Cora Sargeant - Podcast Details

Shows

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 42: The Supreme Court and passingThis week Cora takes on the EHRC, the Government, and the Supreme Court. What is 'passing' and why shouldn't passing be the benchmark for entry to appropriate spaces it is fast becoming? Bring your hot chocolate and pull up a chair, we'll get into it together. It's Classroom Psychology!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2025-04-2357 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 41: Gender diversity, neurodivergence, and intersectionality with Dr Abby Vines'They're attributing their experiences to gender when they're actually better understood as an autistic trait' What are experiences of young people at the intersection of gender diversity and neurodivergence, and what are the intersectional experiences of young people with multiple marginalised identities? We take a look together with the indefatigable Dr Abby Vines.2025-04-0949 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 40: Transgender folk in prisonWhere should we house transgender prisoners and what are their experiences? This is a difficult episode with a huge content warning, we are going to talk about sexual assault, about violence, about self harm and suicidality. There are lots of things we can do to better support our gender diverse prison population, so let's review them.References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2025-03-2648 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 39: Internalised Stigma'Tr***y tr***y tra**y, I don't care, you want pe****s in women's bathrooms' We ponder stigmatising language and what happens when people begin to internalise stigma. It's a wild world out there but thankfully we're not alone. It's Classroom Psychology!!!References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2025-03-0554 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 38: Trans Q&A, talking puberty blockers, hospital rooms, religion, and bodily autonomy.Researchers from California got in touch to ask a series of fascinating questions, so I thought we'd try something a little different, as we get into sommething a little more personal, and a little cozier. It's Classroom Psychology!2025-02-1953 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 37: Transgender brains'...to say therefore I am a woman is just a betrayal of language' We tackle the question of gendered brain development and wonder what kind of brains transgender folk have. This field is beyond Cora's skills to understand... and it shows. But we're in this together, it's Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2025-02-051h 00

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 36: Puberty blockers and IQThere are a handful of studies that look at the relationship between GnRHa and cognitive development, in terms of IQ and executive functioning. We find that these studies, as weak as they are, are alarming but that the model of care your country endorses creates very different implications for these findings. Let's get into it together in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2025-01-081h 08

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 35: A holiday message from CoraThe holiday season can be really challenging for gender diverse folk, and this year, given the year it has been, it's particularly difficult. So Cora offers a little holiday message for her gender diverse kin out there, and we look forward to next year together, and remember that we are working together to create a world where everyone, everyone, can find a place to belong.2024-12-2413 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 34: Who are trans and non-binary people?'The gender craziness is most common in wealthy, White, progressives' We take a look at big representative research around the world to wonder about the demographics of trans and non-binary people. I was surprised to learn that the community does not reflect the population in some important ways. Let's dive in together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-11-2046 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 33: Talking Masculinity with Dr Ffion Davies'If I was wearing a wig and lipstick would I have been banned from schools...?' There are some forms of masculinity that can be a positive force for good in the world, and some that might be less so. Thankfully we have Dr Ffion Davies to help us to understand the difference in Classroom Psychology, 2024-11-061h 01

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 32: A Trans Healthcare Deep Dive'It makes no sense to give people permanent solutions to a temporary problem' Do trans people who receive transition related healthcare continue to receive that healthcare 5 years later. We look at two recent studies, using different methods, with remarkably different findings. We do a deep dive into both in Classroom Psychology!2024-10-251h 07

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 31: Gender Identity with Dr Ellie Fisher'Teaching this religion as if it is fact' Is gender identity a real thing? What do measures of gender identity tell us about how it develops and changes over time? We're so fortunate to have Dr Ellie Fisher help us to answer this one; let's get into a cozy conversation together in Classroom Psychology!!! Dr Fisher's paper we talk about: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712516/2024-09-141h 05

