On 5 July 2024 Sir Keir Starmer (Law 1985, Hon LLD 2012) - one of the University's most prominent alumnus - became the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Sir Keir is the first Leeds graduate to become UK Prime Minister, and one of only a few University-educated PMs to not study his bachelors at Oxford or Cambridge. His journey to…

Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet has survived fire, flood and the changing fashions of more than three decades. Ahead of the 2024 revival of this classic production, we discover the turbulent tale behind it. Director of the University’s Cultural Institute Wieke Eringa hears from Daniel de Andrade and Pippa Moore MBE, who danced the title roles and …

This term is used very liberally in the yoga verse, but what does it actually mean to claim this title? In today's bonus podcast episode, I get into this, and so much more, with the amazing Grace Tempany. A powerful Irish presence in our yin yoga global community, Grace Tempany is a Senior Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals, a Trainer Pro and…

🎙️In episode 12 of the Dr Karina Smith podcast, I am speaking to the wonderful Kendall Satie. Kendall is a Melbourne based Osteopath with a passion for working closely with patients to get them back to doing the things they love to do. With many years of experience as a Remedial Massage Therapist, heavily influencing her assessment and treatment st…

Founder and director of Northern Bloc Dirk Mischendahl (Psychology 1995) is doing ice cream differently. He started out by making ice cream through the night and selling it from a van during the day. Now, Dirk and co-founder Josh Lee supply hundreds of theatres, arts venues and tourist attractions across the UK. Northern Bloc can be found in the Co…

🎙️In episode 11 of the Dr Karina Smith podcast, I am speaking to the one and only Dominique Salerno. Dominique founded the infamous Australian Yoga Academy here in Melbourne, and has been teaching public classes and training you teachers for over 20 years.Amongst many of her yoga passions, is the practice of Pranayama. This ancient medicine of util…

In episode 10 of the Dr Karina Smith podcast, I am speaking to the fantastic Johannah Ashley. Long-time Acupuncturist and student of Classical Acupuncture, Johannah runs a Chinese Medicine clinic in regional Victoria Australia, where for the past 6 years she has committed to practicing the compliment channels of Classical Chinese Medicine. These ar…

In episode 9 of the Dr Karina Podcast I am speaking with the notorious Michael Max. Anyone practicing Chinese Medicine would be aware of Michael's long running podcast "Qiological"; a beacon of support and inspiration to all us practitioners doing our thing in our own little corner of the globe. Michael has a wealth of knowledge to share, and has c…

In this episode we’re joined by broadcaster Anita Rani (Broadcasting 2000) and physicist Ondrej Krivanek (Physics 1971), as they return to the University to receive honorary doctorates. Ondrej is a leading developer of electron-optical instruments. He talks about how the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 led to him enrolling in physics at …

Naga Munchetty is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK. Since 2014 she's been a regular presenter on BBC Breakfast, she's a presenter on 5 Live, but did you know the spark to embarking on her career as a journalist involved a trumpet and the Leeds Student? After being a musician in her teens, she had to give back her trumpet to the Inner Lo…

This week we speak to Dr Keith Brownlee, Director of Medical Affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Since graduating with a medical degree from Leeds in 1984, Dr Brownlee gained over 30 years’ experience caring for children and families with Cystic Fibrosis. In the podcast he speaks about the disease, the development of life-changing treatments, the…

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS, and another health organisation that’s celebrating 75 years in 2023 is the World Health Organization. The international body’s renowned for its work in eradicating smallpox, polio, and most recently its efforts during the Covid pandemic. Leeds has a long history of its alumni working for the organisa…

This week we're coming to the end of Pride Month. The month of June is a time when we celebrate and commemorate the LGBT community. We celebrate how far we’ve come from the time of the Stonewall riots of 1969, but we also reflect on the issues that continue to face LGBT people globally. And that’s something that we want to address at the University…

This week the University is celebrating its staff and alumni who have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Biomedical scientist and Leeds alum Professor Steve Jackson is among them. He received a knighthood as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. Steve is both a researcher and entrepreneur, and heads up the Cancer Research UK Cambrid…

Are you actually hydrated? How do you know? What signs and symptoms does your body display when you are dehydrated? What kinds of foods/spices/lifestyle choices might you be making that are contributing to dehydration? In Chinese Medicine, proper hydration is one of the most important factors for health, disease prevention, and recovery. The fluids…

After struggling with a debilitating combination of fatigue and burnout during her career as an HR leader, Karina decided to take matters into her own hands. She retrained as a nutritionist, and now runs her own clinic, providing support to people with fatigue, stress and burnout. This year, she released her bestselling book, Fix Your Fatigue. Kari…

Crime writer and Leeds alumnus Peter Robinson is one of the University's most well-known former students. The Leeds-born novelist's DCI Banks series has sold nine million copies worldwide, and been translated into multiple languages. Peter died last year after a short illness, but his legacy at the University continues in the literary archive he gi…

