MQ Open Mind
Episodes
What We Get Wrong About Depression with Prof Catherine Harmer
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Catherine Harmer, a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Oxford and a mem...
What’s Holding Back Global Mental Health Care? with Dr Daisy Singla
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Daisy Singla, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toront...
Understanding Trauma with Prof Orla Muldoon
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What is trauma? Conversations about trauma often focus on individual experiences. But trauma can also be shaped by social and political contexts, affe...
Can Genetics Help Us Understand Mental Health? with Prof Andrew McIntosh
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Andrew McIntosh, a psychiatrist and researcher specialising in the genetics of mental ...
Looking Back on Open Mind Season 4
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Season 4 of Open Mind has been an incredible journey, and we want to thank you for tuning in to the first half of the series. We hope it offered new i...
What Will It Take to Strengthen Mental Health Research? with Rethink Mental Illness
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor is joined by Brian Dow, Deputy CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, Aphra Tulip-Briggs, Lived Experience Expert a...
Can Sharing Your Story Change Lives? with Jordan Lees
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks with Jordan Lees, a lived experience expert and research volunteer who has worked with the National ...
Fixing the Inequalities in Mental Health Care With Prof Kam Bhui
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Kam Bhui, a leading expert in public mental health and policy at the University of Oxf...
The Teenage Brain Explained with Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, a psychologist and neuroscientist from the University of Cambri...
The Power of Mindfulness for Mental Health with Prof Willem Kuyken
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Prof Willem Kuyken, a research clinical psychologist and author from the University of Oxford. T...
Why is Depression Rising Among Young People? with Dr Maria Loades
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor interviews Dr Maria Loades, a clinical psychologist and mental health researcher from the University of Bat...
Designing Research That Saves Lives with Professor Nav Kapur
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor speaks to Professor Nav Kapur, a leading researcher in suicide prevention and self-harm, and a professor of...
How We Got Our Start in Research
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This 5th of July marks the third Research Appreciation Day. A day started by us at MQ to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all discip...
We Need Your Help With Open Mind Season 4!
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we plan for next season, we want to hear your thoughts—what’s working, what could be better, and any new ideas you’d like to see. Take just 5...
Using Apps for Your Mental Health with Dr John Torous
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to psychiatrist, and Director of the Division of Digital Psychiatry at Beth Israel Deacones...
Using Psychotherapy in Divided Times with Prof Mick Cooper
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to author, trainer, UKCP-registered psychotherapist, and Professor of Psychology at the Uni...
CEASE (Gemma Kelly) & Protecting Children From Adult Content
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: This episode of MQ Open Mind has discussions about suicide, self-harm and sexual violence. In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor...
Prof Vincent Deary & Understanding How We Break
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Health Psychology at Northumbria University and author, Professor Vincent D...
The Truth About the Internet and Your Mental Health
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Research Programme Lead at MQ Mental Health Research, Mariana Bolivar, and Research ...
What Do Researchers Know about Long-Covid?
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, Dr Paul Harrison, and NIHR Clinical...
What Questions Should Mental Health Research Answer?
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you so much for watching the first half of season 3. We hope you were able to gain further insight into the world of mental health research whil...
Dr Josefien Breedvelt & Preventing Anxiety and Depression
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak to Prudence Trust Research Fellow at King's College London, Dr Josefien Breedvelt. Josefien’s research mainly focuses on p...
Alastair Campbell & How Politics Impact Mental Health
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to journalist, political strategist and podcaster, Alastair Campbell. Alastair is best know...
Professor Helen Minnis & Understanding Childhood Trauma
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Glasgow, Professor Hel...
Professor Ellen Townsend & Keeping Young People Safe Online
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to a Professor of the School of Psychology at the University of Nottingham, Professor Ellen...
Dr Sian Williams: From BBC To Psychology
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to BBC broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist, Dr Sian Williams. Sian's caree...
