Research and Reason

About Research and Reason

Explore research and perspectives from the Faculty of Arts and Education at the University of Auckland. Academics from a range of disciplines discuss their findings, breaking down important and often complex topics. Gain a deeper understanding of the past and present, and learn how we can build better, more informed futures. *The views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the University or the Faculty.

Publisher

Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Auckland

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jul 2023

Latest episode

27 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

48 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Child protection, inequality and social justice

   What does it take to support families in crisis? Dr Eileen Joy joins our media adviser Julianne Evans to unpack the Tom Phillips case through the lens of child protection research. They also examine the wider challenges facing child protection in Aotearoa New Zealand, including systemic bias, limited resources and the need for better support and professional development. Content warning: This episode contains discussion on child abuse, suicide, racism and substance abuse that some people may find challenging. Discretion is advised.

2. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Politics in the age of social media

   How is social media changing the way we connect with politicians? From carefully crafted broadcasts to more personal, everyday content, Dr Sarah Bickerton takes a closer look at how politicians are using social media to connect with voters. Ahead of the general election, our media adviser Julianne Evans is joined by Sarah to examine the appeal of authenticity, what motivates people to get engaged and whether online activity translates into votes.

3. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Celebrating the art of Terry Stringer

   Associate Professor Linda Tyler takes us into the world of acclaimed sculptor and alumnus Terry Stringer, from his early days at Elam to his distinctive approach to sculpture. In discussion with our media adviser Julianne Evans, Linda shares how Terry learned to work at scale and the ideas and influences behind his work. Read more here: Celebrating the art of Terry Stringer – University of Auckland (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2026/09/01/Terry-Stringer-book.html) Terry Stringer & Lois White: A Portrait exhibition is open now until Sunday 6 December 2026 6:30 pm at New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata.

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

8,008,936

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 63 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

64

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

60

Contact Research and Reason

Guest appearances

Books guests

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