What does equality really mean in practice? How can young people make their voices heard? What does a healthy digital life look like in an age of social media and AI?
These are just some of the questions explored in Open Conversations, a new podcast series from the OU that brings together researchers and postgraduate students to discuss some of today's biggest societal challenges. The series features contributors from across the University, and aims to make research and its impact on society more accessible through engaging, thought-provoking conversations.
Each episode focuses on a different topic, including equality, youth voice, climate anxiety, digital wellbeing, the use of AI, identity and financial resilience. Drawing on OU research, host Dr Karen Bowen asks insightful questions, allowing guests to share academic evidence, insights and what they have learned from those with lived experience, helping listeners better understand the complex issues affecting communities in the UK and around the world.
Whatever you're studying, Open Conversations offers an accessible introduction to current research and debate, making complex ideas easy to engage with, while providing opportunities to hear directly from the researchers behind the work.
The series could also be a useful companion to your studies. The episodes explore themes linked to OU modules and wider contemporary issues, offering fresh perspectives, real-world examples, and evidence-based discussion that can help deepen your understanding of topics you may encounter in your coursework. This makes the podcast valuable not only as a source of information, but also as a way to broaden your thinking and discover areas of research you might not otherwise come across.
Open Conversations is available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