Professor Allan Young & Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Head of the School of Academic Psychiatry at the Institue of Psychiatry, Psychology ...
Professor Simon Wessely & Understanding NHS Spending
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College London, Professor Sir Simon Wesse...
Building Mentally Healthy Workplaces w/ Georgie Mack & Dr Kate Duckworth
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the CEO of Peopleful, Georgie Mack, and Head of Data, Analysis & Insight at Peoplefu...
Dr Chloe Paidoussis-Mitchell & Understanding Grief
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to counselling psychologist and author Dr Chloe Paidoussis Mitchell. Chloe is a highly expe...
Dr. Martha Deiros Collado & Gaining Insight Into Your Child
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of MQ Open Mind! Join Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig as they delve into the fascinating world of chil...
Andy Bell & How to Create a Mentally Healthier Nation
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to the CEO of the Centre for Mental Health, Andy Bell. The Centre for Mental Health is an o...
Dr Maxime Taquet & Why Some People Develop Brain Fog
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to MQ researcher and academic clinical fellow at the Department of Psychiatry at the Univer...
Professor David Nutt & A New Approach to Treating Depression
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology and the head of the Psychedelics Re...
Prof Kathryn Abel & Improving CAMHS
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to PR professional and Mum of four, Hayley Peters, and professor of psychological medicine ...
Professor Louise Arseneault & Collaboration in Research
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to professor of developmental psychology at Kings College London, Louise Arseneault.  Lo...
What Do We Want Research to Answer
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the 5th of July, MQ launched the very first Research Appreciation Day. A day to celebrate the hard work of health researchers from all disciplines....
Jenny Okolo & Empathy in the Criminal Justice Sector
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to Occupational Therapist, Jenny Okolo. Jenny is a highly experienced lead psychiatric occu...
Explaining our Gone Too Soon Roadmap
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we spoke to Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester, Tony Pisani, Head of Development at MQ, Emily Wheeler, ...
Dean Stott (DLC Anxiety) & Thriving with Anxiety
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to mental health activist and author, Dean Stott. After managing with an anxiety disord...
Dr Lucy Foulkes & the Truth About Mental Illness
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O'Connor and Craig spoke to academic psychologist and author, Dr Lucy Foulkes. Lucy is currently a Prudence Trust Rese...
James Gwinnett & Building Mental Resilience
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to endurance athlete and motivational speaker, James Gwinnett. After a bad neck injury play...
Dr Ben Alderson-Day and the Feeling That Someone Is Behind You
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory O’Connor and Craig spoke to associate professor in psychology at Durham University, Dr Ben Alderson-Day. Ben’s res...
Dr Anne Duffy & Protecting Student Mental Health
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we spoke to Professor of Psychiatry at Queen’s University Kingston, and Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, Dr Anne Duf...
Tommy Lowther and Living With PTSD
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Armed Forces veteran and CEO of Sporting Force, Tommy Lowther. Â Tommy served with the British Arm...
Flo Sharman and the Impact of Trauma on Mental Health
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to mental health campaigner and MQ ambassador Flo Sharman. At four months old, Flo had a life-saving...
Dr Rona Strawbridge & Manveer Sahota and the Link Between Physical and Mental Health
08 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Dr Rona Strawbridge, a medical genetics research fellow at the University of Glasgow, and Manveer S...
What Would You Want Mental Health Research to Answer? ft Gemma Styles, AJ & Curtis Pritchard and Linda Lusardi
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week we have dancers AJ & Curtis Pritchard, actress Linda Lusardi, and MQ ambassador and returning Open Mind guest Gemma Styles. In this episod...
Prof Ann John and Utilising Mental Health Data
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Professor of Public Health and Psychiatry at Swansea University, Ann John. Ann is the Principal Inv...
Revisiting the ’Gone Too Soon’ Webinar
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In honour of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, this week, we’re re-releasing our Gone Too Soon webinar as a podcast episode. Hosted by MQ’s ...