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 30: Cyberbullying'You can be sued for cyberbullying for speaking the actual truth' We take a look at the Paris Olympics, at cyberbullying. and Cora gets... uh... upset. But it'll be ok because we're a community here at Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-08-2854 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 29: Building consensus with Dr Antreas Anthimou'So I vowed to destroy the woke mind virus' When the language around gender diversity is so provocative is it possible for us to come together and find consensus? Thankfully we have Dr Antreas Anthimou to help, as we start a new chapter of Classroom Psychology. 2024-08-1452 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 28: Workplace Discrimination'Lazy, entitled, and difficult to work with' What are the consequences of workplace discrimination for gender diverse folk and can we create workplaces where people can be their authentic selves and, if we do, what happens to the wellbeing of employees? Let's take a look, it's Classroom Psychology!!! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-07-2455 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 27: The Cass Review Part 3 (the last one, I promise)'Schools have been feeding students into this medical experiment' The Cass Review is rather conservative about social transition in part because of a misinterpretation of a key study. Let's dive into this thing one. more. time. together, it's Classroom Psychology!!! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-06-0547 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 26: The Cass Review Part 2'Puberty blockers are beneficial... but the quality of these studies is poor.' Dr Cass is wrong, and this misinterpretation has profound implications for the review and our interpretation of it. How is Dr Cass wrong? I'll put the kettle on! This is Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-05-2259 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 25: The Cass ReviewThe Cass Review was informed by systematic reviews that excluded the low quality evidence from synthesis. Is this a reasonable decision and what do the excluded studies tell us about psychological functioning after gender affirming hormones? Let's take a look in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-04-1753 min

What The Trans!?EP103 - A Pain in the CassOn this episode of What the Trans?! Alyx and Ashleigh go over; Problems with GenderGP as highlighted by YouTube's F1nnster. The UK Council for Psychotherapy removing its' signature from the 'Memorandum of Understanding of Conversion Therapy in the UK'. Trans healthcare for young people in the UK and its' many problems, including but not limited to... THE CASS REPORT!! Yes, it's here and it's not very good. We take a look at it, featuring an interview with Dr Cora Sargeant. References: https://whatthetrans.com/ep103 2024-04-151h 03

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 24: Language and Definitions'Gender identity is the new religion they preach' You ever wondered how we might inclusively think of gender, what gender identity is, and what is means to be gender diverse? Definitions and language are hard, but we can find it tricky together in Classroom Psychology! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-04-0351 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 23: Eating DisordersGender diverse folk are at an increased risk of developing disordered patterns of eating and methods of weight control. There are discrete reasons for gender diverse folk being more likely to engage in these kinds of behaviours and understanding these reasons can open up new ways to help. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-03-201h 04

