Relate your Research - a social work podcast

Episodes

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  S3/Ep.9 "Season 3 Close Out with Kayla Field and Jessica Ronaasen" 26.06.2026 30m

  Kayla sits down with Jessica Ronaasen, founder of Relate Your Research, for a conversation about growth, collaboration, and the purpose behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the season’s conversations, the value of science communication, and what it means to make research feel more relatable and human.
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  S3/Ep.8 "Exploring Biomedical Engineering with Tatum James" 29.05.2026 30m

  In this episode, Tatum James joins us to share her journey from biomedical science and physiology into the world of biomedical engineering. We discuss how science and engineering come together to solve healthcare-related challenges, what day-to-day work in the field can look like, and the value of interdisciplinary thinking in research and innovation.
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  S3/Ep.7 "Breastfeeding, Food & Child Development with Milton Semenkane" 24.04.2026 20m

  Milton Semenkane joins us to discuss the role of nutrition in the earliest stages of life, from exclusive breastfeeding in infancy to the value of traditional foods in early childhood. Drawing on both his Master’s and PhD research, he shares how feeding practices, culture, and public health intersect in shaping long-term child wellbeing.
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  S3/Ep.6 "Housing Policy & Social Impact with Fanele Msimango" 30.01.2026 16m

  This episode looks at housing policy through a research and evaluation lens, with Fanele reflecting on her Master’s work and her role at the Do More Foundation. The conversation explores how housing policies are assessed, how evidence informs decision-making, and why understanding systems is key to meaningful social development.
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  S3/Ep.5 "Inside Immunology & Infection Disease Research with Ruth Purcell" 28.11.2025 26m

  Ruth Purcell joins us to break down the landscape of immunology and infectious disease research — from daily lab work to real-world application. She shares insights from her time across leading institutions, the impact of collaboration, and what inspires her in the pursuit of scientific understanding.
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  S3/Ep.4 "Understanding Cancer Research: Insights from Atarah Rass" 31.10.2025 18m

  We speak with PhD candidate Atarah Rass to unpack what cancer research looks like in practice and why it matters. The conversation explores the South African research landscape, how discoveries made in the lab influence real treatment decisions, and why collaboration and knowledge-sharing across institutions are so essential. Atarah also reflects on her journey into research and what continues to motivate her in this field.
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  S3/Ep.3 "Inside the MD-PhD Journey: Research, Medicine, and Industry with Alex Dumas" 26.09.2025 28m

  In this episode, Kayla shares a conversation with Alex Dumas, an MD-PhD student at Yale University, to talk about her journey combining medicine and research. Alex shares what it’s like to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the MD-PhD path, while also giving insight into her work using nanotechnology to explore the immune system and its potential to transform future therapies.
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  S3/Ep.2 "Connecting People, Policy, and Place: A Conversation with Prof. Cathy Sutherland" 29.08.2025 23m

  In this episode, Kayla sits down with Professor Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal to explore the fascinating intersections of society, space, and environment. From the social impacts of mega-projects in Durban to shaping environmental policy and understanding urban vulnerability, Prof. Sutherland shares how her research is driving conversations about sustainable, inclusive cities.
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  S3/Ep.1 “Kayla Field Takes the Mic: A New Season of Relating Research”  15.08.2025 9m

  In this season 3 opener of Relate Your Research, new host Kayla Field shares her journey from a curious school student to conducting cancer research at Stellenbosch University — and the lessons she learned along the way. With a passion for education and making complex ideas accessible, Kayla sets the stage for a season of conversations that bring research to life, making it relevant, relatable, and inspiring for everyone. Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-field-41618b17b
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  S2/Ep.17 "Season 1 close out reflection from Dr Jessica Ronaasen" 11.01.2022 14m

