Public Health Disrupted

UCL Health of the Public
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • MONTHLY
Public Health Disrupted

Presented by Doctor, writer and TV Presenter Xand van Tulleken and community health psychologist and self-proclaimed hippie, UCL's Professor Rochelle Burgess. This podcast is about public health, but more importantly, it’s about the systems that need disrupting to make public health better. In each episode, we’ll be challenging the status quo of this field, asking what needs to change, why and how to get there. Each month we’ll be joined by activists, scholars, artists, comedians and industry professionals to offer perspectives from the UCL community and beyond.  We’re calling this podcast Public Health Disrupted because that’s exactly what we want to do. We are going to be breaking down disciplinary, sectoral and geographic boundaries to really understand the diverse and complex issues impacting our health. We discuss issues as complex as structural racism and as broad as the role of tech in public health.  New episodes will be made available via the UCL Soundcloud, Acast, Spotify and Apple Podcast. If there’s a question you’d like us to answer, email us at healthofpublic@ucl.ac.uk or find us on Bluesky or X. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 27 MAY

    Listening to connect: how understanding beliefs can transform public health

    In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing minds.        Joining them are Mia Forbes Pirie, a leading international mediator, and Dr. Kris De Meyer, Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit. Together, they share their insights on effective communication strategies that prioritise relationship-building over persuasion, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions surrounding contentious topics.    In this episode: How beliefs are formed and why they can become entrenched. The role of cultural identity in shaping opinions and the fear of social rejection. Practical strategies for engaging with differing viewpoints and fostering meaningful dialogue.   Public Health Disrupted is produced by UCL Health of the Public and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  2. 1 APR

    Running together: Parkrun & the transformative power of grassroots community fitness

    Welcome back to a brand new season of Public Health Disrupted! As Rochelle makes her return to the podcast following maternity leave, we’re excited to present the very first episode of Season 5: a fascinating examination and celebration of the power of movement to foster connection and belonging. This episode will be of particular interest to runners and fans of group or community exercising, or simply those interested in the intersection of public health and community engagement. Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess delve into the transformative world of community fitness events, particularly the ground-breaking success of Parkrun. They explore how grassroots initiatives are reshaping not only individual lives but entire communities by breaking down barriers to exercise and fostering social connections. Joining them are Dr. Flaminia Ronca, leading expert in exercise neuroscience, and Chrissie Wellington OBE, a four-time world Ironman champion and former global head of health and wellbeing for Parkrun.  In this episode: the profound impact of community fitness on mental and emotional wellbeingthe science behind exercise and brain healthinspiring stories of how Parkrun has created inclusive spaces for all. Public Health Disrupted, hosted by Professor Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  3. 19/08/2024

    Episode 6: Smoke-Free Future: Tackling tobacco and vaping for the health of the public

    The World Health Organisation highlights the tobacco epidemic as one of the greatest public health crises in history, claiming over 8 million lives annually. Over 7 million of these deaths stem from direct tobacco use, while around 1.3 million are due to second-hand smoke exposure among non-smokers. The scale of the human and economic tragedy that tobacco imposes is shocking, and preventable. In this month’s episode, our experts Professor Jamie Brown and Hazel Cheeseman discuss the increasing political and public support for a smoke-free generation, proposed legislative changes, and their potential impact on smoking rates and improving the health of the public in the UK. This episode offers valuable insights into the future of tobacco control in the UK for policymakers, public health professionals, and the public. Read full show notes Access transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  4. 12/08/2024

    Episode 5: Flushing Out the Truth: Sewage and Public Health in the UK

    The development of wastewater systems in the 19th century was one of the greatest achievements of public health, but in recent years there has been growing concern and scrutiny of water quality and sewage pollution. The critical issue of sewage contamination in the UK's rivers and seas is having a profound impact on environmental sustainability and recent reports have urged upgrades in wastewater infrastructure to protect the health of the public. In this month’s episode, our experts James Cheshire (Professor of Geographic Information and Cartography, UCL Geography) and Sam Nichols (Water Quality App Manager, Surfers Against Sewage), analyse the causes, health effects, and innovative mapping techniques used to combat sewage contamination. Listen to understand what action is required from policymakers and the public to address sewage pollution and ensure our waterways are safe and clean for future generations. Read full show notes Access transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  5. 08/05/2024

    Episode 4: The genetic revolution: implications and applications for improving the health of the public

    In this month’s episode, our experts dive into the exciting world of genetics, exploring the latest technological breakthroughs and innovations. They discuss not only the value of these advancements but also the ethical considerations surrounding them, particularly in how they can enhance the health of the public. Dr Adam Rutherford, bestselling author, broadcaster and lecturer in genetics and society at UCL, shares his wealth of knowledge on the evolution of genetics, and the common misconceptions that persist in the field. Adam delves into the historical context of genetics and its entanglement with eugenics, reminding us of the ethical considerations that must accompany scientific advancement. Prof George Davey Smith, a clinical epidemiologist and director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, discusses the impact of genetics on the health of the public. He highlights the potential of genetic data to revolutionise healthcare and offers a critical perspective on the consumer genetics market.  Read full show notes Access transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  6. 26/03/2024

