PsychCrunch

We all love psychology, but it feels safe to say that most of us probably would love it more if it did some things differently. For many, psychology would benefit from a revolution (or two).
In this episode, we share hot takes on the matter from the expert contributors to the March 2026 issue of our magazine, The Psychologist. What do they believe needs a revolution within the discipline? And should we call for revolutions at all?
Special thanks to our guests: Audrey Linden, Jamie Cummins, Marcus Munafo, Margarita Panaiyoutou, Madeleine Pownall, Richard Wiseman. Thanks also to those who contributed via LinkedIn.
This is Episode 45 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.
Episode Credits:
Hosted and edited by Emma Barratt.
Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler.
Produced by Jon Sutton.
Missed previous episodes? Get up to date via our PsychCrunch collection page.
Want to learn more?
Check out our guests' manifestos in full in the March 2026 issue of The Psychologist.
 
PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

Living with a life-limiting condition comes with a plethora of psychological consequences. When the condition is rare, having psychologists in your corner can mean even more.
This episode, we speak with Dr Sarah Gunn, Lecturer at the University of Leicester and expert on the psychology of Huntington's disease, about her research journey and how her work supports those with the condition. Join her and Dr Jon Sutton, Editor for the Psychologist, in conversation as they explore what psychologists can do when nothing can be done.
This is Episode 44 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.
Episode Credits:
Hosted by Dr Jon Sutton.
With contributions by Ella Rhodes.
Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler.
Edited by Emma Barratt. 
Not done learning?
Find out more about how psychologists conceptualise living with a chronic illness with this piece from Emily Reynolds.
Or learn why the world needs more health psychologists in our conversation with Professor Aimee Aubeeluck.
PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

Join Dr Jon Sutton and Dr Andrea Oskis (Food Writer and Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University, London) for a research-packed feast, through which they navigate the deep and meaningful connections between us and the food we eat. From appetiser to dessert, every dish opens the door to exploring fascinating studies and discoveries.
This is Episode 43 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.
Episode Credits:
Hosted by Dr Jon Sutton.
Audio editing by Jeff Knowler.
Edited by Emma Barratt. 
Hungry for more?
Find out more about 'cupboard love' with this piece by Andrea Oskis that explores the intrinsic connection between food and feelings.
Or check out this piece from Chukwudi Barrah on nine psychological insights that may just turn down the heat at the dinner table.
Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.
PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

In this episode of PsychCrunch, Tabby Taylor Buck delves into the world of unconventional therapeutic activities, guided by the latest psychological research and insights from practitioners in the field. She explores how innovative approaches are reshaping what therapy can look and feel like.
Tabby begins with a spot of climbing therapy, and then turns to the imaginative world of structured roleplay, as Dr. Sören Henrich discusses the therapeutic potential of Dungeons & Dragons. Next, Professor Jo Williams offers insight into animal-assisted interventions, shedding light on the psychological mechanisms that underpin them. Finally, the conversation plunges into cold water. Professors Mark Wetherell and Mike Tipton discuss the psychological and physiological impact of cold water swimming, exploring how cold water immersion may help with stress adaptation and improve mood.
Throughout the episode, Tabby and her guests explore a central question: Are these diverse interventions tapping into unique mechanisms, or are they all accessing shared core ingredients that promote psychological wellbeing?
This is Episode 42 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.
Episode Credits:
Produced and hosted by Tabby Taylor Buck.
Edited by Emma Barratt. 
Hungry for more?
Read about how Dungeons & Dragons shaped psychologist Dr Sören Henrich's identity and connections in academia.
Or hear about how our current media landscape makes this the 'golden age of play for adults' with this piece from Dave Neale.
Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.
PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com

Most of us remember what it was like to start school. Intimidating new places, being unsure of the schedule, lots of new potential friends — and maybe a few foes. It's a huge moment for kids, and their families, that brings with it a lot of big, complex challenges.
In this episode, Jon Sutton chats with Professor Claire Hughes, Deputy Director of the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge, about the hurdles families face when children start school, what it means to be 'school ready', and more.
This is Episode 41 of PsychCrunch, the podcast of the British Psychological Society's Research Digest, sponsored by Zanda.
Episode Credits:
Hosted by Jon Sutton.
Audio wizardry by Jeff Knowler.
Edited by Emma Barratt. 
Hungry for more?
Why not check out this piece on fixing the home-school relationship by Clinical Psychologist Dr Tara Porter. 
Or get to grips with current research on school avoidance with this recent article from Educational Psychologist Meg Fairclough.
Find these and much, much more over at The Psychologist.
PsychCrunch is brought to you by Zanda, the all-in-one practice management software designed for psychologists. With telehealth, easy mobile access, and automated tools, including online scheduling and reminders, Zanda helps you run your practice, your way. Find out more at ZandaHealth.com