akhi&saltfish Digital Network

How do we move from measuring student compliance to measuring true potential? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Miri Firth, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead for Assessment at the University of Manchester, to discuss the structures of traditional Higher Education assessment. Recorded following the UUK – APP Conference 2025 that we both presented at, this conversation dives deep into why "f...

You join me for a special episode reflecting with Dr Emma Heron, Head of Learning and Teaching Enhancement at the University of Northampton, discussing her recent conference on Trust and Resilience. We discuss the themes of the conference, I share my learnings creating Trust Guildelines which centre student voice on how to build trust and we debate AI in assessment and feedback. It was a pleasure...

On Friday 4th October 2024, the akhi&saltfish Digital Network hosted perhaps our most important conversation yet, a Sickle Cell Community Roundtable discussing the experiences, challenges, and successes of those living with or dedicating their lives to supporting Sickle Cell Warriors. Our conversation is authentically steered by the participants of the roundtable who dive deep into their exper...

This is a very special episode from the akhi&saltfish Digital Network, where we supported Dr Marcella Daye by covering the action at her Step Together Ladies' Celebration Brunch, which marked the culmination of her latest participatory action research on health inequalities. The setting for the day was the beautiful Delapré Abbey, and we extend our thanks to them for hosting us in their li...

Last week we were joined by Farhana Williamson, PhD Student and author of Wonkhe article on the impact of misnaming people in research and how we can stop it: https://wonkhe.com/blogs/the-impact-of-misnaming-people-in-research-and-how-we-can-stop-it/. We discussed, the meaning of our names, why correct pronounciation matters so much and how you can get it right, even if you get it wrong. Listen no...

If you've followed the show before, you'll know we love a good conversation about names as it brings a lot of unspoken experiences to the forefront and makes you question your own actions and experiences. Revisit Episode #28 of BOFD to listen back to our conversation with Jane Pilcher now: https://youtu.be/S7d_KFeMjnI Today, we're joined by the amazing PhD student Farhana Williamson who talks abou...

2023 was a crazy year in Combat Sports and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. Here’s how ⬇️: 1. Better information, advice and guidance for fighters on brain damage. Tris Dixon's book, Damage is a really impactful read that speaks of the untold damage happening to fighters in the training room, on the road and in the ring and with Floyd Mayweather Sr recently being diagnosed wit...

2023 was a crazy year in MMA and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. Here’s how ⬇️: Less champ champ fights. We’ve seen it. We know the Conor McGregor story we know the DC story. We love the Volk attempts but let’s see more champions clean out their divisions with at least 5 defences before we entertain this champ champ talk, please 🙏🏽  Better fighter pay. There is a whole lawsuit...

We're back with Part 2 talking all about Lunar New Year which starts TODAY! In this episode expect to hear about the Year of the Dragon, the history of Lunar New Year, key phrases to learn, how to get involved if you're not Asian and watch Kahvan and Brittaney try a "Tangerine Medicine" which has been fermenting in salt for 2 YEARS! Don't forget to check out Part 1 from 2022...

Last week we were joined by Psychologist and founder of Positive Psychology for Life, Dr Kati Adeseko to discuss all things grief. An important coversation that will bring you an understanding of: 1️⃣ the 5 stages of grief 🔄 2️⃣ why they may look different to you ❤️‍🩹 3️⃣ the physical manifestations of grief 🧠 4️⃣ What you can do to help your staff through grief 🫶🏽 5️⃣ and much more! It's...

Welcome to the first episode of Before Our Friends Die of 2024! This is a special one for us as it tackles the awkward, uncomfortable and challenging topic of grief but our hope is that by the end of the episode you’re a little less awkward, more familiar and aware of how to navigate grief if and when you or someone you love encounters it. To help is through this conversation, we’re joined by the...

2023 was a crazy year in Boxing and my wish for 2024 is to make it bigger and better. That's why, I want to see: 1. An end to the Conor Benn saga. Get in front of the board and get the issue resolved so we can see you in the big fights we all want! 2. The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World keep and defend their undisputed title. Forget stripping them and degrading the outside belts....

