Great Exchanges is a collaboration between Portobello Radio, and Imperial College London. This series brings together scientists and community voices, to explore the ideas that shape our everyday lives, ahead of the Great Exhibition Road Festival on 6th & 7th June 2026.

In this episode, we turn our attention to loneliness — a growing public health concern that affects people across all stages of life, often quietly and unseen. Joining the conversation is Dr Austen El‑Osta, Director of Imperial College London’s Self‑Care Academic Research Unit. Austen helps us explore why loneliness matters, how it differs from social isolation, and why social connection is increasingly recognised as fundamental to both mental and physical health. He also discusses his teams’ contribution to the Great Exhibition Road Festival in June where he his Self Care Research unit colleagues are collaborating with the Zen Project’s Zen bus – an actual bus that has been re-kitted out for wellbeing reflection and discussions on self care.

We’re also joined for this podcast by Mindy from Maxilla Men’s Shed in North Kensington, a community‑led space where men and women come together to share skills, build friendships and find a sense of purpose. Based at Maxilla Studios under the Westway, the Shed offers a powerful example of how local initiatives can challenge loneliness through connection, routine and belonging. Together, our guests explore how research and grassroots action can complement each other — from community spaces like the Men’s Shed to Festival projects focused on self‑care and wellbeing — offering practical insights into how we might feel more connected in our own lives.

• (00:00:02) - Introducing Great Exchanges
• (00:00:44) - Understanding the causes of loneliness
• (00:01:58) - The Men's Shed
• (00:03:29) - The growing problem of loneliness in the UK
• (00:13:29) - How to talk about mental health in men
• (00:18:04) - The role of mental health in the UK
• (00:21:46) - The importance of friends for mental health
• (00:22:32) - The social prescription for older people
• (00:29:18) - Mental health 7 pillars of self-care
• (00:32:58) - Loneliness tips for older people