Best MQ Mental Health Research Podcasts (2024)

1
Professor Helen Minnis & Understanding Childhood Trauma 48:55

1d ago48:55

48:55

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, Professor Helen Minnis. Helen’s research mainly focuses on young people’s mental health, such as examining the relationship between child maltreatment, neurodevelopment and mental illness across the lifespan. In thi…

1
Professor Ellen Townsend & Keeping Young People Safe Online 43:14

8d ago43:14

43:14

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to a Professor of the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham, Professor Ellen Townsend. Ellen currently leads the Self-Harm Research Group, which researches psychological factors associated with self-harm and suicidality, and interventions that promote recovery, especially in yo…

1
Dr Sian Williams: From BBC To Psychology 54:45

24d ago54:45

54:45

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to BBC broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist, Dr Sian Williams. Sian's career in broadcasting spans nearly forty years, in which she spent over a decade hosting 'BBC Breakfast'. Sian has also hosted major events for BBC including two royal weddings and the London 2012 Olympics. Cur…

1
Professor Allan Young & Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder 45:55

1M ago45:55

45:55

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Head of the School of Academic Psychiatry at the Institue of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Professor Allan Young. Allan’s extensive research focuses on the causes and treatments for severe psychiatric illnesses, particularly mood disorders. He was also ranked as one of the wor…

1
Professor Simon Wessely & Understanding NHS Spending 1:00:24

2M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College London, Professor Sir Simon Wessely. Simon is a psychiatrist and epidemiologist with a focus on military health and unexplained symptoms and syndromes. In 2017, the then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, commissioned Sim…

1
Building Mentally Healthy Workplaces w/ Georgie Mack & Dr Kate Duckworth 42:03

2M ago42:03

42:03

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the CEO of Peopleful, Georgie Mack, and Head of Data, Analysis & Insight at Peopleful, Dr Kate Duckworth. MQ Mental Health Research has joined forces with Peopleful and the WorkWell Research Centre at North West University to conduct a cross-industry study of workplace dynamics across the …

1
Dr Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell & Understanding Grief 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to counselling psychologist and author Dr Chloe Paidoussis Mitchell. Chloe is a highly experienced psychologist specialising in grief and trauma and how it relates to one’s mental health. Recently, she released her first book, The Loss Prescription, which aims to use research and science to h…

1
Dr. Martha Deiros Collado & Gaining Insight Into Your Child 47:11

3M ago47:11

47:11

Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of MQ Open Mind! Join Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig as they delve into the fascinating world of child and young people’s mental health with special guest, clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Martha Deiros Collado. Dr. Martha, a seasoned psychologist with a wealth of experience in her field, gained wide…

1
Andy Bell & How to Create a Mentally Healthier Nation 45:18

7M ago45:18

45:18

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the CEO of the Centre for Mental Health, Andy Bell. The Centre for Mental Health is an organization UK charity that focuses on building mental health research to create fairer mental health policies. In September, over 30 mental health organisations, including MQ, joined together to call o…

1
Dr Maxime Taquet & Why Some People Develop Brain Fog 36:57

7M ago36:57

36:57

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to MQ researcher and academic clinical fellow at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, Dr Maxime Taquet. Initially training to become an engineer, Maxime made the change to mental health research. Maxime’s current research is on the effects of COVID, specifically brain fog…

1
Professor David Nutt & A New Approach to Treating Depression 41:42

8M ago41:42

41:42

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology and the head of the Psychedelics Research Centre at Imperial College London, Professor David Nutt. David specialises in the research of drugs that affect the brain and conditions such as addiction, anxiety, and sleep. Currently, David is…

1
Prof Kathryn Abel & Improving CAMHS 55:15

8M ago55:15

55:15

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to PR professional and Mum of four, Hayley Peters, and professor of psychological medicine and psychiatrist at the University of Manchester, Professor Kathryn Abel. Hayley has first-hand experience navigating child and adolescent mental health services as a parent, whereas Kathryn’s current r…

1
Professor Louise Arseneault & Collaboration in Research 48:20

9M ago48:20

48:20

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to professor of developmental psychology at Kings College London, Louise Arseneault. Louise’s research focuses on the study of harmful behaviours such as violence and substance dependence, their developmental origins, their inter-connections with mental health, and their consequences for vict…

