Uncharted Brain: Decoding Dementia from The Anthill podcast

Uncharted Brain: decoding dementia is a new series from The Conversation exploring some new research that unlocks clues to the ongoing mystery of how dementia works in the brain. The three-part series was launched today and delves into some of the findings from the world’s longest continuously running cohort study. Plus, it explores the trauma of families effected by dementia and one researcher’s investigation into the role certain viruses could play in Alzheimer’s disease.

We spoke to host Gemma Ware to find our more about the series, and the inspiration…

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Gemma Ware, a podcast producer and host at The Conversation, a not-for-profit news platform that works with academics. With my colleague Paul Keaveny, I’m the co-host of our new series, Uncharted Brain: Decoding Dementia, and I also co-host The Conversation Weekly podcast.

Gemma Ware, co-host of The Conversation Weekly podcast.

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

This American Life. I remember visiting a friend in New York in 2010 who told me about it and recommended a few episodes. I was hooked. This was when you still had to physically plug your phone into your computer every morning to download and sync new shows via iTunes!

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Because I love listening to them! I think podcasts, and audio more generally, are a fantastic way to learn and hear new perspectives. At The Conversation we work with so many brilliant and inspiring researchers all around the world and I wanted more people hear their voices too.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

So many! But a few include Radiolab, 99% Invisible and Science Vs and a host of daily news shows from around the world. I’m also a big fan of narrative/investigative series and am currently gripped by Deliver Us from Ervil.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

A young, passionate, researcher who has an amazing story to tell but who’s never had the chance to tell it before on lots of other podcasts!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

Don’t be put off dealing with big and complicated topics – it’s the way you tell the story and explain it to the listener that counts.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

The first episode of Uncharted Brain: Decoding Dementia. It tells the story of a study that’s been following thousands of people since 1946 and is making new discoveries about dementia.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can listen to Uncharted Brain: Decoding Dementia on The Anthill podcast, from The Conversation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast app. Or find out more via The Conversation.

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