The Talking Heads Podcast

Ghazaleh Youshani
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What makes people pursue the work they do? What experiences shape their ideas, creativity and contribution to the world? The Talking Heads Podcast is a long-form interview podcast exploring the people behind meaningful work — from authors and academics to filmmakers, health professionals, thought leaders and changemakers. Each episode is a thoughtful conversation that goes beyond the surface, exploring the stories, experiences and ideas that shape a person’s journey. From books and research to film, culture, wellbeing and society, the podcast creates space for guests to share not only what they do, but why it matters. Hosted by Ghazaleh Youshani, each conversation is carefully researched and created with curiosity, openness and a genuine interest in understanding the people behind the work. If you enjoy conversations that spark curiosity, challenge perspectives and offer a deeper look into the ideas shaping our world, this podcast is for you. Follow along on Instagram: @thetalkingheads_podcast for new episodes, guest conversations and behind-the-scenes moments.

Episodes

  1. Jun 5

    Episode 7: The Talking Heads in conversation with Denise Dorrance

    What do you do when life throws you into a storm you never saw coming? In this episode of The Talking Heads, I sat down with acclaimed illustrator and cartoonist Denise Dorrance to explore her moving, darkly funny graphic memoir Polar Vortex - New River Books Publishing. With honesty, warmth, and signature wit, Denise shares the story behind caring for her mother living with dementia—a journey marked by heartache, humour, and unexpected discoveries. Hear how a diary kept during long days in a rehabilitation centre became the foundation for an internationally lauded graphic novel. Delve into how art, colour, and narrative became lifelines—not only for Denise, but for so many readers who see their own family truths mirrored in these pages. Along the way, find yourself laughing, reflecting, and perhaps feeling less alone in the inevitable role reversals and “real troubles” of life. This episode is a compassionate testament to memory, to our loved ones and embracing connection, even when it’s just the simple act of holding a hand.

  2. May 22

    Episode 6: The Talking Heads in conversation with Professor Mark de Rond

    What happens when ordinary citizens step into the shadows to catch those who would do unthinkable harm? In this deeply moving episode, I welcomed Mark de Rond, Professor of Organisational Ethnography at Cambridge University - Judge Business School, whose four-year immersion into the world of UK Paedophile hunters is chronicled in his gripping new book, out now, 'Dark Justice: Inside the World of Paedophile Hunters' - Cambridge University Press. Through bracing honesty and tender compassion, Mark shares what it means to live alongside the hunters—their motives, their traumas, the lines they cross—and the heart-wrenching consequences for those exposed and their families. Together we confront challenging moral questions: Where does justice end and collateral damage begin? Are we as a society prepared to bear witness not just to the crimes, but also to the cost of seeking “dark justice”? Tune in for a conversation that is as illuminating as it is unsettling, as Mark courageously challenges us to look past easy answers and reckon with the depth of humanity behind every headline. For clarity this episode contains material of a highly sensitive nature including “child abuse, self harm, paedophilia and homophobia ” that may be triggering for some individuals’.

  3. May 7

    Episode 5: The Talking Heads in conversation with Janie Mac

    2.5 million hot meals, 20,000 volunteers, and a decade at the frontlines of compassion. In this episode, I welcomed Janie Mac, co-founder of Refugee Community Kitchen (RCK), whose story is a testament to what happens when ordinary people choose to act in the face of injustice. From kitchen-table plans to serving hope in Calais and on the streets of London, Janie shares the real lessons of RCK’s grassroots action, the power of saying no, and why nourishing food is about so much more than the lens of calories. Discover the realities behind displacement, the overlooked forces driving humanitarian crises, and the unvarnished truth about privilege, burnout, and how we show up for one another. You’ll be moved by Janie’s candour—and inspired by the simple, radical force of collective care. Listen in to witness what human dignity looks like in practice. Find out how you can help keep the wheels turning—both literally and figuratively—for RCK’s remarkable mission. For those ready to swap cynicism for hope, and scrolling for action: this is your invitation to the table. For more on how to support RCK, or to volunteer visit: info@refugeecommunitykitchen.org