1
What Do We Want Research to Answer 15:45

11M ago15:45

15:45

On the 5th of July, MQ launched the very first Research Appreciation Day. A day to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines. For this special episode of Open Mind, and in honour of Research Appreciation Day, here are the questions that our guests would love to be answered by mental health research. Open Mind will return in…

1
Jenny Okolo & Empathy in the Criminal Justice Sector 37:58

12M ago37:58

37:58

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Occupational Therapist, Jenny Okolo. Jenny is a highly experienced lead psychiatric occupational therapist and a respected mental health advocate. She has a strong background in the criminal justice sector. Her main expertise lies in promoting workplace wellbeing, supporting mental health,…

1
Explaining our Gone Too Soon Roadmap 44:03

1y ago44:03

44:03

In this episode, we spoke to Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester, Tony Pisani, Head of Development at MQ, Emily Wheeler, and founder of Into The Light and suicide researcher, Benny Prawira, to discuss MQ’s latest paper, Gone Too Soon. The Gone Too Soon paper is a roadmap written by 40 global experts, mixing mental healt…

1
Dean Stott (DLC Anxiety) & Thriving with Anxiety 37:30

1y ago37:30

37:30

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to mental health activist and author, Dean Stott. After managing with an anxiety disorder for several years, Dean had the idea to start DLC Anxiety, an online community support group for people coping with anxiety. Since its inception in 2020, DLC Anxiety has amassed over 1.2 million members,…

1
Dr Lucy Foulkes & the Truth About Mental Illness 44:40

1y ago44:40

44:40

In this episode, Professor Rory O'Connor and Craig spoke to academic psychologist and author, Dr Lucy Foulkes. Lucy is currently a Prudence Trust Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, investigating how school-based mental health interventions may be causing adolescents harm. In this conversation, they discussed supporting young people with t…

1
James Gwinnett & Building Mental Resilience 42:44

1y ago42:44

42:44

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to endurance athlete and motivational speaker, James Gwinnett. After a bad neck injury playing rugby, James developed depression due to his inactivity, which eventually included alcoholism. Four years later, he found redemption in the form of fitness challenges, starting from running the Lond…

1
Dr Ben Alderson-Day and the Feeling That Someone Is Behind You 46:54

1y ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to associate professor in psychology at Durham University, Dr Ben Alderson-Day. Ben’s research is broadly focused on mental health and neurodiversity. His current research is about “felt presence”, the sensation that someone is present without any sensory cues. In this conversation, they disc…

1
Dr Anne Duffy & Protecting Student Mental Health 47:06

1+ y ago47:06

47:06

In this episode, we spoke to Professor of Psychiatry at Queen’s University Kingston, and Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, Dr Anne Duffy. Anne has an extensive research background in understanding the development and early intervention of mental illness in young people. Her current research is focused on developing an international co…

1
Tommy Lowther and Living With PTSD 49:41

1+ y ago49:41

49:41

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Armed Forces veteran and CEO of Sporting Force, Tommy Lowther. Tommy served with the British Army and subsequently with the Metropolitan Police. During both careers, he experienced several traumatic events, causing him to be diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In this conversation, they …

1
Flo Sharman and the Impact of Trauma on Mental Health 41:16

1+ y ago41:16

41:16

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to mental health campaigner and MQ ambassador Flo Sharman. At four months old, Flo had a life-saving operation which caused her to stay in the hospital for several months. At age eight, Flo had a sudden mental breakdown that temporarily caused her to go blind and be paralysed. Only years later, she di…

1
Dr Rona Strawbridge & Manveer Sahota and the Link Between Physical and Mental Health 40:24

1+ y ago40:24

40:24

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Dr Rona Strawbridge, a medical genetics research fellow at the University of Glasgow, and Manveer Sahota, an expert by lived experience and research participatory. Rona joined the show on behalf of DATAMIND, a Health Data Research Hub and a global resource for Mental Health researchers. Recently, R…

1
What Would You Want Mental Health Research to Answer? ft Gemma Styles, AJ & Curtis Pritchard and Linda Lusardi 54:19

1+ y ago54:19

54:19

This week we have dancers AJ & Curtis Pritchard, actress Linda Lusardi, and MQ ambassador and returning Open Mind guest Gemma Styles. In this episode, we discuss what questions we would like mental health research to answer, the importance of finding suitable treatment, and finding strength through diagnosis.…