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 22: Social TransitionGendere diverse folk can change the gender they perform to themselves and to the world, a shift in expression known as social transition. While affirmative care might support mental health, does social transition have similar effects? Let's find out together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-02-2850 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 21: AutogynephiliaAre trans folk so sexy that they can't resist transition? Autogynephilia is the theory that transgender folk invert the object of their sexual attraction inward, becoming that which they most admire... but does the theory have any merit? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-02-1450 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 20: Media RepresentationIs representation a good thing? Is it possible that representation might influence attitudes towards marginalised communities and maybe, might better representation even improve viewing stats of shows and movies? We take a look together in Classroom Psychology. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-01-1752 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 19: Gender EuphoriaWhile there might be a focus on dysphoria and distress for gender diverse communities there is also an experience they know better than most, one of gender euphoria. We take a look at the positive end of gender diversity and ponder the question of what it is like to experience gender euphoria. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2024-01-0438 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 18: The Speed of TransitionTransition is sometimes seen as hasty, maybe hurried, but the research about the experiences of children and young people show transition to be anything but. Let's take a look together. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-12-2044 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 17: Harrassment, Bullying, VictimisationWhen schools are more welcoming more gender diverse folks can live openly, but if schools aren't able to tackle the bullying and victimisation that goes on within, does this create a risk for those being authentically themselves therein. We take a look at harassment, bullying, and victimisation. Content warning: We talk about sexual harassment, bullying, and suicidality. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-12-0642 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 16: Classroom Psychology Live in GlasgowClassroom Psychology is going on tour, coming to you live from around the UK. This episode the University of Glasgow LGBTQ+ Psychology Network kindly permitted us to record the session, so here is Classroom Psychology Live!2023-11-2243 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 15: Public PolicyWhen politicians debate the existence of gender diverse communities that sets a problematic context for gender diverse folk to exist within. We take a look at how exclusionary discourse and policies can create problems for gender diverse folk and how inclusive policies and discourse can create a world where everyone can find a place to belong. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-10-1847 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 14: Misgendering and deadnamingIt can be hard to remember to use someone's name or pronouns but what if we misgender or deadname someone for philosophical, religious, or stigatising reasons, what might the effects be? And by using a chosen name and the correct pronouns can we create a world in which we can all find a world to belong? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-09-2737 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 16: Wheelchairs, Catheters, and AbleismA new wheelchair and a whole new world opens up, a world of inacessibility and ableism; but maybe there's a way to see the barriers to access as barriers to a whole community, and maybe there's a way for us all to find a place to belong. 2023-09-0741 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 13: Athletic advantageDo transgender women retain an athletic advantage over their cisgender counterparts following transition and, maybe, does it matter? If the competetive line we draw is always arbitrary, maybe the question here is about the level of arbitrariness we're willing to accept. So... where do we draw the line? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-08-3150 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 12: Conversion TherapyWhy do we not 'treat' gender dysphoria as a 'mental health condition' and support people to change their gender identities to alleviate their suffering? We take a look at gender change efforts and the often severe consequences they yield for those subject to them. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-08-1639 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 11: Gender Diversity and ColonialismIt is often claimed that gender is only male and female, that this is a Universal truth. But that is a particular view of gender we have advanced around the world through colonialism; if it appears to be the truth that is only because we have oppressed alternative understandings so heavily. We take a look at pre-colonial cultural practices around the world to understand what gender diverse folk might share in their experience, and then we wonder how colonialism has marginalised and oppressed these identities and cultural practices, often directly through specific colonial law making. References: https...2023-08-0353 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 10: Gender Diversity and NeurodiversityIs there a link between neurodiversity and gender diversity and if there is, what might explain that link? We take a look at this intersection and ponder whether neurodiverse communities might show some resistance to the gender norms to which we are all often pressured to conform. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-07-1946 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisoide 15: Caregiver experiencesThis week I bought a wheelchair and was supported a great deal in the effort by my other half; time to consider how I can best support her as we look to the qualitative literature about caregiver experiences. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-07-1432 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 9: Informing ParentsShould schools automatically tell parents whenever a child or young person starts to question their gender? We take a look at how young people understand and communicate their experiences to loved ones. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-07-0531 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 14: IdentityFor the first time this week I started to see myself as a disabled person, as a woman on the train, despite my protests, called for someone to give up their seat for me. Today, we talk about agency and identity, and the social model of disability; together, let's science the s**t out of MS. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-07-0238 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 8: Transgender folk and violent crime'A grown man - a trans woman - entering a grown woman's space... is obviously wrong' This week we take a look at the question of whether transgender women put people at risk either by being a risk directly or by inclusive policies weakening the protection of single sex spaces. There's a content warning today: we talk about violent crime and sexual assault a lot this episode. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-06-2141 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 13: Positive self-talkWhat we say to ourselves makes a difference to how we feel, and might even help us to play darts better. Let's Science the s**t out of MS! References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-06-1431 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 7: Detransition, 'desistance', regret.This week our question is about whether children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria might experience that dysphoria to spontaneously resolve if they were left to grow without transition related support and services. We take a look at the early studies in the 80s, another wave in the early 2000s, and finally we take a look to the modern literature to find an answer together. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-06-0740 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 12: Complex Problem SolvingThis week sees us reach the end of Season 1, and for the final episode of this season we do something rather different. Now I preface this episode by saying that I'm no medical doctor, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist, but I am a complex problem solver by trade and this week I aim to solve the problem my mobility poses to building my strength and exercising 20 minutes per day, and I apply all my skills to solving it. There are failures, and some tears, but in the end through the fires of trial and error I find a way to...2023-05-3133 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 6: Gender Affirmative PracticeSome commentators highlight the complete lack of evidence of the outcomes of gender affirmative care, particularly long-term, so we take to the literature to find out what the science knows about the long-term outcomes from the various aspects of gender affirmative care. Turns out there is lots of evidence...who knew? References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-05-2439 min

