- 18
- Episodes
- 14
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
About It All Starts Here
This podcast provides the platform to bring awareness to various critical topics in the fields of reproductive science and women’s health – topics that are often not discussed enough. We will cover a range of topics and will focus on creating content that is understandable to individuals from all levels of education and backgrounds, with no science experience required.
- Publisher
- UCL Podcasts
- Category
- education · science
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 18 May 2023
- Latest episode
- 19 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
18 episodes in the feed.
19 Dec 2025
Season 2, Episode 7 - Perinatal mental health By Dr Chiara Petrosellini
This week, Olivia is joined by Dr Chiara Petrosellini, as they delve into the critical topic of perinatal mental health, exploring its definition, the unique challenges faced by women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and the importance of specialized mental health support. Chiara emphasises the distinct features of perinatal mental illness, including conditions like postpartum depression and psychosis, and highlights the need for tailored expertise in this area. To get evidence-based information and support on different perinatal mental health conditions, please see: PANDAS foundation: https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ (https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/) Action on Postpartum Psychosis: https://www.app-network.org/ (https://www.app-network.org/) Perinatal OCD Resource centre: https://iocdf.org/perinatal-ocd/ (https://iocdf.org/perinatal-ocd/) Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/ (https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/) Mind charity (for suicide support and prevention resources): https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/suicidal-thoughts-and-suicide-prevention/ (https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/suicidal-thoughts-and-suicide-prevention/) Credits: Date of episode recording: 2025-11-24 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Dr Chiara Petrosellini Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL IFWH Podcast owner: Olivia Moir; Sarah Mayhew
25 Apr 2025
Giving Birth & Birth Interventions
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this episode of It All Starts Here explores the topic of giving birth and birth interventions, with a focus on assisted vaginal birth and the use of forceps. Olivia speaks with Dr. Dawn Parris, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor and a PhD researcher at UCL/UCLH , about the different methods of giving birth, how decisions are made both beforehand and in the delivery room, and innovations in training obstetricians. This episode provides valuable insight into the complexities and nuances of birth choices, the role of education and technology in maternal healthcare, and why listening to and informing women is crucial in obstetric practice. About the Guest: Dr. Dawn Parris is an Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctor and a PhD researcher at UCL/UCLH. Her research focuses on improving training and outcomes in assisted vaginal birth, particularly using forceps. She is collaborating with engineers to develop cutting-edge robotic and virtual reality tools that simulate complex birth scenarios, enhancing clinical safety and practitioner confidence. Date of episode recording: 2025-04-07T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:33:24 Language of episode: English Presenter:Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Dawn Parris Producer: Olivia Moir
28 Mar 2025
Psychological Impacts of Early Pregnancy Loss
Today Olivia is joined by Dr Jessica Farren, a consultant gynaecologist at University London College Hospital (UCLH) with a passion for early pregnancy care, and for empowering women with education about their health. Jessica’s PhD focused on the psychological impacts of early pregnancy loss. Today we dive into her work by discussing what these psychological impacts are, and how best to support women who are experiencing this, whether as a healthcare professional, colleague, friend or family member. This episode highlights the importance of seeing early pregnancy loss not as one diagnosis or experience, but rather acknowledging the range of factors and emotions involved. To learn more about ‘This is Womanhood’, and how you can register your businesses interest in a session to learn essential medical knowledge and support every woman needs, every step of the way, visit https://www.thisiswomanhood.uk/ If you or someone you know is experiencing pregnancy loss and needs support, you may wish to point them in the direction of three wonderful organisations: The Miscarriage Association, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, and Saying Goodbye. Date of episode recording: 2025-03-22T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:31:10 Language of episode: English TAGS: Presenter:Olivia Moir Guests: Dr Jessica Farren Producer: Olivia Moir, Institute for Women's Health
31 Jan 2025
Gene Therapy part 2: Applications
Today we are continuing our discussion on gene therapy, with Dr Rajvinder Karda, hosted by Olivia. Raj is both a researcher and professor at the UCL Institute for Women's Health, with her role as an associate professor of Gene Therapy, as well as leading a team of research focussing on developing pre-clinical gene therapy and RNA editing treatments for childhood epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome. Listen in to learn more about Raj's work in the field of gene therapy, as she explains more about how gene therapies are being researched and developed for pre-clinical trials, including in her lab where her team is working on the development of gene therapies for treating Dravet Syndrome. Date of episode recording: 2025-01-22T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:30:16 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Dr Rajvinder Karda Producer: Olivia, UCL Institute for Women's Health, UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences
29 Nov 2024
Gynaecological Cancers and HPV
Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist Adeola Olaitan discusses gynaecological cancers, HPV, and preventative medicine to empower listeners with actionable knowledge for early detection and prevention.