This week on Leeds Voices we're talking to Hind Hassan (Medicinal Chemisty 2007). She broadcasts from the most hostile environments in the world – but last year Hind found herself at the centre of an armed bank raid. She spent 16 hours reporting the siege in Lebanon to thousands of followers online, filming the antagonists with guns, Molotov cockta…

This week we’re joined by Leeds alum and triathlete Jonny Brownlee MBE. Jonny has completed the set – he’s won Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. He’s been world champion, and he’s won countless European and Commonwealth medals over a 14-year career. In 2012, as well as winning Olympic bronze at the London Olympics, he also graduated from Leed…

In epiosde 7 I am speaking with the powerhouse that is Mandy Gratzer. Mandy is a Perth based Acupuncturist who is passionate about helping new graduates enter the profession with knowledge, guidance and power. At the age of 18, she moved from Kununurra to Perth to study an Advanced Diploma of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Perth Academy of Nat…

At a time of escalating food prices and a deepening climate crisis, Jamie Crummie has created a global phenomenon that protects bank balances and the planet. The Too Good To Go app helps customers rescue unsold food from shops and restaurants, saving it from going to waste. With the help of Spark funding from the University of Leeds, he co-founded …

Eurovision fever has gripped the globe and for the first time since 1997 the UK is hosting the contest, on behalf of Ukraine. Weirdly these two worlds collide for BBC Russia Editor, and song contest superfan Steve Rosenberg. The Leeds alum is known for his love of the contest and away from reporting on the war in Ukraine, he escapes from the world …

Camilla Tominey's journey to becoming a royal journalist started at Tetley Hall, studying Law at the University of Leeds. In this candid interview she discusses preparing for the King's Coronation, reporting on the Queen's death, and reporting on royal births outside hospital while she was also heavily pregnant. Leeds Voices is brought to by the Un…

Food broadcaster Jay Rayner tells us about how his path to becoming the UK’s most famous restaurant critic started with the Leeds Student newspaper. 2:15 Professor Anwesha Sakar explains how her research in oral tribology can make chocolate healthier without losing its taste. 11:59 Katy Richardson, Musical Supervisor of the stage phenomenon SIX, di…

In Episode 6 I am speaking with the wonderful Jarryd Harvey. Jarryd is an extraordinary Chinese Medicine practitioner, with an interest in classical acupuncture and a powerful personal story of his own healing journey. Jarryd and I discuss our shared interest into the world of classical acupuncture, and our observations of the connection between em…

Here’s a treat for everyone who read the student newspaper. Was it Union News, Leeds Student or The Gryphon when you were at Leeds? On this episode, you'll hear about the integral role our student newspaper has played on campus through the decades. 2 minutes 45 and 21 minutes 45 You’ll get the inside scoop from those who held the editor’s seat as t…

In episode 5 I am speaking with the divine Heidi Trigar. Heidi is well known in Melbourne and the east coast of Australia for her celestial kirtan events. Not only does Heidi have the voice to hold the space, she is also a remarkable yin yoga teacher and yoga teacher trainer. In this episode Heidi shares her movement history from dance to yoga, and…

Henry Gee used to ask a Hell's Angel called Big Paul for the Prog Rock Society's cheque book. You won't want to miss a rambling tale of dinosaurs, University Challenge and a benevolent Leeds professor told by the winner of the Royal Society Science Book Prize. 02:30 How do you count fish, and why would you do it? Based in our Aquatic Interactions L…

In episode 4 I am speaking with the amazing Gabrielle Harris; yin teacher, teacher trainer and author of some of the most exquisite yoga books available at this current time. Gabrielle has so many wise nuggets to share with the listeners about developing their yoga teaching skills; especially in the realm of language and words, giving the room lots…

This bumper episode features contents from the Leeds alumni digital magazine as well as a few highlights from last year's episodes. Steve Rosenberg (Russian 1991) describes momentous events during his time as the BBC's Moscow correspondent and how his life at Leeds shaped his career. 1:27 After treating casualties in Libya and Iraq, Moez Zeiton (Me…

In Episode 3 I am interviewing the wonderful Angela Lane. Beloved Melbourne based Shiatsu and Acupuncture teacher and practitioner, Angela holds a wealth of philosophical and practical knowledge. Having started her journey as a nurse, she transitioned into the healing arts, which took her all the way to Japan studying martial arts and archery. Her …

Did you know that the founder of IMDb went to Leeds? With a passion for film and some computing savvy, Col Needham tells us how he built the world's largest entertainment website. 02:15 Academic Dr Tom Bennett astounds us with news that plants detect signals from each other in a variety of ways, even by touch. 12:00 From Botswana, Rebecca Klein dis…

