In the MEANtime

About In the MEANtime

Welcome to In the MEANtime, a podcast where academic research becomes accessible, engaging, and relevant. Based in Greenwich, home of Greenwich Mean Time, we dive into the exciting projects shaping our world, offering a glimpse into the "meantime" of academic exploration. Each episode brings complex ideas down to earth, spotlighting real-world impacts and insights from leading researchers. Whether you're a researcher, student, professional, or just curious, In the MEANtime delivers meaningful conversations that bridge academia and everyday understanding.

Publisher

Lauren Siegel, Rami Shamseen, Chen Yang, Ryan Yung, Wenjie Cai

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Nov 2024

Latest episode

16 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   16 Jul 2026

   S3Ep5:Digital Dreams: The Influence of Virtual Influencers

   In this episode, Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Ryan Young interview Dr Tippayanet Sorosrungruang about virtual influencers and her research on human–AI interaction, AI-enabled persuasion, and ethics. She distinguishes avatars (representations of real people) from virtual influencers (fictional characters built with CGI, generative AI, and deepfakes by human teams) and outlines types including human-like and non-human forms, plus brand-owned versus free-agent characters. Examples include Lil Miquela’s fashion/activism persona and “Nobody Sausage,” which has high engagement despite being non-human. The discussion covers why people relate to virtual influencers (computer-as-social-actor theory, social cues, reduced uncanny valley), who is receptive (younger consumers and those with high cognitive empathy but emotional overwhelm), and risks as tools democratise, including manipulation, sensitive endorsements, and hyperrealistic deception, alongside potential inclusivity representations and emerging companion/therapy-style AI avatars. 01:10 What Are Virtual Influencers 02:25 Avatars vs Fictional Characters 03:53 Lil Miquela And Branding 06:27 Why We Connect With AI 08:47 Nobody Sausage Success 12:05 Who Responds Most 16:14 Ethics And Regulation 18:57 Diversity And Virtual Death 20:05 Representation Versus Jobs 23:51 Future AI Companions 24:52 Publications And Wrap Up

2. 

   11 Jun 2026

   S3Ep4:When Events Speak: Exploring the Messages Behind the Show

   In this episode, hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Ram Shamseen interview Dr. Pamela Zigomo about critical event theory, which examines underlying power relationships in event spaces and how event design can reproduce or disrupt inequalities. Zigomo discusses “entertainization,” describing how charities use popular entertainment to embed social messages, citing Global Citizen Festival’s model of requiring advocacy actions for access. She critiques past cause-related mega-events like Live Aid and Human Rights Now, noting research on limited long-term impact, Western-centric definitions of “top-selling” artists that excluded African performers, and “poverty porn” imagery that left audiences with distorted perceptions of the Global South. She previews her forthcoming book on third-sector event design beyond fundraising and shares post-colonial research on Southern African polo events and fan-community dynamics in fantasy football (FPL), highlighting recurring cycles of reproduced power structures. 00:30 Meet the Hosts 01:17 Critical Event Studies 03:30 Global Citizen Example 05:34 Entertainization Explained 09:57 New Book on Third Sector 11:42 Charity Events Beyond Fundraising 14:39 Live Aid Critique and Poverty Porn 19:17 Participation and Representation 22:07 Polo Events and Postcolonial Mimicry 28:33 Fantasy Football Fan Communities

3. 

