Naturally Speaking

IBAHCM

The Naturally Speaking podcast is a science pod-yssey that provides cutting-edge research and ecology chat from the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow.

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20 episodes
Updated April 18

Episodes20

Newest first

April 18 · 30 min
Episode 102 – A Field Course on Tropical Marine Biology
In this episode Dr. Dave Bailey and undergraduate students Youssra Bennadji and Lauren Wilson speak with Naturally Speaking’s John Smout and Caroline Sharp about some of the aspects of the Tropical Marine Biology field course. This is a final year option offered as part of the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM)’s Zoology programme. Together they explore what we can expect when embarking on these trips. Exploring the fun and challenges of diving in Egypt, how the programme works, and hearing from professional and student perspectives is just a part of what we highlight in this episode. Photo: D. Bailey Photo: D. Bailey Ingrid Salazar Zamudio edited the podcast. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0].
February 23 · 35 min
Episode 101 – What shapes perception of risk in horse racing?
Join Hollie French and Holly Niven in this episode as they sit down with Jessie McCarthy and Euan Bennet to discuss how different stakeholders perceive risks to horses in racing. How do these risks arise on race day? Where may public perceptions differ from those within the racing industry? And how did Jessie and Euan develop this research project in the first place? In this conversation, they explore the key themes identified through interviews with participants: ‘Managing Risk, or Managing the Message?’, ‘The Balance between Tradition and Progress on Reducing Risks’, and ‘Attributing Responsibility and the Public Disconnect’, all drawn from their recent publication (linked below). This episode offers a thoughtful, nuanced look at the complexities surrounding horse welfare and communication in the sport. You can read Jessie’s and Euan’s full study here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/evj.14561 Jessie McCarthy is a graduate of the Animal Welfare, Ethics, and Law Masters at the University of Glasgow and a final-year Veterinary Medicine student at the University of Surrey. Euan Bennet is a Lecturer in Research and Numerical Skills in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow. If you enjoyed this conversion you might also like Episode 98 – Horse Racing: Fatal injuries, risk factors and evidence-based interventions. Holly Niven and Hollie French conducted the podcast. Caroline Sharp and Shennice Knight edited the podcast. Holly wrote the podcast blurb. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]. The blog cover photo is an AI generated image, created using image generator in ChatGPT.
February 1 · 24 min
EPISODE 100 – A Field course on the Conservation of African Ecosystems
In this episode Dr. Oskar Brattstrom and undergraduate students Bridget Nielsen and Katie Mulholland speak with Naturally Speaking’s Anders Erlandson, Caroline Sharp and Taya Forde about some of the aspects of the Ecology and Conservation of African Ecosystems field course. This is a final year option offered as part of the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine (SBOHVM)’s Zoology programme. Together they explore what can we expect when embarking on these trips. Exploring the intricacies of conservation practices in East Africa, how the programme works, and hearing from professional and student perspectives is just a part of what we highlight in this episode. The Conservation of African Ecosystems field course team of 2025. Whether you are a student or just a nature enthusiast, this conversation uncovers a trip to one of the most beautiful ecosystems on earth, while talking about the motivations and challenges for this wonderful programme. Top: bush hyrax, Grevy’s zebras, lion. Bottom: little bee eater Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just podcast. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. This podcast was edited by: Anders Erlandson. Web content was edited by Ingrid Salazar Zamudio. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]. All images courtesy of Dr Oskar Brattstrom.
January 15 · 37 min
Episode 99 – Balancing Parenthood and a PhD (Part 2)
Parenting can be a full-time job, and so can pursuing a PhD. For those wearing both hats, how do you manage them effectively? If you are navigating this path or simply curious, jump right into this very interesting and insightful podcast. The conservation continues from Episode 97 with Anna Formstone – a PhD student at SBOHVM and a parent herself – joined by six other PhD parents as they share insights on balancing the demands of parenting with academic life. In part 2, they talk more about building a schedule that works for them to accommodate childcare, raising a family and school work; working with their supervisors, managing finances and future plans. This podcast was edited by Holly Niven and the blog post blurb was written by Praise Adeyemo. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]. Feature image AI generated through ChatGPT.
