PsychCrunch

Latest Episodes:

Ep 48: Putting the humanity back into space Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of PsychCrunch, we're at the Leverhulme Centre for Space and Humanity, based at Space Park in Leicester. Join Dr Jon Sutton and Dr Zoe Swann Baillie as they discuss resilience, the physical challenges of microgravity, working as a crew, and how the humanity in these topics can inform those of us on terra firma.

We also hear from researchers who have an association with the Centre: Dr Valerie van Mulukom (Oxford Brookes University) and Professor John Maltby (University of Leicester) on integrating morality research into spaceflight, and hopes for future links between our discipline and the stars.

The British Psychological Society is pleased to announce that it will be a Project Partner for the Leverhulme Centre for Space and Humanity.

Credits

Host: Dr Jon SuttonEditor: Emma BarrattAudio wizardry: Jeff Knowler

Hungry for more?

Check out NASA's Human Research Roadmap and see where your research might fit into the future of spaceflight.

Or read more about how we misconceptualise resilience, and how we should think of it, with this piece from Dr Warren Donnellan (University of Liverpool).

If you're looking for more on space psychology, be sure to check out our up-to-date space collection over on the Psychologist's website.

PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

Ep 47: What's next for voice hearing therapies? Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of PsychCrunch, join our host, Tabby Taylor Buck, as she explores cutting-edge and historical approaches to voice hearing therapies. Come along for an insider look at the hallucination-mimicking AVATAR2 trial as Tabby sits down with Trial Coordinator Dr Clementine Edwards, then take a tour of the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield with her, Museum Curator Jane Stockdale, and Museum Officer Sally Evans. Learn what it's like to hear voices from Dr Andrew Grundy (Lived Experience Researcher, Manchester University), and what exactly schizophrenia, voice hearing, and psychosis mean with Dr Chris Taylor (University of Sheffield).

This is Episode 47 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Tabby Taylor Buck. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt. Produced by Tabby Taylor Buck.

Hungry for more?

Check out this piece from Ben Gray, Peer Support Worker at EPUT (Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust), in which he gives a unique account of how hearing voices support sessions can provide inspiration and hope.

Or head over to The Psychologist and explore.

We're always interested in hearing from you. If you'd like to get in touch, you can find us on BlueSky @ResearchDigest.

PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

Ep 46: Crime and compassion: How do we stop people offending? Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

When people hear 'forensic psychology' they might think of true crime documentaries or Silence of the Lambs – but the reality is much more about people, the systems they live in, and chances to change.

In this episode, Ella Rhodes speaks to forensic psychologists Dr Rachel Worthington and Dr Geraldine Akerman to talk about how people end up in prison, why reoffending happens, what actually helps people move on.

This is Episode 46 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Ella Rhodes.

Edited by Emma Barratt. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler.

Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.

Want to learn more?

Check out The Psychologist's Guide to Prisons, or hear from Dr Emma Palmer and Dr Ruth Hatcher, forensic psychologists at the University of Leicester, on why we need better support through the prison gateway.

Ep 45: Psychology needs a … revolution! Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

We all love psychology, but it feels safe to say that most of us probably would love it more if it did some things differently. For many, psychology would benefit from a revolution (or two).

In this episode, we share hot takes on the matter from the expert contributors to the March 2026 issue of our magazine, The Psychologist. What do they believe needs a revolution within the discipline? And should we call for revolutions at all?

Special thanks to our guests: Audrey Linden, Jamie Cummins, Marcus Munafo, Margarita Panaiyoutou, Madeleine Pownall, Richard Wiseman. Thanks also to those who contributed via LinkedIn.

This is Episode 45 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted and edited by Emma Barratt. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Produced by Jon Sutton.

Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.

Want to learn more?

Check out our guests' manifestos in full in the March 2026 issue of The Psychologist.

Ep 44: Doing something when nothing can be done: Working with Huntington's disease Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

Living with a life-limiting condition comes with a plethora of psychological consequences. When the condition is rare, having psychologists in your corner can mean even more.

This episode, we speak with Dr Sarah Gunn, Lecturer at the University of Leicester and expert on the psychology of Huntington's disease, about her research journey and how her work supports those with the condition. Join her and Dr Jon Sutton, Editor for the Psychologist, in conversation as they explore what psychologists can do when nothing can be done.

This is Episode 44 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits: Hosted by Dr Jon Sutton. With contributions by Ella Rhodes. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Not done learning?Find out more about how psychologists conceptualise living with a chronic illness with this piece from Emily Reynolds. Or learn why the world needs more health psychologists in our conversation with Professor Aimee Aubeeluck.

Ep 43: Psychology on the Menu Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

Join Dr Jon Sutton and Dr Andrea Oskis (Food Writer and Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University, London) for a research-packed feast, through which they navigate the deep and meaningful connections between us and the food we eat. From appetiser to dessert, every dish opens the door to exploring fascinating studies and discoveries.

