Produced by the Department of Psychology, the Psych Liverpool Podcast explores cutting-edge research, innovative teaching and the people driving discovery, making psychology accessible, engaging and relevant for everyone.
Originally launched between 2020 and 2023, the podcast returned in September 2025 following the opening of the Eleanor Rathbone Building Recording Studios. Led by producer Dr Jasmine Warren, host Dr Warren Donnellan and editor Sarah-Kate O'Hara, the relaunched series has built on its original success with a new format and a growing international audience.
Over the past 12 months, series one has featured fascinating conversations with academics including Professor Paul Christiansen, Dr Alexis Makin, Professor Emma Boyland and Dr Nikki Power. Together, they explored topics ranging from decision inertia and food marketing to free will and the role of statistics in psychology. The result has been a collection of engaging discussions that showcase both the breadth of psychological research at Liverpool.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Guests have praised the opportunity to share their work with new audiences, highlighting how the podcast provides an accessible way for collaborators, students and members of the public to engage with research. As one guest reflected, the podcast offers a valuable platform for discussing research "that doesn't always get airtime," while another described it as playing "an important role in making psychological research accessible to wider audiences."
Listeners from across the UK as well as the USA, Canada and Australia, have shared their positive experience of the podcast. One described the episodes as "a highly engaging listen that bridges complex academic research with everyday human experiences," while another praised the welcoming atmosphere created by the conversations, saying each episode feels "like being invited into an interesting conversation."
Work is already underway on the second series, featuring interviews with Department of Psychology alumni, including former host Elliot Webster, alongside guests such as Professor Louise Almond, Dr Suzi Gage, Professor Laurence Alison and Professor Charlotte Hardman. The first episode is due to launch in September 2026, promising another exciting series of conversations.
What our guests and listeners are saying
"I appreciated the chance to speak to a different audience and discuss research that doesn't always get airtime."
"The podcast has been really helpful to share with collaborators who might not want to read full research papers but want to learn more about our work."
"Podcasts like this play an important role in making psychological research accessible to wider audiences."
"The Psych Liverpool Podcast is a highly engaging listen that bridges complex academic research with everyday human experiences."
"Warren creates such a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that every episode feels like being invited into an interesting conversation."
Want to listen? You can access The Psych Liverpool Podcast here