PERIODically podcast launched at Worcester
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20th June 2023
PERIODically podcast launched at Worcester
PERIODically is a podcast created by undergraduate and postgraduate chemists to discuss experiences of how having a period has affected their time studying chemistry.
The launch event for the new podcast was sponsored by Worcester’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Fund following a successful application by 4th-year Chemistry undergraduate Elba Feo. Here the team tells us more about their project.
The physicality and intense nature of a chemistry degree can sometimes be put under extra pressure by symptoms of periods such as cramps, mental health and medical issues surrounding periods. However, it is something we don’t really talk about… We hope our podcast will shed light on some of the problems periods pose, attempt to tackle stereotypes and hopefully create a conversation around how we can improve studying for those with periods!
On the 26th of May the first episode of the PERIODically podcast was released. With the help of the Worcester EDI fund we were able to host a launch event where we listened to the first episode, which focuses on the experience of periods in labs. There was a great turnout of around 50 people including students, academics, and teaching staff. The event allowed us to share the podcast and celebrate the hard work that has gone into producing it. We were also able to further discuss our motivations and expand on the suggestions that are presented in the first episode.
Four episodes have been released so far and the podcast has had an outstanding reception. PERIODically is in the top 25% of podcasts listened to worldwide, with listeners in over twenty countries. We have received heartfelt messages from listeners telling us how much it has meant to them to hear people share their experiences. EDI Chemistry departments at other universities have been sharing the podcast with their staff and students, with the University of York even holding a listening party. We have been invited to join an EDI meeting at the University of Bristol to share our project with them. We are in conversations to write a piece for Nature Chemistry Reviews, and are also working with BBC Oxford for a seven minute piece about the podcast that will be released via the radio, BBC sounds and on the BBC website. Two members of the team will be presenting a poster on the podcast at the Variety in Chemistry Education conference at the end of August.
We are currently looking into acquiring funding for a second season of PERIODically. There are many other aspects of the experience of periods and chemistry that we have yet to discuss. In this second season we would like to invite individuals from other institutions to join us. This will allow us to discuss topics that we did not previously have the experience and expertise to cover including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menopause and pregnancy. We have already had academics from other universities reaching out to us to show interest in contributing.
Overall, we are so pleased with the progress on this project and that it has been able to garner such a positive response so far! We are very grateful to Worcester for their support.