This is Episode 43 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Dr Jon Sutton. Audio editing by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Hungry for more?

Find out more about 'cupboard love' with this piece by Andrea Oskis that explores the intrinsic connection between food and feelings.

Or check out this piece from Chukwudi Barrah on nine psychological insights that may just turn down the heat at the dinner table.

Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.

Ep 42: What makes hobbies healing? Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of PsychCrunch, Tabby Taylor Buck delves into the world of unconventional therapeutic activities, guided by the latest psychological research and insights from practitioners in the field. She explores how innovative approaches are reshaping what therapy can look and feel like.

Tabby begins with a spot of climbing therapy, and then turns to the imaginative world of structured roleplay, as Dr. Sören Henrich discusses the therapeutic potential of Dungeons & Dragons. Next, Professor Jo Williams offers insight into animal-assisted interventions, shedding light on the psychological mechanisms that underpin them. Finally, the conversation plunges into cold water. Professors Mark Wetherell and Mike Tipton discuss the psychological and physiological impact of cold water swimming, exploring how cold water immersion may help with stress adaptation and improve mood.

Throughout the episode, Tabby and her guests explore a central question: Are these diverse interventions tapping into unique mechanisms, or are they all accessing shared core ingredients that promote psychological wellbeing?

This is Episode 42 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Produced and hosted by Tabby Taylor Buck. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Hungry for more?

Read about how Dungeons & Dragons shaped psychologist Dr Sören Henrich's identity and connections in academia.

Or hear about how our current media landscape makes this the 'golden age of play for adults' with this piece from Dave Neale.

Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.

Ep 41: What makes a successful transition to school? Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Most of us remember what it was like to start school. Intimidating new places, being unsure of the schedule, lots of new potential friends — and maybe a few foes. It's a huge moment for kids, and their families, that brings with it a lot of big, complex challenges.

In this episode, Jon Sutton chats with Professor Claire Hughes, Deputy Director of the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge, about the hurdles families face when children start school, what it means to be 'school ready', and more.

This is Episode 41 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Jon Sutton. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Hungry for more?

Why not check out this piece on fixing the home-school relationship by Clinical Psychologist Dr Tara Porter.

Or get to grips with current research on school avoidance with this recent article from Educational Psychologist Meg Fairclough.

Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.

Ep 40: Kink, community, and transformation Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

The massive variety of human sexual interests is a little mind-boggling. As what we consider to be sexually typical continues to be expanded and shaped by the internet and popular culture, psychologists are making efforts to research kinks and members of the kink community like never before.

Join Ella Rhodes in conversation with Liam Wignall (Senior Lecturer at Brighton University and committee member of the BPS's Sexualities Section) about his work exploring community in these underground spaces, links with neurodivergence, and the ways modern technology is transforming the scene — as well as research into it.

We also chat with Dr Kate Marks, a Clinical Psychologist who works with those involved in kink communities, about her impressions of the emotions, social consequences, and even therapeutic echoes that run through these subversive engagements.

This episode discusses sex, sexuality, and the stigma and struggles that can come alongside it. As such, it may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.

This is Episode 40 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Ella Rhodes. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.

Want to learn more?

Read more about how sexual scripts are shifting thanks to the changing landscape of gender-based stereotypes online, and the fallout for women, in our interview with Dr Jane Meyrick over at The Psychologist.

Or learn about how feeling powerful can lead romantic partners to widen their nets with this Research Digest piece by Emily Reynolds.

Ep 39: Why it's worth embracing uncertainty Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

There's no question that we find ourselves in uncertain times. Looking at current events and wondering about what the future may hold can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed, to say the least.

But uncertain times aren't always the ominous force we make them out to be. In fact, research suggests that they can create unique opportunities for growth and transformation that we wouldn't otherwise encounter.

This episode, Ella Rhodes chats with Maggie Jackson — author of Uncertain and expert on uncertainty — unpacking how uncertainty shapes our lives. Together, they explore how embracing the unknown can open doors to unexpected possibilities, and can lead us to greener pastures.

This is Episode 39 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Routledge Psychology.

Episode Credits:

Hosted by Ella Rhodes. Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler. Edited by Emma Barratt.

Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.

Want to learn more?

Read more about how we can embrace uncertainty in therapeutic settings with The wisdom of therapist uncertainty, over at The Psychologist.

Or check out Resilience to uncertainty by Eleanore Batteux for a practical exploration of what we can do to become resilient to future uncertainties, explored through the lens of the pandemic.

PsychCrunch is sponsored by Routledge Psychology

Routledge Psychology is part of the Taylor & Francis Group, and publishing partner for the BPS Core Textbooks Series. Browse over 5 million articles, and related books. BPS members are entitled to a 25% discount on all books published by Routledge – find your discount code here and visit the dedicated BPS Member page at Routledge here.

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