Can a podcast be more than just a way to share findings? Can the process of making one actually transform how research happens?

In this special bonus episode of Whose Power?, we share a curated audio montage exploring Participatory Action Research in practice. Originally produced as a presentation for the EPOD (Evolving Practice-based Research and Research Methods) Conference 2026, this piece serves as the audio companion to our forthcoming book chapter, "Whose Power? Participation and the Power of Podcasting to Bring Diverse Voices to Research."

Featuring candid reflections from members of the Preservative Party, academic researchers, and audio producers across Series 1 and Series 2, the episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how co-creating audio functions as a participatory methodology to reveal, disrupt, and transform traditional power dynamics. From creating psychological safety and trust to reclaiming narrative autonomy, the group discusses why informal, spoken conversation often reaches communities in ways traditional academic prose simply cannot.

Featuring thoughts and reflections from:

Abigail Harrison Moore, Bobby (Elis), Callum, Chris Garrington, Eden, Esme, Grace, Jordan Keighley, Lauren, Rahesa, Rowan, and Tae.

Research & Book Context:

This audio montage accompanies our book chapter contribution for the EPOD publication series, detailing the practical and theoretical impact of co-produced audio in participatory research methods. See previous EPOD publications here.

You can read a transcript of the episode here.

Find out more about the Preservative Party on their LinkedIn or the Leeds Museums & Galleries website.

This is a Research Podcasts production.