Rad Chat

E224: Constance Fourny - Brain Cancer Immunology and Life as a PhD Researcher

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses brain cancer and the use of patient blood and tumour samples in research. Episode 224: Part of the Education and Workforce Development series (Part 76) Description: In this fascinating episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Constance Fourny. Connie is a final-year PhD student whose career has taken her into the world of cancer research. Her work explores proteins, peptides, cell signalling and how cells move, focusing on gliomas and identifying targets for new brain cancer treatments by studying how the immune system responds to peptides presented on the surface of tumour cells. Having grown up in France before moving to the UK, Connie studied biomedical science, fell in love with immunology, and completed her master's in immunology at King's College London before starting her PhD. She hopes to continue in academic cancer research after her viva. This episode is a deep dive into how cancers evade the immune system, why gliomas are so difficult to treat, how patient consent works for research samples, and the resilience, optimism and sense of purpose behind laboratory cancer research. CPD Reflection Points: 1. Understanding tumour biology: Connie described how gliomas vary between patients and within a single tumour, and how cancers can evade immune detection. How does understanding the biology behind treatment resistance shape the way you would explain treatment options, outcomes or emerging therapies such as immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy to patients? 2. The person behind the sample: Connie spoke about informed consent for tissue samples and staying connected to the patient behind each one. How is consent for research handled in your setting, and how do you keep the patient at the centre when you work with their data, images or treatment plans rather than with them directly? 3. Contributing to research: Connie compared research to laying the foundation stones of a cathedral. What role do you and your team currently play in research, and what one step could you take to engage with it more, whether through recruitment, patient and public involvement, or connecting with laboratory scientists? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Radiation Reveal Cancer Research UK RadNet Brain Tumour Research Francis Crick Institute Research links from the Episode: OPN-Derived Peptides Generated by Proteasomes Can Promote Cell Migration via CD44 Activation Stable β2-Microglobulin–HLA Class I Association Reshapes the Antigenic Landscape and TCR Recognition of Cancer-Associated Epitopes Challenges in glioblastoma immunotherapy: mechanisms of resistance and therapeutic approaches to overcome them Next-generation antigen-presenting cell immune therapeutics for gliomas Overcoming immunotherapy resistance in glioblastoma: challenges and emerging strategies Guiding principles and the fundamental principle of consent: guide for the general public Radiation Reveal: Moving from research engagement to involvement Plea for brain tumour research funding as PM to meet with Archie Goodburn Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2026. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E223: Michelle Rahman - Tackling Health Inequalities

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, health inequalities and discrimination. Episode 223: Part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Series (Part 21) Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Michelle Rahman. Michelle is a therapeutic radiographer turned transformation and patient involvement professional, her passions are about making healthcare work better for the people who actually uses it – ESPECIALLY those whose voices aren’t always heard. Her career has taken me from the radiotherapy department into the world of health inequalities, transformation, research and patient and public involvement. She now work across healthcare transformation, bringing communities, patients and professionals together to challenge the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset and find better ways of doing things. She is also involved in cancer awareness, community engagement and global research looking at how we can improve outcomes from cervical cancer, because she TRULY believes good healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode, background or ability to navigate the system. Outside of work, she is a mum, a daughter, a serial over-thinker and someone who has discovered that apparently you can’t solve every problem with a spreadsheet or a 3D plan… although she is still testing that theory! Michelle is passionate about people, equality, resilience, faith, family and having the sometimes difficult conversations that can lead to meaningful change. And if there’s one thing she has learned along the way, it’s that you don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. It is scary to step into spaces you have not gone before and she is definitely still learning but sometimes you just need to be brave enough to ask the right questions. This episode is a deep dive into Michelle’s career, health inequalities and what you can do to tackle these issues. CPD Reflection Points: Amplifying patient voices: How can I ensure that the voices of patients and communities, particularly those who are underrepresented or seldom heard, genuinely influence the way I deliver and improve radiotherapy services? Challenging the status quo: Reflecting on Michelle’s journey into healthcare transformation, what aspects of my own practice do I accept as “the way we’ve always done it”? How could I challenge these approaches to improve patient experience, equity and outcomes? Addressing health inequalities: How might a patient’s background, postcode or ability to navigate the healthcare system influence their access to radiotherapy and cancer care? What practical steps could I take within my role to reduce these inequalities and advocate for more equitable care? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E222: Dr Georgia Harris - Life as a Consultant Clinical Oncologist

