Speaking of Research: The SCDTP Podcast

The South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership
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Speaking of Research: The SCDTP Podcast

Speaking of Research is a podcast from the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership. In Series One, recorded at Cumberland Lodge in April 2025, doctoral researchers are in conversation with Research Podcasts’ producer Catherine McDonald about their research, who might benefit from it and how it will make a difference.   Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Drones at the Border: Search, Rescue and Surveillance in the English Channel with Toby Meredith

    In the tenth, and final episode of Series 1 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Toby Meredith, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth, who is exploring the complex and rapidly evolving role of drone technology in search and rescue operations and sea border surveillance in the English Channel. Drawing on six years of experience in disaster management - including collaborations with the World Food Program and the UK Coast Guard - Toby examines how drone use intersects with humanitarian efforts and border control, with a particular focus on its impact on asylum seekers and refugees. Toby aims to inform policy and practice, while also fostering international partnerships to broaden the reach and relevance of his findings. His research raises vital questions about ethics, technology, and the future of border management.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk  This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Toby Meredith, University of Portsmouth Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min

  2. 7 JUL

    Resilience and Exclusion: The International Student Experience in the UK with Isaac Thornton

    In the ninth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Isaac Thornton, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton. Isaac is researching the experiences of international students in the UK - a group 600,000 strong, whose presence brings vital financial and societal value. Combining insights from social policy and psychology, Isaac explores how visa restrictions, housing challenges, and soaring tuition fees contribute to social exclusion. His research also reframes resilience not as an individual trait, but as a socially embedded process - one shaped by access to supportive communities and institutional resources. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Isaac Thornton, University of Brighton Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  3. 30 JUN

    Reimagining Belonging: Co-Research with Young People with Profound Disabilities with Elspeth Clark

    In the eighth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Elspeth Clark, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Elspeth’s research explores the relationship between meaningful occupation and a sense of belonging for young people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Drawing on her background as an occupational therapist, Elspeth works collaboratively with students in a special school setting, using sensory and embodied methods to co-construct understanding. Her research challenges the idea that people who don’t use words to communicate can’t meaningfully engage in research, and she makes a strong case for more inclusive and participatory approaches. Elspeth shares how she builds trusting relationships, how innovative audio-visual tools are amplifying student voices, and how her findings could inform better practices across education, health, and social care. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising agency, promoting belonging, and designing research that centres those who are often left out.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Elspeth Clark, University of Southampton Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  4. 23 JUN

    Framing Taiwan: British Foreign Policy and the Legacy of Empire with Max Dixon

    In the seventh episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we hear from Max Dixon, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth, about his work exploring British foreign policy toward Taiwan since its first democratic election in 1996. Drawing on a poststructuralist discourse analysis, Max unpacks how parliamentary language and historical legacies—particularly those rooted in Britain’s colonial past—shape the UK’s diplomatic stance on Taiwan. Max reflects on how his time living in Hong Kong sparked his research interest, and how he’s using interpretive methods to reveal the often-overlooked narratives that influence foreign policy decisions. He also shares how he's ensuring impact beyond academia—through writing for policy blogs, contributing to public debate, and engaging directly with policymakers and diplomats. This conversation explores how language, history, and power intersect in international relations—and why these perspectives matter more than ever.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Max Dixon, University of Portsmouth Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 min

  5. 16 JUN

    The Human Cost of Fire: Exploring the Roots of Deliberate Fire Setting with Charlotte Booker

    In the sixth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership Charlotte Booker - a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth - talks about her critical work on deliberate fire settings. Charlotte explains that deliberate fires - including arson and self-reported incidents - make up around half of all fires in England and cost the UK economy an estimated £1.3 billion each year. Her qualitative research, grounded in critical realism, seeks to understand the underlying causes and contexts of fire-setting behaviour in order to improve fire safety education and develop more effective, targeted interventions to reduce re-offending. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Charlotte Booker, University of Portsmouth Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    5 min

