The BruPod

Kiran on Sensory Processing Sensitivity and Wellbeing

In episode 7 of our second series, we're in conversation with doctoral researcher Kiran Garcha about her PhD research in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Kiran explains her work focusing on Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), an inheritable trait affecting around 30% of the population. She delves into the links between SPS and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, and how her research, using neuroimaging and behavioural studies, aims to understand the cognitive and emotional reactivity associated with this trait. Kiran also discusses the potential for developing therapeutic interventions and the importance of raising awareness about SPS. Finally, she offers practical advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the benefits of early writing and clearly defining your research question. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/]. You can read a transcript of the conversation here [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BruPod-2.7-Kiran-Transcript.pdf]. This is a Research Podcasts [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/] production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmcd11/], Research Podcasts Guest: Kiran Garcha [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/kiran-garcha], Brunel University of London Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissie-brighty-glover-72268224b/], Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-jarvis-579b5a82/], Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-white-1a585a41/], Research Podcasts Music: Yourtunes [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-upbeat-motivational-and-uplifting-corporate-inspiration-background-208853/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Maggie on exploring SEND Parent Carer Quality of Life with Autoethnography

In Episode 6, Maggie Stephenson discusses her research on the lived experiences of parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities. Using a critical autoethnographic approach and interpretive phenomenological analysis, Maggie sheds light on the emotional and practical realities often overlooked in policy and practice. She talks about the power of storytelling in challenging stereotypes, building empathy, and pushing for more responsive systems of care. Maggie also reflects on personal growth during the PhD journey, and the importance of choosing research that truly sustains you. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/]. You can read a transcript of the conversation here [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BruPod-2.6-Maggie-Transcript.pdf]. This is a Research Podcasts [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/] production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmcd11/], Research Podcasts Guest: Maggie Stephenson [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/margaret-stephenson], Brunel University of London Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissie-brighty-glover-72268224b/], Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-jarvis-579b5a82/], Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-white-1a585a41/], Research Podcasts Music: Yourtunes [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-upbeat-motivational-and-uplifting-corporate-inspiration-background-208853/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Udita on Menstrual Experiences in Kolkata

In Episode 5, Udita Bose discusses her research on the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Kolkata. She explains how her research tackles the pervasive stigma around menstruation, utilising innovative qualitative methods like drawing and collage, as well as a participatory action research approach. Udita also discusses the critical role of access to water and sanitation facilities in schools. Finally, she offers invaluable advice for those undertaking a PhD, emphasising the importance of taking breaks and maintaining an honest, open relationship with supervisors. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/]. You can read a transcript of the conversation here [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BruPod-2.5-Udita-Transcript.pdf]. This is a Research Podcasts [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/] production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmcd11/], Research Podcasts Guest: Udita Bose [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/udita-bose], Brunel University of London Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissie-brighty-glover-72268224b/], Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-jarvis-579b5a82/], Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-white-1a585a41/], Research Podcasts Music: Yourtunes [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-upbeat-motivational-and-uplifting-corporate-inspiration-background-208853/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Kat on the Anthropology of Home Education

In Episode 4, Kat Lacey delves into her anthropological research on home education in the UK. Through interviews and observations, Kat explores the rich and often misunderstood culture of home-educating families. She talks about the challenges of accessing a private and protective community, and why it's crucial to represent the diversity and effectiveness of this educational path. Kat also shares her hopes of influencing policy and public perception, making the case for home education as not just an option, but a supported and respected one.  To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/]. You can read a transcript of the conversation here [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BruPod-2.4-Kat-Transcript.pdf]. This is a Research Podcasts [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/] production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmcd11/], Research Podcasts Guest: Kat Lacey, Brunel University of London Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krissie-brighty-glover-72268224b/], Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-jarvis-579b5a82/], Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-white-1a585a41/], Research Podcasts Music: Yourtunes [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-upbeat-motivational-and-uplifting-corporate-inspiration-background-208853/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Lorraine on Designing Wellbeing Interventions for University Students

In Episode 3, Lorraine Groves talks about her research into digital mental health support for university students. Drawing on her work as a wellbeing therapist, Lorraine uses interviews, focus groups, and co-design to create interventions that students will actually use, and stick with. She shares how her PhD blends practical experience with academic research, and why passion and self-care are vital throughout the process. Lorraine hopes her work will lead to real change in how student wellbeing is supported, both at university and beyond. To find out more about becoming a researcher at Brunel University of London visit www.brunel.ac.uk [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/]. You can read a transcript of the conversation here [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/BruPod-2.3-Lorraine-Transcript.pdf]. This is a Research Podcasts [https://researchpodcasts.co.uk/] production. Credits: Presenter: Catherine McDonald [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathmcd11/], Research Podcasts Guest: Lorraine Groves [https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/lorraine-groves], Brunel University of London Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover [www.linkedin.com/in/krissie-brighty-glover-72268224b], Research Podcasts Editor: Anton Jarvis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-jarvis-579b5a82/], Research Podcasts Transcripts: Lauren White [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-white-1a585a41/], Research Podcasts Music: Yourtunes [https://pixabay.com/music/corporate-upbeat-motivational-and-uplifting-corporate-inspiration-background-208853/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.