   30 Apr 2026

   S3Ep3:The Human Touch: Rethinking Tech in Hospitality Workplaces

   In this episode, host Dr. Lauren Siegel, joined by Dr. Rami Shamseen, interviews Dr. Agnieszka Rydzik (University of Lincoln) about her research on how increasing use of technology in hospitality affects workers’ experiences, especially since the pandemic accelerated tools like QR-code ordering and self-service systems. Drawing on dozens of interviews with workers and industry stakeholders, she discusses how technology can intensify work, reduce staffing, create new pressures when systems fail, and shift customer frustration onto employees, often without enough training. Agnieszka also explores how these changes can reduce meaningful human interaction with customers, coworkers, and suppliers, contributing to disconnection and stress, while affecting workers differently by role and workplace. 01:25 Pandemic Tech Acceleration 03:57 Defining The Research Focus 04:35 Peak Times Staffing Pressures 08:09 Training And Tech Troubles 09:48 Why Hospitality Matters 12:03 Tech Reduces Human Connection 14:05 Invisible Workplace Tech Shifts 17:00 Gen Z Tech Reality 17:34 Human Connection Over Apps 18:01 Worker Centric Tech Rethink 18:29 Hospitality Futures Tool 20:39 Bartender Audio Narrative 22:19 Dehumanization and Manners 29:01 Guidelines for Better Practice

4. 

   9 Apr 2026

   S3Ep2:Exploring the Unseen: Queer Spaces, Death Rituals, and Storytelling with Dr. Ian R. Lamond

   In this episode, hosts Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Wenjie Cai welcome visiting researcher Dr. Ian R. Lamond (University of Greenwich, March 2026) to discuss his work on “death spaces,” storytelling, and rituals. Lamond describes his book Death and Events and autoethnographic reflections from death-industry practitioners and death scholars, sparked by a case where tourists photographed an Indian funeral. He shares his move into celebrancy—focused on LGBTQIA+ ceremonies, gender-affirming renamings, themed weddings/funerals, and non-human companion rituals—and links this to narrative, performance, and research. Ian shares an impactful experience from attending the São Paulo Pride event. connecting this to the need for ongoing queer resistance and legacy. He also outlines creating Leeds rainbow plaques and trails marking queer history, and defines events as ruptures that reveal power and enable change. 02:40 Studying Death Stories 04:19 Tourists at Funeral 06:06 Death Industry Insights 07:06 Celebrancy New Career 14:03 Rituals and Liminality 16:53 Living Funerals Trend 17:43 Sao Paulo Pride Story 22:09 Queer Legacy Projects 28:01 Critical Event Studies 32:10 Comedy and Farewell (https://rapport-celebrancy.com/) Ian's edited book: Death and Events (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003155324/death-events-ian-lamond-ruth-dowson) Upcoming: International Critical Autoethnographic Perspectives on Death (https://www.waterstones.com/book/international-critical-autoethnographic-perspectives-on-death/khyati-tripathi/ian-lamond/9783032163110)

5. 

   19 Mar 2026

   S3Ep1:Belonging and Becoming: Central and Eastern European Women Academics Making Britain Home

   In this episode, hosts Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen speak with Dr. Agnieszka Rydzik(University of Lincoln) and Dr. Maria Gebbels (University of Greenwich) about their forthcoming book, Central and Eastern European Women Academics in the UK: Making Britain Home (out 20 March 2026). Originating from reflections on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU expansion and stereotypes about Eastern European women, the project gathered 29 first-person chapters by 30 authors, spanning PhD students to professors, to “give voice” to personal yet political experiences of migration, academia, language, and belonging. Contributors use diverse formats beyond essays, including poems, photography, collage, paintings, soundscapes, and dialogue. 01:27 Origin Story and EU Migration 02:49 A Personal Political Anthology 05:52 Trust and Writing Vulnerably 06:51  Authors' personal stories 15:25 Creative Formats and Methods 23:12 Language Identity and Accents 24:06 Diversity Across Backgrounds 26:19 Surprises Hope and Belonging 29:20 Who the Book Is For 30:22 Closing Thoughts

6. 

