The Backstage Academic

This time we are exploring the surprisingly sociological book, The Mighty Dead: Why Homer Matters. As usual we cover a lot of ground, from poetry, writing style, oral history, to the urban and the rural, the origins of violence/gangs. There even some reflections around masculinity and intimacy in war.

Join me and my co host Saiqa as we explore the wonderful world of language and accents for this fascinating book review 'Your All Talk: why we are what we speak'. We discuss class, identity, inequality, prejudice around accents, history of speech, and share plenty of our personal experiences on the subject.

In the second part of the episode I am also joined by Rob Drummond himself (author) to give us the low down on his book, the challenges of writing, and some great advice around how to write one too.

About the Author:

Rob Drummond is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he researches and teaches about the relationship between how we speak and who we are. He recently completed a large project exploring the accents and dialects of Greater Manchester, touring the region in his Accent Van. He appears regularly on radio and TV talking about language-related issues and spent some time as ‘resident linguist’ on BBC Radio 3’s The Verb, as well as appearing on the BBC Breakfast sofa.

More info can be found here:

https://scribepublications.co.uk/books-authors/books/youare-all-talk-9781914484285

You can order his book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Youre-All-Talk-what-speak/dp/1914484282

County Lines is a form of criminal activity that utilises/exploits vulnerable people such as children, to create networks for the supply of illegal substances. The vulnerable individuals are exploited by gangs in a range of ways, from illegal transport, storing substances at their residences and even used in the selling itself. We are joined by Gary Stratton D/Insp County Lines Investigation, INV Syndicate County Lines Investigation. Along with colleague Zoe MacDonald, a DI in charge of the county lines task force within GMP who has been in the police for 25 years, working all over the force in various different roles and rank and headed up the County Lines team since July 2022. Both will discuss the risks, the warning signs to look at for and how they combat this criminality in their work.

Conducting research in the field can be one of the most ethically fraught experiences of your career (maybe even life), and this can become even more salient if you are working with populations that are in some ways marginal and/or vulnerable. This episode should be especially useful to PhD students/early year researchers who are about to enter the field and would like to know about some of the ethical/moral challenges that they will face. We tackle:

What does ‘informed’ consent really mean? And is it truly possible?

How do you navigate feelings of guilt?

Will your research have an impact on you?

What does the blurring of boundaries mean for you as a researcher and as a person?

Does it have implications for your own sense of identity?

Why do your previous experiences/perspectives matter?

I consider myself an ethnographic researcher looking into the experiences of rough sleepers here in Manchester. To help me discuss some of these complex questions I’m joined by phenomenological researcher Dr Steve Kelsey, who’s PhD was titled A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of the Lived Experience of Homeless Men. Steve has been working in the field of people and organisation development for over 25 years. Today he works around the world with organisations to deliver innovative development programmes, supporting strategic change and coaching business leaders. He brings his knowledge from psychology and a deep understanding of business to help solve problems and challenge unhelpful paradigms. His approach is both dynamic and sensitive, always aimed at discovering the root cause of issues and creating positive change. Outside of his work, Steve spends much of his time teaching martial arts and travelling back to Japan, where he lived for 10 years.

You can see one of Steve’s pieces on homelessness for the Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2016/jun/13/my-phd-on-homelessness-is-heartbreaking-and-humbling

You can reach Steve here: kestrelinnovations@gmail.com

'The Last of Us' games were hugely successful, offering one of the most immersive and terrifying gaming experiences to date for many a nerd (myself included). The recent release of the televised adaptation starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey has proven equally as successful and warrants a deep dive. Joined by my usual co-host Andrea, as we do an exploration of the series, covering the episodes and comparisons with the original game etc. In addition for a bit of fun I have provided on sociological analysis on both the show and the zombie film genre more generally. Have you ever wondered why we're so obsessed with apocalyptic scenarios? Why do we return to the zombie motif again and again - what does it say about society and human identity? I also make comparisons with the Last of Us and reality and whether there is an element of truth in the terrifying fungus featured in the series.

*spoilers - don't listen if you haven't watched the show yet*

Myself and fellow sociologist Richard Remelie discuss an event we attended from the esteemed AC Grayling, one of the most eminent philosophers and authors in the realm of atheism (although he writes on a range of other subjects too). We analysis/review Graylings arguments for atheism and cover a wide range of ideas he covers in his lecture, e.g. his thoughts on inductive and deductive reasoning, uncertainty and the nature of knowledge, as well as reflecting on what atheism actually is. This lecture took place at the Manchester Meeting House and was run in collaboration with Atheism UK and the Great Manchester Humanists (links below to learn more).

