The songs we (pa, mc, lb, and hc) played through both unbearable moments and times of joy. Click on the underlined titles to listen—each was shared by survivors during my research, giving us the strength to resist and keep going. I wanted to honour the survivors for sharing these songs. It’s diverse, spanning African-American, British, Irish, Turkish, mad folk, LGBT+, black, disabled, and working-class communities.
02.
I don't mind failing in this world
Shared by a survivor, this song prompted thoughts on 'fail' and 'success' within capitalism. What are the politics of success narratives?
03.
Nobody knows the trouble I have seen
This song, shared by a survivor, reflects themes in survivor narratives—being unseen, unable to share pain, or having needs unmet.
04.
The black survivor who shared this song was labeled aggressive, as seen in the literature. I met them once, yet almost no one questioned the behaviours that led to this.
05.
This song gave hope and strength for resistance to a survivor from the black community. I’m grateful they shared it with me.
06.
Though I didn't particularly like the melody or lyrics, I wanted to find songs titled Gatekeeper during my research. I learned the term gatekeeper through my research process.
07.
This song was shared with me by an experienced Irish activist/survivor. The burden of freedom comes at a price. I wonder if anyone truly feels freedom.
08.
This song, from my jazz days, my tutor sang it beautifully. I shared it with a survivor during song exchange. Responding to their 'old-fashioned' comment, I also shared the jazz tune I'm Old Fashioned.
09.
I was thrilled to find this song in an experimental film by Ruth Novaczek. Its Turkish lyrics allowed me to weave in my identity. I listened, dreaming of better days.
10.
A survivor disowned by their family shared this song, quoting, 'Have you ever been hated or discriminated against?' It’s by Eminem, whose views on the LGBT+ community are criticised. Interesting how one song can bring hope to some yet be rejected by others.
11.
They don't really care about us
A survivor listened to this song when those in charge failed us. I think fascism 'doesn’t start with the first bombs that are dropped; it doesn’t start with the terror you can write about in every newspaper,' Ingeborg Bachmann said. 'It starts in relationships between people.'
12.
This song tells of someone labeled 'crazy' by their analyst but confidently embracing their uniqueness. It playfully challenges mental health norms, celebrating eccentricity over conformity. I hope to sing it on stage one day.
13.
This song's lyrics held deep meaning for a survivor, and we had the chance to see Karen Young herself perform it live on stage. Is it possible to create our own family from friends?
14.
Queen holds a special place. A survivor shared this song with me, saying they no longer want to put up with the system's obstacles and that nothing can stop them anymore.
15.
Revolution will not be televised
A survivor shared this song with me, reminding me that the revolution will not be televised. How can film contribute to the revolution? Is there space for it in academia?
How do we know what we know? Throughout my PhD, alongside academic sources, I’ve listened to many podcasts. Publish or perish now feels like podcast or perish too. I see podcasts as a meaningful way to engage with the public and make research more accessible, and I hope to create one soon. Here are the key podcasts that shaped my understanding. I think citation is political—who we include or exclude shapes knowledge production. By sharing these, I want to acknowledge how they supported me while walking, thinking, writing, and taking action.
podcasts
1
Inside Schizophrenia
Inside Schizophrenia is a monthly podcast that offers an inside look at schizophrenia and psychosis through the eyes of those who are dealing with it. They ask questions covering a wide range of topics, including stigma, caregiving, family dynamics, employment, incarceration, homelessness, violence, treatment options, and seeking help for schizophrenia.
2
Our Sick Society
Our Sick Society is a podcast series where researchers and people with lived experience explore together how social factors contribute to mental health problems. They ask: What steps should society take, from national government policies to local grassroots community organising? How can we cure our sick society?
3
Corkscrew
Corkscrew series introduces us to practice-based research, both inside and outside academia. They ask: What impact does doing an artistic/creative practice-based PhD have on when, where, and how practitioners identify as academics and vice versa; and what support structures and resources are needed (or lacking) which enable them to practise as both at once?