Hear from celebrity podcaster, writer and 2009 graduate Pandora Sykes. She speaks about her career and waking up early to buy the second iPhone in Leeds (2:58). Long before being rated one of the best rock drummers ever, Bill Bruford was a student at Leeds. Bill discusses life as a musician on our new podcast episode — and how he chose to leave Lee…

Solomon Petrovski is a qualified Gestalt psychotherapist, Neuro Linguistic Programming success coach, university lecturer, and a 7th Dan in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu practitioner (the guiding martial principles of nature and human law) with over 15 years of experience in aligning individuals, couples, families and businesses worldwide with their perso…

The creative powerhouse behind Idris Elba’s TV detective Luther, tells us about what drew him to Leeds and the genesis of his compelling detective. Early in life Neil learned that people you admire can have a terrible dark side (5:14). We drop by the old Bodington Hall playing fields, which have now transformed into our state of the art football fa…

As the infamous Paul Grilley states "every bone in every body is different. What is easy for one skeleton, is impossible for another". When it comes to yoga, any kind of yoga, any kind of movement really, it is crucial to understand that at the core of every human being, is a unique set and structure of bones. When we can truly appreciate this fact…

In the current climate of extreme polarity I talk about whether or not it is possible to find truth, absolute truth within a world of dualism. If there can be different perspectives, in-fighting and war, is anybody right? Does anyone have access to truth in the world of seperation? Absolute truth is different to "your" truth or "my truth." I also s…

What's it like to stand on top of Mount Everest? Find out from a Leeds graduate who is just back from his record breaking 16th summit. Kenton Cool talks about life as a mountain climber and how it all stems from being a Leeds student (3:30). Also taking time to speak to us is CEO of Aviva Amanda Blanc, who shares her insight as one of only nine fem…

Ava is a Melbourne based acupuncturist working out of her clinic elk and Me in Thornbury. Ava has a background in massage and has studied extensively in the areas of TCM, five elements and esoteric acupuncture. In this episode we take a beautiful stroll through the five elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Ava talks about the kinds of char…

What did Captain Kirk love about being a University of Leeds student? Listen to Chris Pine (3:35) recall his life in Leeds, including how a barbecue at his Brudenell Road home was the “glorious cap to a great year”. You'll also hear: elite rugby player Jodie Cunningham (Medical Sciences 2013), who introduced her England teammates to the Otley Run (…

Language, pace, and how to set up an environment that is conducive for a deep and quiet practice. Sometimes at the beginning of a yin yoga teaching journey we can bring all of our yang yoga language in with us, but the action based language of yang yoga does not really support the passivity and vibration of yin yoga. Part of the teaching journey is…

What happens when we combine the acupuncture interventions of Chinese medicine, with the physicality of yin yoga practice? This is exactly what Bridget Hunter and her business partner Jane Ferguson have done with their amazing workshops "Yin and Pin". Bridget is about to complete her studies in Chinese medicine, as she shares the journey of Yin and…

This episode features Martine Croxall (Geography 1990), who as a BBC news presenter has broken major stories to the world. She recalls her student life of home perms and nights out, saying “they would lift a hatch up out of the floor and you would walk down these steps” to a club under the Merrion Centre (28:50). We check in with a Leeds doctoral f…

What comes up for us as yoga teachers when there are long periods of silence in the class we are teaching... does it make us feel really uncomfortable? Do we love it? And do you feel really different when you are the student in a yin class and there are long periods of silence? Just how much talking, is too much?…

Let's talk about the utmost importance of rebounds in a yin yoga class. There are a multitude of reasons that cross the physical, physiological, mental, emotional and even spiritual why rebounds are so important in yin yoga. Who would have thought that laying down and resting in stillness would be so crucial!…

When it comes to our students and patients we often go above and beyond to hold space, create treatment plans, and think outside the box when it comes to their well-being, but do we offer ourselves the same kind of care? When things arise in our bodies and health do we give ourselves the same level of care and treatment that we would do for our stu…

What is it about using props in yoga that still holds a stigma of being a beginner? There are so many fantastic ways to intensify, support or soften the sensation experience by using props. When we as teachers have a few more ways to explain to students how they can experiment with their props, we are encouraging them to be more autonomous with the…

It is with great delight that I introduce you to the man behind the scenes who makes all the magic happen (and makes me look so good!). This is the infamous Robbie! My brother and business partner, but also, best buddy, business and life coach, videographer and editor, content creator, marketing manager and very funny guy! In this episode we are sh…

The latest episode of our Forever Leeds podcast charts the journey of Ben Winston (Broadcasting Studies 2004) from Brudenell Road to Beverly Hills, becoming executive producer of one of the biggest TV events of the decade – Friends: The Reunion. We explore how two Yorkshire schoolgirls created the first fake news controversy with the infamous Cotti…