Link to one of his most popular books below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meaning-Things-Applying-Philosophy-life/dp/0753813599/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25LHPH0FL5LTX&keywords=ac+grayling&qid=1677604699&sprefix=ac+gr%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

Full talk can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsWJ-evms4s

Humanist link - gmh.humanist.org.uk
Atheism UK - www.atheismuk.com

Joined again by my co-host and fellow bookworm Andrea to review another fascinating book. This time we are exploring the weird and wonderful world of pleasure and pain. Why do we seek it? What are the types? What connection exists between pain and our sense of life purpose? What explains our fascination with suffering in fiction? This episode is filled with insights that will not only help you understand your own interval processes better, but also allow you make better choices in your own life, towards happiness and well-being (although even more can be found in the book). We follow Paul Bloom as he takes us through the science, philosophy and morality of this poorly understood aspect to the human condition. 

A copy of his book can be found here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweet-Spot-Pleasures-Suffering-Meaning/dp/0062910566

Denis Rader aka ‘BTK’ (bind, torture, kill) was one of America’s more prolific serial killers, leaving a path of murder and destruction decades long. Join me and my co host Andrea Nicklin as we review Kerri Rawson’s book, which is the daughters biographical account of growing up with a serial killer. We discuss the family history/dynamics, early signs of pathology, role that religion plays, some of details of the gruesome murders, and some of the psychology of the killer that is revealed through BTK's prison correspondence with his daughter (and much more).

*Audience warning here as some of the themes are quite adult, perhaps not one for the car journey with the kids.*

In this episode I virtually sit down with Darren McGarvey to do a deep dive on his new book The Social Distance Between Us: How Remote Politics Wrecked Britain. In one of my favourite conversations to date we explore all the nuances of class. Darren is already an Orwell prize winning bestselling author, due to his last publication Poverty Safari, as well being a columnist and film maker for the BBC. We discuss, the myth of the meritocracy and the complexities of privilege, how language is used to divide and discriminate, our implicit and explicit class identifiers, working class attitudes to authority and the fascinating idea of class deference. We hit on how certain communities are actively constructed differently to exclude certain populations and there is also a lot of interesting crossover with my own research on homelessness/addiction. Darren also shares his hilarious assessment of our political situation and the political class more generally. Apologises there is a little swearing in this one, but as the old saying goes…swearing is just punctuation where I come from.

Copies of his new book can be purchased from his website (link below).

https://darrenmcgarvey.com/

In this episode I am Joined by Richard Remelie, a PhD researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, who is based in the department of education. How you ever wondered why some people are motivated to climb mountains, while others are only motivated to watch others climb mountains? - Well wonder no longer. In this episode Richard talks to us about his amazing research into understanding relationships between motivations and human flourishing, in the context of education and the student experience. We talk about the types of motivation e.g., intrinsic and extrinsic, the model he used to understand this mystery i.e. self-determination theory (SDT), the importance of reflexivity, and the differences between our physical and psychological needs. In exploring this subject, we also touch on the effect of poverty and class etc on students’ educational journeys, as well as the impact that culture can have on determining what’s important in human flourishing (collectivist versus individualist societies). Richard also talks about his experiences of working for the House of Commons Education Committee, and the difficulties associated with making changes in our political system. 

More info can be found about Richard here:

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/alumni/meet/richard-remelie.php

https://twitter.com/richardremelie?lang=en-GB

In this episode co-host Andrea and I are reviewing a recent event we attended, The Psychology of Serial Killers. The event blog is below, please enjoy. Apologies for the sound quality though, Andrea's laptop decided to end it's own life prior to recording this episode. 

"A fascinating event by forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees to explore one of Forensic Psychology’s most troubling topics. During this talk, you will discover how serial killers are classified. What are the differences between lust killers like the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer and visionary killers such as David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)? You will also investigate the phenomenon of killer couples such as Fred and Rose West and the Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, as well exploring the Folie à deux syndrome a.k.a ‘shared psychosis’."

Does our society discriminate against those who are single? Are spaces, ideals and social norms only catered towards the monogamous couple? We talk about the difficulties of online dating, the unintended consequences of making the private sphere, public, and the problems men and women face when trying to find intimacy and connection in this new technological frontier. We even deconstruct Love Island and discuss the potential harm of some of the gender stereotypes that exist there.

