The Realist Lens - For Researchers Who Keep It Real

How can realist approaches become more accessible andimpactful for the communities they aim to serve? What does it mean to truly collaborate with practitioners, students, and local systems when doing realist evaluation? Join Alejandro and Dr Kevin Harris for an energising and thought-provoking conversation that explores just that. From Kev’s roots in sports and social change to his pioneering work...

In this inspiring episode, Alejandro is joined by Kristin Xenos, a practising pharmacist, realist PhD researcher and cohost of the clinical pharmacy podcast The Purple Pen Podcast to talk about the real journey into realist methodology—complete with uncertainty, lightbulb moments, and growing confidence. Kristin shares her experience transitioning from a traditionally positivist discipline into re...

What does it really take to explore workforce issues in healthcare using a realist lens? How can research stay grounded when you're working with overstretched systems and exhausted staff? Join Alejandro and Dr. Ruth Abrams for a conversation packed with practical wisdom and reflective insights. Ruth opens up about her journey into realist research, how context (with a big "C") shapes...

In this conversation, Justin Jagosh—Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Realist Evaluation and Synthesis—joins the podcast to unpack retroduction, a distinctive feature of the realist approach. Through metaphors, real-world examples, and decades of experience, Justin offers a remarkably accessible and rigorous guide to what retroduction is, how it differs from inductive and deductive rea...

What is the "realist lens"? Why does philosophy matter when you’re trying to keep research real and practical? Join Alejandro and Assistant Professor Ferdinand Mukumbang as they take you beyond the buzzwords of ontology and epistemology and into the heart of what makesrealist research distinct. In this accessible and experience-rich episode, Ferdie shares his personal journey from novice...

Kick off The Realist Lens with Associate Professor Geoff Wong from Oxford as we dive into the foundations of realist research—what it is, why it matters, and how to get started. From generative causation to programme theories, this episode is your accessible, jargon-free gateway into the realist evaluation and synthesis world. Whether you're new or curious, this is where the journey begins.

In this premiere episode, host Alejandro Argüelles Bullón shares the story behind The Realist Lens : why it was created, who it’s for, and what you can expect from upcoming episodes. Whether you're a seasoned realist researcher or just curious about how realist methods can make sense of complexity, Alejandro lays the foundation—clear, honest, and accessible. Hear what’s coming, why it matters,...