Relate your Research - a social work podcast
Relate Your Research is a podcast created to generate, disseminate, and preserve lessons and stories from researchers in South Africa. It provides a collaborative platform for young and early-career researchers to share their experiences and create dialogue around research. The show began in 2020 as a passion project and has since become a space for making science more relatable. Season 3 features a host transition from Jessica Ronaasen to Kayla Field. It is endorsed by the Department of Social Work at Stellenbosch University and produced by Ward Wide Music in Cape Town.
Episodes
S3/Ep.9 "Season 3 Close Out with Kayla Field and Jessica Ronaasen"
Kayla sits down with Jessica Ronaasen, founder of Relate Your Research, for a conversation about growth, collaboration, and the purpose behind the podcast. Together, they reflect on the season’s conversations, the value of science communication, and what it means to make research feel more relatable and human. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin
S3/Ep.8 "Exploring Biomedical Engineering with Tatum James"
In this episode, Tatum James joins us to share her journey from biomedical science and physiology into the world of biomedical engineering. We discuss how science and engineering come together to solve healthcare-related challenges, what day-to-day work in the field can look like, and the value of interdisciplinary thinking in research and innovation. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin
S3/Ep.7 "Breastfeeding, Food & Child Development with Milton Semenkane"
Milton Semenkane joins us to discuss the role of nutrition in the earliest stages of life, from exclusive breastfeeding in infancy to the value of traditional foods in early childhood. Drawing on both his Master’s and PhD research, he shares how feeding practices, culture, and public health intersect in shaping long-term child wellbeing. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin
S3/Ep.6 "Housing Policy & Social Impact with Fanele Msimango"
This episode looks at housing policy through a research and evaluation lens, with Fanele reflecting on her Master’s work and her role at the Do More Foundation. The conversation explores how housing policies are assessed, how evidence informs decision-making, and why understanding systems is key to meaningful social development. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin
S3/Ep.5 "Inside Immunology & Infection Disease Research with Ruth Purcell"
Ruth Purcell joins us to break down the landscape of immunology and infectious disease research — from daily lab work to real-world application. She shares insights from her time across leading institutions, the impact of collaboration, and what inspires her in the pursuit of scientific understanding. Connect with Kayla on Linkedin
S3/Ep.4 "Understanding Cancer Research: Insights from Atarah Rass"
We speak with PhD candidate Atarah Rass to unpack what cancer research looks like in practice and why it matters. The conversation explores the South African research landscape, how discoveries made in the lab influence real treatment decisions, and why collaboration and knowledge-sharing across institutions are so essential. Atarah also reflects on her journey into research and what continues to
S3/Ep.3 "Inside the MD-PhD Journey: Research, Medicine, and Industry with Alex Dumas"
In this episode, Kayla shares a conversation with Alex Dumas, an MD-PhD student at Yale University, to talk about her journey combining medicine and research. Alex shares what it’s like to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the MD-PhD path, while also giving insight into her work using nanotechnology to explore the immune system and its potential to transform future therapies. Connect wi
S3/Ep.2 "Connecting People, Policy, and Place: A Conversation with Prof. Cathy Sutherland"
In this episode, Kayla sits down with Professor Cathy Sutherland from the University of KwaZulu-Natal to explore the fascinating intersections of society, space, and environment. From the social impacts of mega-projects in Durban to shaping environmental policy and understanding urban vulnerability, Prof. Sutherland shares how her research is driving conversations about sustainable, inclusive citi
S3/Ep.1 “Kayla Field Takes the Mic: A New Season of Relating Research”
In this season 3 opener of Relate Your Research, new host Kayla Field shares her journey from a curious school student to conducting cancer research at Stellenbosch University — and the lessons she learned along the way. With a passion for education and making complex ideas accessible, Kayla sets the stage for a season of conversations that bring research to life, making it relevant, relatable, an
S2/Ep.17 "Season 1 close out reflection from Dr Jessica Ronaasen"
This episode is a personal reflection on the first Season of Relate Your Research. IT has been such a privilege to preserve research in a fun and conversational way.
In 2022 I had a baby - and completed my Phd! What a journey! This episode features some tips and practical tools that helped me manage and complete the year with two of my life greatest achievements.
Some useful tools and referral
S2/Ep.16 "How are our communities responding to Gender Based Violence with Lauren Jacobs"
In our final episode of the season we tackle a relevant topic for 2020, Gender Based Violence (GBV). Lauren Jacobs relates her research on this controversial topic on how our communities are responding to GBV, specifically in faith-based communities.
Lauren describes herself as a Literary Artist, Professional Author, Radio Host 729AM, Ordained Minister, Journalist and Equality Advocate.
Some no
S2/Ep.15 "The role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development with Adriaan Jordaan"
Basic financial concepts are vital for facilitating social development in South Africa. In a recently completed study by Adriaan Jordaan a Stellenbosch University graduate shares his Masters research.
Adriaan describes his investigation into the perceptions of social workers on the role of financial literacy education in facilitating social development. Financial literacy education has been under
S2/Ep.14 "Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children with Catherine Ward"
This episodes merges the worlds of research and community intervention with Catherine Ward, a researcher and Professor from University of Cape Town in the Department of Psychology. She shares her research journey and interest in parenting as well as violence prevention in South Africa.