Oct 9, 2025 · 35 min
Episode 98 – Horse Racing: Fatal injuries, risk factors and evidence-based interventions
In this episode, Holly Niven and Taya Forde speak with Euan Bennet, Lecturer in Research and Numerical Skills at the University of Glasgow and expert in risk factor analysis in Equine Sports. He introduces us to common fatal horse racing injuries and talks about his most recent paper https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14503 where he uncovered novel risk factors associated with fatal injuries in race horses. He shares with us how his work supports evidence-based interventions and regulatory changes aimed at reducing fatal injury risk, as well as giving us an overview of exciting avenues for future work. This podcast was edited by Holly Niven. Feature image AI-generated through WordPress. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Sep 26, 2025 · 37 min
Episode 97 – Balancing Parenthood and a PhD (Part 1)
Balancing Parenthood and a PhD: when your research proposal isn’t the only thing keeping you up at night! What happens when two major life challenges collide: undertaking a PhD and raising a child? In the UK, women now outnumber men in doctoral research positions, making the issue of balancing a PhD with caring responsibilities more relevant than ever. Anna Formstone, a PhD student at SBOHVM, knows this first-hand. After having a baby during her first year, she became curious about how fellow PhD students at SBOHVM were managing the demands of both academia and family life and how well supported they felt in the process. In this episode of Natural Speaking, Anna speaks with six PhD parents, five mothers and a father, at SBOHVM who are navigating that balance. Their conversation explores everything from maternity leave (and how policies differ between funders) to work schedules, future careers, and the realities of doing fieldwork as a parent. They discuss the challenges they have encountered but also the surprising positives that doing a PhD while being a parent can bring. This podcast was edited by Shennice Knight. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]. Feature image AI generated through ChatGPT.
Feb 6, 2025 · 16 min
Episode 96 – Glasgow’s Seizure Clinic: supporting pets and their owners
In this episode, Taya Forde speaks with Jos Bongers – a veterinary clinician specializing in neurology. She tells us all about the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital Seizure Clinic – the first of its kind in Scotland. Dr Jos Bongers and epilepsy patient, Dougie This podcast was edited by Shennice Deandrea Knight. Feature image AI generated through WordPress. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Jan 14, 2025 · 49 min
Episode 95- On Evolution and Engagement
In this episode of Naturally Speaking, PhD students Mar Pineda and Nic Strowbridge interview our 2024 Darwin Day speaker, Professor Rebecca Kilner FRS, an evolutionary biologist as well as the Head of Zoology and Director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Cambridge. Professor Kilner shares her journey into the field of evolutionary biology which began in her sixth form after being inspired by popular science books on evolution. Professor Kilner’s research focuses on the evolution of parental care, particularly in burying beetles. Her experiments have shown how these beetles adapt their care strategies in response to environmental pressures, revealing rapid evolutionary changes. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating genomics, proteomics, and biomechanics to enhance our understanding of evolutionary biology. We also find out about Professor Kilner’s passion for public engagement and the role of natural history museums in our communities, as well as the role it can play on aspiring scientists. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Professor Kilner’s academic journey and work in public engagement. We hope you enjoy the discussion! Banner image: Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides) by Ludivine Lamare via Wikimedia Commons
Feb 19, 2024 · 46 min
Are we using the right statistics?
