The ISSUP Exchange

The ISSUP Exchange Podcast series explores the evolution in responses to the challenges of substance use from an evidence, quality standards and ethical best practice perspective. From research and training to networking and knowledge-sharing: we help to link it all up and make sure you see the big picture.

The ISSUP Exchange is a business podcast hosted by ISSUP, with 20 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

ISSUP hosts The ISSUP Exchange, a business show with 20 episodes published.

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  Episode #24

  Democratising Evidence with David Patton Pt. 4: The Future of Evidence

  Jul 8, 202617 min

  In this final episode, Professor Goodman Sibeko and Dr David Patton look ahead to the future of addiction science and explore what it would take for lived experience to become a recognised and embedded part of the global evidence base. David reflects on the structural changes needed to create more inclusive approaches to knowledge production, challenging long-standing assumptions about evidence, academic excellence, and expertise. The conversation explores how institutions can embrace greater diversity, rethink research methods, and create meaningful partnerships that bring together different ways of knowing without reinforcing existing hierarchies. The episode concludes with practical reflections for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to build more collaborative, equitable, and person-centred approaches to research, policy, and practice. Featured Voices Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor. Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town. LinkedIn: goodmansibeko Twitter/X: @profgsibeko Guest – Dr David Patton Dr David Patton is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby whose work focuses on lived experience, participatory research, recovery, and social justice. He leads international initiatives that amplify lived experience voices, including Recovery Atlas and New Central Media, and has over 25 years of experience in higher education. Time Stamps [00:00] – Introduction [00:39] – Reimagining the Future of Evidence [03:52] – Redefining Knowledge and Evidence [05:28] – Building More Inclusive Institutions [06:52] – Expanding the Research Toolbox [08:57] – Sharing Power in Policy and Practice [15:11.] – Advice for the Next Generation [15:47] – Closing Reflections About the ISSUP Exchange The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture. Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>> About ISSUP ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.

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  Episode #23

  Democratising Evidence with David Patton Pt. 3: Participatory Research in Practice

  Jul 8, 202623 min

  In episode three , Professor Goodman Sibeko and Dr David Patton move from theory to practice, exploring how lived experience can be meaningfully embedded throughout the research process. Drawing on examples from participatory projects, David explains how approaches such as PhotoVoice create space for communities to shape research questions, generate knowledge, and influence how findings are understood and shared. The conversation examines how participatory research differs from traditional qualitative methods, the ethical considerations involved in working alongside communities, and why equity, shared decision-making, and authentic collaboration are essential to meaningful participation. David also reflects on how these approaches are beginning to influence services and policy, while challenging established ideas about power, expertise, and knowledge production. Featured Voices Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor. Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town. LinkedIn: goodmansibeko Twitter/X: @profgsibeko Guest – Dr David Patton Dr David Patton is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby whose work focuses on lived experience, participatory research, recovery, and social justice. He leads international initiatives that amplify lived experience voices, including Recovery Atlas and New Central Media, and has over 25 years of experience in higher education. Time Stamps [00:00] – Introduction [00:34] – What Is Participatory Research? [02:07] – PhotoVoice and Community-Led Knowledge [05:07] – What Images Can Reveal [08:40] – Beyond Traditional Research Methods [11:26] – How Participatory Research Differs from Qualitative Research [12:59] – Ethics, Equity, and Shared Responsibility [18:42] – From Research to Policy and Service Design [22:11] – Closing Reflections About the ISSUP Exchange The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture. Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>> About ISSUP ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.

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  Episode #22

  Democratising Evidence with David Patton Pt. 2: What Counts as Evidence?

  Jun 17, 202636 min

  In this episode, Professor Goodman Sibeko and Dr David Patton examine how knowledge is created, valued, and used within addiction science. Drawing on his experience as a researcher and advocate for participatory approaches, David challenges traditional assumptions about who gets to produce evidence and whose voices are recognised as experts. The conversation explores the historical foundations of scientific knowledge, the limitations of relying on a single way of understanding complex human experiences, and the consequences of excluding lived experience from research and policy discussions. David reflects on the growing interest in co-production, the difference between genuine participation and tokenism, and why sharing power is central to creating more inclusive knowledge. Through practical examples from his own work, he discusses how lived experience can strengthen research, challenge established narratives, and open new ways of understanding addiction, recovery, and social change. Featured Voices Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor. Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town. LinkedIn: goodmansibeko Twitter/X: @profgsibeko Guest – Dr David Patton Dr David Patton is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby whose work focuses on lived experience, participatory research, recovery, and social justice. He leads international initiatives that amplify lived experience voices, including Recovery Atlas and New Central Media, and has over 25 years of experience in higher education. Time Stamps [00:00] – Introduction [00:41] – What Do We Mean by Evidence? [06:02] – Challenging Traditional Ways of Knowing [10:23] – Lived Experience as a Form of Knowledge [16:20] – Beyond Tokenism: The Reality of Co-Production [18:48] – When Voices Are Excluded [23:18] – Building Capacity and Leadership [28:21] – More Than Anecdotes [33:50] – Relationships, Trust, and the Future of Knowledge Production [35:33] – Closing Reflections About the ISSUP Exchange The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture. Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>> About ISSUP ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.

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  Episode #21

  Democratising Evidence with David Patton: From Experience to Leadership Pt. 1

  Jun 4, 202634 minS0

  <p>Professor Goodman Sibeko speaks with Dr David Patton about the experiences that shaped his journey into criminology, recovery research, and the movement to centre lived experience in knowledge production.</p><p>David reflects on growing up in a community marked by inequality, the people who helped shape his path, and the turning points that led him into academia. He discusses how these experiences influenced the questions he asks as a researcher and his commitment to ensuring that research reflects the realities of the people it seeks to understand.</p><p>The conversation also explores participation, representation, and the challenges...

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  Episode #18

  Chemsex, Mental Health, and Recovery Pathways with Ashwin Thind: Understanding Chemsex Pt.2

  Apr 29, 202625 minS0

  <p>In this second episode, Professor Goodman Sibeko and Ashwin Thind focus on what Chemsex is, how it presents, and why it requires a clearer clinical and public health understanding.</p><p>Ashwin defines Chemsex as the intentional use of substances in a sexual context, explaining how it differs from broader sexualised drug use and why that distinction matters for assessment and care.</p><p>The conversation explores the factors that can drive engagement in Chemsex, including pleasure-seeking, the need for connection, and the impact of stigma and mental health challenges. Ashwin also outlines the substances commonly involved and how...

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