  This episode is a personal reflection on the first Season of Relate Your Research. IT has been such a privilege to preserve research in a fun and conversational way. In 2022 I had a baby - and completed my Phd! What a journey! This episode features some tips and practical tools that helped me manage and complete the year with two of my life greatest achievements. Some useful tools and referrals: Richard Baker - Podcast Production and Mixing https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-baker-325409111/ Lisa Gouws - Proof Reading, Editing & Reference Support [email protected] Gloria Cooper - Transcription Services https://transcriptions-services.co.za
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  S2/Ep.16 "How are our communities responding to Gender Based Violence with Lauren Jacobs" 15.12.2020 40m

  In our final episode of the season we tackle a relevant topic for 2020, Gender Based Violence (GBV). Lauren Jacobs relates her research on this controversial topic on how our communities are responding to GBV, specifically in faith-based communities. Lauren describes herself as a Literary Artist, Professional Author, Radio Host 729AM, Ordained Minister, Journalist and Equality Advocate. Some noteworthy achievements include; Desmond Tutu - Gerrit Brand Award Winner 2017, Ted x Cape Town Speaker 2018, Next Generation Award Winner (Washington, U.S.A) 2019, Global Women's Empowerment Summit Speaker (Sandton) 2021. She completed her B.A degree - UNISA | Post graduate Honours | Master in Divinity - Therapeaia Bible College | Link Up: Website: https://laurenjacobs.co.za/ Instagram: @profuselyprofound https://www.cbeinternational.org/persons/aliyah-jacobs
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  S2/Ep.15 "The role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development with Adriaan Jordaan" 15.12.2020 34m

  Basic financial concepts are vital for facilitating social development in South Africa. In a recently completed study by Adriaan Jordaan a Stellenbosch University graduate shares his Masters research. Adriaan describes his investigation into the perceptions of social workers on the role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development. Financial literacy education has been understudied in South Africa and studies (in countries with similar socio-economic challenges to SA) have shown financial literacy education initiatives can act as effective mediums to help buffer clients against poor socio-economic circumstances. Endorsed by Stellenbosch University Department of Social Work Linkedin Account: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriaan-jordaan-9455351b7/
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  S2/Ep.14 "Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children with Catherine Ward" 27.10.2020 43m

  This episodes merges the worlds of research and community intervention with Catherine Ward, a researcher and Professor from University of Cape Town in the Department of Psychology. She shares her research journey and interest in parenting as well as violence prevention in South Africa. This episode focuses on the Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children which is a package of open access, non-commercialised parenting programmes to prevent violence in low-resource settings. Link to online resources & programme: https://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/child/plh/en/ Youtube link about PLH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g553h4KGKR8
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  S2/Ep.13 "National Chairperson of LITASA shares on Literacy for children (0-6 years)" 02.10.2020 31m

  We are joined by Catherine Langsford, National Chairperson of Literacy Association of South Africa who shares with us more about the role of Literacy in early childhood development. She also shares on the development of this association and the role research have played, and an continue to play in the education sector. This episode is part of our ECD series, bridging the ECD sector with research and those in the field. LITASA Website: https://www.litasa.org.za Literacy in SA Research: https://www.litasa.org.za/research LITASA Conference 2020 Youtube Playlist: http://shorturl.at/qNQW0
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  S2/Ep.12 "Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV with Teresa Wilson" 08.09.2020 29m

  The aim to this discussion is to talk about how we build our community through support, trust and role modelling while sharing knowledge and experiences about HIV, child health and parenting. Early Childhood is time of great potential but also for many mothers is a time of risk if positive health practices are not prioritised particularly if the mother or the child is HIV positive. In this episode we talk about a Participatory Action Research Initiative in the Eastern Cape with Teresa Wilson, Community Dietitian and postgraduate researcher. Links to resources for community engagement can. be found at : https://sakhaesethu.com
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  S1/Ep.11 "Early Years, Nutrition & chronic disease of lifestyle with Teresa Wilson" 03.08.2020 27m

