Notts Psych Pod

Notts Psych Pod

Notts Psych Pod is a podcast from the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. Each series explores how psychology connects with real-world issues, bringing together researchers, community partners, and people with lived experience. From neurodiversity to community engagement, we highlight research that aims to make a difference - in people’s lives, and in society. E-mail us: NottsPsychPod@nottingham.ac.uk

Episodes

  1. 08/04/2025

    S2 EP5: The Power of Art to Encourage Blood Donation in Black Communities

    This episode focuses on a project that encourages blood donation within Black communities, where University of Nottingham researchers work with Action on Blood. As part of the project, videos were produced with the communities to inspire people to donate blood. This unique, arts-based approach has been very effective at increasing blood donation.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers, Prof Eamonn Ferguson and Dr Richard Mills, and Abiola Okubanjo, Founder & CEO of Action On Blood.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: Action on Blood Read a press release on this work A paper on the film’s evaluation Reflections on the co-design process   This is the last episode in Series 2. Follow the podcast to make sure you do not miss out on Series 3.   Catch up on all our episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Vote for Notts Psych Pod in the Listeners’ Choice category at the British Podcast Awards 2025! Head to britishpodcastawards.com/vote, search for Notts Psych Pod, and cast your vote. Every vote counts - thank you for your support. Voting closes on 8th September 2025!   Get in touch via ⁠X/Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠e-mail⁠.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠/ Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠)   Notts Psych Pod Series 2 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Rachel Grasmeder Allen and Grace Baranowski.

    41 min
  2. 07/28/2025

    S2 EP4: Bringing Science to Kids: The Scouting and Guiding Initiative

    This episode focuses on the Scouting and Guiding Initiative – or SAGI. SAGI is a group of researchers at the University of Nottingham who aim to inspire the next generation of scientists. SAGI organise fun sessions all about science and how the brain works at Scouting, Girl Guiding and Boys Brigade groups.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers, Dr Lee Parkin and Dr Nikki Dean Marshall, two of the co-founders of SAGI, and Dylann Patel, an undergraduate student who is part of the SAGI team.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: X account and BlueSky Scouting and Guiding Initiative - Science Night Interest Form   The team also wish to acknowledge the following team members: Dr Ellen Taylor Dr Aneeza Pervez Samantha Martins Emily Mason Catch up on all our episodes ⁠wherever you get your podcasts⁠.  Vote for Notts Psych Pod in the Listeners’ Choice category at the British Podcast Awards 2025! Head to ⁠britishpodcastawards.com/vote⁠, search for Notts Psych Pod, and cast your vote. Every vote counts - thank you for your support. Voting closes on 8th September 2025! Get in touch via ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠e-mail⁠.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠/ Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠)   Notts Psych Pod Series 2 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Rachel Grasmeder Allen and Grace Baranowski.

    35 min
  3. 07/21/2025

    S2 EP3: How Does Psychosis Affect Thinking? Inside the EPIC Project

    This episode focuses on a Wellcome Trust funded project called EPIC – or otherwise known as Early Psychosis: Investigating Cognition. Problems with memory and attention affect a large proportion of people with psychosis. However, much of the focus is on “positive” symptoms like hallucinations. The EPIC project aims to fill this gap by understanding the changes in memory and attention in daily life during early psychosis.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers, Dr Claudia Danielmeier, Dr Laura Blackie and Dr Ryan Elson, alongside Advisory Group Member, Richard Falvey.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: Project Website X account and BlueSky How to join the advisory group Healthy individuals with an interest in Study 1 can contact Dr Ryan Elson (ryan.elson@nottingham.ac.uk) Watch Dr Claudia Danielmeier talk about the project   The team also wish to acknowledge the following people: Dr Zia Katshu Dr Katherine Dyke Dr Adam Berrington Dr Daniel Cocking Dr Amal Jolly All members of the advisory group Catch up on all our episodes ⁠wherever you get your podcasts⁠. Vote for Notts Psych Pod in the Listeners’ Choice category at the British Podcast Awards 2025! Head to ⁠britishpodcastawards.com/vote⁠, search for Notts Psych Pod, and cast your vote. Every vote counts - thank you for your support. Voting closes on 8th September 2025! Get in touch via ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠e-mail⁠.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠/ Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠)   Notts Psych Pod Series 2 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Rachel Grasmeder Allen and Grace Baranowski.