Last week we had a long chat with Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing. We spoke about his passion for sport, how it can develop individuals and communities for the better. He talked us through how he convinced Frank Smith to give him a job at Matchroom and what the perks of working for the biggest promoter in the world are. Check out part 1 here: https://youtu.be/FVo...

This week we are joined by Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing. He talks to us about his work with Northamptonshire Sport, England Boxing, looking after 200 boxing clubs across the country and where he is now, Matchroom Boxing, one of the biggest Boxing promoters globally. But this wasnt by chance, Alex pitched the concept for his role to CEO of Matchroom Boxing, Fra...

This week we're back and getting to know the woman of many talents and titles, Catherine Joy White. Last week we hosted a JADE Conversation with her that covered: ➡️ How women of colour can contend with White Power 🥇The weight of being “the first” 🧘🏽‍♂️ The importance of knowing how and when to rest 🧵 Her book: This Thread of Gold, A Celebration of Black Womanhood📕 AND MUCH MORE! Listen H...

This week we're back and getting to know Osaro Otobo. Last week we caught up with her to get an incredible insight into her career as an EDI expert and Education Consultant. We delved into the state of higher education, how it can improve it's work in EDI and why it's important to have good people around you to push you to be brave. Listen Now: https://youtu.be/apQ9T2QNeWM As ever, we...

Today you join us for a special episode of Before Our Friends Die. We’re hosting a JADE Conversation (Justice, Anti-Racism against Discrimination and the fight for its Elimination) with Catherine Joy White and Dr Marcella Daye in association with the GEM Network. Catherine Joy White is a gender advisor for the United Nations, writer, actor and filmmaker. She grew up between Northampton, Yorkshire...

Christian Davis is a PhD researcher at the University of Leicester studying how race, gender, social class, and masculinity intersect to affect inclusion/exclusion in boxing gyms, and how local sports clubs and the local community influence the construction of urban identities. Fascinating work which we discuss on part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T1f0XX7roY We had to get to know Christian...

This week we are joined by PhD researcher, Christian Davis who talks to us about his work which gives an account of the social structures within a Leicester gym serving ethnic minority communities. It aims to understand how race, gender, social class, and masculinity intersect to affect inclusion/exclusion in this space, and how local sports clubs and the local community influence the construction...

Continuing our work in Black History Month, we are joined by Osaro Otobo - a consultant in Education and EDI who has led on pioneering work such as Living Black at University, uncovering the experiences of Black students in university accommodation and has shaped a new era of inclusive, forward thinking SU's up and down the country! Our episode delves into Osaro's experiences working with...

This week we're back and getting to know Tré Ventour-Griffiths. Last week we caught up with him to get an incredible insight into his PhD looking into Black History in UK Towns, Counties and Coastal Cities - decentring the major UK ciites. Listen Now: https://youtu.be/T0LSOtMEKEI As ever, we had to get to know Tré a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where touch on his hope for his children,...

Today we are joined by Tré Ventour-Griffiths - a neurodivergent practitioner-academic [pracademic], public historian, writer-poet, public sociologist, and PhD Student and wow does he have knowledge to share! Tré is a PhD student at Kingston University exploring British Black Caribbean histories in the Town and Country and today we deep dive into his work so far. Our fascinating chat unearths the g...

Linus Udofia, Top 10 British Middleweight and former British Title Challenger shared his incredible story of growing up in Nigeria to being signed by David Haye. Check it out now! https://youtu.be/tnuMx8LwPJc We had to get to know Linus a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions: Who is the richest person in your pho...

This week we're joined by Top 10 Middleweight in Britain, Linus Udofia! He talks in depth to us about his start in life, his exploration of martial arts and signing to David Haye's Hayemaker Ringstar. We discuss some of his toughest moments inside and outside of the ring and touch on how his bulletproof mindset was formed to get him through those moments. It was an inspiring chat with Linu...

In case you missed it, Lamar Harrison, son of legendary British trainer, Oliver Harrison shared his incredible story of growing up in the boxing gym and developing large ambitions. Check it out now! https://youtu.be/4x5py9R_8hM We had to get to know Lamar a little more so enjoy this BONUS EPISODE where we explore his ringwalk song of choice and ask him our 7 signature questions: Who is the richest...