The science intersection

Disability, Bias and the Barriers We Build with Daniel Hodges

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2393977/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Science Intersection, I speak with Daniel Hodges, founder of Pieces of Me, an organisation working to eliminate stigma around disability, physical difference and chronic illness. Daniel shares his own experiences of being born with multiple disabilities, including blindness and chronic pain, and how those experiences shaped his work in disability advocacy, healthcare access and organisational inclusion. We discuss the difference between performative inclusion and meaningful systems change, why disabled people often face worse outcomes because of social and structural barriers rather than disability itself, and why accessibility should not be framed as “lowering standards.” Daniel also talks about the shocking assumptions he faced as a blind parent, including having to fight for the right to parent his own child, and how that experience deepened his commitment to helping organisations, healthcare providers and communities do better. Find out more about Daniel’s work at:  https://www.peacesofme.org/ [https://www.peacesofme.org/] This episode explores disability, healthcare, employment, parenting, accessibility, bias, and the human-made barriers that can  and should be changed. Daniel argues that inclusion begins with curiosity, trust and a willingness to redesign systems so people can compete and participate fairly.  A huge thank you to Daniel Hodges for joining me on this episode and for sharing his experiences, insight and advocacy work so generously. If you found this conversation valuable, please consider following The Science Intersection, sharing the episode with someone who might benefit from it, or leaving a review. It really helps the podcast reach more people and continue exploring the links between science, society and wellbeing. Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/rachelm_thescienceintersection]

Rhythms of Resistance: Protest, Samba and the Politics of Direct Action

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2393977/fan_mail/new] In this episode of The Science Intersection, I speak with Ian Fillingham, who helped found Rhythms of Resistance and was involved with Reclaim the Streets. We discuss the origins of Rhythms of Resistance, the role of samba and carnival-style protest, and the wider history of anti-globalisation and environmental direct action. Ian reflects on actions in Prague, Reclaim the Streets, the Liverpool dockers, climate protest, greenwashing, military emissions, and the question of what protest movements can realistically achieve. This is a conversation about social movements, power, capitalism, environmental crisis and the contested politics of protest. It includes discussion of direct action, policing, sabotage, and controversial activist tactics.  Wrt episode I don’t think legality and morality are always the same thing. History is full of legal harms and illegal acts of conscience. But I also think it’s important to discuss these questions carefully, especially when protest tactics involve risk, confrontation or harm. A big thank you to Ian for joining me. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the show grow, please share it, leave a comment, or consider making a donation.  Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/rachelm_thescienceintersection]

Science Education? It’s Child’s Play

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2393977/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I speak with Phil Wiles and Matteo Menapace about how games can be used in science communication, education and public engagement. We discuss how tabletop games can help people understand complex systems  from hospitals and medical research to coding, disease spread and climate change. We also talk about why games can make abstract problems feel more tangible, how they allow people to practise decision-making in a safe space, and how they can create a sense of agency rather than despair. Matteo Menapace is best known as the co-designer of Daybreak, the critically acclaimed cooperative board game about stopping climate breakdown. He designs and delivers bespoke “serious” games, ranging from playful policy simulations for strategic planning to gamified consultation processes for stakeholder engagement. You can find out more about Daybreak here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8GH1j7-sg8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8GH1j7-sg8] A huge thank you to Phil and Matteo for joining me. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to help the show grow, please leave a comment, share it with someone who might enjoy it, or consider making a donation. The donation link is in the show notes. Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/rachelm_thescienceintersection]

How to Make Friends Without Forcing It: with Ryan from Social Shortcuts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2393977/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan from Social Shortcuts to talk about what actually helps people build better social lives. We discuss why so many people feel isolated even when they live in busy cities, how Meetup and events can help people make new connections, and what often gets in the way of turning conversations into real friendships. Ryan shares his views on small talk, vulnerability, confidence, social risk-taking, self-sabotage, dating, and why connection is less about labels like “friend” or “acquaintance” and more about care, understanding and consistency. This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more confident socially, build deeper connections, or understand why making friends as an adult can feel so difficult. To learn more go to:  https://socialshortcuts.com/ Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/rachelm_thescienceintersection]

Living with Long Covid, Invisible Illness and Finding Support

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2393977/fan_mail/new] In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Wills Taube, who has been living with long Covid since 2022 and went on to set up Long Covid Solidarity, a peer support project connecting people affected by the condition. Emma talks about what it was like to become disabled after Covid, the confusion of not having a clear diagnosis at first, and how speaking to someone else with long Covid helped her begin to accept what was happening. We also discuss the day-to-day reality of long Covid, including how it can affect energy, identity, work, relationships and mental health, as well as the challenges of navigating healthcare and being taken seriously with an invisible condition. Emma also talks about the importance of peer support, community, and why Long Covid Solidarity matters. Please note: if you are thinking about trying supplements or other alternative approaches discussed in this episode, please speak to a qualified healthcare professional before doing so. If you would like to find out more about Emma’s work, you can visit her site here: https://sites.google.com/view/longcovidsolidarity/home Other groups for people with long Covid include: * Long COVID Support * Long COVID SOS If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, comment and follow the podcast. If you want, I can also make this a bit more SEO-friendly for Buzzsprout. Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/rachelm_thescienceintersection]