    24 min
  4. 07/14/2025

    S2 EP2: What Really Happens During the Menopause

    This episode focuses on a research programme which explores what happens to the mind as we navigate one of life’s major transitions, the menopause. Such a transition is under-researched, despite affecting half the population. Here, we dive into the science of attention, memory and hormones, and hear from researchers about how cognitive performance is affected across the stages of menopause.  We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers Prof Lucy Cragg, Karen Barnor and Chhanda Karmaker.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: MenoCog – Cognition in Menopause Research Get Involved Press Release: Menopauseresearch to investigate memory and concentration The team also wish to acknowledge the following researchers: Prof Harriet Allen Prerita Chawla Catch up on all our episodes ⁠wherever you get your podcasts⁠. Vote for Notts Psych Pod in the Listeners’ Choice category at the British Podcast Awards 2025! Head to ⁠britishpodcastawards.com/vote⁠, search for Notts Psych Pod, and cast your vote. Every vote counts - thank you for your support. Voting closes on 8th September 2025! Get in touch via ⁠X⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠e-mail⁠.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski⁠) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠)   Notts Psych Pod Series 2 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Rachel Grasmeder Allen and Grace Baranowski.

    25 min
  5. 07/07/2025

    S2 EP1: Are Fairies Real - and Does God Eat? Inside the Developing Belief Network

    Are fairies real - and does God eat? This episode focuses on the Developing Belief Network, a cross-cultural research network involving 19 countries where questions like these have been asked of children to explore the development and diversity of cognition.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers Dr Emily Burdett and Joanna Stephens.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: Developing Belief Network Objects of Spiritual Yearning Summer Scientist Week Photo of the (Massive) Bear   The team also wish to acknowledge their Research Assistants, alongside really appreciating the undergraduate and Master's students who have helped with transcriptions:   Alexia Jeayes Gherrie Laput Lauren Sheriff  Rosemarie Fowler Aleeya Lone Giorgiana Solomes  Catch up on all our episodes ⁠wherever you get your podcasts⁠. Vote for Notts Psych Pod in the Listeners’ Choice category at the British Podcast Awards 2025! Head to britishpodcastawards.com/vote, search for Notts Psych Pod, and cast your vote. Every vote counts - thank you for your support. Voting closes on 8th September 2025! Get in touch via ⁠X/Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ or ⁠e-mail⁠.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠/ Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: ⁠@graceebaranowski⁠)   Notts Psych Pod Series 2 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Rachel Grasmeder Allen and Grace Baranowski.

    33 min
  6. 06/18/2024

    S1 EP5: Consequences of Societal Exclusion: Mental Health and Autism

    This episode focuses on the mental health difficulties that autistic people commonly experience (including self-harm, suicide, PTSD, and trauma). We also discuss autistic people’s experiences of mental health services and isolation and exclusion from society.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researchers Dr Sarah Cassidy and Victoria Newell, alongside Jon, an autistic researcher at the University of Strathclyde who is investigating autistic trauma and creativity. Jon is also an artist and has been involved in the research with Sarah. Jon shares his experiences as an autistic person and a researcher. To complement this episode, we have written a short brief summarizing the research and offering a "call to action" to promote meaningful change. You can read the brief ⁠here⁠. If you're feeling like you want to end your life, it's important to tell someone. Help and support are available right now if you need it. You do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are available on 116 123 (UK) for free anytime. They are there to talk and listen. You can also find further help for suicidal thoughts via the NHS website.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: Mental Health in Autism (MHAutism) Research Group Autism Community Priorities for Suicide Prevention Policy Brief   You can also listen to the full Series 1 wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)   Notts Psych Pod Series 1 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby. This podcast was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.