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment and side effects of treatment. Episode 222: Part of the Education and Workforce Series (Part 75) Description: In this inspiring episode of Rad Chat, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Dr Georgia Harris, a radiation oncologist whose career has taken her from Australia to Canada and back again, developing expertise across palliative radiotherapy, supportive cancer care and global oncology. After graduating with honours from the University of Sydney and completing her radiation oncology training in Australia, Georgia undertook a specialist fellowship in palliative radiation oncology at the renowned Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. She also holds a Master of Public Health, reflecting her passion for improving cancer care and addressing inequalities in access to treatment. Now based at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in Sydney, Georgia combines clinical practice with research spanning palliative radiotherapy, oligometastatic disease, breast cancer, radiotherapy for older adults, fear of cancer recurrence and the evolving role of radiotherapy alongside immunotherapy. In this episode, we explore Georgia's career journey, the experiences and opportunities that have shaped her practice, and her passion for delivering compassionate, personalised cancer care. We also discuss the importance of palliative and supportive care, the challenges and rewards of working in oncology, and the role of coaching, mentorship and leadership in developing a fulfilling career. An insightful and engaging conversation about finding your path in oncology, embracing opportunities, supporting others and making a meaningful difference to the lives of people affected by cancer. CPD Reflection Points: Reflect on Dr Georgia Harris's career journey and the experiences, opportunities and challenges that have shaped her professional development. Identify one professional development goal you would like to achieve over the next 12 months and outline the steps you could take to work towards it. Consider the importance of integrating palliative and supportive care into oncology practice, particularly when supporting people living with advanced cancer. Reflect on a patient interaction or clinical experience where personalised care influenced decision-making. What did you learn, and how could this inform your future practice? Consider how mentors, colleagues or leaders influenced your professional development? What is the difference between coaching, mentoring and leadership, and how might each support individuals within the oncology workforce? How can you contribute to creating a supportive learning environment that encourages reflection, confidence and professional growth? Identify one action you could take to support the development or wellbeing of a colleague, student or member of your team. Consider how you would evaluate the impact of this action on your own practice and the wider team. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Dr Georgia Harris Research links from the Episode: Dr Georgia Harris Research Gate Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E221: Gina Giebner - Gastrointestinal Dietary Advice for People Living with and Beyond Cancer

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, diet and nutrition. Episode 221: Part of the education and workforce development series (Part 74) Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Gina Giebner, a cancer dietitian with 20+ years of specialist gastrointestinal experience and a current NHS oncology caseload. She helps people optimise nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment. This episode is a deep dive into how people living with and beyond cancer can consider diet and nutrition. CPD Reflection Points: How has this episode changed or developed your understanding of the role of nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment? Think about a patient you currently care for. Are there any nutritional needs, concerns or opportunities you could identify or address differently following what you have learned from this episode? What is one practical change you will make to your clinical practice to better support patients with their nutritional needs throughout cancer treatment? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: British Society of Gastroenterology practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and complications as a result of treatment for cancer The Rehab Dietitian PRDA diet sheet Online course Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E220: Dr. Laura Charlesworth - Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and Cancer Care

Trigger Warning: cancer, mental health and serious mental illness, neglect, death and dying. Episode 220: Part of the Workforce and Development Series (part 78). Description: In this thought-provoking episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Dr. Laura Charlesworth to explore the experiences of people living with serious mental illness alongside cancer. Laura shares insights from her research into how serious mental illness and other co-morbidities can influence cancer care, and discusses the importance of person-centred care, health service design and tackling health inequalities. Laura completed her PhD in 2024, titled Enabling coping in people living with cancer and serious mental illness. Her research explored how people living with serious mental illness perceived and experienced their needs when diagnosed with and treated for cancer. Through in-depth interviews and grounded theory analysis, Laura developed a new theoretical model highlighting how personal experiences and resilience, healthcare encounters and stigma, and the wider social determinants of health can shape an individual’s ability to cope with the complexities of living with cancer and serious mental illness. Laura is an Associate Professor and Health Services Research Fellow at York St John University. In this episode, we discuss what her research tells us about delivering more compassionate, inclusive and person-centred cancer care, and consider how health services can better respond to the needs of people experiencing multiple health inequalities. CPD Reflection Points: What did you learn? What were the key things you learned from this activity? Did anything challenge, reinforce or change your existing knowledge, understanding or beliefs? How does this relate to your practice? How does the learning relate to your current role and practice? Has it highlighted anything you could improve, develop or approach differently? What difference could this make to service users? How could applying this learning improve the experience, safety, dignity, outcomes or equality of care for the people you work with? What will you do differently? Identify one specific action you will take as a result of this learning. This could relate to your clinical practice, communication, professional behaviour, teamwork or service delivery. How will you know it has made a difference? How will you evaluate the impact of your learning or action? What evidence, feedback, observation or outcome could demonstrate that your practice has changed or improved? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Patient Resource: Cancer and serious mental illness Centre for mental health Life after Lary Dr. Laura Charlesworth Research links from the Episode: How does severe mental illness impact on cancer outcomes in individuals with severe mental illness and cancer? A scoping review of the literature - Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Exploring the perceived impact of stigma on the cancer experience of people with severe mental illness | Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Springer Nature Link Resilience in people with severe mental illness and cancer, a qualitative study | Supportive Care in Cancer | Springer Nature Link Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E219: Sophie Davis, Emma-Praer Breger and Rachael Williams - The Modern Therapeutic Radiographer

