MQ Open Mind

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews broadcaster, author, and psychologist Claudia Hammond. Known for her work presenting All in the Mind on BBC Radio 4 and other science and psychology programmes across radio and television, Claudia has spent much of her career making psychological research accessible to wider audiences. They discuss the ideas explored in Claudia’s latest book, Overwhelmed: Ways to Take the Pressure Off, including why so many people experience overwhelm in modern life and how openness to change can positively shape our mental health and well-being. The conversation also explores Claudia’s passion for psychological research, what continues to excite her about discoveries in the field, and why curiosity remains so important in understanding ourselves and others. Claudia also reflects on how psychology can help people navigate uncertainty and the practical ways research can be applied to everyday life. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com

In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Catherine Harmer, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and a member of the MQ Science Council. Her research focuses on understanding the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying depression and how treatments, including antidepressants, work in the brain. They discuss emerging medicinal interventions for mental health and what recent research reveals about how antidepressants influence emotional processing. The conversation explores the effectiveness of these treatments, common misconceptions, and how a better understanding of their mechanisms can improve patient outcomes. Catherine also shares insights from her work on how advances in research could shape the future of treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com