The Phenomenology Collective

What happens when the numbers are no longer enough?In this episode of The Phenomenology Collective, we explore the philosophical shift from positivism to phenomenology—a transition many researchers make when they realise that measurement alone cannot capture the fullness of human experience.Moving from certainty, objectivity, and clear answers into a world of ambiguity, interpretation, and multiple meanings can feel disorientating. But it can also open up entirely new ways of understanding.We’re joined by Jade Sampford, a clinical specialist physiotherapist and doctoral researcher, who shares her journey from evidence-based clinical practice into interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Through her work exploring the lived experience of weight loss medication, Jade highlights how the same “outcome” can mean something profoundly different for different people.In this episode, we explore:The differences between positivist and interpretivist paradigmsWhy lived experience cannot always be measured or quantifiedThe discomfort—and possibility—of leaving behind “right answers”How phenomenology reveals nuance, meaning, and contradictionThe role of reflexivity in challenging our assumptionsBringing phenomenological insights into practice-driven fields like healthcare and educationWe also reflect on how this shift is not about rejecting positivism, but expanding our understanding—seeing paradigms not as opposites, but as companions offering different pieces of the puzzle.Whether you’re a practitioner, researcher, or simply curious about how we come to understand the world, this episode invites you to slow down, notice more, and embrace the richness of not knowing.

In this episode of The Phenomenology Collective, we explore one of the most exciting—and unsettling—spaces in phenomenological research: the use of creative methods.Without a fixed “how-to” guide, phenomenological researchers are often required to think carefully—and creatively—about how to access and represent lived experience. But how far can we go? And how do we ensure that creativity remains grounded in phenomenological philosophy?We’re joined by Dr Liz Jestico, whose work in children’s nursing uses innovative approaches including ecomaps, poetry, and even structuring a thesis as a play. Together, we explore how these methods can deepen our engagement with lived experience, opening up new ways of seeing, understanding, and communicating meaning.This episode unpacks:Why phenomenology resists step-by-step methodsHow creative approaches can enrich (and complicate) researchThe tension between imagination and rigourWhat it means to stay “close” to lived experienceHow writing, art, and poetry can become part of the analytic processWe also reflect on the emotional and ethical dimensions of this work, including the responsibility of representing others’ experiences with care.Whether you’re a doctoral researcher, practitioner-scholar, or simply curious about phenomenology, this episode offers both reassurance and challenge: uncertainty isn’t a problem to solve—it’s part of the work.

Welcome to The Phenomenology Collective - the new podcast where friends and phenomenology meet. New episodes coming very soon.