62 episodes

Each episode, sometimes academics, Courtney Hempton, Jane Williams and Chris Mayes take an undisciplined dive (i.e. bellyflop) into the underwater caverns of history, ethics and politics of health. They are joined by a cocktail of erudite, cantankerous and more qualified guests to talk through everything from the history of feminist bioethics to why acronyms are a curse and unnecessary evil. Plus, they break down the latest biopolitical news, discuss #bioethicstwitter bin-fires, and dig up forgotten gems from the archive. New episodes drop every Thursday.

Undisciplinary Undisciplinary

    • Society & Culture

Each episode, sometimes academics, Courtney Hempton, Jane Williams and Chris Mayes take an undisciplined dive (i.e. bellyflop) into the underwater caverns of history, ethics and politics of health. They are joined by a cocktail of erudite, cantankerous and more qualified guests to talk through everything from the history of feminist bioethics to why acronyms are a curse and unnecessary evil. Plus, they break down the latest biopolitical news, discuss #bioethicstwitter bin-fires, and dig up forgotten gems from the archive. New episodes drop every Thursday.

    Standpoint theory and bioethics: An Interdisciplinary Exploration with Supriya Subramani

    Standpoint theory and bioethics: An Interdisciplinary Exploration with Supriya Subramani

    **The below is AI generated**

    Have you ever navigated the intricate dance of power and humility within the walls of a healthcare institution? Our latest episode features Dr. Supriya Subramani, shedding light on the ethical ballet between patients and doctors, infused with moral emotions and identity politics. As we weave through her interdisciplinary insights, Jane's battle with COVID offers a raw, firsthand perspective on these health research themes, grounding our discussion in the reality of patient experiences.

    Tackling the heavy lifting in academia, this episode isn't afraid to question the pillars of knowledge creation and the researcher's place within it. We cast a critical eye on reflexivity, dissecting how our backgrounds and biases shape our understanding. The creases of feminist scholarship and standpoint epistemology unfold in our dialogue, as we probe the intricate relationship between authority and the diverse voices that strive to be heard within scholarly circles.

    We round off our journey with a step into the quagmire of bioethics, informed consent, and the architecture of healthcare systems. Dr. Subramani's reflections from Indian hospitals pave the path for our exploration, examining how respect, privacy, and privilege are dispensed in medical care. As we tie up the threads of our conversation, we leave you with an invitation to continue these essential discussions, challenging the norms and shaping an informed, ethical landscape in health research and beyond.


    Audio excerpt of Helen Pluckrose from ABC RN  Grievance studies, thought and debateSubramani, S. (2019). Practising reflexivity: Ethics, methodology and theory construction. Methodological Innovations, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2059799119863276 Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 1 hr 31 min
    Good Take/Bad Take: Gyms, compulsory ethics, and revisionist COVID takes

    Good Take/Bad Take: Gyms, compulsory ethics, and revisionist COVID takes

    **Below is AI Generated**

    Is clinging to "Happy New Year" wishes well into January a charming tradition or a sign of time slipping by? We dive into this seasonal conundrum before taking a hard look at the world of gym culture, where the quest for health often morphs into a pursuit of the perfect body. Our discussion unpacks an eye-opening critique of high-intensity interval training, challenging the notion that exercise should be a grueling endeavor rather than a source of joy. Join us as we unravel the complexities of fitness fads and refocus the lens on well-being and personal fulfillment.

    Meanwhile, the classroom becomes a battleground for morality as we dissect the effectiveness of mandatory ethics courses in higher education. With insights from our teaching experiences, we debate whether these courses spark true moral development or merely check a box. And as we navigate the intricate dance between public health and politics, we confront the tension between evidence-based messaging and the political landscape that shapes it, especially amidst crises. Listen in as we confront the ideals and the practical realities of public health, presenting an honest examination of its place in our society.


    Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 38 min
    Bioethics in dark times: Israel's attacks on the Gazan health system

    Bioethics in dark times: Israel's attacks on the Gazan health system

    Join us for a thought-provoking conversation as we explore the intricate layers of the Israeli-Gaza conflict with the help of Tamara Kayali Browne and Zohar Lederman. Their unique insights as a Palestinian bioethicist and an Israeli emergency medicine physician with a bioethics background guide us through the turbulence of war, politics, and the ethics of healthcare under fire. 

    The moral maze of warfare challenges us to confront harrowing bioethical dilemmas, from the deliberate targeting of medical facilities to the withholding of life-sustaining resources. The experiences of vulnerable populations, like pregnant women and healthcare workers, underscore the intersection of human rights and public health, demanding a critical look at our ethical responsibilities. Our dialogue traverses the potential biases in global conflict coverage, urging healthcare professionals and academics to rise above the fray and champion human rights in their spheres of influence.

    **the above was generated by AI with some editing from CM**

    Resources discussed:
    Washington post article on evacuation and babies left in ICUZohar's article "Together we lived, and alone you died: Loneliness and solidarity in Gaza" We also discussed an article by Zohar that is under-review. A link will be provided when it is published. Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 1 hr 30 min
    Wrapping Up 2023: Fatphobia, Holiday Food Politics & the War on Gaza

    Wrapping Up 2023: Fatphobia, Holiday Food Politics & the War on Gaza

    **The below is AI generated**

    Ever been cornered at a family feast by Aunt Marge, who can't help but comment on your third helping of pavlova? We've all been there. Join Chris and Jane as we stir up a candid conversation about the holidays and the unwanted side dish of fatphobia they bring. From the cultural anthems like Paul Kelly's "How to Make Gravy" that bind us, to the personal and societal pressures on body image that divide us, we're unpacking the complexities of festive food politics. We reflect on our nation's identity and how holiday cheer often comes with a side helping of guilt, especially when young, impressionable ears are at the table.

