Learn at WORK Podcast

WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is thrilled to present the Learn at WORK Podcast, an interdisciplinary and international platform dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of work. Through insightful conversations and thought-provoking discussions, we delve into the crucial topics of occupational health, prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation. Since its debut, the Learn at WORK Podcast has been engaging listeners with expert interviews featuring industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought pioneers who share their valuable experiences and expertise. We want to be at the forefront of discussing the latest workplace trends, technology, and best practices, ensuring our audience stays ahead of the curve.

Guiding us on this journey is Dr. Karen Jacobs, Editor-in-Chief of WORK and a distinguished expert in the field. Her extensive knowledge and experience bring listeners closer to the forefront of occupational health and rehabilitation. The Learn at WORK Podcast is more than just a series of discussions; it's a commitment to fostering a community of learning and knowledge-sharing. It offers a unique platform for staying informed, inspired, and engaged with the latest developments in our field.

We invite you to stay tuned for more episodes and updates from the Learn at WORK Podcast. As we continue to grow and evolve, we look forward to sharing these valuable discussions with you.

Disclaimer: The podcasts discuss the speakers’ careers and personal reflections and do not necessarily reflect the views of WORK or the editorial office.

Coming up

More podcasts will be announced soon. 

Episode 11: Dr. Ardalan Shariat on the special issue devoted to advancements in telehealth

In the eleventh episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs sits down with Dr. Ardalan Shariat, guest editor, to discuss WORK’s latest special issue focused on telehealth—healthcare consultation via online platforms. Together, they delve into Dr. Shariat’s background and explore key insights from the featured papers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving role of telehealth in supporting employees remotely!

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 10: Sarah Granberg and Johanna Gustafsson on the impact of hearing loss on work and life activities

In the tenth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sarah Granberg and Dr. Johanna Gustafsson. 

They discuss their career paths, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personal experiences with hearing loss. The rest of the discussion centers around Granbergs’ and Gustafsson’s research titled: "How to remain in working life with hearing loss – health factors for a sustainable work situation".

Their paper emphasises practical strategies for maintaining a sustainable work life despite hearing challenges. This episode is essential for anyone interested in workplace health and supporting employees with hearing loss.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 9: Occupational therapist Dr. Kristelle Craven on her meaningful occupations at work & home

In the ninth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs holds a captivating conversation with Dr. Kristelle Craven. 

They discuss how Dr. Craven became an occupational therapist. As well as her PhD project which involves a self-guided return to work toolkit for stroke survivors, people with brain injuries and their employers, which follows the intervention mapping methodology. The idea of the toolkit is that people can refer to it at any time, if they don’t have support from the healthcare system. This discussion provides an interesting, novel means to help employees to get back to work. A must-listen for every occupational therapist.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 8: Dr. Valerie Rice on her practice in the VitaLife Center and mindfulness

In the eighth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Valerie Rice discuss her holistic approach at the VitaLife Center, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in enhancing well-being. 

Through an insightful conversation with Dr. Karen Jacobs, Dr. Rice explores how integrating mindfulness practices into daily routines can lead to improved mental and physical health, particularly in occupational settings. The discussion highlights practical strategies for incorporating mindfulness into both personal and professional life, aiming to foster a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 7: Dr. Martha Sanders on lighting design

In the seventh episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Martha Sanders delve into the critical role of lighting design in promoting health and well-being. Martha explains how lighting affects mood, productivity, and safety in various settings such as homes, workplaces, and public spaces. 

Dr. Sanders shares her research findings and discusses innovative lighting solutions that can be applied to enhance quality of life. This insightful episode offers practical advice for integrating effective lighting design into everyday environments.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 6: Nancy MacRae on her experience being on the editorial board for 34 years

In the sixth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Nancy MacRae shares her experiences from her 34-year tenure on an editorial board. She discusses the significant changes in editorial practices over the years, including advancements in technology and shifts in academic standards. 