Claire Eastham & Living With Panic Disorder
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to author and MQ ambassador Claire Eastham. Earlier this year, Claire released a book called ‘How I ...
Nick Morgan and Protecting Youth Mental Health
30 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Nick Morgan, the founder of the organization Euro Youth Mental Health, and activist and lived exper...
Gemma Oaten and Living With an Eating Disorder
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to actress and eating disorder campaigner Gemma Oaten. Gemma is known for playing Rachel Breckle in th...
Lily Bailey and Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to mental health activist and author Lily Bailey. At age 16, Lily was diagnosed with Obsessive Compuls...
Azeem Rafiq and the Impact of Racism on Mental Health
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and cricket star, Azeem Rafiq. Azeem played cricket professionally in England for Yo...
James Downs and Embracing Lived Experience in Research
21 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and yoga instructor, James Downs. James is a member of the Gone Too Soon steering gro...
Amazin LeThi & Dr Jessica Schleider and Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to athlete and LGBTQ+ advocate, Amazin LeThi, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stonyb...
Leigh Timmis and Finding Your Purpose in Life
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to speaker and Guinness world record holder, Leigh Timmis. They spoke about self-improvement, finding ...
Dr Alexandra Pitman and Identifying Loneliness
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Associate Professor in Psychiatry at UCL and Consultant Psychiatrist at Camden and Islington NHS Fo...
Gemma Styles and the Importance of Doing Good
10 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to podcaster and journalist, Gemma Styles, to discuss doing good, the impact of social media on mental...
MQ Open Mind is back!
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Professor Rory O'Connor and MQ's Craig Perryman in this rebooted version of the MQ Open Mind podcast! In today's episode, they discuss who they a...
Ep 12: Tackling the rise in self-harm among young people
15 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
[Trigger warning: podcast references suicide and self-harm] Research suggests an increasing number of young people are self-harming – and more tha...
Ep 11: Can science tell us who's most likely to develop depression?
29 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses and currently affects 1 in 10 people in the UK. But what if science could tell us who’s most ...
Ep 10: Social media and mental health: The facts behind the headlines
14 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Social media: is it good or bad for our mental health? We’ve been swamped with headlines talking about how damaging platforms like Facebook, Twitter...
Ep 9: Young people's mental health: What's school got to do with it?
18 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a growing crisis in young people’s mental health. 75% of mental illness begins before the age of 18 - and 3 children in an average classro...
Ep 8: How can we work together to prevent suicide?
05 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This new episode of MQ Open Mind marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and explores how we can all play a role in preventing suicide. We’re joined b...
Ep 7: Why are women twice as likely to develop anxiety?
27 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Women are at a far greater risk to anxiety compared to men. In this episode we explore why. Researcher Olivia Remes at the University of Cambrdige of...
Ep 6: How does PTSD affect firefighters? And what can we do to stop it?
12 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Mat Barlow, a firefighter, describes his battle with PTSD, triggered by an incident that took place whilst he was driving a fire engine. He describes ...
Ep 5: Can magic mushrooms treat depression?
20 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
How can psychedelic drugs be used to treat mental illness? Former government drugs tsar Professor David Nutt is investigating how psilocybin – the a...
Ep 4: A new way of thinking about OCD
17 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
For Rose Bretecher, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has never left her handwashing or ordering things, instead she has been overwhelmed by distressing s...
Ep 3: The reality of life with social anxiety and the app that could help
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
What does it feel like to live with social anxiety? It’s the most common of anxiety disorders – defined as a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of...
Ep 2: Could an algorithm end the trial-and-error approach to mental health treatment?
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Getting the right mental health treatment for you is often a game of trial and error – if one treatment doesn’t work, you’ll try another, and an...
Ep 1: Could problems with our immune system cause depression?
14 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
1 in 4 people experience mental illness at some point each year and depression now affects a staggering 350 million people worldwide. Understanding th...