    Imagine sitting across from someone who, between bites of turkey, preaches about their latest diet. Awkward? Absolutely. That’s why we're navigating the choppy waters of body and food judgments with care. Sharing tales from Southeast Asia, we tackle the cultural variances in body image perceptions and the art of respecting diverse dietary choices without imposing our own. Our discussion isn't just about the food on our plates, but also the deeper societal norms cooking in the background of our health and financial conversations. And yes, we're going to touch on those public health campaigns that often leave a sour taste during the sweet holiday season.

    Now, onto the myths that just won't go cold—like the idea that a shiver in an ice bath will shed the pounds. We're chilling out with Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz's enlightening thread debunking this frosty fallacy. And if that's not enough, we're slicing into the debate on office cake culture with the same scrutiny as a controversial Jerusalem Post article that – believe it or not – linked conflict to weight loss. By the end of our chat, you'll be seeing Christmas metaphors in a new light, peering beyond the festive facade to the sometimes harsh truths they obscure. So, grab your mug of mulled wine, and let's cut through the holiday hullabaloo together.
    Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 40 min
    Live from AABHL! Talking about antinatalism, psychedelics at work, and reflexive bioethics

    Live from AABHL! Talking about antinatalism, psychedelics at work, and reflexive bioethics

    **Below is AI Generated**
    Eager to explore the complex world of reproductive choices? Buckle up as we journey through this invigorating discussion with Elinor Pryce, a formidable scholar from the University of Adelaide. With her, we grapple with the nuances of pro-natalism and anti-natalist policies in Australia, and their intricate interplay with immigration and environmental concerns. Elinor’s insights illuminate the need for a comprehensive approach that respects diversity, while also addressing population growth and sustainable development.

    Riding on the wave of our enriching dialogue with Elinor, we steer towards the ethical dimensions of eugenics and population control. The entanglement of pronatalism, antinatalism, and societal beliefs is unravelled, stimulating a profound reflection on our own values and ideologies. Philosophers are often the unsung heroes in this narrative, as they challenge detrimental ideologies and encourage a deeper examination of ingrained beliefs when proposing remedies. It's a fascinating discourse that breathes life into the conversations happening in conferences and bioethical circles.

    We then discuss the place of psychedelics in the workplace with Dr Cynthia Forlini (Deakin Health Ethics) and consider potential harms as well as general awkwardness of doing mind altering drugs with colleagues.

    Finally, we dissect reflexivity and standpoint theory in bioethics with Dr Supriya Subramani (Sydney Health Ethics), Prof Jonathan Ives (Bristol) and A/Prof Mikey Dunn (National University of Singapore). Our discussion traverses the tightrope between maintaining argumentation standards and adapting them to context, bringing to light the friction between social scientific and philosophical methodologies in bioethics. With an eye on the real-world impact, we stress the importance of reflexivity, where personal biases and prejudices come to the fore. We believe that the bioethical debates are enriched by this diversity of perspectives. So tune in for an episode that is sure to leave you contemplating long after it ends – a fascinating exploration of reproductive choices, eugenics, and bioethics like never before.
    Undisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 35 min
    Reflections: The Impact of Preconception Health and Societal Pressures on Reproductive Outcomes

    Reflections: The Impact of Preconception Health and Societal Pressures on Reproductive Outcomes

    **The below is AI generated**

    What would it feel like to constantly plan for something as life-changing as pregnancy, but feel ill-equipped to prepare for it? What if we told you that your health decisions pre-conception could impact not just your child, but generations to come? In today's episode, we're diving headfirst into the complexities of pregnancy planning and the repercussions of insufficient preparation. We're dissecting a recent study that found a shocking disparity between the women who plan their pregnancies and those who take active steps to prepare for them. The concept of 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' and its unique focus on women forms a critical part of our discussion. We particularly emphasize on the crucial yet often overlooked role of paternal health and the need for interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance overall reproductive health.

    As the conversation proceeds, we shift focus to explore the unique health challenges faced by overweight women preparing for pregnancy. It's no secret that societal discourse around women's bodies is riddled with negativity, but how does this impact a woman's ability to prepare for pregnancy? How do these biases and pressures complicate weight management during pregnancy? We delve into these dilemmas, shedding light on issues often swept under the rug. This episode is an earnest attempt to delve deeper into the societal pressures, health dilemmas, and the critical need for empathic and comprehensive healthcare for all women, regardless of their body size. So, brace yourself as we navigate this complex terrain in our latest episode.

    Here is the article Chris refers to:  
    Situating the Father: Strengthening Interdisciplinary Collaborations between Sociology, History and the Emerging POHaD ParadigmUndisciplinary - a podcast that talks across the boundaries of history, ethics, and the politics of health.
    Follow us on Twitter @undisciplinary_ or email questions for "mailbag episodes" undisciplinarypod@gmail.com

    • 14 min

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