Shows
The Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 7 - The Realist Interview with Ana ManzanoWhat is a realist interview, really? How do we design interviews and focus groups that go beyond collecting stories to actually testing and refining theory?In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Alejandro is joined by Professor Ana Manzano — a leading thinker in realist methodology — to unpack exactly that. From the roots of theory-driven interviewing to the practical realities of asking “how” and “why,” Ana shares insights that will change how you think about realist research.Drawing on decades of experience in evaluating complex health and social interventions, Ana explores how realist interviews work, when (and why) they do...2025-07-2937 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 6 - Making Realist Research Accessible with Kev HarrisHow can realist approaches become more accessible andimpactful for the communities they aim to serve? What does it mean to truly collaborate with practitioners, students, and local systems when doing realist evaluation?Join Alejandro and Dr Kevin Harris for an energising and thought-provoking conversation that explores just that. From Kev’s roots in sports and social change to his pioneering work with Sport England, this episode delves into practical ways to demystify realist research, engage stakeholders meaningfully, and develop evaluation strategies that are both rigorous and equitable.Whether you're navigating a realist PhD, supportinglocal systems ch...2025-07-1441 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 5 - From Pharmacist to Realist: Learning to Embrace Complexity with Kristin XenosIn this inspiring episode, Alejandro is joined by Kristin Xenos, a practising pharmacist, realist PhD researcher and cohost of the clinical pharmacy podcast The Purple Pen Podcast to talk about the real journey into realist methodology—complete with uncertainty, lightbulb moments, and growing confidence.Kristin shares her experience transitioning from a traditionally positivist discipline into realist thinking as she tackles a complex topic: pharmacist prescribing education.Kristin's reflections are honest, encouraging, and deeply relatable—especially if you’ve ever doubted your method, questioned your scope, or needed a reminder that learning feels messy for a reason...2025-06-2629 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 4 – Realist Research in Action: Navigating the Healthcare Workforce with Ruth AbramsWhat does it really take to explore workforce issues in healthcare using a realist lens? How can research stay grounded when you're working with overstretched systems and exhausted staff? Join Alejandro and Dr. Ruth Abrams for a conversation packed with practical wisdom and reflective insights. Ruth opens up about her journey into realist research, how context (with a big "C") shapes everything, and why creativity and community matter just as much as theory. From setting up special interest groups to influencing real-world commissioning decisions, this episode offers a front-row seat to the challenges and possibilities of doing meaningful realist...2025-06-1336 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 3 - Retroduction and Realist Thinking with Justin JagoshIn this conversation, Justin Jagosh—Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Realist Evaluation and Synthesis—joins the podcast to unpack retroduction, a distinctive feature of the realist approach.Through metaphors, real-world examples, and decades of experience, Justin offers a remarkably accessible and rigorous guide to what retroduction is, how it differs from inductive and deductive reasoning, and how to actually do it in practice. He shares key tips for developing explanatory programme theories, navigating complex interventions, and avoiding common pitfalls in realist evaluation and synthesis.2025-05-3038 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 2 – Ontology, Epistemology, and the Realist Lens with Ferdinand MukumbangWhat is the "realist lens"? Why does philosophy matter when you’re trying to keep research real and practical? Join Alejandro and Assistant Professor Ferdinand Mukumbang as they take you beyond the buzzwords of ontology and epistemology and into the heart of what makesrealist research distinct. In this accessible and experience-rich episode, Ferdie shares his personal journey from novice to thought leader, demystifies complex philosophical ideas, and explains how your worldview shapes your research from start to finish. Whether you’re just starting out or need a fresh way to explain realism to others, this conversation will help you shar...2025-05-1643 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealEpisode 1 - What is realist research? Geoff WongKick off The Realist Lens with Associate Professor Geoff Wong from Oxford as we dive into the foundations of realist research—what it is, why it matters, and how to get started. From generative causation to programme theories, this episode is your accessible, jargon-free gateway into the realist evaluation and synthesis world. Whether you're new or curious, this is where the journey begins.2025-05-0234 minThe Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It RealIntroduction Episode - Alejandro Argüelles BullónIn this premiere episode, host Alejandro Argüelles Bullón shares the story behind The Realist Lens: why it was created, who it’s for, and what you can expect from upcoming episodes. Whether you're a seasoned realist researcher or just curious about how realist methods can make sense of complexity, Alejandro lays the foundation—clear, honest, and accessible. Hear what’s coming, why it matters, and why this podcast aims to make realist research more open and inclusive for everyone.2025-05-0207 min
Don't Get A Therapist... Yet!The Most Effective Ways to Help Men with Anxiety with Alejandro Argüelles BullónWendy has the pleasure of welcoming Alejandro Argüelles Bullón from Gazing Red2Blue, a dedicated mental health advocate, who has also suffered from anxiety. Alejandro and Wendy discuss why anxiety in men is underdiagnosed, the differences between how men and women process anxiety and which therapies work best for most men. They also discuss dealing with anxiety performance and the use of medications to treat mental health issues. KEY TAKEAWAYS The genders experience anxiety differently. Anxiety in men is still being under diagnosed. Men respond well to men...2024-11-131h 06