    Episode 3: Redefining the Classroom: Nurturing Mental Health Through Nature, Arts, and Understanding

    "It's not our children who are disordered, it's the environment in which we're expecting them to operate." In this month’s episode, our experts explore the pressing issue of children's mental health in the UK. With one in five young individuals facing probable mental health disorders, the urgency for effective support systems is undeniable. Joining the conversation are Kate Silverton, renowned broadcaster turned qualified child therapist, and Professor Nicola Walshe, a proponent of climate change and sustainability education. Together, they dissect the challenges faced by schools and parents in supporting children's mental health and the innovative ways to foster well-being through nature and the arts. Kate Silverton shares her insights on the variability of mental health support in schools and the critical need for standardised, professionally trained mental health professionals on-site. She emphasises the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind children's behaviour and offers a sneak peak of some of the practical, science-backed strategies found in her latest book, ‘There’s still no such thing as naughty: parenting for the primary years’. Professor Nicola Walshe discusses her work with the UCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education, highlighting the transformative power of combining arts with nature to improve children's mental and emotional well-being. She presents compelling evidence from the Eco-Capabilities project, illustrating how such practices not only benefit the students but also reinvigorate teachers' passion for their profession. This episode is an impassioned call to disrupt the status quo of public health and education systems, advocating for a holistic approach that prioritises emotional well-being and connection to nature as the foundation for learning and growth. Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand Van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative Read full show notes Acess transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min

  7. 20/02/2024

    Episode 2: AI for Good - Tech and Ethics in Humanitarian Crises

    "Is technology the magic bullet for humanitarian aid, or does it come with its own set of ethical dilemmas?" In this episode, hosts Dr Xand van Tulleken and Dr Rochelle Burgess delve into the complex world of humanitarian crises and the transformative role of technology in emergency responses. With the expertise of Professor Maria Kett, an anthropologist with a rich background in disability-inclusive humanitarian aid, and Sarah Spencer, an AI technical consultant navigating the challenging intersection of AI, national security, and public policy, this episode explores the intricate relationship between technology and humanitarian action. From AI’s potential for predicting and containing epidemics, to the potential pitfalls of humanitarian surveillance, our guests discuss how technology is reshaping the humanitarian landscape. They challenge us to consider the ethical implications of data security, consent, and the agency of vulnerable populations whose lives are increasingly datafied. Read full show notes  Access transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min

  8. 08/01/2024

    Episode 1: Injecting Innovation - Creative Ways to boost vaccination rates

    Join hosts Doctor Xand van Tulleken and Dr Rochelle Burgess for Season 4, Episode 1 of Public Health Disrupted with Prof Helen Bedford and Doctor Ranj Singh. "It's about building knowledge with communities and allowing people to ask questions without negative labelling." Why are vaccination rates declining, and how can we rebuild trust?  Vaccine rates are falling in the UK, and it's time we turn the tide. In this Public Health Disrupted episode, Xand and Rochelle dig into the reasons behind declining immunisation with child health experts Helen Bedford and Ranj Singh. From NHS changes to misinformation shared online, this episode uncovers key drivers of vaccine hesitancy, from misinformation proliferating online to barriers in accessing immunisation services.  Together, our experts offer solutions like bringing vaccines to communities, improving communication by providing people with opportunities to ask questions, removing practical barriers, and increasing the perception of vaccinations as a social norm. Listen for an insightful take on improving vaccine uptake through empathy, facts and accessibility. Read full show notes  Access transcript Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Presented by Doctor, writer and TV Presenter Xand van Tulleken and community health psychologist and self-proclaimed hippie, UCL's Professor Rochelle Burgess. This podcast is about public health, but more importantly, it’s about the systems that need disrupting to make public health better. In each episode, we’ll be challenging the status quo of this field, asking what needs to change, why and how to get there. Each month we’ll be joined by activists, scholars, artists, comedians and industry professionals to offer perspectives from the UCL community and beyond.  We’re calling this podcast Public Health Disrupted because that’s exactly what we want to do. We are going to be breaking down disciplinary, sectoral and geographic boundaries to really understand the diverse and complex issues impacting our health. We discuss issues as complex as structural racism and as broad as the role of tech in public health.  New episodes will be made available via the UCL Soundcloud, Acast, Spotify and Apple Podcast. If there’s a question you’d like us to answer, email us at healthofpublic@ucl.ac.uk or find us on Bluesky or X. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    UCL Health of the Public
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UCL Health of the Public
  • Show Website
    Public Health Disrupted

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