Literature in the Age of the Self

In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, hosts Zhitong Li and Phoebe Chen sit down with pianist and UCL Management Science student Kaito Mizukoshi for a conversation that flows between introspection, culture, and the unexpected rhythms of life with ADHD. Kaito opens up about receiving his ADHD diagnosis in London, years after growing up in Japan where the condition is often overlooked—or even quietly associated with success. He shares how this new understanding reshaped the way he studies, practices music, and takes care of himself, revealing the strategies, struggles, and surprising gifts that come with a restless mind. From five-hour piano practice sessions to battling distraction during coursework, from navigating UCL as an international student to finding connection across cultural gaps, Kaito reflects on identity, belonging, and the power of self-knowledge. The trio dive into stigma, romanticisation of mental health, friendship, and the small but meaningful ways we learn to work with—not against—our own nature. Set to the delicate beauty of Debussy performed by Kaito himself, this episode is an intimate look at how one student turns introspection into empowerment and transforms challenge into creativity. Credits: Date of episode recording: 2024-07-04 Duration: 00:40:58 Language of episode: english Presenter: Zhitong Li, Phoebe Chen Guests: Kaito Mizukoshi Producer: takoua jendoubi Podcast Owner: Takoua Jendoubi

Discover how technology and innovative finance are helping communities protect forests and build sustainable economies. In this episode of Life of PIE, host Onye Idoko speaks with Nicolas Prieto, MSc Prosperity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship alum and CEO of climate tech startup Voltiva, and Tereza Bízková., co-founder of Refi Medellin. They explore real-world examples of crypto and regenerative finance in action in Colombia. Date of episode recording: 2025-11-09 Duration: 00:35:17 Language of episode: English Presenter: Onya Idoko Guests: Nicolas Prieto and Tereza Bízková Producer: Juan Manuel Fournier Castillo Names of the podcast owner: Victoria Howard

Date of episode recording: 2025-10-02 Duration: 00:47:48 Language of episode: English Presenter: Steve Fleming, Selina Wray Guests: Caswell Barry, Lucy Unwin Producer: Patrick Robinson

In this episode, Onya speaks with Mara Stoll (UCL MSc Prosperity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and theologian Dr. David Dark about how hermeneutics, the art of interpretation, can transform social entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack why understanding our own assumptions and a community’s lived reality is key to avoiding well-intentioned missteps. Discover how applying hermeneutic principles can help founders slow down, listen deeply, and co-create ventures that truly fit the people they are meant to serve. Date of episode recording: 2025-09-01 Duration: 00:41:27 Language of episode: English Presenter: Dr Onya Idoko Guests: Mara Stoll and Dr David Dark Producer: Manolo Fournier Podcast owner: Victoria Howard

This bonus episode consists in a recording of an authorial roundtable held at University College London on the 16th June 2025. Entitled ‘Literature in the Age of the Self’, it brought together three highly acclaimed contemporary writers whose work evinces a marked preoccupation with the experience and the representation of the self. In this conversation chaired by Scarlett and Alice, Rachel Cusk, Brian Dillon, and Vidyan Ravinthiran discuss the self in connection with notions of style, character, and time. They also reflect on the relations between creative and academic writing, between literature and other arts, and on the status of the self in the age of AI and social media.

Cities in Flux - Rethinking Temporary Urbanism and Adaptability Can mega-cities use adaptability and temporary urbanism to ignite innovation, support communities, and become more resilient? While adaptability sparks fresh and innovative approaches to urban design and planning, can city planners adopt tools like - temporary urbanism and meanwhile use - to create longer-term benefits for more liveable and resilient cities? In this episode Professor Lauren Andres is joined by Andy Wiley Schwartz and Emily Berwyn to explore why adaptability is crucial for mega-cities like London and New York, how it can be put into action in city transformation and how it has helped them navigate major crises—from the decline of UK high streets to the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcript here https://bartlett-review.ucl.ac.uk/podcast-cities-in-flux-rethinking-temporary-urbanism-and-urban-adaptability/index.html

In this episode of The Bartlett Review, Professor Dame Henrietta Moore, Founder and Director of the Institute for Global Prosperity, and Arthur Kay, Advisor to Innovo Group and founder of several technology and urban design companies, discuss their new book, Roadkill: Unveiling the True Cost of Our Toxic Relationship with Cars. They explore the social, financial, ethical, and environmental impacts of cars, challenge common myths, and share practical ideas for rethinking the way we use them to improve our cities and freedoms. While cars are often sold as symbols of freedom, Henrietta and Arthur show how they restrict choice, limit city life, and impose hidden costs on health, communities, and the planet. They share real-world examples, challenge myths about electric and autonomous vehicles, and offer practical ideas for rethinking how we use cars. Order your copy: https://getroadkill.com/

Episode title: Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing older In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing. Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing. Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings. The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health. Featured in this episode: Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health Guests: Rachel Colles– Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and Minds Dr Carrie Ryan – Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and Sciences Resources and mentions: ‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!) Date of episode recording: 2025-07-23 Duration: 00:42:57 Language of episode: English Producer: Produced by UCL Health of the Public and edited by Annabelle Buckland, Decibelle Creative Link to transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/health-of-public/news-and-events/public-health-disrupted/season-5-ep-5-ageing-playfully-notes-and-transcript

Dr Mehiyar Kathem speaks with Dr Mohammed Jassim on rebuilding Mosul University’s Central Library after ISIS. Date of episode recording: 2025-08-01 Duration: 24:08 Language of episode: English Presenter:Mehiyar Kathem Guests: Dr Mohammed Jassim Producer: Mehiyar Kathem Transcript link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-dr-mohammed-jassim

In the third episode of our Mental Health & Wellbeing mini-series, host Jade Hunter speaks with Dr Flaminia Ronca, Evie Watson, and Katie Sykes about the Active Minds Project at UCL, an innovative pilot exploring how students’ physical activity and lifestyle habits impact their mental wellbeing and cognitive function. Through wearable technology and behavioural insights, the team is working to refine interventions that can motivate students to move more, sleep better, and thrive both academically and personally. Together, they unpack the data-driven approach behind the project and how it aims to foster a healthier, more supportive university environment. This dynamic conversation touches on the real-world challenges facing students today and the ways in which physical fitness can serve as a pathway to mental resilience. Find out more: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/disruptive-voices-podcast/active-minds-exploring-links-between-student-lifestyles-and-mental-health