30 Sept 2024
Menopause
We are back here today to talk about menopause. We are going to be diving into the basics on what it is and what to expect, and then some ideas on how to optimize lifestyle in this stage as well as various, sometimes conflicting views, on treatment and management options for individuals going through menopause. Joining me in this is episode is none other than a certified British Menopause Society ‘Menopause specialist’, Mr Vikram Talaulikar, who is coming to us with a strong clinical background, as an associate specialist at the reproductive medicine unit at UCLH, and an honorary associate professor here at UCL. To learn more about Vikram’s work visit his profile on UCHL (https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-consultant/mr-vikram-talaulikar (https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-consultant/mr-vikram-talaulikar)) and his LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-sinai-talaulikar-13565411/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-sinai-talaulikar-13565411/)) Date of episode recording: 2024-09-26T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:22:41 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Mr Vikram Talaulikar Producer: Olivia, UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences
23 May 2024
Heavy Periods
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this episode with Dr. Bassel Wattar guides us through heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB); what it is, how common it is, how do we diagnose it, and how do we treat it? We also talk about research in this area, and specifically the importance of including community perspectives in research practise, and how Dr. Bassel Wattar's team has been going about this. Dr. Bassel Wattar has been a guest on the pod previously where we talked about PCOS. If you missed that episode, definitely go and check it out. For anyone who hasn't listened to the PCOS episode, Dr. Wattar is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based in London. He has advanced expertise in various areas including fertility, assisted conception, endocrine gynaecology, menopause and importantly for today, heavy menstrual bleeding! I also have to mention, he is the co-leader of a research group dedicated for evidence synthesis at UCL, which is something so important and we have focused a lot on in this pod, the importance of evidence based research. To read more about Bassel's work, visit: https://basselwattar.info/ (https://basselwattar.info/) Charities and Communities affiliated with HMB: Menstrual Health Project: https://linktr.ee/menstrualhealthproject (https://linktr.ee/menstrualhealthproject) Wellbeing of Women: https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/ (https://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/what-we-do/#:~:text=The%20women) Date of episode recording: 2024-05-14T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:26:57 Language of episode: English Presenter:Olivia Guests: Dr. Bassel Wattar Producer: Olivia, UCL changemakers
14 Mar 2024
Season 2 Kick Off!
We are back for season 2 of It All Starts Here! Listen in as your longtime host Olivia Moir introduces you to our new hosts joining us this season, Kathryn Hunwick and Niamh Kenny. Kathryn is a a long-time educator, therapist and yogi, who’s all about helping women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) to understand and support themselves holistically: body, mind and spirit. She is currently completing her masters in women's health at UCL to further her work. Niamh has always been extremely passionate about science and in particular menstrual health. She completed her bachelors in Molecular Medicine in Dublin and is currently pursuing a masters in women’s health here at UCL. This season, our mission remains the same: to bring awareness to critical topics in the fields of reproductive science and women's health, that are often pushed to the sidelines of conversation. We will also be shining a spotlight on the social aspects that shape these fields. From societal stigmas to cultural influences, we'll dive into the intersectionality of reproductive science and women’s health uncovering the layers of complexity that often go unnoticed. On top of this, we will be branching out and bringing in guests from various institutions around the UK. Tune in to learn more, we are so excited to guide you through another season of learning and communicating about reproductive science and women's health! Follow us on instagram @itallstartsherepodcastucl Date of episode recording: 2024-02-28T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:05:52 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir, Kathryn Hunwick, Niamh Kenny Guests: N/A Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL changemakers
13 Dec 2023
We All Need Therapy, Including Mums and Unborn Babies
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this very special episode discusses prenatal therapy with Prof Anna David, Director of the Institute for Women's Health here at UCL. Today we cover the basics of what the field of prenatal therapy is about, discussing the general lack of prenatal therapy in clinic and some of the factors behind why this is. We talk about the importance of conducting research to advance clinical practise in this field, supporting mums and the new generations to come. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast Date of episode recording: 2023-12-04 Duration: 36:15 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Prof Anna David Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL Changemakers
26 Oct 2023
Taking A Breath
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this week we dip our toes into the field of immunology as it relates to the functioning of our lungs. Ever wanted to learn more about why this organ is so key to our survival? Dr. Jens Madsen, who is an associate professor at the IfWH here at UCL, has spent many years researching lung function and is here to explain! We focus our attention on a group of proteins called collectins, and their importance when it comes to the proper functioning of our lungs right at birth and throughout our lives. We also discuss the clinical applications of studying these collectins, called surfactant, and their administration in cases such as premature birth. If you don’t know very much about lungs or immunology, as always, don’t worry, because today we will dive into the basics of what is so important about them and their development for our early life and throughout our life course. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast Date of episode recording: 2023-10-25 Duration: 00:18:40 Language of episode: English Presenter:Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Jens Madsen Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL changemakers
28 Sept 2023
Ectopic Pregnancy