MacRae highlights the challenges of maintaining scientific integrity and quality amidst evolving expectations. She also touches on the personal and professional growth she experienced through her editorial work, offering advice to current and aspiring editors on navigating the complexities of academic publishing. The episode is a rich resource for those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of academic research dissemination.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

In the fifth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs has an exciting conversation with Dr. Christophe van Roelen from Belgium, the director of the Brussels Institute for Social and Population Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. This interdisciplinary research institute, born from a recent merger, brings together experts in sociology, demography, social epidemiology, occupational psychology, labor market economics, and data science. 

Christophe's focus lies in researching job quality and workers' health, bridging sociology of work, health sociology, and social epidemiology. Join him as he shares insights into his career journey and his passion for improving job quality and worker well-being.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

In the fourth episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Jen Phillips venture into an informational discussion on challenging weight bias and stigma in healthcare. Jen starts telling about her time at BU, where her focus shifted from obesity and bariatric care to the pressing issue of weight stigma and bias, especially in healthcare. With obesity rates soaring, reaching nearly 42% in the US, the accompanying weight stigma is becoming increasingly evident. Weight bias involves unfair stereotypes, while weight stigma results in discriminatory treatment, particularly in healthcare settings.

Research highlights the impact of weight stigma on patient care, as clinicians may spend less time with individuals who have obesity, impacting both care quality and patients' willingness to seek help. Addressing weight stigma is vital for fostering inclusivity and effectiveness in healthcare. Join us as we delve into creating environments where everyone feels respected and supported in their healthcare journey, regardless of their weight.

You can read Jen's article "Weight bias and stigma in healthcare: What are we doing about it?" here. 

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

In the third episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Rob Orr venture into an enlightening discussion on Physical Employment Standards and Mentoring. Rob shares his enduring mentorship journey with Professor Rod Pope since 1996, highlighting the perpetual learning cycle in mentoring. Karen emphasizes the importance of studying mentorship's impact on work and life. Rob discusses the significance of instilling values in the workplace for positive impacts, particularly in healthcare.

The conversation shifts to the Physical Employment Standards Conference, which focuses on determining physical requirements for various jobs, initially in the military and now expanding to other physically demanding occupations. Rob emphasizes the importance of understanding job physicality for fitness and rehabilitation purposes, which is the conference's primary focus.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 2: Navigating Equitable Work Transitions with Dr. Lynn Shaw

In the second episode of the Learn at WORK Podcast, Dr. Karen Jacobs and Dr. Lynn Shaw venture into an enlightening discussion on the concept of "decent work". This dialogue beautifully ties into Lynn's roles as an occupational scientist and therapist, underscoring her dedication to enhancing work quality and access for all individuals.

Further enriching the episode, Lynn shares her extensive involvement with the journal WORK and its impact on her career and the careers of others. From fostering novice researchers to creating opportunities for student engagement in international experiences, Lynn's narrative highlights the journal's commitment to mentorship and knowledge dissemination. The discussion delves into specific initiatives, like opinion columns and special sections for student research, that have provided valuable platforms for emerging scholars to contribute to academic discourse. These endeavors not only support students' professional development but also advance the broader mission of promoting decent work and occupational well-being globally. The episode serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, collaboration, and the pursuit of decent work in shaping the future of work and academia.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!

Episode 1: Bridging Hospital Care to Workplace Success with Leonard Matheson

Join Karen Jacobs, the founding editor of Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment, and Rehabilitation, as she kicks off the Learn at Work podcast with an insightful conversation featuring Leonard Matheson. A trailblazer in neurorehabilitation, Leonard reflects on his extensive career, spanning from pioneering early vocational planning for adolescents facing severe injuries to advocating for accommodated employment. Through poignant anecdotes from his tenure at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital, he emphasizes the importance of intentional vocational guidance for young individuals navigating life-altering circumstances.

In this episode, Leonard sheds light on the underutilization of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and advocates for the integral role of occupational therapists in facilitating transitions from hospital care to thriving workplaces. Join this thought-provoking dialogue that challenges occupational therapists, practitioners, and students to explore the evolving landscape of rehabilitation, encouraging a deeper understanding of work-oriented neurorehabilitation's transformative impact. Subscribe to Learn at Work and delve into this compelling conversation, uncovering the significance of bridging the gap between hospital care and successful, fulfilling work lives.

Listen now on Spotify or watch the video below!