Young people with cystic fibrosis use their experiences to create a podcast
The podcast has been supported by the Trust, and co-created by Made By Mortals CIC, producers of the Armchair Adventures podcast, and the University of Liverpool-led Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub.
Children from the CF community took part in three creative workshops alongside scientists and Armchair Adventures’ older participants, using drama, storytelling and music to decide what should go into the adventure.
Their experiences and ideas helped shape the story and where it’s set. They also worked with musicians to create songs and took part in special recording sessions, meaning their own voices can be heard in the finished episodes.
What happens in A Big Bad Bacteria Busting Adventure?
Armchair Adventures’ main character Connie and her fellow explorers have to stop a giant superbug. Their mission takes them around the world collecting water samples in search of the right phage – a tiny virus that can target certain types of bacteria.
Children who are listening aren't just along for the ride, they are invited to join in, solve problems and become Citizen Scientists alongside Connie and the gang.
Through the adventure, young listeners discover more about cystic fibrosis, bacteria, antibiotic resistance and phage research – with real scientists and young people from the CF community among the voices they hear.
What is phage therapy?
Also known as ‘phages’, bacteriophages are naturally occurring, bacteria-killing viruses. They kill bacteria by infecting them. They are very specific about which bacteria they infect, sometimes only infecting a specific variant of an infection-causing bacteria.
Researchers hope phage therapy can be used as a treatment for long term CF lung infections, particularly where antibiotic options have become very limited. In the future phage therapy may also be considered as a treatment to clear early infections from the lungs.
The Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub, led by Professor Jo Fothergill at the University of Liverpool, aims to develop new and more tailored treatment approaches for CF lung infections, by developing phage therapy. The Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub is part of the Translational Innovation Hub Network for CF Lung Health and Infection funded by LifeArc and Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
Dr Katie Rose, Senior Clinical Fellow, Trailfinder-CF Innovation Hub said, “Co-creating these Armchair Adventures podcast episodes has given young people with cystic fibrosis the chance to share their lived experiences. Their creative ideas have helped shape the storyline and bring the adventure to life.
"Working alongside researchers from Trailfinder-CF has also provided opportunities to share learning about microbiology and phage therapy.
"Together with the artists and musicians from Made by Mortals we have created fun and engaging episodes that introduce children to cystic fibrosis and microbiology. Topics such as bacteria, antimicrobial resistance, and phage therapy are explored in an age-appropriate way, making these important subjects more accessible to young children and their families.
"The episodes aim to spark curiosity about science and show that everyone can get involved. By asking questions and working together, we can all play a part in discovery."
Andy Smith, Artistic Director at Made By Mortals, said, "We want children to come away understanding a little more about cystic fibrosis, bacteria and phages, but also feeling that science is for them. You don't have to know all the answers – being curious, having a go and learning together is a pretty good place to start."
Phage therapies have the potential to provide a more effective way to treat devastating lung infections in children and adults living with cystic fibrosis. The Big Bad Bacteria Busting Adventure episode of the Armchair Adventures podcast provides an opportunity to learn about this important area of science in a fun and engaging way.
Dr Paula Sommer, Head of Research Awards and Parnerships at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
A Big Bad Bacteria Busting Adventure! is being released in three exciting parts on 27 August, 10 September and 24 September. A special Unpacked companion episode follows on 8 October, giving listeners the chance to explore what they've discovered through games and questions.
You can listen to Armchair Adventures for free on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, or at www.podfollow.com/Armchair-Adventures.