This episode focuses on the Parenting for Lifelong Health programmes for Young Children which is a package of op
S2/Ep.13 "National Chairperson of LITASA shares on Literacy for children (0-6 years)"
We are joined by Catherine Langsford, National Chairperson of Literacy Association of South Africa who shares with us more about the role of Literacy in early childhood development. She also shares on the development of this association and the role research have played, and an continue to play in the education sector.
This episode is part of our ECD series, bridging the ECD sector with research
S2/Ep.12 "Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV with Teresa Wilson"
The aim to this discussion is to talk about how we build our community through support, trust and role modelling while sharing knowledge and experiences about HIV, child health and parenting.
Early Childhood is time of great potential but also for many mothers is a time of risk if positive health practices are not prioritised particularly if the mother or the child is HIV positive.
In this episo
S1/Ep.11 "Early Years, Nutrition & chronic disease of lifestyle with Teresa Wilson"
During the first 6 years of life nutrition and health are vital elements to ensure optimal development. Previous research has shown the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases in underprivileged communities in South Africa. However, there is limited research on the impact of non-communicable diseases in caregivers raising children. Living with a non-
communicable disease presented to ha
S1/Ep.10 "ECD Forums – creating community support with Jessica Blom"
ECD Forums are formal or informal gatherings of Principals, Practitioners and community members with the function role of connecting with each other in areas or communites.
Jessica Blom shares her research highlighting the value of a collective experience and shared knowledge which is strengthening the ECD sector in a number of ways.
Links from Episode:
https://cecd.org.za/
https://www.linkedi
S1/Ep.9 "The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 with Simone Topaz & Catherine Draper"
The South African 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Birth to 5 Years: Results From the Stakeholder Consultation
Featuring both, Catherine Draper, Senior Lecturer at Wits University and Simone Tomaz, University of Stirling who both worked on the development of the Movement Guidelines for South Africa..
Useful Tools:
https://www.ssisa.com/news/movement-guidelines-children/
https://ilifalabantwana.c
S1/Ep.7 "Talking about Social Protests & Social Action with Hilary Chibaya"
Why do people protest? Should social workers be involved in social protests? We hear from Hilary Chibaya a social work Phd researcher at Stellenbosch University looking at social action & protests in South Africa
Masters Research: THE EXECUTION OF INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIVE SUPERVISION SESSIONS: EXPERIENCES OF INTERMEDIATE FRONTLINE SOCIAL WORKERS: http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/103336 Connec
S1/Ep.8 "The Trajectory of ECD Policy in South Africa with Eric Atmore"
Atmore is the director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and his thesis focused on an in-depth analysis of the South African Early Childhood Development policy.
This episode starts off our ECD series by looking at the pathway and progress of ECD policy in South Africa and the implications of this in the ECD sector.
Centre for Early Childhood Development: https://cecd.org.za
Atmore
S1/Ep.6 "The experiences of the unemployed in South Africa with Dr Melinda Du Toit "
What do we really know about the lived experiences of people who are unemployed? In this episode, Dr Melinda Du Toit passionately describes her journey and doctoral research which focused on the qualitative inquiry into the experience of unemployment of individuals living in South African townships.
Melinda is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) a
S1/Ep.5 "The Unseen Neoliberal Implications on Social Work & NGOs with Dr Abigail Ornellas"
Part 2 of 2
This episode denatures the doctoral research exploring the contemporary issues facing NGOs today. Termed the 'neoliberal tenants', this study presents the voices of South African, NGO-based frontline social workers.
We talk NGO sector funding, burnout and the challenges that social workers are facing in an ever growing global economy.
Links from the episode:
https://www.sun.ac.za/e
S1/Ep.4 "My journey as a social work researcher with Abigail Ornellas "
Part 1 of 2 Episodes with Abigail Ornellas, Post Doc Fellow& Researcher from Stellenbosch University.
In Part 1, we hear the personal journey and the road to becoming a social work research as well as the stories behind wanting to leave an impact in South Africa through research and academia.
Part 2: The Unseen neoliberal implications on social work :voices of South African Social workers with A
S1/Ep.3 "Traditional healers & social workers in South Africa"
In South Africa, health issues such as HIV/AIDS are a reality for many. Different cultures tackle and cope with these challenges in different ways, one of which is traditional healing. Dr Zibonele Zimba explores these issues in some of his research and shares his experiences as a social work researcher.
Links from the episode
SU Staff Profile: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/arts/social-work
S1/Ep.2 "Caring for people with physical disabilities with Noreth Muller-Kluits"
Living with physical disabilities can be a challenge for anyone, and caregivers of persons with disabilities are a unique group of people who require support, resources and knowledge to care adequately for the challenges that arise when caring for people with special needs.
In this podcast call, Noreth Muller-Kluits, lecturer from College of Cape Town an PhD Candidate from Stellenbosch Universit
S1/Ep.1 "Social Work Supervision with Thea Wynne"
Social Work Supervision is a field of interest for social workers and managers working in the social service sector. Supervision is a valuable tool to foster growth and professionalism in organisations, what is interesting is that barriers exist that hinder social workers and leave them vulnerable to inadequate and even harmful supervision.
Social worker and postgraduate researcher, Thea Wynne sh
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