Are we using the right statistics? It is a contentious question in science. Statistics may seem like a hard, objective discipline, but there are in fact many different opinions and methods when it comes to analyzing our data. Today on Naturally Speaking we are discussing the two main schools of statistics; frequentist and Bayesian statistics. We also discuss if we are teaching statistics correctly and what are the obstacles for biology students faced with learning statistics. In this episode of Naturally Speaking, two PhD students navigating the world of statistics talk to two of SBOHVMs leading statisticians; Dr Sofie Spatharis and Prof. Jason Matthiopoulos. Sofie teaches undergraduate statistics, laying the ground work of statistical theory. Jason teaches Bayesian stats as a master’s course, building on the framework provided by Sofie to explain Bayesian theories and the practicalities of this field. We hope you enjoy this interesting discussion. Feature image: AI image generated in Canva. Post: Graeme Cullen and Rachel Lennon. Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Feb 12, 2024 · 35 min
EPISODE 94 – Celebrating International Day of Women in STEM
The International Day of Women and Girls in STEM is on February 11th and celebrates the fantastic work of women and girls in STEM. Our University is full of many amazing women doing incredible work in the field of STEM, providing countless role models for young women aspiring to be scientists. However, this wasn’t always the case, with prejudice keeping women outside of STEM based disciplines for many years. It was through the persistent and unflinching work of a few women that the way was paved, allowing so many others to follow in their footsteps and create a more diverse scientific field today. In this episode of Naturally Speaking we are speaking to Pat Monaghan, the Regius Professor of Zoology at SBOHVM. She shares her experiences as a woman working in this field, and how things have changed over time. Feature image: AI image generated in Canva. Post: Rachel Lennon, Edited by Graeme Cullen Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Jan 31, 2024 · 54 min
Episode 93 – Racial Inequality in Academia
In this episode, Paddy McCleave is joined by three amazing guests, Raheema Chunara, Maarya Omar, and Abimbola Abodunrin, to discuss racial inequality in academia. PART 1: PART 2: Panelists Raheema Chunara, Maarya Omar, and Abimbola Abodunrin Racial inequality has been present in science throughout history and continues to be a widespread issue today. The belief that this is a thing of the past is incorrect. Today, research originating in countries where the primary language is not English continues to have lower acceptance rates into high-impact journals. This stems from the widespread use of English and the lack of appropriate measures for those whose first language is not English. A recent report by the Royal Society of Chemistry found that black scientists are unfairly disadvantaged when applying for funding. These issues are present in all areas of academia including STEM, social science, and arts. Recently, as issues of race and inclusion continue to be at the forefront of academia, several Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion groups have taken action across universities and Schools, Including the School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) group. Across the two parts of this episode, we discuss the role of EDI groups across the University, diversity at the University of Glasgow, and what the next steps are for tackling racial inequality to ensure we are not having the same conversations in 10 years time. Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Jan 8, 2024 · 53 min
How To Survive A Conference: A 10 Year Update
Conferences are a major part of life in academia: they allow us to share our work, build collaborations, and find out more about the interesting work in our field. However, conferences aren’t always easy to navigate and can involve public speaking nerves and awkward interactions. A panel of ‘Conference Survivors’, including Professor Shaun Killen and Dr David Bailey, explored the ins and outs of conference success (and misadventure) in an episode aired over 10 years ago! In this current episode, two PhD students, Mar Pineda and Graeme Cullen, bring their supervisors back for a discussion on what has stayed the same, what has changed, and most importantly how to continue surviving conferences. Tune in for discussions of technological developments and the rise of the virtual conference as well as the dos and don’ts of networking, and as expected, some chaotic anecdotes. Episode Podcast: Following the podcast, our Conference Survivors were also asked to predict what the future of conferences will look like; which you can see below: “In 10 years, I’m sure we will be able to attend conferences virtually and appear as whatever officially licensed or sponsored avatar we want. So you could give a talk as Darth Vader, King Kong, or Ronald McDonald. Whatever you want. My dream is to give a talk as Donatello of the Ninja Turtles.” – Professor Shaun Killen Feature image: AI image generated in Canva. Post: Mar Pineda and Graeme Cullen. Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Sep 6, 2023 · 20 min