  6. 9 JUN

    Communicating Pension Policy: Addressing Disadvantages for Women Born in the 1950s with Yifan Ge

    In the fifth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we talk to Yifan Ge, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton, about the far-reaching effects of the UK's state pension age increase on women born in the 1950s. Yifan’s research, funded by Administrative Data Research UK, uses advanced quantitative methods and administrative data to uncover how these policy changes have disproportionately affected certain groups. Their work identifies the most disadvantaged among them, with the goal of informing more targeted compensation strategies and improving public communication for future pension reforms.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Yifan Ge, University of Southampton Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min

  7. 2 JUN

    From Testimony to Toolkit: Creating Change for Exploited Care Workers with Kezia Pugh

    In the fourth episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Kezia Pugh, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton whose work explores the experiences of migrant care workers in the UK. Kezia sheds light on how labour exploitation unfolds within the social care sector — from insecure contracts and low pay to more severe forms of abuse — and the crucial role that community groups, campaigners, and trade unions play in resisting these injustices.    We discuss the shift in her methodology toward using existing testimonies and third-sector evidence, the importance of building lasting relationships with practitioners, and how her research aims to support meaningful change both within policy and on the ground. Tune in to hear how Kezia plans to make her research accessible and actionable — from toolkits for campaign groups to forging global connections for lasting impact.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Kezia Pugh, University of Brighton Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  8. 26 MAY

    Unpacking Inequality: Trans Autistic Voices in Health and Social Care with Katie Munday

    In the third episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Katie Munday, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth. We speak with Katie about their PhD research on the healthcare inequities experienced by trans and autistic individuals. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, Katie uses participatory action research to center the voices of those most affected—working alongside a co-researcher group of four other trans and autistic adults. Katie’s research goes beyond gender identity, addressing intersecting challenges such as accessibility, chronic illness, and systemic barriers within healthcare systems. They also share their concerns about the implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on identity groups, and how it may further limit healthcare access for marginalised communities. Committed to making a real-world impact, Katie discusses their plans to use networks and social media to push for meaningful policy change and raise public awareness.   You can read a transcript of the conversation here.  Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Katie Munday, University of Portsmouth Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min

  9. 19 MAY

    Net Zero Meets Nostalgia: Decarbonising the Heritage Sector with Nishit Srivastava

    In the second episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Nishit Srivastava, a doctoral researcher from the University of Portsmouth to talk about his cutting-edge research on sustainability transitions in the UK heritage sector. Nishit unpacks the complex challenge of decarbonising historical buildings and artefacts—essential components of the nation’s cultural fabric and economy. Using Cumberland Lodge as an example, he explores how policies can be designed to help this traditionally fragmented sector move toward Net Zero. Nishit’s interdisciplinary approach includes a problematizing literature review, semi-structured interviews, and social network analysis to understand policy dynamics and stakeholder relationships. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. * Episode correction at 2:04 Nishit meant to say "1 in every 4 UK homes is a historical home" Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Nishit Srivastava, University of Portsmouth Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min

  10. 12 MAY

    Research in Motion: Making Blue Spaces Accessible for All with Sadie Rockcliffe

    In the first episode of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Sadie Rockliffe, a doctoral researcher from the University of Brighton, who is reshaping our understanding of accessibility in natural environments. Sadie shares insights from her research on sensory inequalities and access to blue spaces—like rivers, lakes, and the sea—for people with visual impairments. Using innovative swim-along interviews, she captures the lived experiences of participants highlighting both the barriers they face and the deep sensory connections they form with nature. Sadie discusses her unique methodology, which emphasises interdependence over independence, and the importance of building trust with participants. You can read a transcript of the conversation here. Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk This is a Research Podcasts production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts Guest: Sadie Rockcliffe, University of Brighton Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Speaking of Research is a podcast from the ESRC South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership. In Series One, recorded at Cumberland Lodge in April 2025, doctoral researchers are in conversation with Research Podcasts’ producer Catherine McDonald about their research, who might benefit from it and how it will make a difference.   Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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