Heart Of The Matter - A Health Humanities Podcast

Heart Of The Matter - A Health Humanities Podcast
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This podcast will involve discussions with researchers in the Heart of the Matter project - an interdisciplinary project that aims to deepen our understanding of the heart and improve human wellbeing through fostering dialogue and innovation across the fields of health, medicine, engineering, philosophy, literary studies and the humanities. The aim of the Heart of the Matter is to pull together holistic bodily, social, cultural, medical, technical and lived experiences of cardiac health and concerns.

  1. 12/05/2025

    The Heart of Caring with Professor Brendan McCormack

    Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Heart of the Matter." Join Dr. Claire Hansen from ANU, Dr. Brid Phillips from UWA, and Dr. Michael Stevens from UNSW as they sit down with the remarkable Professor Brendan McCormack, one of the world's most influential leaders in person-centered healthcare. Professor McCormack is Head of the Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Sydney and the newly appointed Chair of the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery. With over 600 publications and recognition among Thomson Reuters' 3000 most influential global researchers, Brendan brings a truly global perspective to healthcare transformation. In this captivating conversation, we explore Brendan's revolutionary approach to integrating critical creativity into healthcare practice and education. From his early days as a dancer to pioneering research methodologies that literally involve dancing on clifftops, Brendan shares how embodied learning and artistic expression can transform the way we understand and deliver person-centered care. This episode offers profound insights for healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative potential of bringing creativity and artistry into traditionally clinical spaces. Guest Bio:Professor Brendan McCormack holds professorships and honorary appointments across Europe, Africa, and the UK, reflecting the international impact of his work in person-centered practice. He is a founding member of the Person-Centered Practice International Community of Practice and continues to pioneer innovative approaches to healthcare education and research. Links Referenced in This Episode: Professor Brendan McCormack's Wikipedia ProfileRevolutionising Healthcare - Wiley Inspiring Minds Film SeriesDancing the Mandalas of Critical Creativity in Nursing and Health Care Follow Heart of the Matter: Main Podcast PageHeart of the Matter Homepage

    42 min

  2. 11/21/2025

    Design Thinking for Cardiovascular Devices with Prof Cara Wrigley

    In this episode of 'Heart of the Matter,' we welcomes Professor Cara Wrigley from the University of Queensland. The discussion delves into Professor Wrigley's pioneering work in applying design thinking to healthcare, specifically focusing on cardiac care and medical device development. Insights are shared on the integration of human-centered design in improving patient experiences, the role of emotional relationships with medical technologies, and the future of innovative approaches in tackling cardiovascular challenges. Join us as we explore the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and human experience, highlighting the transformative potential of design in medicine.

    43 min

  3. 11/07/2025

    Hearts in Cinema: Romance and Beyond

    In this episode of The Heart of the Matter podcast, we dive into the cinematic portrayal of hearts in three selected films: 'Return to Me,' 'Heart Eyes,' and 'The Heart Knows.' We discuss the narrative connections between heart transplants and romantic relationships, exploring themes of love, memory, and identity. Join the conversation as the team navigates these heart-centric films, their symbolic significance, and ethical implications.

    44 min

  4. 06/05/2025

    Brisk Walking, Slow Reading

    In this episode of 'Heart of the Matter,' hosts Claire Hansen, Brid Phillips and Michael Stevens discuss the latest in heart related research in 2025! The hosts cover a range of topics, starting with the latest research on the benefits of brisk walking for reducing heart rhythm problems. They also delve into the fascinating parallels between Shakespearean depictions of heartbreak and modern medical understandings of Takotsubo syndrome (or broken heart syndrome), drawing insights from their peer-reviewed research. Lastly, Michael shares an update on a groundbreaking artificial heart project in Australia. Tune in for a blend of historical and contemporary perspectives on heart health. Relevant Links Brisk walking linked to lower risk of heart rhythm problems‘Wilt Break My Heart?’ Takotsubo Syndrome and Shakespeare’s Discourse of Heartbreak in Antony and Cleopatra and King Lear Australian becomes first in world discharged with durable artificial heart - ABC News

