Manchester Metropolitan University Podcast

In the second of our two podcasts celebrating World Poetry Day, Malika Booker chats with fellow poet and Manchester Writing School lecturer Andrew McMillan about his award-winning work. Andrew discusses his creative process and the meaning behind some of his most critically-acclaimed work, as well as reading exclusive pieces from his new anthology. Content warning: Andrew’s first recited poem ‘Geo...

In the first of two podcasts celebrating World Poetry Day, Andrew McMillan chats with fellow poet and Manchester Writing School lecturer Malika Booker about her award-winning work. Malika reads her Forward Prize-winning poem 'The Little Miracles', discussing its creation and meaning, as well as how it feels to receive such a prestigious award for such a personal piece.

At the end of 2020 a new era for the United Kingdom began after the country completed its formal separation from the European Union. In the latest episode of MetCast, academics from Manchester Metropolitan University explain what the UK-EU trade agreement means for the future. We also hear insight from our leading Brexit experts on what it has been like researching and teaching a topic that has be...

Hot on the heels of her Costa Book of the Year win for her novel The Mermaid of Black Conch, MetCast speaks exclusively to writer and Manchester Writing School lecturer Monique Roffey. Roffey speaks about what it's like to win such a prestigious award, as well as her approach to both writing and teaching, and shares some words of wisdom for aspiring authors on writing the book that only they...

In this episode of MetCast, Chris Morris speaks to Dr Stephanie Steels, Lecturer in Global Public Health, about the COVID-19 vaccinations taking place across the world. The vaccination programme currently underway in the UK is put under the spotlight, along with any hurdles it might face and what the realistic timeline of everyone in the country being vaccinated might be. We also chatted with Dr S...

We bring you an exclusive interview with Alex Wheatle MBE, Manchester Writing School lecturer and subject of one of acclaimed director Steve McQueen's Small Axe series of films. Here, Dominic Smith catches up with the award-winning children’s author to discuss his life, career and what it’s like to have his story told by one of Britain’s most prominent filmmaking voices.

The sports industry has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic just like every other aspect of modern life. Academics from Manchester Metropolitan University consider the impact of COVID-19 in terms of the physical, mental and tactical preparation for return to competition and the legal ramifications from health and safety to the laws of the game. Feedback is always welcome, as are reviews and...

How will Industry 4.0 affect higher education and change the workforce of tomorrow? What skills and partnerships will Universities need to focus on as sectors adapt to new innovations in the field? As the University gears up for its next appearance at the Industry 4.0 Summit in March, we spoke to former Siemens UK Chief Executive and Honorary Doctor of Business Administration Juergen Maier CBE and...

What does the future of storytelling look like? How will technology shape the way we create film, television, music, videogames and other forms of entertainment? And how will that create changes in skills demand for the workforce of the future. In the first of a series of talks and events ahead of the launch of Manchester Metropolitan University’s new School of Digital Arts, SODA, which opens in 2...

Just in time for Halloween, MetCast explores the dark and demented world of our very own Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, and looks at how the gothic mode has never been more relevant. Featuring interviews with the centre's academics, it digs deep into the role of gothic studies, how it differs from horror, its relevance in the modern age and how the Manchester Gothic Festival has celebr...

In the first of a series of talks ahead of the 2021 launch of Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Digital Arts, Danny Boyle asks: 'Will Robots Love Jesus?' Recorded at HOME Manchester on September 23rd 2019, the Oscar -winning director and co-chair of the industry advisory group for the school talks philosophically about the future of storytelling, his role within it and...

To coincide with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we talk to experts from across the University about some of the challenges professional athletes face during a high profile global tournament. We hear from Sports and Exercise Nutrition lecturer James Cameron on nutrition, Sports Coaching lecturer Dr Petra Kolic on performance, Professor of Psychology Marc Jones on mental preparation and Exercise a...

In the first of our alumni stories episodes, we catch up with Simcha Weinstein, a man who’s been described as ‘New York’s Hippest Rabbi’ to talk Manchester, football, faith, movies, superheroes and much more.  Having begun his studies at Manchester Met some 20 years ago, Simcha now resides in Brooklyn, where he's campus rabbi at one of New York City’s top arts colleges, and continues to be in...

In this episode we hear from Dr Alexander Lees, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, on protecting the long-term future of the Amazon rainforest, while ensuring it remains a sustainable part of Brazil’s economy. Dr Lees discusses how his ecological research is helping to influence local and global policy, as well as how rainforest protection laws, international funding and prioritisation programs can hold...

In this episode, we hear from Alice Webb, Director of BBC Children’s and BBC North, who spoke to Michael Taylor about digital growth in Manchester and how universities can help bridge the digital skills gap. Alice also talks about how the BBC is responding to what many have called today’s ‘content revolution’ and what it means for those looking to stand out and create a career for themselves in me...

Following the uncovering of a lost sequel to Anthony Burgess' controversial novel A Clockwork Orange, MetCast speaks to Professor Andrew Biswell about the discovery, as well as the author's legacy. Andrew is Professor of Modern Literature at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of a biography of Burgess, as well as being director of The International Anthony Burgess Foundation,...

Part two of our panel debate around the opportunities and challenges of Industry 4.0. Recorded as part of our Industry 4.0 in Action event, the discussion features contributions from: David Moss, Digital Programme Manager, Siemens  David Chanillor, Head of Automaton, Airbus  Janette Kothe, IoT Solution Architect, Bosch Rexroth  Steve Parkinson, Education Manager, Autodesk  Tim Butters, Head of Res...

Part one of a two part panel debate around the opportunities and challenges of Industry 4.0. Recorded as part of our Industry 4.0 in Action event, the discussion features contributions from: David Moss, Digital Programme Manager, Siemens  David Chanillor, Head of Automaton, Airbus  Janette Kothe, IoT Solution Architect, Bosch Rexroth  Steve Parkinson, Education Manager, Autodesk  Tim Butters, Head...

In this fifth episode we speak to our sports scholars about the support our programmes provide and how they balance training with a degree. We also speak to Prof Richard Greene about our planned Institute of Sport and how it will create the athletes, sports scientists and managers of the future. Feedback is always welcome, as are reviews and ratings on iTunes, so please head there to let us know w...

In our fourth MetCast, we speak to experts in cyber security about the University's partnership with GM Cyber Foundry, which seeks to help small businesses protect themselves against malware, ransomware and other online threats, while providing access to a range of essential skills for the digital workforce of the future. Feedback is always welcome, as are reviews and ratings on iTunes, so pl...

For our third MetCast episode, we speak to experts and partners of the University's unique in vitro fertilisation (IVF) training programme, as well as one IVF parent highlighting the importance of the science and the embryologists who help deliver it. Feedback is always welcome, as are reviews and ratings on iTunes, so please head there to let us know what you think. If you’d like to contact...