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment and side effects of treatment. Episode 219: Part of the Education and Workforce Development Series (Part 73) Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Sophie Davis, Emma-Praer Breger and Rachael Williams. During her time studying Biomedical Science, Sophie sparked a keen interest in cancer cell biology and treatment, this led Sophie to exploring a career as a therapeutic radiographer. Sophie completed a master's Therapeutic Radiography and Oncology. Sophie then went on to become a Band 5 Therapeutic Radiographer at The Royal Marsden Hospital. Sophie had a keen interest in students and education and became the practice educator for Therapeutic Radiography students. Sophie had a passion for improving education and completed a masters module in practice education. In 2022 Sophie started working as a lecturer at London South Bank University. Sophie is currently working on implementing different skills and simulation programmes into the degree course to enhance clinical learning. Emma-Praer has over a decade of experience as a therapeutic radiographer, having worked in a range of hospitals across England, including a veterinary clinic where she delivered radiotherapy to dogs and cats. Following her role at UCLH Macmillan Support and Information Services, she developed a passion for teaching, which led her to become a lecturer at LSBU. She is currently completing her PGCE apprenticeship and has recently introduced a personal statement–led approach to student recruitment. Rachael qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in July 2010 from the University of the West of England. Rachael is currently the course leader and senior lecturer for the Therapeutic Radiography programme at London South Bank University. Rachael is passionate about radiotherapy with a specific interest in radiotherapy planning and dosimetry, along with clinical practice. Rachael enjoys teaching students the profession both academically and clinically. To ensure students receive equal opportunities and positive experiences while completing their clinical training. Rachael has a keen interest in education and has pursued this by completing a master’s in education, with a specific focus on inclusive teaching. CPD Reflection Points: Reflect on how you can promote therapeutic radiography within your workplace, education and wider professional networks to raise awareness of the profession. Consider how sharing your career journey and experiences could inspire students, prospective applicants and colleagues to explore careers in therapeutic radiography. Reflect on the potential impact of writing and publishing a book to share professional knowledge, experiences and patient stories, and consider whether this could support your own professional development. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: The Modern Therapeutic Radiographer: An Introductory Guide(Series in Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering) Therapeutic Radiographer Careers World Radiotherapy Awareness Day Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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Rad Chat Live #4: Society of Radiographers Annual Radiography Conference - Rhona Watson

Rhona talks about all things neuro-oncology. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Rad Chat Live #3: Society of Radiographers Annual Radiography Conference - Kasey McCulloch

Kasey talks about her degree in radiotherapy and next steps after qualifying. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Rad Chat Live #2: Society of Radiographers Annual Radiography Conference - Rita Matosinhos

Rita talks about her audit of dosimetry processes in her department. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

Rad Chat Live #1: Society of Radiographers Annual Radiography Conference - Dr. Rita Simões

Rita talks about the importance of research. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

E218: Dr. Aruni Ghose - Health Inequalities, AI in healthcare and Entrepreneurship