1
Prof Ann John and Utilising Mental Health Data 42:45

1+ y ago42:45

42:45

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Professor of Public Health and Psychiatry at Swansea University, Ann John. Ann is the Principal Investigator and Co-Director of DATAMIND, a Health Data Research Hub and a global resource for Mental Health researchers. In this engaging conversation, they spoke about the importance of collaboration, …

1
Revisiting the ’Gone Too Soon’ Webinar 58:39

1+ y ago58:39

58:39

In honour of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this week, we’re re-releasing our Gone Too Soon webinar as a podcast episode. Hosted by MQ’s Bryony, the panel consisted of Professor Rory O’Connor, Dr Ruchika Gajwani, a clinical psychologist and MQ Fellow, and MQ ambassador Harry Corin. In this discussion, they spoke about the current state of trea…

1
Claire Eastham & Living With Panic Disorder 52:31

2y ago52:31

52:31

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to author and MQ ambassador Claire Eastham. Earlier this year, Claire released a book called ‘How I Learned to Live With Panic’, which explores anxiety and panic disorder whilst providing helpful knowledge on how to manage panic attacks. In this inspiring conversation, they spoke about the difficultie…

1
Nick Morgan and Protecting Youth Mental Health 47:33

2y ago47:33

47:33

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Nick Morgan, the founder of the organization Euro Youth Mental Health, and activist and lived experience campaigner, Chryssi. Euro Youth Mental Health is a non-profit organization that advocates for children and young people’s mental health. In this discussion, they spoke about the importance of vo…

1
Sophie Brigden & Supporting Military Mental Health 51:53

2y ago51:53

51:53

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ's latest ambassador and PTSD campaigner, Sophie Brigden. In 2007, Sophie developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after encountering a series of traumatic events while serving on tour in the British Army. In this discussion, they spoke about the misconceptions about PTSD, supporting the mental h…

1
Gemma Oaten and Living With an Eating Disorder 47:32

2y ago47:32

47:32

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to actress and eating disorder campaigner Gemma Oaten. Gemma is known for playing Rachel Breckle in the popular soap opera Emmerdale. At age 10, Gemma discovered that she had an eating disorder, although due to a lack of clinical understanding, she continued to struggle for another 13 years. Now Gemma…

1
Lily Bailey and Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 51:36

2y ago51:36

51:36

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to mental health activist and author Lily Bailey. At age 16, Lily was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, although her first experiences with OCD occurred during childhood. Recently, Lily released the children’s book, ‘When I See Blue’, about a young boy and his struggles with OCD. In this t…

1
Azeem Rafiq and the Impact of Racism on Mental Health 50:53

2y ago50:53

50:53

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and cricket star, Azeem Rafiq. Azeem played cricket professionally in England for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. In 2020, Azeem shared his experiences of racism and bullying at Yorkshire, which became a major media story in the United Kingdom. In this riveting conversation, they spoke…

1
James Downs and Embracing Lived Experience in Research 57:55

2y ago57:55

57:55

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and yoga instructor, James Downs. James is a member of the Gone Too Soon steering group, helping to shape the direction of MQ's next funding programme as an expert by experience. In this episode, we spoke about the prevalence of eating disorders, the inclusion of people with lived exp…

1
Amazin LeThi & Dr Jessica Schleider and Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health 53:07

2y ago53:07

53:07

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to athlete and LGBTQ+ advocate, Amazin LeThi, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stonybrook University, Dr Jessica Schleider. In this episode, they spoke about supporting the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of representation, and the impact of meaningful moments on…

1
Leigh Timmis and Finding Your Purpose in Life 56:34

2y ago56:34

56:34

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to speaker and Guinness world record holder, Leigh Timmis. They spoke about self-improvement, finding your purpose, and breaking records. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/home/By MQ: Transforming Mental Health

1
Dr Alexandra Pitman and Identifying Loneliness 45:20

2y ago45:20

45:20

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Associate Professor in Psychiatry at UCL and Consultant Psychiatrist at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Alexandra Pitman. They spoke about loneliness, the importance of inclusive research, and enjoying solitude. Links to the topics mentioned in the episode: - https://www.bespokemental…

1
Gemma Styles and the Importance of Doing Good 54:29

2y ago54:29

54:29

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to podcaster and journalist, Gemma Styles, to discuss doing good, the impact of social media on mental health, and raising money with sunglasses.By MQ: Transforming Mental Health

1
MQ Open Mind is back! 22:56

2y ago22:56

22:56

Join Professor Rory O'Connor and MQ's Craig Perryman in this rebooted version of the MQ Open Mind podcast! In today's episode, they discuss who they are and why they got into mental health research.By MQ: Transforming Mental Health