   25 Feb 2026

   S2Ep6: From Stage to Classroom: Drama-based Techniques in Teaching

   In this episode, Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Chen Yang speak with Dr Ewa Krolikowska-Adamczyk and Dr Robert Arnett Robson about drama-based teaching techniques for higher education. They define drama-based techniques as using elements from acting—such as voice, body, classroom space, props, humour, and performance skills—to enhance teaching and student engagement, emphasising that attention is a key resource for lecturers. Ewa outlines three focal techniques from their work: sketches (short humorous scenarios), soliloquies (voicing a character’s internal thoughts aloud), and storytelling delivered with dramatic elements to create a memorable “wow factor.” They stress inclusivity by depicting relatable scenarios that do not alienate diverse students and explain their focus is primarily on lecturers using these techniques rather than requiring students to perform. Ewa shares her drama and theatre undergraduate background, while Rob describes an informal performance interest developed through corporate training and his doctorate in education on drama-based techniques; they explain how they connected with colleague Kevin Williams and now collaborate as “Act One Education.” They discuss applicability across disciplines (including nursing, science, engineering, and medicine), advise hesitant or introverted educators to start with small performance tools and remain authentic. They position drama as one tool within a broader teaching toolkit and plan to write more due to a gap in higher-education-focused research, and future research on barriers and fears that prevent educators from adopting these techniques. 01:09 What Are Drama-Based Teaching Techniques? 01:46 The Real Reason Drama Works: Winning Student Attention 03:05 The Big 3 Techniques Explained: Sketch, Soliloquy & Storytelling 05:39 Do Students Have to Perform? ‘Acting for the Non-Actor’ 06:34 Workshop Storytime: The Skit That Hooked the Room (No More Death by PowerPoint) 08:23 How Ewa, Rob & Kevin Found Each Other (and Built Act One Education) 11:32 From Corporate Training to Global Classrooms: Drama Across Cultures 14:39 Can Drama Work in Any Subject? Real Classroom Examples 16:50 Nervous or Introverted? Start Small with Props, Space & Baby Steps 22:30 Making Learning Memorable (and Not Over-the-Top): Drama as One Tool in the Toolkit 26:39 Workshops Beyond Greenwich + Building a Community of Practice 28:59 What’s Next: Future Research, Barriers & Spreading the Word

7. 

   5 Feb 2026

   S2Ep5:Influences on Workers' Rights: Technology, Unions, and Policy

   In this episode, Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamseen are joined by Dr. Elisa Pannini to discuss labor unions, employment legislation, and workplace conditions. Dr. Pannini shares her journey into labor market research and talks about the significance of platform work as a major shift in the labor market. The conversation explores how unions are adapting to represent precarious and marginalized workers, the evolving landscape of labor regulations, and how technology is influencing labor dynamics. Dr. Pannini also highlights her upcoming research on the use of AI and algorithmic management in call centers and its implications for workers. 01:06 Dr. Pannini's Research Journey 03:02 Impact of Platform Work on Labor Markets 04:19 Union Efforts in Organizing Precarious Workers 05:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Worker Organization 10:08 Education and Workers' Rights 17:48 Global Labor Market Dynamics 21:40 Unions and Democracy 24:12 Future Research and Conclusion

8. 

   28 Jan 2026

   S2Ep4:Behind the Legal Curtain: Challenges in Disability Discrimination Claims

   In this episode, Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Rami Shamseen are joined by Dr Laura William, an Associate Professor of Employment Relations and Equality. They discuss the employment challenges faced by disabled individuals, exploring why disabled people are more likely to be made redundant and how they struggle to re-enter the labor market. Dr William shares her personal and research experiences, highlighting the substantial employment gaps and legal barriers, including the 'medical model' of disability and the lack of legal representation in employment tribunals. The discussion also touches upon Dr William’s book, 'Claiming Disability Discrimination: Assessing Barriers to Justice,' and her groundbreaking database that maps out patterns in employment tribunal judgments. The episode concludes with insights into Dr William’s future research on intersectional discrimination. 00:51 Dr Laura William's Journey into Socio-Legal Studies 02:12 Evolution of Disability Law 02:56 Employment Gaps and Discrimination 04:14 Barriers to Justice for Disabled People 10:49 Challenges in Proving Disability 18:12 Mental vs. Physical Disabilities in Employment 20:44 Importance of Disclosing Disabilities 25:23 Creating a Disability Discrimination Database 26:14 Future Research Directions Read Laura's new book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-74387-0

9. 

