Hey, Did You Know?

Auckland University of Technology
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Society & Culture
  • Biweekly

Hosts Mike Kilpatrick and Susan Strongman talk to researchers and academics at Auckland University of Technology about the work shaping Aotearoa New Zealand - from science, health, sport and technology to business, law and society. Each episode unpacks real research in plain language, plus two rolls of the die of destiny throws in a few unexpected questions. A podcast from AUT, Aotearoa's university of technology.

  1. 3d ago

    Photographing nuclear power in the Pacific - Dr Fiona Amundsen | Ep 23

    How does nuclear contamination shape the lives and landscapes of the Pacific today? In this episode of Hey Did You Know? photographer and AUT Associate Professor Fiona Amundsen discusses her work on the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, US nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands, and ongoing militarisation in Guam and Tinian.  Fiona talks about how photography can reveal the long-term impacts of nuclear weapons, and why iconic images of mushroom clouds can obscure the human and environmental consequences. From photographs developed with Guam seawater to the trees that survived the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings, she discusses nuclear history, memory, and the ethics of telling survivors’ stories.  USEFUL LINKS  Fiona Amundsen academic profile  Fiona Amundsen, Blowing in the Wind (2023 – 2025)   Artist records memories of Hiroshima COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION   Rate and review on your chosen podcast app  Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  CREDITS  Host – Susan Strongman  Editor – Susan Strongman  Producer – Mike Kilpatrick    Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins    Music – Clinton Watkins    Design – AUT Brand Team

  2. Oct 20

    Natural bodybuilding explained: steroids, nutrition and the science of building muscle - Dr Eric Helms | Ep 22

    AUT sports scientist Dr Eric Helms discusses what drew him to compete as a “natural” bodybuilder - a sport that rejects the use of performance enhancing drugs - and the hidden costs of getting competition ready. He also talks about gender-based expectations around muscularity, how competing in aesthetic and weight class sports can affect people differently, depending on their motivations and relationship with their body, and what inspired him to get jacked in the first place.   Eric is co-director of AUT’s Sport Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ). His research spans competitive physique and strength sport, strength development, fat loss, hypertrophy, and food and body image relationships.  USEFUL LINKS  Dr Eric Helms’ academic profile  AUT Sport Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ)  From Anecdote to Evidence: Dispelling Myths in Bodybuilding and Physique Sports  Dr Eric Helms on creatine (RNZ)  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS   Host – Susan Strongman   Editor – Susan Strongman   Producer – Mike Kilpatrick     Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins     Music – Clinton Watkins     Design – AUT Brand Team

  3. Oct 6

    Toxic asbestos in children's sand toys and the dangers of DIY - Dr Terri-Ann Berry | Ep 21

    AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry talks asbestos in kids' sand toys, the dangers of DIY and how her childhood dream of becoming a dancer was dashed when she lost the use of her legs. As an environmental engineer at AUT's School of Future Environments, Terri-Ann's work focuses on finding practical solutions to issues relating to construction waste management, sustainability, environmental and product contamination, and indoor air quality. But she's probably best known for her research into the presence of airborne asbestos in coloured sand products including rangoli powder and children's toys, which has made global headlines in recent months. USEFUL LINKS  Airborne asbestos found in children's play sand, RNZ.   Asbestos Still Kills Podcast, YouTube.  NZ Draft Unsafe Goods (Consumer Sand Products) Notice 2026, MBIE.   Australian Government to improve product recalls process, Treasury.   Tools down: New cancer data offers safety reminder for DIY renovators, cancer.org.au   Challenging Global Waste Management - Bioremediation to Detoxify Asbestos, NIH.   Asbestos remediation in the Cook Islands - a long-term solution for making schools safer, Unitec. COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠CREDITS  Host – Susan Strongman  Editor – Susan Strongman  Producer – Mike Kilpatrick    Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins    Music – Clinton Watkins    Design – AUT Brand Team

  4. Sep 22

    Oral health, inclusive language and people-centred care - Dr Karen Lansdown | Ep 20

    Dr Karen Lansdown, Head of AUT’s Department of Oral Health and Deputy Head of School Academic for Acute and Primary Health talks to host Mike Kilpatrick about oral healthcare. Karen explains the role of oral health therapists, the importance of prevention, and why dentistry needs to be seen as part of the wider healthcare system. She also touches on the links between oral health and wider wellbeing, including chronic conditions, confidence, employment, quality of life and access to care. The conversation also explores Karen’s PhD research into oral-health-related quality of life for people with cerebral palsy, the need for more inclusive and strengths-based language in dentistry, and the value of person-centred care. There's also shares practical advice on toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and chewing gum. USEFUL LINKS The ⁠⁠⁠Niho Ora ki Manukau clinicTeeth Matters with AUT's Chanae IhimaeraActionStation's Free Dental For All campaign COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS Host – Mike Kilpatrick Editor – Mike Kilpatrick Producer – Mike Kilpatrick   Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins   Music – Clinton Watkins   Design – AUT Brand Team

