Hey, Did You Know?

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Hosts Mike Kilpatrick and Susan Strongman talks 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. 6d ago

    Asbestos in play sand, the dangers of DIY - Dr Terri-Ann Berry | Ep 21

    AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry talks asbestos in kids' play sand, 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, 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Aug 11

    Inflammation, immunisation and genetics - Dr Chris Puli'uvea | Ep 17

    Pacific immunologist Dr Chris Puli'uvea talks inflammation, immunity, genetics and He-Man with host Susan Strongman. 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. USEFUL LINKS Research: Join Chris’ study into genetic variants across Māori and Pacific populations, by emailing tewharearaimate@aut.ac.nzResource: Learn more about Dr Chris Puli'uvea’s work at AUTResearch: Pacific-led responses to COVID-19 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

  6. 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

  7. Jul 14

    Creating refugee camps, being taken hostage and drone fishing- Professor Regan Potangaroa | Ep 15

    With Professor Regan Potangaroa. In this episode of Hey, Did You Know? An AUT Podcast, AUT Professor Regan Potangaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) chats to host Susan Strongman about creating a refugee camp from scratch, being taken hostage twice, his new-found love for drone fishing, and more. Professor Potangaroa is a recognised global expert in humanitarian engineering and Māori-centered resilience. USEFUL LINKS Kutupalong refugee camp   Canterbury Earthquakes   2016 Kaikōura earthquake  Professor Regan Potangaroa academic profile COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate & 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. Jun 9

    FIFA World Cup, the Commonwealth Games and sport in Aotearoa - Episode 14

    With Dr Mel Johnston.  In this episode of Hey, Did You Know? An AUT Podcast, Dr Mel Johnston, Head of Department, Sports Leadership and Management at AUT, chats to host Mike Kilpatrick about major sporting events, the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the changing role of sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.  They discuss whether the Commonwealth Games are still relevant, why they matter for athlete development, and what a future New Zealand-hosted Games could look like. Mel also talks about the politics and economics of mega-events, including FIFA’s huge revenues, dynamic ticket pricing, sport washing and the growing influence of broadcasting.  The conversation also explores community sport, including rising costs, volunteer shortages, access for children and the need for clubs to adapt to changing expectations. Mel shares insights from the National Sports Club Survey, including concerns about affordability and participation.  They also discuss integrity in sport, gender equality, the growth of women’s sport, and how events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup can create momentum for participation, visibility and investment.  MAIN TOPICS AND DISCUSSION  Sport Leadership and Management at AUT - https://www.aut.ac.nz/study/study-options/sport-and-recreation  National Sports Club Survey - https://sprinz.aut.ac.nz/areas-of-expertise/sport-leadership-and-management/national-sport-club-survey  Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui - https://sportintegrity.nz/  FIFA World Cup 2026 - https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026  Commonwealth Games - https://thecgf.com/  COMMUNITY CALLS AND ACTION  Rate & Review on your chosen podcast app Follow the show on InstagramTell us what you want to know about nextCREDITS  Host – Mike Kilpatrick Editors – Mike Kilpatrick Producer – Mike Kilpatrick Executive Producer – Nicola Hopkins Music – Clinton Watkins Design – AUT Brand Team

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About

Hosts Mike Kilpatrick and Susan Strongman talks 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
    AUT News
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AUT News
  • Show Website
    Hey, Did You Know?