Breaking it down - A multiple sclerosis podcastBreaking it down live - MS: your emotions and feelingsSend us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39During MS Awareness week we aired a live podcast were we talked all things MS, emotions and feelings. Our recent survey of over 2,000 people living with MS, revealed that 56% feel that MS negatively impacts their mental health. We were super excited to be joined by two excellent guests, who answered questions from the viewers: - Roshan das Nair• Senior Research Scientist, SINTEF, Norway• Professor of Clinical Psychology & Neuropsychology, University of Nottingham, UK- Dr Cora S...2023-05-111h 12

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 5: Transition in childhoodThis week our question is about social transition in childhood and whether transition is the result of stronger cross-gender identification or whether it might contribute to stronger cross-gender identification. We take a look together at the work of amazing scientists like Selin Gülgöz and Kristina Olson and Cora turns her fangirling up to maximum. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x4m8fTy9t4yTVDr9zjumGcb4L8R3gGhmLhLxJ0Cf9TY/edit?usp=sharing 2023-05-1034 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 11: Creative WritingIn 2015 Hudson wrote of creative writing: 'Yes, this is made up but this is also the most truthful thing I have to give you'. Creative writing, particularly in groups, lends a perfect opportunity to increase our autonomy, competence, and relatedness; we look to the research to understand the potential benefits and risks of creative writing and, planting a new seed in the garden of her mental health, Cora writes and performs a poem; we do whatever it takes when we're 'sciencing the s**t out of MS'.2023-05-0339 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 4: 'Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria'This week we try to understand the apparent rise in adolescent non-binary and trans masc folks assigned female at birth referred to gender identity develpopment services across the western world. We look to the frequently proferred explanation of Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria and see what the science has to say. As always, we describe all of our question askers with the greatest of generosity and aim to answer their questions fully, but I wouldn't recomment Abigail Shrier's book; if you're looking to read an engaging tome on the subject I can recommend Shon Faye's The Trans-gender Issue, I read...2023-05-0136 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 3: Gender 'indoctrination'Describing the limitations of the Equality Act (2010) then Attorney General Suella Braverman described schools as risking 'indoctrination' of children to a particular model of gender. We consider this for the question it represents and wonder about the scientific origins of the idea that we can teach children gender 'wrong' and whether the trans community indeed represents evidence of the same. If not, then maybe teaching children about gender might give gender diverse folks a language to describe their experience, recognise it as one shared by others, and lay the foundations for us all to find a place to belong. 2023-04-1436 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 10: Social connectionThe quantity and quality of social connections are pretty important, both physically and psychologically, but things might be a little more complex than we realise. We're going to take a look at some systematic reviews and the longest study on happiness ever conducted to understand the relationship between social relationships and happiness. The TED talk referenced in the episode: https://youtu.be/8KkKuTCFvzI References for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-04-1232 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 2: The Binary Model of GenderIn answer to a question about 'what constitutes a woman' Kier Starmer recently said 'let me start by saying the blindingly obvious, 99.9 something percent of women it's all biological'. We take a look at the model of gender Kier's statement endorses and consider the implications; we think about different models of gender, talk aboout the language of gender and, of course, ponder how we can best endorse a model of gender in which everyone to find a place to belong. 2023-04-0528 min