With us today is Alicia Denby a PhD Researcher in Sociology at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research interests include gender and sexualities, modern dating practices, and singlehood. Her PhD, is titled "Singlehood and the City: An Investigation into the position of the Single in Urban Space", focuses on the spatial naturalisation of heteronormativity in an urban landscape.

The link to her Love Island article 'Toxicity and Femininity in Love Island: How Reality Dating Shows Perpetuate Sexist Attitudes Towards Women' is here:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2021.641216/full

Have you ever wondered the historical roots of masculinity, and what impact warfare has had on our human identity and development? Well look no further! Join myself and Jonathan Harper (a fellow PhD researcher specialising in WW2) as we review Leo Braudy's book, as he takes us through an epic historical, sociological and literary journey. A full review would of have been impossible but we covered some fascinating ground from; barbarians, Romans, ancient Greeks, modern warfare, drone strikes, the war in Afghanistan, strong men, knights, masculinity in relation to uniforms and social and political policy, masculinities connection with femininity and the fear of the other, and even the influence of technology on our concepts of honour...honesty we cover a lot, bring a snack.

Reviewing the literary god that is Stephen Fry, I am assisted once again by my fellow bookworm Andrea Nicklin as we deconstruct this new telling of the Greek classic - from Fry's writing style, portrayal of the Gods, to the role of women in this traditional epic, prepare for a crash course in all things ancient. 

Welcome listeners, have you ever wondered what an advocate is? What is their role is and why they are so important to some of our most vulnerable? I'm joined today by Rob Alcock, who is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Social Care and Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University. His doctoral project is currently titled: ‘To have their voices heard’? A realist study of independent advocacy under the Care Act 2014. Rob is a registered social worker and practised in local authority adult services before starting his PhD. He can be contacted at robert.alcock3@stu.mmu.ac.uk'.

Dr Szifris is a criminologist/sociologist at Manchester Metropolitan University, who before coming to MMU studied for four years at the University of Sheffield, to gain her Master's Degree in Mathematics before going on to complete her PhD. Her doctoral research was entitled 'Philosophy in Prison: An Exploration of Personal Development' and takes an exploratory approach to data collection. Kirstine's interests lie in the prison system with a particular interest in how education works in that setting, thinking about questions such as; How does trust develop in incarcerated settings? What can education do for desistance? What does this do for prisoners well-being? 

In this episode, we explore Kirstine's exciting new book, 'Philosophy Behind Bars' which contains illuminating insights from an innovative programme that took place in two prisons in the UK. Learn about the role of philosophy in this most extreme of environments. Kirstine explains the difficulties of working in such repressive environments, the challenges in working with this complex population, the insights gained from it, the surprises, what philosophy has to say for human identity and growth when you find yourself inside carceral spaces, and why exploration through philosophical dialogue can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal change. We also hear from the prisoners own reflections on the programme, through fascinating exerts and the researcher's candid field notes. 

For anyone interested in ordering a copy you can get your copy here:

https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/philosophy-behind-bars

More information about Kirstine and her interesting work can be found here:

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=2584

This time we tackle the strange world of misogynistic extremism with Laura Bates's new book 'Men Who Hate Women; The Extremism No One Is Talking About'. From incels to pick up artists, this books explores all the levels of the manosphere with it's unflinching look into the dark world of online radicalisation. As usual, I'm joined by my co-host Andrea as we give our very honest run down analysis of this piece of writing and share our thoughts on what this tomb contains. This one is a bit edgy-er in parts than usual, so it goes without saying that any offence is never our intention but of course our personal opinions are stated here. 

I am joined this time by PhD researcher Emma Smith as she tells me all about her exciting work in addiction. Emma uses a technique called photovoice to tell the different stories of people’s recovery from substance abuse. Currently, she is at the University of Worcester, although Emma hails from the States originally. Anyone that has an interest in how addiction works, photography, alternative research methods etc would love this episode.

Further information about her work can be found here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/about/news/2021-research-investigates-new-ways-of-understanding-individuals-in-recovery-from-substance-use

Have you ever wanted to know about the types of ghosts, the seance movement, how they debunk mediums, or class and genders strange connection with the paranormal? We discuss a whole host of bizarre topics from ectoplasm, to the role of women in this strange movement, to haunted German U boats, it's got it all. Join us as we review Clarke's attempt at investigating some of the west's most interesting paranormal folklore and famous ghoulish case studies. As usual, joined by my good friend and fellow bookworm Andrea. 