   17 Dec 2025

   S2Ep3: Behind Bars, Beyond Expectations: Fine Dining in Prisons

   In this episode Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Rami Shamseen are joined by Dr Maria Gebbels, Associate Professor in hospitality management at the University of Greenwich. The discussion centers around The Clink Charity, which operates fine dining restaurants inside working prisons where inmates are trained as chefs and front-of-house staff. The conversation covers The Clink's innovative approach, its significant social impact, the benefits it offers to both prisoners and the public, and Dr Gebbels' research on the transformative effects of this program. The episode also touches on the broader implications for rehabilitation and employment prospects for ex-prisoners. 00:18 Meet Dr Maria Gebbels 01:14 Understanding Critical Hospitality 02:26 The Clink Charity: Fine Dining in Prisons 04:17 How The Clink Charity Operates 08:40 Impact on Prisoners and Public Perception 18:29 Research Findings and Future Directions

10. 

    4 Dec 2025

    S2Ep2: From Likes to Sales: Harnessing Social Media Power

    In this episode, host Dr Lauren Siegel and guest host Dr Ryan Yung are joined by Dr Hyunjoo Lim to discuss the vital role of social media presence for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Hyunjoo explores her recent research on ad repetition and social media interactions, highlighting how consistent exposure and peer engagement can enhance website traffic and sales. The discussion underscores the importance of SMEs maintaining an active social media presence and provides practical insights into starting and optimising social media marketing efforts. Real-life anecdotes and successful examples further illustrate the potential of social media in driving business growth. 00:37 Discussion on Social Media Marketing 01:05 Research on Ad Repetition and Effectiveness 05:41 Practical Implications of the Study 05:46 Power of Peer Influence in Social Media 08:08 Organic Content and Viral Success Stories 11:33 Target Audience and Platform Relevance 13:00 Getting Started with Social Media Advertising 18:17 Hiring Content Creators and Social Listening

11. 

    20 Nov 2025

    S2Ep1: AI Avatars in Class: What's the Future of Learning?

    In this episode, hosts Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Ryan Yung are joined by Dr Shahper Richter, a senior lecturer in marketing at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. They discuss the integration of AI tools in education, focusing on the use of chatbots named Jack and John. These digital tutors assist students with their learning by providing personalized support and answering queries in real-time. Dr Richter shares insights on how different student demographics interact with these AI tools and emphasises the importance of teaching students to use AI ethically and critically. The conversation also covers the impact of AI on educational practices and the role of educators in this evolving landscape. The episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating AI's challenges and opportunities in higher education. 01:29 Exploring Digital Avatars in Education 04:30 Chatbots and Personalised Learning 06:36 Challenges and Ethical Considerations 10:23 Integrating AI in Assessments 18:24 The Role of Educators in the AI Era 21:22 Critical Thinking and AI 24:56 Prompt Engineering and Best Practices

12. 

    18 Dec 2024

    Ep. 7 Crime, Fear, and Fashion: Understanding Inconspicuous Consumption in Argentina

    Dr. Octavio Murekian joins Dr. Lauren Siegel and Dr. Rami Shamsi to explore how Argentina's upper middle-class adopts inconspicuous consumption as a subtle status symbol to evade crime, influencing global consumer behavior.

13. 

    11 Dec 2024

    Ep.6 Silent Suffering: Women's Rights and Workplace Safety in India

    Dr. Shreyashi Chakraborty shares her research on gender inequality in India's software industry, exposing systemic biases and personal struggles in a patriarchal society.

14. 

    4 Dec 2024

    Ep.5 Exploring Digital-Free Travel: Benefits, Challenges, and the Dark Side

    Dr. Wenjie Cai shares insights on digital-free travel, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and societal implications, and emphasizing the importance of balanced technology use for a positive experience.

15. 