  4. Apr 23

    Episode 4: The Talking Heads in conversation with Professor David Stillwell

    Curious about how much your digital life reveals about your inner world—and where the line between helpful personalisation and outright manipulation lies? David Stillwell, Professor of Computational Science at the University of Cambridge, joined me for an open, thought-provoking dive into the nexus of big data, psychology, and the fast-evolving landscape of generative and Agentic AI. From creating the iconic MyPersonality Facebook app, which not only changed privacy laws but also helped millions uncover insights about themselves, to decoding how companies leverage our digital footprints, Professor Stillwell thoughtfully speaks through fascinating insights and challenging questions alongside challenging how we approach and engage in these conversations: Do you truly have the right to opt out of profiling—and what are today’s tech giants really doing behind closed doors?Where’s the line between tailored recommendations and psychological manipulation? Is it ever as clear-cut as it seems?How close are we to working alongside AI “colleagues”—and what does that mean for your job, your attention span, and your sense of control?What should society and policymakers do when technology moves faster than regulation ever could? Expect candid chat, big ideas, and actionable takeaways—whether you’re an industry leader, a tech sceptic, or just want to understand what your “likes” are saying about you. Don’t miss this timely episode that will leave you rethinking the digital breadcrumbs you scatter—and priming all of us to be part of the conversation shaping our technological future. 🚀 Tune in now and join The Talking Heads for insights that could change the way you live and work—today and tomorrow!

  5. Apr 9

    Episode 3: The Talking Heads in conversation with Kieran Macphail

    Join me in conversation with distinguished guest Kieran Macphail, whose expertise spans physiotherapy, nutritional therapy and corrective exercise. This episode dives deep into the world of health—beyond the fads, semantics and commercial noise—and explores the pragmatic realities underpinning wellbeing today. If you’ve ever wondered why your diet isn’t working, what genuine health looks like in a world of gimmicks, or how to decode mysterious symptoms—this episode brings refreshing clarity and real-life solutions. Don’t miss Kieran’s candid and modest wisdom and stay tuned for Series Two where your listener questions will shape the conversation! Subscribe, listen and join the health debate—your body will thank you.

  6. Mar 19

    Episode 2: The Talking Heads in conversation with Danny Raede

    Neurodivergence… a topic that is often on our lips but rarely spoken about with a ‘real understanding’ is the subject of Episode 2 as is our incredible guest. In this enlightening episode of The Talking Heads, I sit down with Danny Raede, a trailblazer in the neurodiversity space. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in his early teens, Danny Raede shares his personal journey from confronting societal assumptions to becoming a founder of several impactful ventures—Asperger’s Experts, Wonder Rock Travel, and most recently, Off Map, a UK-based neurodiversity consultancy. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer or simply curious about lived experiences of neurodivergence, this episode is jam packed with actionable insights, empathy, and inspiration! To reach out to Danny directly his website is offmap.co.uk. The theory that is mentioned in our discussion was ‘The Polyvagal theory’ by Dr. Stephen Porges.

  7. Mar 3

    Episode 1: The Talking Heads in conversation with Reinaldo Marcus Green

    In this thought-provoking episode of The Talking Heads, acclaimed director Reinaldo Marcus Green opens up about his journey from a working-class upbringing to Hollywood, reflecting on representation, storytelling, and the power of embracing discomfort and self-reflection to spark meaningful change. If you’re curious about the heart behind today’s most impactful cinema—and how film can shift perspectives—this conversation is not to be missed!

  • 7 Episodes

About

What makes people pursue the work they do? What experiences shape their ideas, creativity and contribution to the world? The Talking Heads Podcast is a long-form interview podcast exploring the people behind meaningful work — from authors and academics to filmmakers, health professionals, thought leaders and changemakers. Each episode is a thoughtful conversation that goes beyond the surface, exploring the stories, experiences and ideas that shape a person’s journey. From books and research to film, culture, wellbeing and society, the podcast creates space for guests to share not only what they do, but why it matters. Hosted by Ghazaleh Youshani, each conversation is carefully researched and created with curiosity, openness and a genuine interest in understanding the people behind the work. If you enjoy conversations that spark curiosity, challenge perspectives and offer a deeper look into the ideas shaping our world, this podcast is for you. Follow along on Instagram: @thetalkingheads_podcast for new episodes, guest conversations and behind-the-scenes moments.

Information

  • Creator
    Ghazaleh Youshani
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ghazaleh Youshani
  • Show Website
    The Talking Heads Podcast