University of Warwick academic co-hosts new Cerebra podcast supporting families of children with brain conditions
A new six-episode podcast co-hosted by a University of Warwick academic launches today navigating families facing complex childhood challenges.
The Calm in the Complicated is a six-episode video podcast series from UK charity Cerebra, co-hosted by Dr Samantha Flynn, Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, and Dr Carrie Grant MBE, broadcaster and neurodiversity advocate. The series brings together lived experience and expert insight to provide practical support and guidance for families and professionals.
Dr Flynn’s research at Warwick focuses on improving the everyday experiences of disabled children and their families, with a particular emphasis on working collaboratively with parent carers and communities to shape meaningful, evidence-informed support.
Dr Samantha Flynn, Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, said: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, but that village is hard to come by for many of us. The Calm in the Complicated is our virtual village – a space of understanding, compassion, and support for everyone navigating the challenges of raising children with brain conditions.”
Developed with direct input from parent carers across the UK, the podcast focuses on the topics families identified as most important. Contributors also selected the podcast’s title, and each episode features voice notes from families, ensuring their experiences are represented throughout.
The series offers an accessible, conversation-led format combining professional expertise with real-life perspectives. Episodes explore key aspects of family life, from early diagnosis to navigating systems of support, relationships, and wellbeing.
Co-host Dr Carrie Grant MBE said: “I loved doing this series. It has everything from day one of diagnosis to parent burnout, we discuss the topics on the hearts of the SEND community. We had such valuable chats.”
Jess Camburn-Rahmani, CEO of Cerebra, added: “Through this podcast, we want families to feel connected and understood. Whether listeners learn something new, find answers to their questions, or simply feel less alone, our hope is that each episode provides genuine support and guidance.”
The six-episode series takes a holistic look at the experiences of families raising children with brain conditions. Topics include recognising early signs, managing practical demands, family relationships, sleep, and parent wellbeing.
The Calm in the Complicated is available to watch and listen here: https://podfollow.com/the-calm-in-the-complicated/viewLink opens in a new window
Episode schedule:
- Episode 1: Welcome to the Calm (21 April)
- Episode 2: Day One (21 April)
- Episode 3: Life Admin (5 May)
- Episode 4: Inside the Family Network (19 May)
- Episode 5: The Night Shift (2 June)
- Episode 6: Looking After You (16 June)
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
About Cerebra:
Cerebra helps families with children who have brain conditions build a better life together. These families face daily challenges—learning, playing, making friends, and experiencing the world can feel difficult. We believe every challenge can be overcome. By listening to families and working alongside them, we research, design, and create practical solutions. From innovative equipment to learning resources and new ways to play and connect, everything we develop together helps make life better and opens new possibilities.
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
About the podcast
The podcast is part of Cerebra’s commitment to offering high‑quality, practical support for parent carers and professionals. Designed as an engaging, conversation‑led series, it aims to build community and spark open dialogue around the challenges and triumphs of raising children with brain conditions. Parent carers helped shape the six‑episode structure by choosing the topics they most wanted explored, as well as selecting the podcast’s name. Each episode features voice notes from families, ensuring their experiences are heard directly and strengthening the sense of inclusion and shared understanding. Listeners are invited to continue sharing their thoughts to help shape future series.
21 April 2026