In the tenth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Michelize van Heerden, a doctoral researcher from the University of Chichester. Michelize’s research explores the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy (WSLA) - a pioneering residential programme that has supported over 450 women from 78 countries in developing as leaders in sport.

Against a backdrop of ongoing gender imbalance - with only 26% of CEO roles in sport held by women, and a global 3% decrease in female representation on funded sports boards - Michelize examines how WSLA creates a safe, empowering space for growth and connection. Her research draws on the personal stories of participants to disrupt traditional evaluation models, placing lived experience at the centre. Through this work, she aims to understand WSLA's long-term impact on women’s leadership development and the broader transformation of sporting culture.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Michelize van Heerden, University of Chichester

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the ninth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Daniel Griffiths, a doctoral researcher from the University of Southampton. Daniel’s research explores gender euphoria and gender congruence in trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse adults - focusing on the joyful, affirming experiences that accompany living authentically.

Through qualitative studies, Daniel has found that gender euphoria is a distinct and powerful positive emotion, often felt most intensely during the early stages of transition. Over time, it tends to evolve from moments of “explosive joy” into a more settled sense of contentment and alignment. His work aims to shift the narrative around trans lives, moving beyond deficit-focused perspectives to highlight diversity, fulfilment, and wellbeing - and to inform interventions that better support gender congruence and positive mental health.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Daniel Griffiths, University of Southampton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the eighth episode of Series 2 of Speaking of Research, a podcast from the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership, we meet Ramon Almeida, a doctoral researcher at the University of Southampton. A former lawyer in Brazil, Ramon investigates violence against LGBTQ+ people in the years following the 2019 criminalisation of homophobia and transphobia.

Despite this legal milestone, Brazil remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for LGBTQ+ individuals - with 291 violent deaths recorded in 2024 alone. Through qualitative research in Salvador involving 33 participants, including victims and legal professionals, Ramon uncovers deep inequalities in access to justice and persistent institutional prejudice. His work underscores the need for intersectional approaches and highlights how NGOs often provide more effective support than state systems. By amplifying these voices, Ramon aims to inform international policy and strengthen protections against hate crimes targeting marginalised LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

You can read a transcript of the conversation here.

Find out more about the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership at southcoastdtp.ac.uk

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Credits:

Presenter: Catherine McDonald, Research Podcasts

Guest: Ramon Almeida, University of Southampton

Producer: Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Editor: Anton Jarvis, Research Podcasts

Transcripts: Lauren White, Research Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.