Have you ever wanted to know how forensic experts figure out the time of death with a corpse? Wanted to know the origins of fingerprinting or maybe wondered how Iphones solve murder investigations, whether you like it or not? How experts are used incorrectly in courtrooms? And many, many aspects to solving serious crimes. Join me and my crime obsessed friend Andrea as we review Val McDermids Forensics of Crime. Never has murder and death been so...deliciously written. 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forensics-Anatomy-Crime-Wellcome-Collection/dp/1781251703/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=forensic+crime+val+mcdermid&qid=1613735862&sr=8-1

This week I’m joined by the talented Daniel Buxton, a talented singer and songwriter in his own right Daniel he has also worked for many years as a sound engineer, producer and course advisor at SSR, for the next generation of budding musicians. We discuss humanities connection with music – why does music affect us the way it does? As usual, we take some tremendous questions from the audience and cover a range of topics:

Why do songs trigger memories?

How is music is used to heal trauma?

Why does music allow us to push beyond our normal limitations?

Why are we offended by other people’s music tastes?

https://soundcloud.com/dpbproductions

Bio: Pt Luke Murphy has been training in gyms for 15 years and a personal trainer for 6. Mainly he works with people who want to train in the bodybuilding style to build a body they have never had.  Love working with people on a personal level. Luke is currently studying to become a counsellor and in the future will be combining the personal training with psychotherapy, in order to offer the complete service to help others. https://www.facebook.com/ptlukemurphy

Today we tackled some really big issues for people trying to physically and mentally improve themselves, such as:

What's the best way to tone and lose weight?

What's the secret to motivation?

Is willpower just genetic?

What can marshmallows tell us about ourselves? 

What's the best way to get that Viking Body?

How do you fight your metabolism and gain muscle?


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This week we are joined by the knowledgable Harry Armitage, a social policy researcher and PhD student who's currently researching homelessness at MMU. We look into the areas of personal responsibility, the role of the authorities, and the criminlisation of vulnerable groups. Heroically (although failing) trying to answer such questions as why does homelessness still exists in a wealthy country? And why is rough sleeping is still such a taboo subject to talk about? As usual, we take some great questions, and really get to grips with some of the more complicated factors that lead to this social problem.

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=4925

Join me as I review Darren's latest work 'Poverty Safari', a scathing look into the anger that exists in some of Britains most deprived communities. Great for those into politics, psychology, autobiographies, class. social sciences or anyone just wanting to understand points of view that are maybe a little alien to you.  

Check out his website here for all his work:

https://darrenmcgarvey.com/

I had the distinct honour of interviewing Kevin Wong, who is an associate Director of Criminal Justice at MMU (bio link below) for the universities annual researcher conference (link below). I got to ask him some fantastic questions, from some of the problems with the criminal justice system, how it targets certain groups/communities disproportionally, definitions of hate crime, COVID implications for criminal justice and even some possible solutions to these challenges. 

https://www.mmuperu.co.uk/about-us/mr-kevin-wong

https://www.mmu.ac.uk/research/research-study/events/pgr-conference/

Damian (an American pastor and historian) joins me this week to discuss America's historical and contemporary problems with race, from slavery to the modern inequalities within the criminal justice system.

What an episode that was! This week we have Anita, a very passionate biology researcher from MMU talking a little about her PhD research and taking loads of really complex questions. Why do chimps bare their teeth? Do they have a sense of self? Can a primate understand fairness and have a sense of morality? We also cover some hilarious experiments and discuss some wider human implications for what intelligence means.

Speaker bio:

Anita is a current PhD student in the Preziosi lab: her current research project focusses on the genetics of endangered African mammals and the impact of the One Plan approach on conservation of several species, both in and ex situ. My research interests more broadly span from conservation genetics to the influence of welfare on conservation outcomes, using behaviour as an indicator; I have previously worked with mammal and bird species, but my interests range across taxa

I got to interview the talented Aaron Davies, a comedian/MC from New Zealand. We cover a lot of great topics, can anyone do comedy? The link between depression and comedians, the worst experiences while performing and the purpose of comedy itself.

Joined by the talented and nomadic Benjamin from Toronto Canada, we Cover china, lizard people, Illuminati and in general the psychology of conspiracy theories and why certain people so innately vulnerable to them.

Two legal boffins/students from the Netherlands and London respectively (Suzanne and Mat) explain to me some of the strange origins of our laws and what they mean for our understanding of right and wrong. .

Holly, a very talented psychology teacher joins me your host Anton War in an entertaining discussion into the fascinating world of criminology. We cover all sorts of ground from criminal ethics, definitions and understandings of psychopaths, push and pull factors of crime, models of justice, and much much more.