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer. Episode 218 which is part of the living with and beyond cancer series. Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down Dr. Aruni Ghose, a Specialty Doctor in Oncology at the South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service, Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff and Research Fellow in Cardio-Oncology at the Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, UK. He is an NHS Clinical Entrepreneur, Chief Medical Officer at British based OncoFlow AI Cancer CoPilot. He is Director of Operations at the International Urology Cancer Summit, Steering Committee of the London Global Cancer Week Cancer Health Disparities, Oncology Council of the Royal Society of Medicine, Collaborator at the Lancet Commission on Cancer Control in the Commonwealth and a Future Cancer Leader at the UK and Ireland Global Cancer Network. In this episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara talk to Dr. Aruni Ghose about his career, health inequalities and OncoFlow, which uses AI to help healthcare professionals involved in cancer care create personalised management plans for cancer patients. CPD Reflection Points: One area of your practice where AI could improve patient care, efficiency or decision-making. What benefits this could bring to patients and healthcare professionals. What would need to be considered before introducing AI into your practice. Reflect on a patient you have cared for: What individual factors influenced their care? Could AI have helped identify or respond to any of these factors? What aspects of personalised care could AI never replace? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Dr Aruni Ghose LinkedIn Profile Onco Flow AI Research links from the Episode: Dr Aruni Ghose Scholarly Activity Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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Bonus Episode: Donna Hughes and Carol Scott - Equipment Managed Services in the UK

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment. Bonus Episode in paid partnership with Ergéa. Description: In this episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Donna Hughes and Carol Scott. Donna is an experienced therapeutic radiographer with a long and varied career in radiotherapy practice and service development. She currently works for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as the Lead Radiographer for the radiotherapy satellite centre in Milton Keynes, supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. Donna trained in England and spent the first half of her career working in Ireland before returning to the UK. Her clinical experience includes roles in neuro-oncology and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), as well as contributing to the implementation of an MR Linac service in the private sector. She is particularly passionate about patient care and the people she works alongside. Carol is a senior therapeutic radiographer and Radiotherapy Services Manager at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She has extensive experience in radiotherapy service leadership, advanced radiotherapy technologies and stereotactic radiotherapy, and has held senior clinical leadership roles including Deputy Clinical Director for Oncology. Carol has played a key role in the development of innovative radiotherapy services at Oxford, including stereotactic and image-guided radiotherapy, and has contributed to radiotherapy development and commissioning at a national level through NHS England. We discuss how the role of a managed equipment service supports staff by freeing up clinical time, supporting with recruitment and retention of staff, as well as sustainability and future proofing digital solutions. CPD Reflection Points: Reflect on how the current management and maintenance of radiotherapy or diagnostic equipment affects your department’s efficiency, staff experience, and patient care. Identify one area where a managed equipment service could reduce downtime, delays, or administrative burden. What impact could this have on staff morale, workload, and the patient experience? Consider how reliable, modern and well-maintained equipment could influence recruitment and retention within your service. Reflect on whether access to contemporary technology, effective technical support and a well-functioning working environment could make your department more attractive to current and prospective staff. What changes could help demonstrate that your organisation is investing in its workforce? Reflect on the potential of managed equipment services to future-proof radiotherapy and diagnostic services. Consider how planned replacement, proactive maintenance, training and access to technical expertise could support staff to work confidently with evolving technology. How could this contribute to workforce development, job satisfaction and the delivery of safe, timely and high-quality patient care? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Ergéa Clinical Managed Services including Managed Maintenance Services Managed Services Guide Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E217: Dr. Richard Shaffer - Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, benign conditions, side effects and long term conditions. Episode 217: Part of the Education and workforce development series (part 72) Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Dr. Richard Shaffer is a Radiation Oncologist and a prominent expert in the use of radiotherapy for treating benign disease, including Dupuytren’s, Ledderhose, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, keloid scars, osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and bursitis. Since starting his practice in 2011, Dr. Shaffer has treated more than 3000 benign patients and provided training and mentoring to fellow consultants starting benign radiotherapy practices. He co-wrote the 2015 Royal College of Radiologists guidelines for benign conditions and is the founder and President of the International Society for Radiotherapy for Benign Conditions (www.iorbc.com). This episode is a deep dive into Richard’s career, history of radiotherapy for benign conditions, dose and fractionation along with potential side effects. CPD Reflection Points: Identify common benign indications that can be treated by radiotherapy. Understand appropriate dose and fractionation for benign conditions. Recognise the risks and benefits of treating benign disease with ionising radiation. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Theralife clinics Dupuytrens UK Joint pain practice Radiotherapy Academy for Benign Conditions International organisation for radiotherapy for benign conditions Research links from the Episode: Recommendations for using radiotherapy for benign disease in the UK Radiotherapy for benign disease; assessing the risk of radiation-induced cancer following exposure to intermediate dose radiation Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E216: Christopher Tuckett - Allied Health Professional Leadership

