In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, guest host Dr Megan Rose Readman from the University of Liverpool discusses the role of peer support and community in research careers. This session explores the importance of support networks at all career stages, from early career to senior roles. Megan is joined by three guests, each with experience in building and sustaining research communities specifically to support researchers working in all areas of Alzheimer's disease and all other forms of dementia, and neurodegeneration:

Adam Smith from Dementia Researcher, who discusses their global community, including the recent launch of a new app designed to connect researchers.

Dr Oz Ismail from Alzheimer's Association and ISTAART, who provides insights into their professional society’s efforts to support Alzheimer’s research globally.

Josh Wright from Alzheimer’s Research UK, who explains the structure and benefits of their UK-wide network, especially for early-career researchers.
--

Listeners will gain an understanding of how these communities function and the different forms of support available, from mentoring to practical resources. The episode also touches on how the pandemic has shifted peer support needs, with virtual communities becoming essential for many researchers.
--

Five Top Tips from the show:

Seek Out Professional Networks: Engaging with professional societies, like ISTAART or Dementia Researcher, can provide access to a broad community of peers and experts, which is especially valuable if you're working in isolation or in a niche area.

Leverage Online Communities: Virtual communities offer a space to connect with others in your field, share resources, and find support—important for building connections, particularly when geographic location or funding constraints make in-person networking challenging.

Participate in Mentorship Opportunities: Many research networks offer mentorship programmes, often through dedicated platforms or apps, where you can find mentors or become one yourself, helping to navigate career stages or specific research challenges.

Engage in Journal Clubs and Special Interest Groups: Virtual journal clubs or topic-specific groups, as seen in Dementia Researcher’s app, allow researchers to discuss recent studies, share insights, and collaborate within specific research interests.

Use Peer Support to Improve Wellbeing: Peer support networks provide a safe space for discussing challenges and successes beyond research—such as mental health or career setbacks—offering a layer of personal support often needed in academic careers.
--

Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:

ISTAART - https://bit.ly/48E570N

Alzheimer's Research UK Network - https://bit.ly/3AKKXpf

Dementia Researcher Community App - https://bit.ly/3UJ2jd6
--

Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode .
--

This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in association with Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia who we thank for their ongoing support.

--
Follow us on social media:

http://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
http://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
http://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity
http://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
http://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social
--

Download our new community app:
https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

Stronger Together: Peer Support and Community

How Important Is Your Circle to Your Growth and Success?

This week on BFrankSpeaks Barbara unpacks the importance of having the right people in your circle.

She will take it a step further by teaching the metrics to examine and increase the value of your circle.

As always, grab your "do the work" assignment to move beyond expired and implement what you learned in this episode by joining the B Frank Speaks Community here -  www.bfrankspeaks.com/community

Like, share, and subscribe to this podcast.

 For daily inspiration, connect with Barbara on social media

LinkedIn -   / barbara-frankson-62b99849  

Instagram -   / barbara_frankson  

Tiktok -   / barbarafrankson  

Facebook -   / secondchancestransformation

#9 - Your Circle

Do you believe that you must accomplish things first to become someone great?

Well in this week's episode, Barbara uncovers the most important part of the process of becoming.

If you want to dive  deeper into the work, grab your "do the work" assignment  by joining the B Frank Speaks Community here -  www.bfrankspeaks.com/community

Like, share, and subscribe to this podcast.

Watch the full podcast episode at https://youtu.be/TMdAeFIcZ6A

 For daily inspiration, connect with Barbara on social media

LinkedIn -   / barbara-frankson-62b99849  

Instagram -   / barbara_frankson  

Tiktok -   / barbarafrankson  

Facebook -   / secondchancestransformation

#10 - Be to Become

What Was The Process of Becoming A Fulfilled Woman at 62?

In this episode, Barbara gets personal about unique steps to fulfillment. Find yours as you listen to this episode.

As always, grab your "do the work" assignment  by joining the B Frank Speaks Community here -  www.bfrankspeaks.com/community

Like, share, and subscribe to this podcast.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/u3qY6OGwfgQ

 For daily inspiration, connect with Barbara on social media

LinkedIn -   / barbara-frankson-62b99849  

Instagram -   / barbara_frankson  

Tiktok -   / barbarafrankson  

Facebook -   / secondchancestransformation

#11 - Fulfilled

Listen to this interesting programme.  My Guest, Adenike Nosiru, Levite Mentor, spoke passionately about Prayer, purpose and leadership.  Do listen and find out more.