    27 Nov 2024

    Ep 4. Exploring the Metaverse: Innovations, Applications, and Future Perspectives

    Dr. Ryan Yung, a senior lecturer in digital innovation and transformation, explores the metaverse's innovations, applications, and future perspectives, highlighting its potential to enhance experiences and address accessibility challenges.

16. 

    20 Nov 2024

    Ep 3. Instagram vs. Reality: The Social Media Effect on Tourism

    Dr. Lauren Siegel shares her research on the social media effect on tourism, exploring how Instagram influences travel destinations and their local communities.

17. 

    12 Nov 2024

    Ep 2. From Harry Potter to Hemingway: The World of Literary Tourism

    In this episode, Dr. Nikki MacLeod discusses her newly published book, 'Literary Fiction Tourism,' explaining literary tourism as travel inspired by interest in stories or authors. She shares her background in English literature and tourism, her research findings, and offers various examples of literary tourism around the world. The discussion touches on Edinburgh's Harry Potter connections, the impact of multimedia on literary tourism, and the intersection of literary and popular culture tourism. If you are interested in Dr MacLeod's work and want to explore further, please check her new book "Literary Fiction Tourism: Understanding the Practice of Fiction Inspired Travel (https://www.routledge.com/Literary-Fiction-Tourism-Understanding-the-Practice-of-Fiction-Inspired-Travel/MacLeod/p/book/9780367485818#:~:text=Biography,at%20the%20University%20of%20Greenwich.)' 00:42 Meet Dr. Nikki MacLeod: Expert in Literary Fiction Tourism 01:12 Understanding Literary Fiction Tourism 01:50 Dr. MacLeod's Journey into Literary Tourism 03:39 The Literary Heritage of Edinburgh 04:50 Harry Potter's Influence on Edinburgh Tourism 10:12 Types of Literary Tourism 17:48 The Power of Visual and Literary Combination 22:15 Global Examples of Literary Tourism 26:50 Future of Literary Tourism and Digital Integration

18. 

    12 Nov 2024

    Ep 1. Crossing Borders: A Tale of Travel and Inequality

    In this episode, our hosts welcome Dr Isabella Ye, a senior lecturer at the University of Greenwich who specialises in travel and hospitality research. Dr Ye discusses her research on travellers' mobility and the impact of passport power on cross-border travel. Drawing from personal experiences, she highlights the contrast between strong and weak passports, emphasizing the barriers faced by holders of weaker passports, especially those from politically unstable regions. The conversation covers topics such as the inequities at border controls, the psychological and financial stresses of travel for weak passport holders, and the ethical implications of the global passport hierarchy. The episode also touches on broader issues, such as stateless individuals and the differences between nationality and citizenship, advocating for more inclusive border policies and humane treatment of travellers. If you are interested in this topic, please check Dr.Ye's paper 'Contested tourists' border-crossing experiences (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738323000440)' published on Annals of Tourism Research. 00:22 Guest Introduction: Dr. Isabella Ye 01:04 Personal Experiences with Travel 02:39 Passport Power and Inequality 06:43 Impact of Weak Passports on Well-being 09:43 Border Control Challenges 14:19 Statelessness and Marginalised Communities 17:05 Advocating for Travel Mobility 21:26 Unexpected Research Findings 24:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

19. 

    3 Nov 2024

    Ep 0. In the MEANtime: Bringing Academic Insights to Real-World Conversations

    Dr Lauren Siegel and Dr Rami Shamseen introduce the 'In The Meantime' podcast, aimed at making academic research accessible and engaging. They discuss their intent to demystify complex research topics, focusing on diverse areas such as virtual worlds, literary tourism, Instagrammable places, digital-free travel, passport power, gender pay gap, and low-key consumption. The podcast is designed for anyone interested in learning about new trends and ideas without the jargon of academic papers, with episodes concise enough to fit a 20-25 minute commute. Despite acknowledging the saturated podcast market, they believe their podcast will find its audience by providing meaningful insights from academic research in an engaging way.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.