    30 min
  7. 06/18/2024

    S1 EP4 Improving Neurodivergent People’s Access to Care

    This episode focuses on the barriers that neurodivergent people experience when accessing healthcare, with a focus on ADHD and Tourette Syndrome. We discuss the importance of ensuring support is accessible for neurodivergent people. We are joined by the University of Nottingham researchers Dr Blandine French and Dr Maddie Groom, alongside Mat, who shares his experiences of getting an ADHD diagnosis, and his opinions on the research discussed. To complement this episode, we have written a short brief summarizing the research and offering a "call to action" to promote meaningful change. You can read the brief here.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode: Notts Neurodiversity Network Centre for ADHD andNeurodevelopmental Disorders (CANDAL) Neurodiversity Research by Dr Blandine French ImproviNg Tic Services in EnglaND (INTEND) study Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome: Exploring the INTEND Project   You can also listen to the full Series 1 wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠ Edited by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)   Notts Psych Pod Series 1 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby. This podcast was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.

    36 min
  8. 06/18/2024

    S1 EP3: Learning to Drive: Challenges for Autistic People

    This episode focuses on autism and driving. We discuss why it is important for driving instructors to understand and recognise autism.   We are joined by University of Nottingham researcher Dr Lizzy Sheppard, Dr Julia Malkin MBE, an autistic driving instructor who has over 18 years of experience training driving instructors on how to support neurodivergent learner drivers and Laurie, an autistic person who has previously had driving lessons but does not yet have a license.  Laurie and Julia share their experiences of learning to drive and their opinions on the research being carried out by Lizzy and other researchers in the team.   To complement this episode, we have written a short brief summarizing the research and offering a "call to action" to promote meaningful change. You can read the brief here.   You can also listen to the full Series 1 wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail.   Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: ⁠DrDanielJolley)⁠ Edited by Florence Lesinski–Tubby (Instagram: @forestspiritflorence / @watchalongurn) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: ⁠@Rachel_GA_⁠ / Instagram: ⁠@neuro_rachel)⁠ Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski)   Notts Psych Pod Series 1 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby. This podcast was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.

    31 min
  9. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Trailer to Series 1: Neurodiversity Research at the University of Nottingham

    Notts Psych Pod is a podcast series from the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. In our first series, we spotlight neurodiversity research conducted at the University. Each episode features researchers discussing their cutting-edge work on the societal barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals, the consequences of these barriers, and how their research aims to create a more inclusive society. Importantly, we include the voices of those with lived experience of neurodiversity, sharing how these issues impact their everyday lives. In the School of Psychology, we adopt the "Social Model of Disability," which views society as the disabling factor and emphasizes the removal of societal barriers to achieve inclusivity. Our series will explore various obstacles that neurodivergent people encounter, which often go unnoticed by neurotypical individuals. To complement each episode, we provide short briefs summarizing the research and offering "calls to action" to promote meaningful change. Our podcast series will cover very real and very important issues, shedding light on the significant research at the University of Nottingham and aiming to inspire policymakers to implement changes that improve the lives of the neurodivergent community. Get in touch via X/Twitter, Instagram or e-mail. Hosted by Dr Daniel Jolley (X: DrDanielJolley) Edited by Florence Lesinski–Tubby (Instagram: @forestspiritflorence / @watchalongurn) Produced by Rachel Grasmeder Allen (X: @Rachel_GA_ / Instagram: @neuro_rachel) Logo creation by Grace Baranowski (Instagram: @graceebaranowski) Notts Psych Pod Series 1 team: Dr Daniel Jolley, Prof Nicola Pitchford, Dr Lauren Marsh, Rachel Grasmeder Allen, Grace Baranowski and Florence Lesinski–Tubby. Series 1 was funded by a Research England QR Policy Support award.

    1 min

Trailers

About

Notts Psych Pod is a podcast from the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham. Each series explores how psychology connects with real-world issues, bringing together researchers, community partners, and people with lived experience. From neurodiversity to community engagement, we highlight research that aims to make a difference - in people’s lives, and in society. E-mail us: NottsPsychPod@nottingham.ac.uk