Prayer: Purpose : Leadership - Guest: Adenike Nosiru

Support our mission to change a culture, one man at a time – https://menofiron.org/donate

In this episode, Lead Pastor Mike Snedeker from Community Evangelical Church (CEC) in Sinking Spring, PA, shares insights on the importance of men’s ministry and the transformative role that Men of Iron has played in the church. For 13 years, CEC has partnered with Men of Iron to help men re-engage in church leadership and live out their biblical roles. Pastor Mike observes that modern culture often pulls men away from faith and into careers and hobbies, leading to a disengagement from church.

Through mentorship programs like Strong27, CEC has seen men prioritize their faith, spend time in Scripture, and grow in leadership, ultimately transforming their families and communities. Mike highlights that intentional discipleship, modeled after Jesus' example of mentoring a few to influence many, is essential for church growth. He encourages men to consider who they can mentor and emphasizes that true change begins with placing God at the center of one’s life.

"When you orient your life to the things of scripture, that becomes the drive of your life instead of the other way around."

Pastor Mike concludes by affirming that Men of Iron has been pivotal in CEC’s journey, helping them focus on disciple-making rather than attracting large numbers. This approach has deeply impacted their church culture, aligning them more closely with Jesus' call for the church to equip and send out disciples.

As we continue this series, we’ll explore how a lifestyle of mentorship and discipleship not only builds stronger men but a stronger church. Stay tuned for Week 3 of the The Church Needs Men Series. 

If you are looking to take the next step in your faith journey, let us be a resource for you, contact us today – menofiron.org/contact-us

You can now watch the Men of Iron Podcast on YouTube – www.youtube.com/@men_of_iron. Listen to the Men of Iron Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe, listen and share! Find out more at menofiron.org/podcast

Regardless of where you are in your journey, we have the tools and experiences for you. We provide one-to-one coaching, small group, and retreat curriculum. To know God is an adventure, and we are calling all men to conquer the mountain ahead of us. 

Check out our Free Resources here menofiron.org/basecamp-free/

To find a mentor or mentor another man visit menofiron.org/thesummit-mentorship/

For Retreat Resources visit menofiron.org/programs/eq-elite/

For Small Group Resources visit menofiron.org/theclimb/thepitch/

Reclaiming Biblical Leadership Featuring Mike Snedeker (EP. 248)

SEGMENT #1: Charleston Animal Society
GUEST: Kay Hyman, Senior Director of Community Development
ISSUE: Pets
This year, the Charleston Animal Society celebrates its 150th anniversary. The oldest animal agency in South Carolina, and one of the oldest in our nation, will celebrate with its largest fundraising event of the year. Their annual “Paws in the Park” is on Saturday, Nov. 23. Kay Hyman, the Senior Director of Community Development of the Animal Society, discussed the importance of their anniversary. She also shared specific information about what would be taking place at the celebration, and how people could purchase tickets. Hyman laid out the needs the organization has and how the funds from the event would be used.

________________________________________________

SEGMENT #2: Big Brothers, Big Sisters
GUEST: Grace Hamilton, Development Director
ISSUE: Youth Services/Mentoring
There are “bigs” and “littles.” Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Lowcountry is doing what they can to assist young men and women grow through mentors. “Bigs” are adults who mentor the “littles,” the young boys and girls who benefit from the mentorship provided. Grace Hamilton, the organization’s Development Director discussed their major fundraiser, the “Big Lowcountry Boil” on Dec. 7. Hamilton shared information about the event, and the many ways it is a key event, both in fundraising and marketing. To give context, Hamilton explained how Big Brothers, Big Sisters works, their needs, and the way the individuals can get involved.

Lowcountry Forever: Charleston Animal Society & Big Brothers Big Sisters - Nov. 17, 2024

Autumn McCann Daughtry is joined by Brenda Philips, a social and emotional learning consultant and youth mentor. Brenda discusses the personal experiences that motivated her to start her nonprofit “WeCare” focused on helping teens. She shares her passion for guiding youth through emotional challenges and empowering them to become positive change-makers in their communities.

11/16/24 Brenda Philips "WeCare"

Support our mission to change a culture, one man at a time – https://menofiron.org/donate

In this episode of our Men and the Church series, we talk with Dave Towers from Community Fellowship Church (CFC) in Lancaster, PA. As the leader of men’s ministry at CFC, Dave shares his passion for investing in men, building leadership, and creating opportunities for connection and growth.

