- 14
- Episodes
- 2023
- First episode
About How To Fix...
We live in a world of huge challenges...How To Fix is a brand new podcast from the University of Leeds championing incredible innovations that can fix society's big questions.
- Publisher
- University of Leeds
- Category
- education · science · society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 25 Sept 2023
- Latest episode
- 6 Nov 2025
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
6 Nov 2025
How can we minimise the impact of melting glaciers?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. Two billion people could be forced to leave their homes as the world’s glaciers melt. These ice giants provide fresh water to over half of humanity, but they’re disappearing faster than ever. If glaciers vanish at this pace, ecosystems collapse, communities uproot and human survival itself is at risk. But there’s still hope: by understanding these frozen worlds, and acting fast, we can secure a future where glaciers, and the billions who depend on them, endure. So today we want to ask – how can we minimise the impact of melting glaciers? Host Rich Williams is joined by three guests from the University of Leeds who are searching for the answers: • Professor Duncan Quincey, a leading glaciologist whose research focuses on how mountain glaciers are responding to climate change. He studies the ways these vast ice bodies are reshaping under rising temperatures and what this means for the millions of people who rely on them. • Kenton Cool, one of the world’s foremost high-altitude climbers and alumnus of the University of Leeds, who spent time with Professor Duncan Quincey’s research team while on his nineteenth ascent of Everest earlier this year. • Dr Lauren Rawlins, a glaciologist and Teaching Fellow in the School of Geography at the University of Leeds who studies how glaciers and glacial lakes are changing in a warming climate. Further reading: • Research to explore why Everest glacier is so warm | University of Leeds • Glacial Lake Observatory for Flood Hazards Impacted by Changing Climate Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Tom Taylor and Kathleen Johnston. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
16 Oct 2025
How can we help women thrive in menopause?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Menopause is the natural biological transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and an inevitable part of aging that, at any given time, is affecting a third of the entire female population. Yet it’s a topic that’s overlooked, misunderstood and often treated as taboo. So today we want to ask – how can we help women thrive in menopause? Host Rich Williams is joined by three guests from the University of Leeds who are searching for the answers: • Bee MacPherson is the Associate Professor of Clinical Education in the School of Medicine, and a healthcare professional who, after experiencing the challenges of perimenopause firsthand, has spent the past seven years leading workplace and cultural change to raise awareness around menopause. • Professor Janet Cade leads the Nutritional Epidemiology Group at the University and specialises in diet and health. As co-author of the landmark study on the effects of diet on the start of the menopause, she’s a world-expert in the role of food for women experiencing this transition. • Hannah Campbell is the Human Physiology Programme Lead and a Lecturer in Applied Human Physiology at the School of Biomedical Science who specialises in the relationship between the menopause and exercise and advocates for the transformative power of physical activity. Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Tom Taylor and Kathleen Johnston. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. Communications and Engagement Assistant is Anisah Arif. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
8 Sept 2025
How do we make sure every child has the best start in life?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: The early years of a child’s life shape their future. But for too many, the basic foundations are missing, leading to consequences that last a lifetime – impacting their education, health, happiness and more. How do we make sure that every child, wherever they’re born and whatever their background or circumstances, has the best possible start in life? Host Rich Williams is joined by three guests from the University of Leeds who are searching for the answers: • Professor Mark Mon-Williams: Holds a Chair in Cognitive Psychology at the University of Leeds, Editor of all twelve Child of the North reports and Deputy Chair of the Department for Education Science Advisory Council. • Professor Cat Davies: Professor of Language Development, Dean for Research Culture, and an international authority on early education and language development. • Professor Louise Tracey: Professor of Early Years Education, renowned expert in speech, communication and early years education and the university’s Research Centre Lead for Inclusion, Childhood and Youth. You can read more about the Child of the North series of reports, which was co-produced by the University of Leeds here. Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Tom Taylor and Kathleen Johnston. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. Communications and Engagement Assistant is Anisah Arif. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 Feb 2025