Classroom PsychologyEpisode 1: A Place Where Everyone Can BelongWelcome to Classroom Psychology, where we talk about the science of gender diversity; join me and together we'll build a society where everyone can find a place to belong.2023-04-0514 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 9: Implementation IntentionWhile we have a bunch of stuff we're aiming to do to make us happier and healthier, there's something of a gap between the intent and the action which can make it hard to turn the former into the latter. Helpfully, there's an intervention known tongue-twistingly as Implementation Intention. Today, we take a look at this intervention and how to use it to make changes; for me, I use it to aim to claw back some of the losses from my last relapse. References: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1...2023-03-2934 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 8: Character StrengthsEveryone has their own signature strengths and it turns out that understanding yours and deploying them frequently in your week, especially in pursuit of your goals, can yield happiness rewards. Today, we take a look at characteristic strengths, how you work out what yours might be, and how to deploy them more frequently. The episode features Authentic Happiness: www.authentichappiness.org - the test we take is the 'VIA survey of character strengths'. References for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp...2023-03-1522 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 7: GratitudeChronic illness creates a unique context in which our attention is pulled frequently in the direction of our disabilities. Gratitude, it seems, might behave as a counterweight, balancing our attention by pulling it away from our disabilities in our lives and toward the experiences, the activities, the people, for which and for whom we can be truly grateful. Today, together, we take a look at gratitude. References for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-03-0126 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 6: Little Acts of KindnessIt turns out that little acts of kindness has benefits for those receiving the kindness, those giving the kindness, and those witnessing it; there's even some evidence that kindness might even yield some ripple effects out into the world as recipients might then spontaneously go out to do their own acts of kindness. We dive into the kindness literature to wonder what kinds of kindness are best, how frequent they need to be, and how we can best plant this seed as a regular act in the garden of our mental health. References for this episode: https...2023-02-1525 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 5: MindfulnessWe all knew it was coming and here it is, a mindfulness episode! How can mindfulness be of benefit, what kind of mindfulness might best help? We take a look at the literature to wonder how we might plant a mindful seed in the garden of our mental health. References for this episode: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xfL2gEoy_90Wuuc0TTAgBg7c9xh6q1i6XPOBiWe02gk/edit?usp=sharing 2023-02-0122 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 4: OptimismOptimism turns out to be quite an important factor in helping people to grow following a trauma, but if you're anything like me it might be difficult to be optimistic in the context of an MS diagnosis. Happily, there might be a couple of good ideas in the literature for how we plant the seed of optimism in the garden of our mental health; first, we consider the Best Possible Self intervention, and then we start to consider Mindfulness. References for this episode (there are too many for the dooblydoo): https://docs.google.com/d...2023-01-1820 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 3: Post-traumatic growthToday we take a look at the possibilities for growth that might emerge from trauma, a field of research known as post-traumatic growth. We take a look at how MS might be fertile ground for growth in this way, and we consider what the science can teach us about how we can get some of that sweet, sweet growth. The references for today's episode: Ackroyd, K., Fortune, D. G., Price, S., Howell, S., Sharrack, B., & Isaac, C. L. (2011). Adversarial growth in patients with multiple sclerosis and their partners: Relationships with illness perceptions...2023-01-0425 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSEpisode 2: Acceptance and ActivationToday we take a look at the temptation to avoid and push away difficult and unpleasant internal experience (something of a personal specialty of mine) and how if we accept the experiences we have we can reduce their volume. Activation, then, is the act of pursuing the circumstances of life we enjoy and from which we can grow, the act of planting the seeds of mental health in our brain... garden... ok so the analogy lost steam at the end there but you get the idea. Our references for today: Fernández-Rodrígu...2022-12-2116 min

Sciencing the s**t out of MSSciencing the s**t out of MS: An introductionWe introduce this new podcast, aiming to understand how the science of Psychology can help us to thrive in the context of MS. 2022-12-1710 min

Agents of HopeAn Authentic Gender Journey with Dr Cora SargeantThe first episode of the Understanding Voices mini-series with me, Ella Mansfield. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Cora Sargeant, an Educational Psychologist and Academic and Professional Tutor for the initial EP training programme at the University of Southampton. Cora and I discuss gender and alternatives to the bimodal system of male and female identities. She discusses her personal gender journey as a transgender woman and talks about how her experiences influence her practice as an Educational Psychologist. We discuss what gender is and how it can be defined. Cora highlights the societal barriers that non-binary a...2021-05-241h 08