Episode 91 – Seawilding: Scottish Native Oyster Restoration
Most of us will be familiar with the concept of ‘rewilding’, but what about ‘seawilding’? In this episode of Naturally Speaking, we are joined by SBOHVM’s very own Dr Anna McGregor to discuss her very exciting, important and interdisciplinary Scottish native oyster (Ostrea edulis) restoration project. She tells us about how Gaelic place names are being used in conjunction with cutting edge environmental science to help rescue Scotland’s marine biodiversity. Student volunteers completing biodiversity monitoring work for Wild Oyster Project in Largs marina. Anna is a key member of the aquatic sciences teaching team here in the department. She teaches on a huge range of marine and freshwater subjects. She also supervises numerous undergraduate and Masters student dissertations, as well as carrying out her own research. Anna’s research focuses on the use and understanding of sound in marine environments; for example, understanding the sounds of marine mammals and impacts from anthropogenic sounds on a variety of species. Technician Brendan Robertson collecting water samples for eDNA testing for presence of shellfish species in waters at Loch Melfort. Interpretation board at Kilchoan Estate, explaining the work they have done to encourage native oyster restoration at Loch Melfort. Setting up the aerial survey equipment to photograph the intertidal habitat where high numbers of oysters are found. An adult native oyster (Ostrea edulis) housed at the Wild Oyster Project in Largs marina. All images courtesy of Dr Anna McGregor Post: Graeme Cullen Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Aug 21, 2023 · 44 min
Episode 90 – Whiffs of Wisdom: Exploring Smell, Scientific Writing & Teaching
In this episode, Mar Pineda and Nic Strowbridge are joined by Professor Matthew Cobb from the University of Manchester. Professor Cobb is a researcher, author, and scientific communicator. He was voted as our postgraduate students’ number 1 choice for our 2023 Darwin Day speaker. He kindly accepted our invitation and presented a fantastic talk on chemical communication and smell. His scientific work predominantly focuses on the evolution of smell, using examples of behaviour, genetics, and chemical communication. Alongside his scientific research, he has published many popular science books. Professor Cobb is also a contributing writer for the New Scientist and the Guardian, as well as a frequent guest on BBC Radio 4. A summary can be found here. In this podcast, we mention some of Professor Cobb’s latest work looking into the history of the DNA double helix founders, James Watson, Francis Crick and Rosalind Franklin. Be sure to check it out here. Feature image: Noses of the Hunterian Zoology Museum, taken by Mike Rutherford and Nic Strowbridge. Post: Mar Pineda and Nic Strowbridge. Subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast providers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Jul 31, 2023 · 17 min
Episode 89 – Community Outreach: Engaging the public in your science
Science communication is a vitally important component of research. It encourages community engagement and sharing of new discoveries, making exciting science accessible to the wider public. However, it is also a skill that can be difficult to master – how do we make science approachable to everyone? In this episode, we have a conversation with Mariel ten Doeschate, a PhD student at SBOHVM studying statistical modelling techniques for marine animal strandings data. In addition to her PhD, Mariel works for the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) where a huge component of her work is helping to run their volunteer network and manage the citizen science aspect of the scheme. She also plays a leading role in delivering the annual SMASS Marine forum as well as various outreach events including talks, podcasts (like this one!) and workshops. As the winner of this year’s MVLS ‘Public Engagement: Engaged Early Career Researcher’ award, Mariel talks about her experiences with science communication and discusses how important it is for delivering effective citizen science projects. She also shares her top tips for when it comes to making research interesting and engaging to the public. Mariel at a beach post mortem with one of the SMASS volunteers. Mariel at the Belladrum Tartan Hearts Festival 2023 where SMASS had a community outreach stall. Feature image courtesy of SMASS. Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Jan 17, 2023 · 18 min
Episode 87 – Disease Ecology on Amsterdam Island: up close and personal with the albatross
