Public Health Disrupted

UCL Health of the Public
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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. 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.

  1. 4d ago

    Global Mental Health: Rights, Care and the Global Landscape

    Global Mental Health: Rights, Care and the Global Landscape   In this episode, Xand and Rochelle discuss the intricate relationship between geography and global mental health. Alongside guests Parth Sharma and Dr Kelly Rose-Clarke, they explore how factors such as conflict, climate, and social inequalities shape mental health experiences around the world, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of mental health support.   This episode raises critical questions about the future of mental health care, the necessity for systemic change, and the role of lived experience in shaping effective interventions. As the conversation unfolds, we invite you to reflect on how global mental health can be disrupted and transformed for the better.   Guests: Parth Sharma is an abolitionist, anti-colonial scholar whose work is grounded in their intersectional lived experience as a queer, non-binary, disabled, mad person. A cultural worker, filmmaker, and multimedia artist, Parth has worked in journalism, clinical mental health and human rights. Today, Parth is the Deputy Principal Coordinator for the Movement for Global Mental Health, and you can find them disrupting global mental health, interrogating the mental health industrial complex, and actively imagining abolitionist futures.   Dr Kelly Rose-Clarke is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow and Principal Research Fellow in Global Mental Health here at UCL. Kelly is interested in developing and testing mental health interventions for low-resource settings, with a focus on community-based approaches for children and adolescents. In Nepal, Kelly is leading an 8-year programme to evaluate a school-based talking therapy for adolescents with depression. She has worked as a consultant for UNESCO and conducted research for the World Health Organization to inform global mental health policy and programming.   In this episode: The impact of geography and socio-political factors on mental healthHow community-led initiatives can mobilise care during crisesThe intersection of rights and mental health careThe potential for an abolitionist approach to global mental healthWhat global mental health could look like in the coming decades  Hosts:  Xand van Tulleken – Doctor, Writer, and TV Presenter and Professor Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health.   Resources and mentions: Discover the new Global Mental Health MSc at UCL: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/global-mental-health-mscTranscultural Psychosocial Organisation Nepal: https://www.tponepal.org/   “What has disrupted your thinking?” Parth: Book - The Revolution Will Not Be Funded by INCITE! and Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton Kelly: Art - landscapes of East Yorkshire by David Hockney   Production Credits:Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is a podcast from UCL Health of the Public. Recorded remotely and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative Want to be part of a live recording of Public Health Disrupted?On 30 June 2026, the podcast will be recorded in front of a live audience for the first time at UCL's Bloomsbury Studio. Learn more and get your ticket: https://bloomsburytheatre.com/event/2026/06/public-health-disrupted

    49 min

  2. Apr 21

    Why are younger generations drinking less?

    In the first episode of Season 6 of Public Health Disrupted, Dr Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess explore why younger generations are drinking less, and what that shift means for public health.   Alcohol consumption among young people has fallen sharply over the past two decades, but the reasons behind this change are complex. Is it greater awareness of alcohol harms, economic pressure, changing social lives, or wider shifts in how young people experience risk and wellbeing?   Joining Xand and Rochelle are Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, and Dr Melissa Oldham from the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at UCL. Together, they unpack what the data tells us, what sobriety and “drinking less” look like in everyday social life, and why community, policy and support systems matter if this trend is to lead to better health outcomes in the long term. In this episode: Why alcohol consumption among young people has fallen in recent decadesHow social media, economic pressure and changing social norms are reshaping drinking cultureThe role of community in helping people navigate social life without alcoholWhy supportive systems are essential for public healthHow policy, regulation and marketing influence our relationship with alcoholHosts:  Xand van Tulleken – Doctor, Writer, and TV Presenter and Rochelle Burgess – Professor of Global Mental Health and Social Justice at the UCL Institute for Global Health.   Resources and mentions: Alcohol Change UK Sober Girl Society    “What has disrupted your thinking?” Millie: Song - Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen Melissa: Book- Wintering by Katherine May   Production Credits: Public Health Disrupted is a podcast from UCL Health of the Public. Recorded remotely and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative. Want to be part of a live recording of Public Health Disrupted?On 30 June 2026, the podcast will be recorded in front of a live audience for the first time at UCL's Bloomsbury Studio. Learn more and get your ticket.

    47 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing older

    In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing.  Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing. Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings.  The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health. Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health With special thanks to our guests: Rachel Colles - Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and MindsDr Carrie Ryan - Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and Sciences Resources and mentions: ‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!)

    43 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    The Future of Work: Rethinking the 9 to 5

    What if the key to better mental health, stronger families, and a more sustainable society was working less? In this episode, Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess explore how reducing the working week could transform not just our work-life balance but public health more broadly. They’re joined by: Joe Ryle – Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, advocating for a shorter working week with no loss of payProfessor Anna Cox – Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at UCL and Head of the eWork Research Group, whose work explores how technology impacts productivity and wellbeing In this episode: How overworking is driving burnout, stress, and poor health outcomesWhat flexible and remote working has taught us post-COVIDThe role of digital technology in balancing work and lifeWhy a shorter week could be good for the environment and the economyWhether AI might finally deliver on the long-promised work-life revolution This episode also asks a deeper question: what would it take to truly shift our culture away from valuing busyness and burnout, and toward health, connection, and rest? Resources and mentions: Four Day Week CampaignBullsh*t Jobs by David GraeberBlack Mirror episodes on the future of work and technology Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public. Read the full show notes and transcript.

    38 min
  5. Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking the intersection of public health and personal freedom

    07/15/2025

    Beyond the neglectful state: unpacking the intersection of public health and personal freedom

    In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Dr Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health. The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy. Guests: Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation. Adam now works in the NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme.Professor James Wilson, Professor of Philosophy at UCL. In this episode: The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse.Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking.The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike.How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government. This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and communities in fostering a healthier society. Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public. Read the full show notes and transcript.

    44 min

  6. 05/27/2025

    Listening to connect: how understanding beliefs can transform public health

    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.

    43 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    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.

    40 min

  8. 08/19/2024

    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.

    42 min
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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. 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.

Information

  • Creator
    UCL Health of the Public
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UCL Health of the Public
  • Show Website
    Public Health Disrupted

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