  During the first 6 years of life nutrition and health are vital elements to ensure optimal development. Previous research has shown the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases in underprivileged communities in South Africa. However, there is limited research on the impact of non-communicable diseases in caregivers raising children. Living with a non- communicable disease presented to have a huge influence on parenting. Living in an underprivileged community has been found to have an influence on the management of non-communicable disease as well as raising a child aged 0-6 years old. Teresa Wilson from Department of Health & Nelson Mandela University shares her project exploring the link between nutrition and diseases of lifestyle. Links from Episode: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-wilson-37a4085b/ This podcast is supported by the DG Murray Trust.
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  S1/Ep.10 "ECD Forums – creating community support with Jessica Blom" 01.07.2020 25m

  ECD Forums are formal or informal gatherings of Principals, Practitioners and community members with the function role of connecting with each other in areas or communites. Jessica Blom shares her research highlighting the value of a collective experience and shared knowledge which is strengthening the ECD sector in a number of ways. Links from Episode: https://cecd.org.za/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-blom/ https://www.facebook.com/CentreForEarlyChildhoodDevelopment/ Thesis still to be published online *Link to follow* This episode was supported by the DG Murray Trust
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  S1/Ep.9 "The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 with Simone Topaz & Catherine Draper" 01.06.2020 48m

  The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: Results From the Stakeholder Consultation Featuring both, Catherine Draper, Senior Lecturer at Wits University and Simone Tomaz, University of Stirling who both worked on the development of the Movement Guidelines for South Africa.. Useful Tools: https://www.ssisa.com/news/movement-guidelines-children/ https://ilifalabantwana.co.za/7476-2/ Articles & Related Research: Draper, C.E., Tomaz, S.A., Stone, M., Hinkley, T., Jones, R.A., Louw, J., Twine, R., Kahn, K. and Norris, S.A., 2017. Developing intervention strategies to optimise body composition in early childhood in South Africa. BioMed research international, 2017. Tomaz, S.A., 2018. Physical activity and gross motor skills in rural South African preschool children (Doctoral dissertation, University of Cape Town). Draper, C.E., Tomaz, S.A., Stone, M., Hinkley, T., Jones, R.A., Louw, J., Twine, R., Kahn, K. and Norris, S.A., 2017. Research Article Developing Intervention Strategies to Optimise Body Composition in Early Childhood in South Africa. Jones, S., Hendricks, S. and Draper, C.E., 2014. Assessment of physical activity and sedentary behavior at preschools in Cape Town, South Africa. Childhood Obesity, 10(6), pp.501-510. This ECD Series is supported by the DG Murray Trust
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  S1/Ep.7 "Talking about Social Protests & Social Action with Hilary Chibaya" 15.05.2020 28m

  Why do people protest? Should social workers be involved in social protests? We hear from Hilary Chibaya a social work Phd researcher at Stellenbosch University looking at social action & protests in South Africa Masters Research: THE EXECUTION OF INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE SUPERVISION SESSIONS: EXPERIENCES OF INTERMEDIATE FRONTLINE SOCIAL WORKERS: http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/103336
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  S1/Ep.8 "The Trajectory of ECD Policy in South Africa with Eric Atmore" 23.04.2020 27m

  Atmore is the director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and his thesis focused on an in-depth analysis of the South African Early Childhood Development policy. This episode starts off our ECD series by looking at the pathway and progress of ECD policy in South Africa and the implications of this in the ECD sector. Centre for Early Childhood Development: https://cecd.org.za Atmore, E., 2019. An Interpretive Analysis of the Early Childhood Development Policy Trajectory in Post-apartheid South Africa. https://scholar.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10019.1/105968/atmore_childhood_2019.pdf?sequence=1 Van Niekerk, L. Ashley-Cooper, M and Atmore, E. (2017) Effective early childhood development programme options meeting the needs of young South African children. Cape Town: Centre for Early Childhood Development. https://cecd.org.za/news/ http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/343631/eric-atmore-completes-groundbreaking-phd-at-62 This Podcast Series is supported by the DG Murray Trust