In this episode, Taya Forde and Paddy McCleave are joined by Thierry Boulinier, a director of research at CNRS Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive at the Université Montpellier. Thierry’s research focuses on the dispersal and dynamics of seabirds and their parasites, where he works with a range of collaborators, such as the French Polar Institute and, more recently, researchers here at The University of Glasgow. Here we talk about a range of topics, including the removal of invasive species, vaccination against avian cholera, and some of the challenges of working in remote areas. Albatross and chick. Photo credit: Thierry Boulinier, 2013. Albatross colony. Photo credit: Thierry Boulinier, 2013. Feature image courtesy of Thierry Boulinier, 2013. Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Apr 22, 2022 · 22 min
Episode 86 – Animal welfare… on the sheep farm
As consumers, we hope that the animals that provide our meat, milk, eggs, etc. are well cared-for and are kept in good welfare conditions. But what does this really mean in practice? This is the second of a pair of episodes that explore different aspects of farm animal welfare. In this episode, Naturally Speaking’s Taya Forde speaks with farmers Sarah and Steve Burchell who raise sheep on a hill farm in southwest Scotland. Tune in to hear about life on the farm, and the many different considerations for raising sheep under optimal conditions. This interview was conducted in late February, 2022. Feature image courtesy of Eleanor Duncan, 2022 Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod[CC BY 3.0]
Apr 1, 2022 · 20 min
Episode 85 – Dog phone and the dawn of the Doggoverse
Have you ever wondered what animal internet would look like? In this episode, Naturally Speaking’s Mohammad Saiful Islam Sajib and Taya Forde interview Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, a Lecturer in the School of Computing Science, and an associate at IBAHCM. Here, they talk about Ilyena’s work on Animal Connected Interfaces and how technology can play an important role in animal welfare. Intriguing topics of discussion include the “Dog phone”, a system that allows her dog, Zack, to make video calls whenever he is playing with his favorite toy. For students interested in AACI projects Website: https: //ilyena.com/opportunities/ Email: ilyena.hirskyj-douglas@glasgow.ac.uk Twitter: @Ilyena Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas with Zack, her Labrador retriever. Photo credit: Ilyena 2022 An accelerometer inside Zack’s toy allows him to call Ilyena. Photo credit: Ilyena 2022 Credits Feature image: Original artwork courtesy of Eleanor Duncan, 2022© Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Mar 16, 2022 · 28 min
Episode 84 – Animal welfare… on the dairy farm
As consumers, we hope that the animals that provide our meat, milk, eggs, etc. are well cared-for and are kept in good welfare conditions. But what does this really mean in practice? This is the first of a pair of episodes that explore different aspects of farm animal welfare. In this episode, Naturally Speaking’s Eleanor Duncan and Taya Forde speak with Dr Nicola Gladden of the School of Veterinary Medicine about her research into the benefits of administering pain relief to cows and calves around birthing. Feature image courtesy of Eleanor Duncan, 2022 Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod[CC BY 3.0]
Feb 23, 2022 · 20 min
Episode 83 – Thar She Blows! How and why whales and other large animals wash up on the Scottish coastline, and how you can help
Ever wondered what it’s like inside a dead whale? In this podcast Masters student Sreedevi Gummuluri and Senior Research Fellow, Lucy Gilbert talk to Dr. Andrew Brownlow, a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Epidemiology at IBAHCM. To celebrate Andrew’s 1st Anniversary at IBAHCM, he entertains us with tales from his lead role in the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS). Tune in to hear about the fascinating research and surveillance of large marine animals (such as whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and basking sharks) that strand around the coast of Scotland. You can even contribute to the research by downloading the Beach Track App so that next time you’re walking along any part of the beautiful Scottish coastline, you can report whether or not you see a stranded animal (zeros are just as important!). Beach Track App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.natural_apptitude.strandings&hl=en (android) https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-store/id1438498205 (Apple store) #IBAHCMprojects are available for #PGTstudents – if interested, get in touch! Dr. Andrew Brownlow at a stranding site. Photo Credit: SMASS 2019 © Conducting a necropsy with volunteers. Photo Credit: Monika 2019 © monikacarrie@gmail.com Fishing entanglements are an unfortunate cause of whale strandings. Photo credit: SMASS 2019 ©. Feature image courtesy of Andrew Brownlow, SMASS 2019 © Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just our podcasts. We are also available on iTunes and other podcast catchers. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod[CC BY 3.0]