Confessions from Backstage

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Helen & Kate welcome their University's Vice-Chancellor to lift the lid on life at the top! From leadership and University culture to the challenges, surprises, and human moments behind the job. Because behind every big title is a person navigating the wonderfully messy world of academic life. What will the Vice-Chancellor confess? You’ll have to listen to find out! Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham and Izzie Clarke, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailIn this month’s episode, Helen and Kate are joined by the incredible Dr Rachel Honeyghan-Williams. Alongside being a postdoctoral research fellow at University College London, investigating how hair cells in the ear are different in birds and mammals, Rachel is an incredible science communicator and trustee of the British Science Association. We talk about Rachel’s journey into science and science communication, what it's like having a broken no button, and the joy of doing things differently. Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailIt’s Dr, actually!! In this month’s episode, Helen and Kate are joined by Dr Haydn Farrelly who has just started his first postdoctoral research role after completing his PhD. We talk about the PhD to postdoc move, the hidden life admin, and what it’s really like to start the journey to becoming ‘an independent researcher’, feat. Imposter Syndrome. Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailThe secret diary is open once again. In this episode, Helen and Kate talk about developing confidence through science communication and public speaking. Listen in for confessions from the dog walk, how not to thank a bus driver, and for some light encouragement to step out of your comfort zone. Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin Helen and Kate as they open their secret diary yet again! This time, they are joined by their PhD student, Ewan Dean, who is in the process of academic reinvention! Listen in for honest discussions about changing your research area, saying no to things, and embracing all you bring to the table.Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan Mail“Should I go for it?!” The journey to the next step in your career is often a challenging one, and the decision to start that journey can be just as hard. In this episode, Helen and Kate share their confessions about academic promotion. Listen in for honest reflections, worries and fears, and a surprise guest who will always tell you you’re doing great!Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin Helen and Kate as they open their secret diary live from the Vivensa Foundation Annual Symposium 2026 with a very special guest, Dr Sophia Amenyah! Sophia joins Kate and Helen on stage to share confessions of a new research group leader, or principal investigator (PI). Note: This is not a detective podcast. Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, music by Professor Chris Plack, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailKate and Helen are back and re-opening their secret diary of academic life for Season 2 of Drs Confess! Have you ever struggled with imposter syndrome, felt worried about publications, or experienced the sting of academic rejection? Don't worry, us too! You're not alone. Join us for new confessions in Season 2 as we continue to normalise the ups and downs of academic life. Expect stories about starting your own research group, how to handle going for promotion, or even how to run a whole university!Credits: Sponsored by the Vivensa Foundation, music by Professor Chris Plack, produced by Dr Eva Higginbotham, and hosted at Lancaster University, UK.Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin Helen, Kate, and two fabulous guests: Professor Bob Lauder and Dr Jess Pepper, for a chat about the moment every PhD student is waiting for (and maybe dreading). If you've ever thought, "What even is the Viva?" "How do I prepare?!" "What will actually happen?!", or maybe it's been a while since your own viva and you are a supervisor or examiner, then this episode is for you. Listen to our top tips and leave feeling a little better. This episode was created in collaboration with Liverpool Neuroscience Group. Thanks for listening!

Send us Fan MailJoin Helen and Kate as they quiz each other on their 2025 highs and lows, their New Year's resolutions, and finally resolve who gets to be Glinda and and who gets to be Elphaba?! Thanks for listening!