Welcome to this podcast hosted by Richard Keagan-Bull. A researcher at Kingston University and a man with a learning disability talking about things that matter.
An honest, warm and inspiring conversation over a cup of tea.
Richard shares a deeply personal cup of tea with his mum, Rosemary. Together they reflect on family, disability, resilience, and love. Their conversation covers everything from raising two children with learning disabilities to wartime memories, dinner party guests, and the importance of never giving up on people. A moving, funny, and heartfelt podcast.
7 Jan 2026
Ep. 16: Darren Chapman
Richard chats with Darren Chapman, runner-up for Kingston University’s People’s Award for Innovation. From high-risk labs and inclusive practice to fitness and mentoring, this warm and uplifting conversation is full of humour, insight, and inspiration.
4 Jul 2025
Ep. 15: Thuy Mason
Richard interviews Thuy Mason, Kingston University senior lecturer, about her work, successful students, and relaxation methods, revealing her passion for education and inclusivity.
29 Jun 2025
Ep. 14: Jane Hargreaves
Richard interviews Jane Hargreaves, Kingston University's Student Engagement Manager, who reveals how universities effectively support students throughout their academic careers.
25 Apr 2025
Ep. 13: Mel Giedroyc
New Episode Drop!
Richard sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Mel Giedroyc for a heartwarming and witty conversation that covers everything from the glitz of the Eurovision Song Contest to the real talk on writing books, royal shenanigans, and dream dinner party guests. Their instant connection and infectious humour are guaranteed to lift your spirits.
✨ Plus, don’t miss the shout-out to Richard’s moving book (for which Mel wrote the foreword) “Don’t Put Us Away”—a powerful memoir you can explore here: https://www.routledge.com/Dont-Put-Us-Away-Memories-of-a-Man-with-Learning-Disabilities/Keagan-Bull/p/book/9781915080417
21 Mar 2025
Ep 12: Jim Blair
In this episode, Richard sits down for a cuppa with Jim Blair, a consultant nurse with over 20 years of experience supporting people with a learning disability in a range of roles and settings. Jim shares his insights on improving care, talks about his work with the Special Olympics, and describes his interests outside of work.
14 Jan 2025
Ep. 10: Rachael Wanjagua
In this episode, recorded in Chicago at IASSIDD World Congress 2024, Richard asks Rachael Wanjagua from Kenya about her work with people with intellectual disabilities in rural African communities; inclusive research – and elephants.
14 Jan 2025
Ep. 9: John Casson
Kick off the new year with a fresh episode of Cuppa Tea with Richard! This week, we’re joined by John Casson – former British diplomat who left behind his job at 10 Downing Street to become national leader of the L’Arche community (where people with and without learning disabilities, including Richard, share their lives together) —to explore his inspiring career U-turn and what drives true leadership.
6 Aug 2024
Episode 7: The A-team arrive in Chicago for IASSIDD
We have arrived in Chicago ahead of the 17th International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IASSID) conference. We have an exciting week ahead of us.
Our first podcast of the week was recorded before our first morning at the conference. We discuss what it means to be here and what is on the agenda for the coming week.
31 Jul 2024
Episode 6: Emily-Handley Cole
Emily-Handley Cole joins a Cuppa Tea with Richard to discuss how the tragic death of her brother Richard, who has a learning disability, has influenced her life so far. Emily promotes the physical and mental health of people with a learning disability by working as a senior clinical psychologist in the NHS and working as a health improvement insight manager at NHS England on the LeDeR programme. She is a proud mum and avid skydiver; her insight and openness make this a delightful listen.
Twitter: @EmilyHandley_1
11 Jun 2024
Episode 5: Professor Claire Thurgate
In this episode Richard sits with Professor Claire Thurgate, Head of the School of Nursing, Allied and Public Health at Kingston University.
What makes the nursing profession attractive these days and are people interested in becoming learning disability nurses? How a regular outside run and a good book could help you unwind? Hear more in episode 5.
11 Jun 2024
Episode 4: Professor Sara Ryan
In this episode, Richard sits with Sara Ryan - a Professor of Social Care at Manchester Metropolitan University, with research projects focused on learning disabilities and autism. Her son, Connor, who had a learning disability died in the bath at a residential unit, aged 18. Connor’s story is told in the play 'Laughing Boy'.
1 May 2024
Episode 3: Professor Kathy Curtis
In this episode, Richard sits with Prof Kathy Curtis, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education and Pro Vice Chancellor at Kingston University. Listen to learn more about leadership in higher education, stress management in high intensity jobs and love of books.
Prof Kathy Curtis has joined Kingston University in 2018. Prior to that, she held senior academic, leadership and faculty executive positions in two other universities, including leadership of a large School of Nursing and Health Sciences providing a diverse range of programmes. Before her academic career, she has worked in senior roles within healthcare services, such as NHS Intensive Care provision.
1 May 2024
Episode 2: Dr Kathryn Mannix
Kathryn Mannix is a palliative care doctor and best-selling author who specialises in talking about death and dying. She started the first cognitive behavioural therapy clinic exclusively for patients who are dying and now, in her retirement tells stories to help everyone understand and prepare for death.
Her first book, ‘With the End in Mind’, was A Sunday Times bestseller and book of the year. It was shortlisted the Wellcome Book Prize and has been translated into 16 languages.
In this podcast, Kathryn joins Richard for a cup of tea to talk about her lifetime of medical experience, how her book is doing, and her love of chickens.
1 May 2024
Episode 1: Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne
In this first episode, Richard has a cup of tea with his boss, Prof Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, an international expert and Professor of Intellectual Disability & Palliative Care.
Richard and Irene have had many cups of teas together over the years. During this cuppa, Richard asks Irene to explain how she has come to research death and dying in people with a learning disability and how she approaches difficult and distressing conversations. Richard and Irene reflect on their work together and how they relax after long days.
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