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this episode discusses ectopic pregnancy with Dr. Annie Solangon, who is a who is an Obstetrician & Gynaecologist specialising in Early Pregnancy, Gynaecology and Advanced Ultrasound at UCLH. Presently she is undertaking a PhD in ectopic pregnancy and pregnancies of unknown location, under the supervision of Professor Jurkovic here at UCL. We discuss what ectopic pregnancy is, risk factors involved, the management of this condition - including the controversial use of methotrexate, and you guessed it: the importance of evidence based research in this field! Ectopic pregnancy generally results in pregnancy loss. If you or someone you know is currently coping with pregnancy loss, charities and support groups in the UK such as Tommy's the Baby Charity, and The Miscarriage Association, advocate for and support individuals who have lost babies. Date of episode recording: 2023-09-13 Duration: 00:33:13 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Annie Solangon Producer: Olivia Moir, Changemakers Funding
7 Sept 2023
PCOS
This week's episode is about PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome. To do this, we have Dr. Bassel Wattar, who is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based in London – United Kingdom with advanced expertise in the fields of fertility, assisted conception, endocrine gynaecology, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause. He is a experienced clinician scientist and currently co-leads a research group dedicated to evidence synthesis at University College London. We discuss what PCOS is, the different signs and symptoms associated, and the management of this condition. Date of episode recording: 2023-09-05 Duration: 00:33:17 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Bassel Wattar Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL Changemakers
27 Jul 2023
Gene Therapy
Hosted by Olivia Moir, today we discuss Gene Therapy with Professor Simon Waddington. He is a professor and researcher in the field of Gene Therapy here at UCL. The topic of gene therapy can come across as slightly daunting to those who may not have a background in the field, but this episode dives into the nitty gritty to help clear things up! We cover what gene therapy really is about, from the different types and their methods, to the applications of this in clinic - and the little bits in between. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast Date of episode recording: 2023-07-18 Duration: 00:33:13 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Prof Simon Waddington Producer: Olivia Moir
13 Jul 2023
Mind the Gap
Today's episode, hosted by Olivia Moir, discusses preconception health, or health before pregnancy with Dr. Jenny Hall. She is a Clinical Associate Professor and NIHR Advanced Fellow here at the Institute for Women's Health. When it comes to reproduction, socialization often focusses on two main areas: either not getting pregnant or being pregnant. But there is more to it, and it’s important to educate on and consider the additional areas in between and the seemingly tiny details are part of these topics – because when it comes to reproduction, it’s often those tiny details that can go on to make a huge difference in terms of pregnancy outcomes and maternal health. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast Date of episode recording: 2023-06-12 Duration: 00:35:56 Language of episode: English Presenter:Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Jenny Hall Producer: Olivia Moir
29 Jun 2023
To freeze, or not to freeze (your eggs)
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this week's topic looks further into fertility education with Dr. Zeynep Gurtin, focussing specifically on the topic of egg freezing. Dr Zeynep Gurtin is a sociologist of reproduction and gender with research interests in the social, ethical, and relational issues surrounding fertility, infertility, assisted reproductive technologies, and new family forms. Her work brings together changing social trends in fertility with women's own personal accounts of their expectations and experiences, to provide insights about contemporary reproduction and relationships. We discuss what this process really looks like, who is using this kind of technology, the success rates and some of the ethical concerns around this topic. Date of episode recording: 2023-06-20 Duration: 00:35:46 Language of episode: English Presenter:Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Zeynep Gurtin Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL Changemakers
15 Jun 2023
Fertility Education
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this week's topic focusses on Fertility Education with the lovely Professor Joyce Harper. She has as worked in the fields of fertility, genetics, reproductive health and women’s health for over 30 years and is passionate about education and discussion of all aspects of women’s health. We discuss the the lack of fertility education in school systems, how this might be overcome, and why it's so important to be taught about topics relating to Fertility from a young age. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/episode-3-fertility-education Date of episode recording: 2023-06-05T00:00:00Z Duration: 31:52 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Professor Joyce Harper
1 Jun 2023
Master Organ: The Placenta
This episode hosted by Olivia Moir, looks at the importance of the Placenta in human development with special guest Prof Eric Jauniaux. We discuss his background and how he got into the study of this organ, why it is so important to understand it's role, and the interactions and influence of the Placenta with the environment. For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/it-all-starts-here-ega-ifwh-institute-womens-health-podcast Date of episode recording: 2023-05-19 Duration: 00:28:32 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Prof Eric Jauniaux Producer: Olivia Moir, UCL Arena
18 May 2023
Science Communication
Hosted by Olivia Moir, this episode dives into science communication with guest Dr. Kim Botting. We discuss the progression of this field across time and the importance of continual developments and contributions being made. We unpack the barriers faced by scientists attempting to contribute to this field, as well as flaws of this field from the perspective of the public. For more information and to access the transcript: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/episode-1-science-communication (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/womens-health/episode-1-science-communication) Date of episode recording: 2023-05-17 Duration: 00:31:32 Language of episode: English Presenter: Olivia Moir Guests: Dr. Kim Botting Producer: Olivia Moir
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 32
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 77
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