MQ Open Mind looks at the science behind mental health and its potential to transform lives. The show digs deep into the cutting-edge research taking on mental illness and speaks to the people it could help. Hear conversations on a range of different conditions, from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and bipolar. Brought to you by the mental health research charity, MQ: Transforming Mental Health
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Emily Holmes, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher at Uppsala University, whose work explores the role of mental imagery in mental health and how psychological research can inform new approaches to treatment. They discuss why everyone’s imagination is different and how the way we picture things in our minds can influence our thoughts, emotions and mental health. The conversation also explores the relationship between art and science, and how creative approaches can help researchers better understand the mind and develop new ways to support people experiencing mental health difficulties.Emily shares insights from her research on mental imagery and reflects on the potential for bringing together psychology, creativity and science to improve our understanding of mental health.
15 May 2026
Why You're Overwhelmed (And What to Do About It) with Claudia Hammond
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews broadcaster, author, and psychologist Claudia Hammond. Known for her work presenting All in the Mind on BBC Radio 4 and other science and psychology programmes across radio and television, Claudia has spent much of her career making psychological research accessible to wider audiences.
They discuss the ideas explored in Claudia’s latest book, Overwhelmed: Ways to Take the Pressure Off, including why so many people experience overwhelm in modern life and how openness to change can positively shape our mental health and well-being. The conversation also explores Claudia’s passion for psychological research, what continues to excite her about discoveries in the field, and why curiosity remains so important in understanding ourselves and others.
Claudia also reflects on how psychology can help people navigate uncertainty and the practical ways research can be applied to everyday life.Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com
30 Apr 2026
What We Get Wrong About Depression with Prof Catherine Harmer
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Catherine Harmer, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and a member of the MQ Science Council.
Her research focuses on understanding the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying depression and how treatments, including antidepressants, work in the brain.
They discuss emerging medicinal interventions for mental health and what recent research reveals about how antidepressants influence emotional processing.
The conversation explores the effectiveness of these treatments, common misconceptions, and how a better understanding of their mechanisms can improve patient outcomes.
Catherine also shares insights from her work on how advances in research could shape the future of treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.
Season Four of MQ Open Mind is supported by Tiberone Technologies www.tiberone.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
84
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