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses healthcare. Episode216: Part of the education and workforce development series (Part 72) Description: In this educational episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Christopher Tuckett, a senior NHS leader and physiotherapist with a career spanning clinical practice, service improvement and strategic AHP leadership. He has led across acute, community and national settings, with a strong focus on quality, value and workforce optimisation. Christopher is currently undertaking a PhD exploring the acceptability of healthcare interventions, including digital models of care, bringing fresh insight into how technology, behaviour and service design intersect to improve outcomes and productivity. This episode is a deep dive into life as an AHP, career development, leadership and research into digital models of care. CPD Reflection Points: What is one aspect of your work that creates significant value, but is currently difficult to measure or demonstrate? How could you make that value more visible? How has the episode changed your thinking about productivity in healthcare? Identify one measure of activity in your service that could be better linked to quality, outcomes or patient impact. What is one thing you could do differently when communicating the value of your role, or service to senior leaders, or finance colleagues? What will you do differently as a result? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Christopher Tuckett Digital Services for Integrated Care Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E215: Steph Davies - Life after Cancer

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, sex, infertility and late effects. ​​ ​​Episode 217: Part of the living with and beyond cancer series (Part 76) ​​ ​​Description: In this insightful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Steph Davies. She is the founder of Life after Cancer, a UK not-for-profit supporting adults after cancer treatment through coaching, peer support, expert sessions, workshops and community connection. After her own experience of Hodgkin lymphoma, she created Life after Cancer to help others navigate the often-overlooked challenges that can follow treatment. A trained coach and NLP practitioner, she combines professional expertise with lived experience. Steph has collaborated with organisations including NHS England, UCLH, Macmillan and Nuffield Health, and is passionate about improving support and helping people rebuild confidence, identity and wellbeing after treatment. ​​ ​​CPD Reflection Points: ​​What aspects of post-treatment care are currently underrepresented in your practice? ​​How might fear of recurrence, identity loss, or reduced confidence present in patients you see? ​​What changes could you make to better acknowledge these needs? ​​How do your current communication styles support or limit patient empowerment? ​​Can you identify a recent interaction where a coaching approach might have improved the outcome? ​​What small communication changes could you trial in your next clinical shift? ​​Are you confident in your knowledge of post-treatment support services? ​​How often do you initiate conversations about life after treatment? ​​What barriers might prevent effective signposting in your role?​​ ​​Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. ​​ ​​Links from the Episode: ​​Life after cancer ​​Rad Chat Links: ​​Rad Chat Website ​​Link Tree ​​Facebook ​​Instagram ​​LinkedIn ​​TikTok ​​BlueSky ​​YouTube​​ ​​Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. ​​ ​​© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. ​​We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. ​​You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. ​​You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. ​​Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E214: Anne-Marie Ball - Exercise and Oncology

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer and cancer treatment. Episode 214: Part of the Living with and Beyond Cancer Series (part 75) Description: In this inspiring episode of the Living With and Beyond Cancer series, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Anne-Marie Ball, a Clinical Exercise Practitioner, researcher and Cancer Exercise Specialist, to explore the transformative role of exercise throughout the cancer pathway. Anne-Marie holds an MSc in Cancer Care and has extensive experience delivering exercise rehabilitation programmes across both hospital and community settings. Her research focuses on multimodal exercise interventions and how they can optimise health-related outcomes for people affected by cancer. Throughout the episode, she explains the science underpinning exercise oncology, dispels common misconceptions surrounding exercise during treatment, and highlights the importance of integrating personalised exercise into routine cancer care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, student, researcher, exercise practitioner or someone living with and beyond cancer, this episode offers evidence-based insights into one of the most impactful supportive interventions available to people affected by cancer. It highlights why exercise should be considered an essential component of personalised cancer care, rather than an optional extra. CPD Reflection Points: Critically evaluate how exercise is currently integrated into the cancer pathway within your own area of practice. To what extent does your service reflect the contemporary evidence for exercise before, during and after treatment? Consider the barriers and facilitators to embedding exercise as a standard component of personalised cancer care. Despite strong evidence demonstrating the benefits of exercise for improving physical function, reducing treatment-related side effects and enhancing quality of life, implementation remains inconsistent. Reflect on your own confidence, knowledge and professional responsibility in discussing exercise with people affected by cancer. How can healthcare professionals move beyond signposting towards actively integrating exercise conversations into routine clinical practice while maintaining person-centred care? Identify one evidence-informed improvement that could be implemented within your own organisation to strengthen access to exercise or rehabilitation. Justify your proposal using current evidence, national guidance or policy, and reflect on how you would evaluate its impact on patient outcomes and experience. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Prehabilitation and cancer treatments Education podcast Implementation of exercise prescription Research links from the Episode: Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline Movement Is Medicine: Structured Exercise Program May Lower Risk of Cancer Recurrence and Death for Some Colon Cancer Survivors Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E213: Louise Butcher - Living with Breast Cancer, Running Topless and Body Confidence Advocacy