1
Ep 12: Tackling the rise in self-harm among young people 34:30

4+ y ago34:30

34:30

[Trigger warning: podcast references suicide and self-harm] Research suggests an increasing number of young people are self-harming – and more than half of them aren’t seeking help. It’s clear this issue is rising – but why? And what can we do about it? In this episode of MQ Open Mind, we talk to mental health campaigner Sian and researcher Ellen t…

1
Ep 11: Can science tell us who's most likely to develop depression? 33:11

5y ago33:11

33:11

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses and currently affects 1 in 10 people in the UK. But what if science could tell us who’s most likely to develop depression? Researcher Helen and MQ ambassador John join host Hannah to explore this question in the latest episode of MQ Open Mind. John first experienced depression age 5. Now 29, he …

1
Ep 10: Social media and mental health: The facts behind the headlines 37:08

5y ago37:08

37:08

Social media: is it good or bad for our mental health? We’ve been swamped with headlines talking about how damaging platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are to young people’s wellbeing. But the fact is there’s a lack of research – and social media is constantly developing. In this episode, we delve into these issues with James, a mental h…

1
Ep 9: Young people's mental health: What's school got to do with it? 35:22

5+ y ago35:22

35:22

There’s a growing crisis in young people’s mental health. 75% of mental illness begins before the age of 18 - and 3 children in an average classroom are affected by a diagnosable condition. This new episode of MQ Open Mind explores the role the education system can play in solving this crisis. We’re joined by Damani, a college student with experien…

1
Ep 8: How can we work together to prevent suicide? 43:51

6y ago43:51

43:51

This new episode of MQ Open Mind marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and explores how we can all play a role in preventing suicide. We’re joined by Paul McGregor, a mental health campaigner who lost his dad to suicide when he was 18, and Professor Rory O’Connor, an MQ-funded researcher who’s been conducting research into suicide and self-harm for o…

1
Ep 7: Why are women twice as likely to develop anxiety? 35:51

6+ y ago35:51

35:51

Women are at a far greater risk to anxiety compared to men. In this episode we explore why. Researcher Olivia Remes at the University of Cambrdige offers insight on the social factors, whilst Dr Bronwyn Graham at the University of New South Wales in Australia explains the biological reasons. Bronwyn talks about her MQ-funded research looking at the…

1
Ep 6: How does PTSD affect firefighters? And what can we do to stop it? 24:42

6+ y ago24:42

24:42

Mat Barlow, a firefighter, describes his battle with PTSD, triggered by an incident that took place whilst he was driving a fire engine. He describes some of the most tragic symptoms he’s experienced that affected his relationships, his family and his work. Imagine if we could have prevented those symptoms? He’s joined by Dr Jen Wild, a researcher …

1
Ep 5: Can magic mushrooms treat depression? 31:23

6+ y ago31:23

31:23

How can psychedelic drugs be used to treat mental illness? Former government drugs tsar Professor David Nutt is investigating how psilocybin – the active ingredient in magic mushrooms – could be used to revolutionise treatment for depression. David explains why he thinks it's working and the bureaucracy involved in researching illegal substances th…

1
Ep 4: A new way of thinking about OCD 34:23

6+ y ago34:23

34:23

For Rose Bretecher, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has never left her handwashing or ordering things, instead she has been overwhelmed by distressing sexual thoughts, ranging from child abuse to sexuality and explicit mental images. Rose tells her story and chats to Dr Claire Gillan, an MQ-funded researcher, about the science behind this condition, …

1
Ep 3: The reality of life with social anxiety and the app that could help 22:27

7y ago22:27

22:27

What does it feel like to live with social anxiety? It’s the most common of anxiety disorders – defined as a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of social situations by the NHS. Claire Eastham, author of We’re All Mad Here, speaks about her personal experience of living with the condition – from describing her first panic attack, to receiving the di…

1
Ep 2: Could an algorithm end the trial-and-error approach to mental health treatment? 27:33

7y ago27:33

27:33

Getting the right mental health treatment for you is often a game of trial and error – if one treatment doesn’t work, you’ll try another, and another, and another… People can wait months, sometimes even years, before they’re given a treatment that’s the right fit. It’s something that Mark Brown, mental health advocate and blogger, knows only too we…

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MQ Mental Health Research Podcasts

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