How can we have a healthy relationship with dating apps?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: An estimated 4.4 million adults in the UK now use dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble in their search for the perfect partner, with these platforms generating a staggering £150 million in annual revenue. While many people do find the love of their life online, concerns are mounting over reports that some services perpetuate racism, are losing users, and can even promote gambling through their paid subscription models. So, how can we build a healthy relationship with dating apps? “One thing people need to realise is that they’re stepping into an environment designed to benefit the company—always. It’s like walking into a casino: the house always wins.” – Dr Luke Brunning Host Rich Williams is joined by three guests from the University of Leeds who are searching for the answers: Dr Luke Brunning, Lecturer in Applied and Inter-Disciplinary Ethics at the IDEA Centre, with research interests in the philosophy of romantic life, ethics and philosophy of emotion Dr Natasha McKeever, Lecturer in Applied Ethics at the IDEA Centre, researching the philosophy of love and sex Dr Alessandro Birgalia, Associate Professor of Marketing at Leeds University Business School who researches consumer behaviour and psychology, branding and more. • You can find out more about The Centre for Love, Sex and Relationships, led by Natasha and Luke, here • You can read more about Alessandro’s research here • You can find out more about the Ethical Dating Online research group here Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Tom Taylor and Jade Bailey. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. External Communications and Campaigns Officer is Mia Saunders. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 Jan 2025
How can we meet our future protein needs sustainably?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: More and more of us are adopting a meat-free diet, it’s estimated that 16% of the UK population are vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian. Those of us participating in ‘Veganuary’ this year may already be familiar with meat-alternatives such as Beyond Meat or Quorn, but we may not know what these products are actually made of. Why are alternative proteins so important? What needs to be done to ensure these products are healthy, tasty and affordable? How can we meet our future protein needs sustainably? Host Rich Williams is joined by three members of the National Alternative Proteins Innovation Centre (NAPIC): Professor Anwesha Sarkar, Director of Research and Innovation for the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds; Professor Louise Dye, Co-Director of the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food and Professor Derek Stewart, Director of the Advanced Plant Growth Centre at The James Hutton Institute. You can find out more about NAPIC here. Presented by Rich Williams. Produced by Jade Bailey. External Communications Campaigns Manager is Kersti Mitchell. Communications Assistant is Anisah Arif. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
18 Nov 2024
How can we build a future where we don’t need to own a car?
Host Rich Williams is joined by transport experts Greg Marsden, Ian Philips, and Jillian Anable to explore hopeful solutions for a future where we don't need to own a car, making public transport more reliable and sustainable.
14 Nov 2023
How do we beat cancer?
How To Fix…from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Cancer will affect one in two of us. How do we address this – can we make detection faster? What innovative treatments are being developed to eradicate the disease? Host Rich Williams is joined by University of Leeds academics David Sebag-Montefiore, is Professor of Clinical Oncology in Leeds’ School of Medicine and Director of the Leeds Cancer Research Centre, Pietro Valdastri, Professor and Chair in Robotics & Autonomous Systems, and Richard Bayliss, Professor of Molecular Medicine. Resources: Leeds Cancer Research Centre: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/our-research-near-you/our-research-in-leeds Bowel cancer research: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-health/news/article/4736/new-treatment-could-spare-early-stage-rectal-cancer-patients-life-altering-side-effects National Institute for Health and Care Research, Clinical trials guide: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/documents/clinical-trials-guide/20595 Support for those affected by cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-health-services/cancer-information-and-support https://www.macmillan.org.uk/ Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
7 Nov 2023
How do we build a carbon-free future?
How To Fix…from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Climate change is the biggest issue humanity faces, so how do we reach net zero? How can we ensure our future is carbon-free and who are the world leaders making a difference? Host Rich Williams is joined by Clare Richardson-Barlow, Lecturer in East Asian Studies, Vera Trappmann, Professor of Comparative Employment Relations, and Richard Beardsworth, Professor of International Politics. Resources: Just Transition research project: https://business.leeds.ac.uk/dir-record/research-projects/2039/just-transition-in-the-uk Climate leadership: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/article/climate-leadership-now-climate-finance-political-will/156934/ COP28: https://unfccc.int/cop28 Schools for Climate: https://schoolsforclimateaction.weebly.com/ Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
31 Oct 2023
How do we make fashion fair?
