Following the Golden Thread: Beginning Hermeneutic Phenomenology with Professor Lesley Dibley

What makes hermeneutic phenomenology distinctive—and how do we carry its philosophy meaningfully into research practice?In this episode of The Phenomenology Collective, we explore what it means to begin, and continue, a journey with hermeneutic phenomenology.For many researchers, encountering Heidegger’s philosophy can feel both exciting and intimidating. How much philosophy do we need to understand? Where should we begin? And how do we ensure that philosophy does not remain confined to the methodology chapter, but instead shapes the whole research process?We’re joined by Professor Lesley Dibley, an experienced hermeneutic phenomenological researcher, author and educator. Lesley shares how she found her way into phenomenology through her research into the lived experience of stigma among people with inflammatory bowel disease—and reflects on what she has learned from supporting researchers at the University of Greenwich’s annual Hermeneutic Phenomenology Summer School.In this episode, we discuss:What makes hermeneutic phenomenology distinctiveHow to approach Heidegger without becoming overwhelmedWhy philosophy should provide a “golden thread” throughout a studyThe essential role of the researcher in interpretationWorking reflexively with presuppositions rather than trying to eliminate themUnderstanding the hermeneutic circle as an expanding spiralHow we recognise when phenomenological analysis has gone far enoughThe challenges students commonly encounter when beginning hermeneutic phenomenologyWhy community and conversation are so important when learning to practise phenomenologyWe also explore how phenomenological research can make a difference in practice—not by producing simple or measurable answers, but by encouraging others to attend more closely to what matters to people who have lived through an experience.Whether you are beginning your first hermeneutic phenomenological study or continuing to wrestle with its philosophical and methodological challenges, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance and an invitation to remain open, curious and willing to keep thinking.