode of Carnegie Conversations, Tanya Arnold explores the world of elite boxing performance and how strength and conditioning, sports science, and biomechanics are shaping modern fight preparation. Joined by two-time world featherweight champion Josh Warrington, strength and conditioning coach Andrew Langford, and senior lecturer in sport and exercise biomechanics, Dr Alex Dinsdale (Leeds Beckett University), the discussion reveals what it really takes to perform at the highest level. Discover how Josh’s training has evolved into a data-led approach focused on building power, speed, conditioning, and recovery at the right time in camp. The panel breaks down the challenge of increasing punch power without losing endurance, managing fatigue, and making weight... while highlighting why collaboration between athlete, coach, and sport science is crucial. Listen now to learn how boxing, strength & conditioning, performance testing, and recovery come together to prepare for the rematch!

    40 min
  7. The Big Hit in Rugby (Carnegie Conversations #3)

    16/12/2025

    The Big Hit in Rugby (Carnegie Conversations #3)

    In this episode, Tanya Arnold dives into the groundbreaking technology of instrumented mouthguards. These cutting-edge devices measure head acceleration to help detect and prevent head injuries in rugby. Professor Ben Jones (Leeds Beckett University), Ross Tucker (World Rugby), and Karl Hogan (Prevent Biometrics), reveal how reveal how this technology works, the science that proves it, and what it means for the future of the sport. Discover why real-time data is changing concussion protocols, what adoption of this technology looks like across men’s and women’s rugby, and how this innovation could shape the future of contact sports worldwide. From elite athletes to grassroots players, this conversation reveals the long-term vision for reducing risk and protecting players. Listen now to learn how technology, research, and sport are coming together to tackle one of rugby’s biggest challenges.

    48 min
  8. Sport Hall of Fame Special (Carnegie Conversations #2)

    11/11/2025

    Sport Hall of Fame Special (Carnegie Conversations #2)

    Join Tanya Arnold as she brings you a very special episode, we celebrate the remarkable people who’ve passed through the doors of the Leeds Beckett University. Nearly 40 alumni have been inducted into our first Sport Hall of Fame, including Alistair Brownlee, Laura Weightman, Emily Campbell and Paul Heckingbottom, to name just a few. Tanya had a chance to chat to a few of our inductees at the launch, listen now to hear their stories, insights, and inspirations as we honour their lasting impact on impact on sport and society.

    1 hr
See All (87)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Introducing a new podcast sharing voices from across Leeds Beckett University. Hear from some of our world-leading researchers, how they’re transforming the world around us today and how they aspire to create a better tomorrow.

Information

  • Creator
    Leeds Beckett University
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Leeds Beckett University
  • Show Website
    Beckett Talks