How To Fix…from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: The fashion industry is a huge contributor to pollution and climate change, but how do we ensure the clothes we buy are sustainable? How can we know if they are made ethically and how do we make fashion more accessible? Host Rich Williams is joined by Mark Sumner, Lecturer in Sustainability, Retail and Fashion, Bethan Bide, Lecturer in Design and Cultural Theory, and Matthew Davis, Associate Professor in Organisational Psychology. Resources: Cotton’s Hidden Voices: https://sustainablethreads.leeds.ac.uk/ Durability study: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-working-business/news/article/5346/why-price-does-not-indicate-how-long-clothes-will-last Supply chains: https://modernslaverypec.org/assets/downloads/Research-summary-India-fashion-supply-chains.pdf Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
24 Oct 2023
How do we make sure everyone has a warm home?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Winter is fast approaching and with it the familiar feeling of dread for the arrival of heating bills. How do we ensure we stay warm and what support can be provided for those who are struggling? Additionally can we combine our needs for heating with our aims to decarbonise? Host Rich Williams is joined by University of Leeds academics Lucie Middlemiss, Professor of Environment and Society, Dan Edmiston, Associate Professor of Sociology and Social Policy, and Fleur Loveridge, Professor of Geo-Energy Engineering. Resources: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/energy/dir-record/profiles/15356/the-reality-of-life-in-fuel-poverty Home temperature EU study: https://www.tado.com/gb-en/press/uk-homes-losing-heat-up-to-three-times-faster-than-european-neighbours UK government energy bills support scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/energy-bills-discount-scheme Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
17 Oct 2023
How do we stop violence against women?
How To Fix…from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Violence against women and girls is at a critical point. Where do women experience violence and how can we tackle it at the root cause? What new measures are being implemented to ensure we think with safety in mind and how can we work with researchers to ensure our public spaces are safe? Host Rich Williams is joined by Sam Lewis, Associate Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Alison Lowe OBE, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC) in West Yorkshire, and Anna Barker, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice & Criminology. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode or would like to know more please contact: End Violence Against Women Resources: Refuge: https://refuge.org.uk/ Women’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ Sikh Women’s Aid: https://www.sikhwomensaid.org.uk/ Southall Black Sisters: https://southallblacksisters.org.uk/ Galop: https://galop.org.uk/ ManKind: https://mankind.org.uk/ Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 Oct 2023
How do we cut the cost of healthy food?
How To Fix… from the University of Leeds. Providing hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: With food prices on the rise, we’ve all been conscious of how to keep our families fed and our budgets in check. Who are the communities hardest hit – and how can we help? How do we stay healthy while reducing the cost of food? Can more investment in traditional markets change how we consume food? Host Rich Williams is joined by University of Leeds academics Michelle Morris, Professor of Data Science for Food, Effie Papargyropoulou, Associate Professor in Sustainable Food Networks and Sara Gonzalez, Professor at the School of Geography. Resources https://medium.com/globalfoodleeds/food-hubs-support-communities-against-food-poverty 7f1523f6b59 Healthy Choices Healthy Lives: https://lida.leeds.ac.uk/research-projects/healthy-choices-healthy-lives/ Priority Places for Food Index: https://priorityplacesforfood.which.co.uk/ Trussell Trust: https://www.trusselltrust.org Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
3 Oct 2023
How do we clean up our air?
Welcome to ‘How to Fix…’ the new podcast from the University of Leeds. We bring you hopeful solutions to the greatest challenges humanity faces, directly from the scientists and researchers on the front line. This week: Air pollution is a key problem in our cities. Why is the air that we breathe so poor – and how do we fix it? Are ‘clean air zones’ working? How can we protect ourselves and children from the harmful pollutants that contaminate our air? Host Rich Williams is joined by University of Leeds academics Jim McQuaid, Associate Professor of Atmospheric Composition, Cath Noakes, Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings, and James Tate, Associate Professor in ITS. Resources: Living Lab for Air Quality: https://sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/news/living-lab-for-air-quality/ Schools’ Air Quality Monitoring project: https://samhe.org.uk/about Presented by Rich Williams. Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio Production: Jade Bailey. Design: James Parrett. Lead Producer: Anne-Marie Luff. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. HOW TO FIX… is a Podmasters Production for the University of Leeds Communications and Engagement team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 Sept 2023
How To Fix - trailer
We live in a world of huge challenges...How To Fix is a brand new podcast from the University of Leeds championing incredible innovations that can fix society's big questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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