Public Health Disrupted

In the first episode of Season 6 of Public Health Disrupted, Dr Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess explore why younger generations are drinking less, and what that shift means for public health. Alcohol consumption among young people has fallen sharply over the past two decades, but the reasons behind this change are complex. Is it greater awareness of alcohol harms, economic pressure, changing social lives, or wider shifts in how young people experience risk and wellbeing? Joining Xand and Rochelle are Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, and Dr Melissa Oldham from the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at UCL. Together, they unpack what the data tells us, what sobriety and “drinking less” look like in everyday social life, and why community, policy and support systems matter if this trend is to lead to better health outcomes in the long term.In this episode:Why alcohol consumption among young people has fallen in recent decadesHow social media, economic pressure and changing social norms are reshaping drinking cultureThe role of community in helping people navigate social life without alcoholWhy supportive systems are essential for public healthHow policy, regulation and marketing influence our relationship with alcoholHosts: Xand van Tulleken – Doctor, Writer, and TV Presenter and Rochelle Burgess – Professor of Global Mental Health and Social Justice at the UCL Institute for Global Health. Resources and mentions:Alcohol Change UKSober Girl Society  “What has disrupted your thinking?”Millie: Song - Dancing in the Dark by Bruce SpringsteenMelissa: Book- Wintering by Katherine May Production Credits:Public Health Disrupted is a podcast from UCL Health of the Public.Recorded remotely and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative.

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing. Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing.Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings. The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health.Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global HealthWith special thanks to our guests:Rachel Colles - Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and MindsDr Carrie Ryan - Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and SciencesResources and mentions:‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!)

What if the key to better mental health, stronger families, and a more sustainable society was working less?In this episode, Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess explore how reducing the working week could transform not just our work-life balance but public health more broadly.They’re joined by:Joe Ryle – Campaign Director of the 4 Day Week Foundation, advocating for a shorter working week with no loss of payProfessor Anna Cox – Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at UCL and Head of the eWork Research Group, whose work explores how technology impacts productivity and wellbeingIn this episode:How overworking is driving burnout, stress, and poor health outcomesWhat flexible and remote working has taught us post-COVIDThe role of digital technology in balancing work and lifeWhy a shorter week could be good for the environment and the economyWhether AI might finally deliver on the long-promised work-life revolutionThis episode also asks a deeper question: what would it take to truly shift our culture away from valuing busyness and burnout, and toward health, connection, and rest?Resources and mentions:Four Day Week CampaignBullsh*t Jobs by David GraeberBlack Mirror episodes on the future of work and technologyPublic Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public.Read the full show notes and transcript.

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, hosts Xand van Tulleken and Professor Rochelle Burgess tackle the concept of the "nanny state". Alongside guests Dr Adam Briggs and Professor James Wilson, they delve into the delicate balance between government intervention and individual freedom in the realm of public health.The conversation explores how public health policies can sometimes be perceived as overreaching, despite the evidence suggesting that the public largely supports such initiatives. Our guests unpack the historical context of the term "nanny state," its implications, and the ongoing debate about the role of government in promoting health while respecting personal autonomy.Guests:Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation. Adam now works in the NIHR Public Health Research (PHR) Programme.Professor James Wilson, Professor of Philosophy at UCL.In this episode:The origins and evolution of the "nanny state" rhetoric and its impact on public health discourse.Insights into public opinion on government intervention in health-related issues, including obesity and smoking.The importance of framing public health initiatives in a way that resonates with communities and policymakers alike.How a shift towards prevention can be achieved through approaches that embed health considerations across all areas of government.This conversation invites us all to reconsider the narratives surrounding public health policies and the responsibilities of both the state and communities in fostering a healthier society.Public Health Disrupted with Rochelle Burgess and Xand van Tulleken is produced by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative and UCL Health of the Public.Read the full show notes and transcript.

Hosts Xand van Tulleken and Rochelle Burgess dive into how we form beliefs, and how they shape our understanding of critical public health issues. From vaccination hesitancy to climate change, the episode explores the psychological mechanisms that lead to entrenched views and the challenges of changing minds.      Joining them are Mia Forbes Pirie, a leading international mediator, and Dr. Kris De Meyer, Director of the UCL Climate Action Unit. Together, they share their insights on effective communication strategies that prioritise relationship-building over persuasion, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in discussions surrounding contentious topics.  In this episode:How beliefs are formed and why they can become entrenched. The role of cultural identity in shaping opinions and the fear of social rejection. Practical strategies for engaging with differing viewpoints and fostering meaningful dialogue. Public Health Disrupted is produced by UCL Health of the Public and edited by Annabelle Buckland at Decibelle Creative / @decibelle_creative.