We explore practical ways to engage men in the church by offering a space for men to have fellowship and deepen relationships. "We don't want to just preach at them, they get that enough, we want to give them a chance to talk and connect with other men." Dave emphasizes the importance of mentorship and how small group events can lead into mentorship opportunities for men.

"We don't want our men's ministry to grow because the church grows, we want it to be strong enough that it helps the church grow."

Men often don't realize how much they need other men in their life. Building a strong men's ministry gives guys an opportunity to find that and recognize the need for community. We want men to be more than just a Sunday morning Christian. As we get guys into mentorships, we don't want their growth to just stay within the church walls. We want to see men being discipled and then going out into their community to make more disciples. By creating opportunities for men to build meaningful relationships, the church becomes a catalyst for transformation—not just within its walls, but in the community and beyond.

If you are looking to take the next step in your faith journey, let us be a resource for you, contact us today – menofiron.org/contact-us

You can now watch the Men of Iron Podcast on YouTube – www.youtube.com/@men_of_iron. Listen to the Men of Iron Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe, listen and share! Find out more at menofiron.org/podcast

Regardless of where you are in your journey, we have the tools and experiences for you. We provide one-to-one coaching, small group, and retreat curriculum. To know God is an adventure, and we are calling all men to conquer the mountain ahead of us. 

Check out our Free Resources here menofiron.org/basecamp-free/

To find a mentor or mentor another man visit menofiron.org/thesummit-mentorship/

For Retreat Resources visit menofiron.org/programs/eq-elite/

For Small Group Resources visit menofiron.org/theclimb/thepitch/

The Importance of Community for Men Featuring Dave Towers (EP. 250)

Deborah Netolicky talks with Dr Barbara Watterston about leading and leadership in education, including mentoring, coaching, professional companioning and sponsoring. Barb is CEO of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) and has held several school and system leadership positions across Australia. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and a National Fellow of ACEL. Her expertise is regularly sought out to contribute in an advisory capacity as a member of numerous university, departmental, school, and professional boards. She is author of the report 'Insights: Environmental Scan Principal Preparation Programs' and the award-winning book 'Step In, Step Up: Empowering women for the school leadership journey'. 

Want to know more?
- https://www.acel.org.au/ACEL/ACELWEB/About/ACEL_CEO.aspx
- https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/environmental-scan-principal-preparation-programs-(screen).pdf?sfvrsn=ecaaec3c_0
- https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Middle_Leadership_in_Schools/3hbxEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
- https://www.amazon.com.au/Step-Empowering-Leadership-Educational-Development/dp/1943874301

Join the conversation on social media.
- Deb: @theeeduflaneuse on Instagram
- The Edu Salon: @theedusalon on Instagram


Barbara Watterston on leading in education

We are local radio. Charleston Radio Group gives businesses the ability to merge on-air, online and on-site brand attribution with exclusive access to interact with potential customers.

The Edu Salon podcast is a space for connection and conversation around education. Each episode, Dr Deborah Netolicky talks with a global education thought leader to provide insights into where education is now and where it might move next.

Like the French salons of the 18th century, this podcast is a place for a diverse range of voices to explore ideas and generate discussion in order to change the world for the better. It has at its heart a focus on humanity, equity, democracy, and the experiences of young people.

Available on:
Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-edu-salon/id1606510793
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3DbqF7WZ6Xx81B1maC2H95
Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com.au/podcasts/6b4ca0bb-1794-4945-ad0a-617937373367/the-edu-salon
Audile https://www.audible.com.au/podcast/The-Edu-Salon/B09VZX636S?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp

Join the conversation on Instagram @theedusalon and by connecting with Deb on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-deborah-netolicky-29a51190/ .

The Men of Iron Podcast. A podcast for men. Engaging and relevant discussions for the Christian man. Look out for a NEW EPISODE every Monday morning, at 7AM (EST)! The video version is back! Watch now on YouTube, listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts!

A biweekly podcast for early career researchers, bringing together fantastic guests to discuss their research, careers + much more. 

Dedicated to sharing the science, encouraging collaborations, attracting more people to the field, and supporting those already here to succeed.

Brought to you by https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk at University College London, in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia - everything you need, all in one place. supporting early career researchers across the world

Register today to recieve weekly bulletins, with news, funding opportunities, jobs, and events.

New tracks tagged #mentoring