    42 min

  5. 04/09/2025

    Healthy Hearts, Informed Minds: Tackling CVD through Health Literacy

    In this episode of "Heart of the Matter," we dive into the fascinating connections between health literacy and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with Dr. Bonnie Beasant, an early-career lecturer and researcher. Join us as we explore barriers to health literacy among underserved populations, the behavioral and clinical factors influencing CVD, and practical steps to enhance heart health education. With insights from Bonnie’s groundbreaking research and her work as Associate Lecturer in the Global Medicine Team at University of Western Australia, this episode bridges the gap between public health and clinical care to promote understanding and wellbeing. Australian CVD Risk Checker

    31 min

  6. 09/04/2024

    Hearts and King Lear in Critical Care

    On this episode, we sit down with Professor John Fraser, Director of the Critical Care Research Group at Prince Charles Hospital. Professor Fraser is an absolute legend in the field of critical care research. He has led several incredible initiatives, too many to list here. He also has a past life as an actor, so we use this interview to discuss how John combines his two passions of the arts and medicine in his daily work.

    39 min

  7. 07/10/2024

    Healthcare Simulation Education: Growing and supporting healthcare workforce in rural areas with A/Prof Kirsty Freeman

    In this episode, we sit down with Kirsty Freeman, Associate Professor at the Rural Clinical school of Western Australia. Kirsty shares her perspective on the heart and how we keep the heart going, the work of first responders, and the difficulties faced by rural and remote clinicians. Kirsty discusses her experiences working in remote communities as well as her work in the impact of imposter phenomenon (not imposter syndrome!) in healthcare simulation educators. In this episode Brid also shares a story about how her Uncle Hugh was physically revived by a passerby and then cared for by paramedics and hospital staff after he had a cardiac arrest in the community many years ago. He was forever grateful for the help he received and the way he was able to lead a full and fulfilling life after the event. Unfortunately, since this episode was recorded, Hughie passed away in his own home on a property he loved in the rural countryside of Western Australia. We want to dedicate this episode to him, all the first responders doing a magnificent job each and every day, and all those members of the community who upskill themselves and are willing to jump in and save a stranger.

    25 min

  8. 05/08/2024

    Unveiling Heart Failure: The Power of Storytelling in Teaching

    Welcome to the next enlightening episode of "Heart of the Matter." Join Dr. Claire Hansen, Dr. Brid Phillips, and Dr. Michael Stevens, along with our special guest, Dr. Michelle Barrett, a revered GP from Canberra with a passion for storytelling and teaching. In this episode, we delve into Dr. Barrett's remarkable journey of using storytelling to enhance medical education and patient care. With over two decades of experience at Hughes Family Practice and a role as a Senior Lecturer and Co-ordinator of Phase 1 Clinical Skills at ANU, Dr. Barrett brings a wealth of insights into how storytelling can revolutionize the teaching of clinical history taking. Discover how Dr. Barrett's innovative methods have transformed the way medical students learn to diagnose and treat heart failure. From crafting compelling narratives to engage students to harnessing the power of storytelling to deepen patient understanding, Dr. Barrett's approach highlights the pivotal role of storytelling in medical education and practice. Join us as we uncover the art of storytelling in medicine and its profound impact on shaping the doctors of tomorrow and improving patient outcomes.

    35 min
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About

This podcast will involve discussions with researchers in the Heart of the Matter project - an interdisciplinary project that aims to deepen our understanding of the heart and improve human wellbeing through fostering dialogue and innovation across the fields of health, medicine, engineering, philosophy, literary studies and the humanities. The aim of the Heart of the Matter is to pull together holistic bodily, social, cultural, medical, technical and lived experiences of cardiac health and concerns.

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