University of York

*This recording was originally part of a Zoom conversation between Stephen and Christina. If you'd prefer to watch the session, you can find that on the York Global Alumni Association YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1U0zd0VSQRc (available with auto-captions)* As a tireless campaigner, supporter and advocate for everyone experiencing mental health problems, the team behind the York Unlimited campaign thought Stephen Fry would be the perfect person to invite to speak with Professor Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis about the University’s efforts to improve mental health and wellbeing in many forms, reaching out from the University to the city's communities and beyond. The York Unlimited campaign is aiming to transform mental health on a local, national and international scale, through supporting on the ground initiatives and the latest groundbreaking research and we will be sharing some exciting news next week regarding our brilliant new plans for The Great York Walk 2021 event. As Stephen says, "it's always important to remember it's always OK to ask for help". Find out more about the University of York's Mentally Fit York fund: york.ac.uk/york-unlimited/mfy Music composed byTom Knevitt

The Zanzibar archipelago is known for its central role in international commerce during the 19th century, during a period of Omani colonialism. Yet the richness of the Omani period has masked a deeper history of urbanism and of large-scale networks of trade and mobility. This podcast explores that deeper history, through a focus on the site of Unguja Ukuu where University of York research is currently exploring the growth of towns from the 8th century AD onwards and their relationship with local resources and landscapes. Find out more about the research: https://urbanecologyzanzibar.wordpress.com/ Episode funded by the University of York Impact Accelerator Fund (Dr Stephanie Wynne-Jones)and produced by Philippa Geering.

England was home to 65,000 immigrants in the Middle Ages. In this podcast, medieval historians Mark Ormrod and Sarah Rees Jones explore reactions to the influx - and outline how their research informs contemporary debates about immigration and cultural identity.

Undergraduate Archaeology student, Amy McKee speaks with Dr Ruth Penfold-Mounce, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, about her research exploring death and culture - from our fascination with criminals to the possibility of celebrities having posthumous careers. Produced by the Marketing team and recorded in the University Radio York (URY) studios (summer 2019) Music by Suzy Harrison

Undergraduate Politics and Philosophy student, Alex Woodward, speaks to Ian Hamilton, Associate Professor of Addiction in the Department of Health Sciences, about Ian's research into drugs, addiction and mental health. Produced by the Marketing team and recorded in the University Radio York (URY) studios (summer 2019). Music by Suzy Harrison.

Using new sound design techniques Dr Mariana Lopez, from the department of Theatre, Film and Television, and Dr Gavin Kearney, from the Department of Electronic Engineering, are working to make film more accessible for visually impaired audiences. They hope their work could change the way filmmakers think about accessibility - creating a whole new film experience. So put your headphones on and become immersed in sound... (headphones are recommended for this podcast)

Dr Chris Renwick, of the University’s Department of History, has written ‘Bread for All: The Origins of the Welfare State’, which he describes as a “deep history” of the ground breaking concept. But on its launch were the public ready for the Welfare State? How did they feel about the increase in national insurance payments? And who would be its biggest winners and losers?

Our researchers looked at the level of pharmaceuticals in York’s two local rivers - and their findings make for interesting listening. Professor Alistair Boxall of the University's Environment Department takes a walk on the riverside and tells us what his team found...