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses breast cancer, cancer, self esteem and mental health. Episode 213: Part of the Living with and Beyond Series (Part 74) Description: In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of the Living With and Beyond Cancer series, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Louise Butcher, who shares her extraordinary journey of living with breast cancer, finding strength through running, and challenging perceptions of body image after cancer. Louise first turned to running as a way of managing severe health anxiety, using exercise as a form of self-medication and reassurance that her body was healthy. Ironically, while training for her first marathon, she was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer, a devastating shock, particularly as her mammogram had shown no abnormalities just three weeks earlier. Determined not to let cancer define her, Louise continued training throughout her treatment. She underwent bilateral mastectomies and remarkably completed her first marathon just six weeks after surgery and during the same week as her radiotherapy treatment. Running became more than exercise; it became her therapy, her resilience, and her way of reclaiming control during one of the most traumatic periods of her life. Since then, Louise has completed five marathons, four of them running topless to proudly display her mastectomy scars. Through this courageous act, she is challenging societal perceptions of women's bodies after breast cancer, promoting body positivity, reducing the stigma surrounding mastectomy and flat closure surgery, and demonstrating that choosing not to undergo breast reconstruction does not diminish femininity, strength or confidence. In 2024, Louise made history by becoming the first woman in the world to complete the London Marathon topless following bilateral mastectomy, earning a Guinness World Record while raising more than £3,500 for Breast Cancer Now. Her advocacy has inspired thousands of people affected by cancer, encouraging honest conversations about body image, survivorship and life beyond treatment. In this heartfelt episode, we explore the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, coping with trauma, the role of exercise in recovery, body image after cancer, advocacy through lived experience, and the power of visibility in challenging stigma. Louise's story is one of resilience, courage and hope, reminding us that life after cancer is not simply about surviving, it is about thriving. Whether you are a healthcare professional, student, researcher, patient, family member or someone living with and beyond cancer, this episode offers invaluable insights into compassionate cancer care and the profound impact that listening to lived experiences can have on improving practice. CPD Reflection Points: Reflect critically on how healthcare professionals balance clinical priorities with understanding the individual's lived experience. How might integrating patient narratives into your own practice influence communication, shared decision-making and personalised care? Critically evaluate your own assumptions regarding body image following cancer treatment. How can healthcare professionals ensure that all treatment choices are presented without bias, enabling truly informed, values-based decision-making? Critically evaluate whether your current service adequately supports the holistic needs of people living with and beyond cancer. Identify one evidence-informed change that could enhance patient experience or outcomes within your own area of practice, justifying how and why this would improve care. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: The Happy Pod Louise’s Instagram Page Most Women Satisfied With Choice to Go Flat After Mastectomy, but Choice Not Supported by Many Surgeons Research links from the Episode: Women’s decision process when actively choosing to‘go flat’ after breast cancer: a constructivist grounded theory study "Best for Me": Decision-Making and Medical System Interactions When Going Flat After Bilateral Mastectomy Women with cancer in one breast who opt to have both removed report satisfaction with their decision Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E212: Dr Caroline Leek - Fruitfly Collective and Parenting with Cancer

