MQ Open Mind

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Kam Bhui, a leading expert in public mental health and policy at the University of Oxford.

They explore how structural inequalities impact mental health care, particularly for marginalised groups, and discuss the role of adverse childhood experiences in shaping long-term mental health outcomes.

The conversation also delves into the intersection of public mental health and policy, highlighting the need for systemic changes to create more equitable access to care.

Kam shares insights from his research on how mental health services can be redesigned to better address these inequalities and the importance of integrating mental health into broader public health policies.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Cambridge.

They discuss the key neurological changes that occur during adolescence and why the teenage brain is distinct from both children's and adults' brains. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions, challenging the idea of adolescence as a period of chaos and instead highlighting it as a crucial stage of growth and development.

Sarah-Jayne shares insights from her research on how understanding the teenage brain can reshape our perspective on young people and the opportunities this presents for supporting them more effectively.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Prof Willem Kuyken, a research clinical psychologist and author from the University of Oxford.

They discuss Willem’s journey into mental health research and why he focuses specifically on mindfulness and its benefits for mental health. The conversation explores key findings from his studies on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and the impact it has on young people's mental health.

Willem also shares insights from his work on whether mindfulness-based approaches could potentially help tackle structural inequalities in mental health.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher from the University of Bath.

They discuss Dr Loades’ journey into mental health research and why she focuses specifically on depression and anxiety in young people. The conversation explores key findings from her studies on isolation, loneliness, and the impact of the pandemic on youth mental health. 

Dr Loades also shares insights from her work on school-based mental health interventions in South Africa and reflects on her hopes for the future of prevention and treatment strategies.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks to Professor Nav Kapur, a leading researcher in suicide prevention and self-harm, and a professor of psychiatry and population health at the University of Manchester.

Nav's work has shaped policy and clinical practice across the UK and beyond, making him one of the foremost voices in understanding the complexities of suicide and self-harm.

In this episode, we explore the challenges of designing effective interventions, what the data tells us about the epidemiology of self-harm, and why evidence-based approaches are so essential in this field.

Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies https://www.tiberone.com/

This 5th of July marks the third Research Appreciation Day. A day started by us at MQ to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines.

For this special episode of Open Mind, and since this year’s theme is ‘Careers in Research’, here are our esteemed guests explaining how they got their start in research.

Open Mind will return in the following weeks, and we hope to see you again for more lived experience stories and more mental health research.

https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/research-appreciation-day/

As we plan for next season, we want to hear your thoughts—what’s working, what could be better, and any new ideas you’d like to see.

Take just 5 minutes to complete our survey and share your feedback!

We’re also looking for volunteers to join our focus group for a deeper discussion about the podcast. If you're interested, let us know—we’d love to have you involved!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeft7lwJJh_RFtP58QuOsytco6Pbcw9kGPtN9yqvzvtqkLYlg/viewform

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to psychiatrist, and Director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dr John Torous.

John is active in investigating the potential of using mobile mental health technologies for psychiatry, using his expertise to support mindapps.org in building the largest database of mental health apps. As a leader in the field of digital mental health, John has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 5 book chapters on the topic.

In this conversation, they discussed the impact of technology on mental health, whether mental health apps can aid the diagnosis process, and how to make mental health technology more accessible.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to author, trainer, UKCP-registered psychotherapist, and Professor of Psychology at the University of Roehampton, Professor Mick Cooper.

Mick is an internationally recognised authority in the field of counselling and psychotherapy and a chartered psychologist. He is also a prolific writer, and has written about a range of subjects such as humanistic, existential, and relational approaches to therapy.

Mick’s latest book, “Psychology at the Heart of Social Change: Developing a Progressive Vision for Society”, delves into the idea of using psychology to transform the political landscape.

In this conversation, they discussed the rise of authoritarianism, using a person-centred approach to therapy, and using psychotherapy to foster societal well-being.

You can find out more about Mick here: https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/therapist/Michael-Cooper-iAjIcAAK

Content Warning: This episode of MQ Open Mind has discussions about suicide, self-harm and sexual violence.

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, Gemma Kelly.

CEASE is a UK-based charity working to expose and dismantle the cultural and commercial drivers behind all forms of sexual exploitation in the UK. To achieve its mission, CEASE campaigns for new and better laws, advocates for policy change and holds the global sex industry to account.

In this conversation, they discussed the societal implications of adult content, the effects of adult content on young people’s mental health, and plans to safeguard vulnerable people on the internet.