STEM in the Gorbals

There isn’t a corner of the world not affected by COVID-19. But what is it? Where did it come from? And how does our immune system fight it? Join Maggie (14) and Jessica (13) in conversation with Immunologist Dr Megan Macleod and Infectious Disease Expert Professor Emma Thomson from the Centre for Virus Research at the University of Glasgow. Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

What do rap and science have in common? What impact will COVID-19 have on children from deprived backgrounds? And how can we build better community projects? These are the questions covered in this episode, as Alistair talks to rapper, social activist and author Darren McGarvey (aka “Loki”). Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

What is a vaccine? How do they work? And how do we make them? Join Jessica (14) and Annabelle (8) in conversation with Infectious Disease Expert Professor Emma Thomson (Centre for Virus Research, University of Glasgow) and Dr Sean Elias (The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford). Please note: this interview was recorded in Spring 2021.

In this episode Jessica and Maggie (13) explore the benefits of music, dance and language in helping to maintain good mental health, build community, and improve the lives of those living with dementia. Joining them are Lewis Hou (Science Ceilidh), Clare McBrien (Givin it Laldie), Andy Lowndes (Music Detective), and a couple of violins. This is the final episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13); music by Jessica and Lewis Hou.

Join Jessica (13) and Health Psychologist Douglas Marks (University of the West of Scotland) as they explore the psychology of wellness, self-regulation and how to deal with the stress of exams and COVID-19. They also discuss a well-known animated movie and whether it effectively communicates the complexities of our emotions to younger audiences. This is the fifth episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

Join Maryam (17) as she discovers the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on people’s long-term mental health and wellbeing with Prof. Helen Minnis, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Mental Health & Wellbeing. This is the fourth episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

Join Freya and Calvin (10) as they explore the mental health and wellbeing support available in schools with Mr Martin McCormick, Deputy Head Teacher and Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Blackfriars Primary, and Mr Mark Symon Simon, Deputy Head Teacher and Head of Pastoral Care at Shawlands Academy. This is the third episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

How can communities support mental health and wellbeing? Join Erin and Abrar (11) as they meet Michael Fullerton (New Gorbals Housing Association), Tricia McConalogue (Bridging the Gap) and Joe McConnell (The Barn) to explore some of the support available to the Gorbals community. This is the second episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (13).

What is mental health? What is self-harm? What makes adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems and how do we support them? Join Iman (14) as she meets Prof. Rory O'Connor, Chair in Health Psychology (Mental Health & Wellbeing) at the University of Glasgow for an open and honest discussion about mental health. This is the first episode in a six part series on mental health and wellbeing funded by a Pulse Grant from the British Podcast Awards and Wellcome Trust. Narration by Jessica (12).

Summer is an 11 year old pupil at St Francis with a passion for art. She also happens to be living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a life shortening condition that affects the lungs and pancreas. In this episode, Summer shares her experience of living with CF and explores the condition with the help of University of Glasgow researcher Maria Jackson, radiographer Les Melvin and Nicola Holland from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.