  5. Sep 8

    AI chatbots, psychotherapy and social media bans - Dr Brigitte Viljoen | Ep 19

    Brigitte Viljoen⁠, Lecturer and Course Lead in the Department of Mental Health and Wellbeing and registered practising psychotherapist, talks to host Mike Kilpatrick⁠ about the growing use of AI chatbots for mental health advice and emotional support. They talk about what psychotherapy is, why the therapeutic relationship matters, and how AI chatbots can create dependency, reinforce false beliefs, and blur the line between real and simulated connection. They also discuss social media and whether a social media ban would help in Aotearoa New Zealand. They also talk about how parents can help children use AI more safely, and why cyberpsychology may become an increasingly important field. USEFUL LINKS ⁠⁠How humans interact with AIAccessing psychotherapy help at AUTAI chatbots are no substitute for therapy COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS Host – Mike Kilpatrick Editor – Mike Kilpatrick Producer – Mike Kilpatrick   Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins   Music – Clinton Watkins   Design – AUT Brand Team

  6. Aug 25

    Volcanic eruptions, anchors and the ocean floor - Dr Marta Ribó | Ep 18

    Dr Marta Ribó⁠, Senior Lecturer in Marine Geosciences, talks to host ⁠Mike Kilpatrick⁠ about her career mapping the ocean floor across the Mediterranean, Aotearoa New Zealand and Tonga. They talk about how just 30 percent of the sea floor has been mapped, while covering the impact of ship anchors on the seabed, microplastics in Queen Charlotte Sound, and the role of the sea floor on climate change. They also talk about getting sea sick and Marta's front-row seat to the aftermath of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption, including mapping a caldera that collapsed nearly a kilometre deep. USEFUL LINKS ⁠New research finds surprising presence of microplastics⁠⁠Marine geologists investigate connection between Hunga eruption and tsunami waves⁠⁠Seabed mapping reveals ongoing damage caused by anchors⁠COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠⁠⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠⁠⁠CREDITS Host – Mike Kilpatrick Editor – Mike Kilpatrick Producer – Mike Kilpatrick   Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins   Music – Clinton Watkins   Design – AUT Brand Team

  7. Aug 11

    Inflammation, our immune systems, Māori and Pacific genetics and precision medicine - Dr Chris Puli'uvea | Ep 17

    Can you genes change how medicines work? Tongan immunologist Dr Chris Puli'uvea talks inflammation, and immunity, plus how a genetic variant found in Māori and Pacific peoples may help protect against type 2 diabetes. Chris is a senior lecturer at AUT’s School of Biomedical, Chemical & Food Sciences. His research investigates how unique genetic variants in Māori and Pacific populations can influence immune function, as well as responses to disease and medication. He is also looking at Pacific traditional medicines, and how they may influence immune responses. Join Chris’ study into genetic variants across Māori and Pacific populations, by emailing tewharearaimate@aut.ac.nzLearn more about Dr Chris Puli'uvea’s work at AUTPacific-led responses to COVID-19 Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on ⁠Instagram⁠Tell us what you want to know about next: ⁠media@aut.ac.nz⁠CREDITS Host – Susan Strongman Editor – Susan Strongman Producer – Mike Kilpatrick   Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins   Music – Clinton Watkins   Design – AUT Brand Team

  8. Jul 28

    Mindfulness, consumer behaviour and time perception - Dr Amy Errmann | Ep 16

    Dr Amy Errmann explains how mindfulness and attention shape consumer decisions - from time perception and short meditation to charity appeals and luxury tourism in the Faroe Islands. Amy is a Senior Lecturer in Marketing and International Business at AUT, and her research explores how even brief mindfulness exercises change the way consumers experience time and respond to brand messaging. She and host Mike Kilpatrick also discuss what Aotearoa New Zealand could learn from mindful tourism campaigns overseas. USEFUL LINKS Research: Mindful luxury tourism — a Faroe Islands case studyResearch: How mindfulness changes responses to charity appealsResearch: Effects of mindfulness on consumer behaviourResource: Mindfulness overview — Healthify / Te Puna Waiora COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate and review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on InstagramTell us what you want to know about next: media@aut.ac.nzCREDITS Host – Mike Kilpatrick Editor – Mike Kilpatrick Producer – Mike Kilpatrick   Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins   Music – Clinton Watkins   Design – AUT Brand Team

See All (23)

About

Hosts Mike Kilpatrick and Susan Strongman talk to researchers and academics at Auckland University of Technology about the work shaping Aotearoa New Zealand - from science, health, sport and technology to business, law and society. Each episode unpacks real research in plain language, plus two rolls of the die of destiny throws in a few unexpected questions. A podcast from AUT, Aotearoa's university of technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Auckland University of Technology
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Auckland University of Technology
  • Show Website
    Hey, Did You Know?