Trigger Warning: cancer, children dealing with cancer, death, dying and mental health. Episode 213: part of theLiving with and Beyond series (part 73). Description: In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Caroline, founder of the multi-award-winning Fruit Fly Collective. Caroline has a background in neuroscience research and medicine regulation policy. In 2012, she founded the multi-award-winning Fruitfly Collective, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on empowering parents diagnosed with cancer to navigate family life and support their children. Fruitfly Collective’s work has included research into building a service within the NHS to support cancer patients who are parents, delivering primary school cancer education programmes and family workshops, developing resources for families affected by parental cancer, and designing Parenting with Cancer coaching programmes. In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked challenges faced by parents living with cancer, discuss how healthcare professionals can better support families throughout the cancer pathway, and highlight why honest, age-appropriate communication with children is so important. Caroline also shares the inspiration behind Fruit Fly Collective, the impact of its work, and her vision for embedding family-centred support into routine cancer care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, researcher, educator, student, charity worker, or someone with lived experience of cancer, this episode offers valuable insights into compassionate, holistic and family-focused cancer care. CPD Reflection Points: watch Caroline’s Tedx talk on Parental Love vs Parental Empowerment. Consider how parents diagnosed with cancer might engage with their children on the subject. Reflect on how confidently you ask patients whether they have children or caring responsibilities, and whether this is embedded in routine assessment. Identify one practical change you can make in your clinical role, such as asking about children, offering a parenting resource, or discussing family needs at key points in the cancer pathway. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Churchhill fellow Fruitfly Collective Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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E211: Holly Stubbs and Lee Wilkinson - Cancer and Pregnancy and Navigating Cancer Treatment

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer and pregnancy and treatment side effects. Episode 211: Part of the Living with and beyond cancer series (Part 72) Description: In this honest, emotional and deeply inspiring episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Holly Stubbs and her partner, Lee Wilkinson, to discuss the realities of facing a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, navigating the physical and emotional side effects of treatment, and finding hope through some of life's most challenging moments. Holly is a devoted mother of three whose family is at the centre of everything she does. After receiving the life-changing news of a cancer diagnosis whilst pregnant, her world was turned upside down. Through courage, honesty and resilience, Holly has documented her journey online, sharing the highs and lows of treatment, motherhood and adapting to a new normal, providing comfort and support to thousands of others facing similar experiences. Lee, a father of three from the North East, began sharing their family's story on social media as a way of documenting their journey for their children. What started as a personal record has grown into a platform reaching millions, raising awareness of cancer, pregnancy and the importance of family, resilience and hope. Together, Holly and Lee offer a powerful insight into the impact cancer has on the whole family. They discuss balancing treatment with parenthood, coping with uncertainty, supporting one another through adversity, and the role of social media in connecting with and helping others. This is a moving conversation about love, strength, vulnerability and resilience that reminds us of the importance of compassionate, family-centred cancer care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, student, patient, caregiver or simply interested in the lived experience of cancer, this episode offers valuable lessons that will stay with you long after you've finished listening. CPD Reflection Points: Holly and Lee share the realities of living with and supporting someone through cancer. How has their story influenced your understanding of the emotional and practical impact of cancer on patients and their families? What can healthcare professionals learn from patient and caregiver experiences shared on social media, and how might these insights help improve communication, empathy, and person-centred care? Reflecting on Holly and Lee’s journey of adapting to a “new normal,” how can your practice better support patients and families beyond diagnosis and treatment, particularly during periods of adjustment and uncertainty? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Oracle, Head and Neck Cancer UK Mouth Cancer Foundation Young Tongues The Swallows Mummys Star Research links from the Episode: New research brings hope to head and neck cancer survivors with radiotherapy-induced dry mouth Research into mouth and oropharngeal cancers Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.

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Rad Chat Live at ESTRO 2026 in Collaboration with Elekta at their Exclusive Event for Radiation Therapists

Trigger Warning: we discuss cancer and cancer treatment. Rad Chat live at ESTRO 2026 in Sweden in collaboration with Elekta. Description: At this live event, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Sonja Engberg, Margarida Costa and Roel Bouwmans. CPD Reflection Points: 1. Reflecting on Current Practice Compare the adaptive radiotherapy workflow discussed in the podcast with your own department's approach, if applicable. Identify one aspect of your current practice that aligns with the panel's experiences and one area that could be improved. Reflect on how any changes could enhance patient care or service delivery. 2. Leadership in Adaptive Radiotherapy The panellists describe how they have led the development of adaptive radiotherapy services. Reflect on the leadership behaviours, or skills that stood out to you. How could you apply these within your own role, regardless of your level of experience? Identify one action you will take to support your own professional development. 3. Putting Learning into Practice Identify three key learning points from the podcast. For each, explain how it could be applied within your own clinical practice, or department. Conclude by identifying one realistic change or improvement you will aim to implement over the next three months and describe how you will evaluate its impact. Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Elekta Elekta MR-Linac Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.