Room 5

Dec 28 2022 19 ep. 325

Room 5 Podcast artwork

What happens when a diagnosis changes everything? One afternoon, Helena Merriman walked into a doctor's surgery and was given a shock diagnosis. In this series, she interviews people who – like her-were changed by a diagnosis. Told through an immersive sound design, this intimate series shines a light on misunderstood conditions, asking how we cope when our bodies and our minds no longer behave as we want them to.

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Welcome to Room 5

Mar 30 2022 2 mins

One afternoon, Helena Merriman walked into a doctor’s surgery and was given a shock diagnosis. In this series, she interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Told through an immersive sound design, this intimate series shines a light on misunderstood conditions, asking how we cope when our bodies and minds behave in ways that don’t make sense to us. Written

1. Bex

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘He was interested in why I was so attached to this penguin’ Bex is at university when she starts feeling anxious and overwhelmed. As Bex deteriorates, doctors are in a race against time to diagnose her. And that’s where the penguin comes in.In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Mer

2. Jon

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘It was unbelievably painful - I probably used a few Anglo-Saxon words.’ Jon is at Peppa Pig World with his family when he notices something very unusual about his body. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Steve Bond Additional resea

3. Serena

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘I wiped my tears away and had to carry on with the party.’ When Serena is given an unexpected diagnosis, she has to make a life-changing decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise WhitmoreProduction Co-ordinator: Janet Sta

4. Joel

Apr 10 2022 28 mins

‘I stare at my own reflection, trying to remind myself that I’m not dead.’ Joel never understood why he felt different to other people. Then a revelation in India sets him on a journey to find answers. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound D

5. Gavanndra

Apr 10 2022 28 mins

‘When I wasn’t high, I felt very sad and very scared.’ Twenty years on, Gavanndra is struggling to make sense of a childhood trauma. Then she meets a psychologist who has an idea.In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloise WhitmoreP

6. Jordan

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘A light breeze can quickly turn into a desert storm.’ On his last day of the school year, 17-year-old Jordan starts seeing and hearing the world differently. Hours later, he’s in a police station, struggling to hold onto himself before his mind unravels.In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis.Written, presented and produced b

7. Andrea

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘My inbox on instagram was full of women saying thank you so much.’ The pain began when Andrea was a teenager. When she was given a diagnosis, she wanted to find a way of explaining it to the world. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis.Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design:

8. Helena

Apr 10 2022 29 mins

‘It’s like being trapped in a room with a terrifying creature.’ A few months after her son was born, Helena realises something is wrong. Her search for answers leads to a difficult decision. In Room 5, Helena Merriman interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Written, presented and produced by Helena Merriman Composer: Jeremy Warmsley Sound Design: Eloi

Introducing Room 5 series 2

Oct 25 2022 2 mins

Helena Merriman previews the next series of Room 5 which starts on Tuesday 1st November.One afternoon, Helena Merriman walked into a doctor’s surgery and was given a shock diagnosis. In Room 5, she interviews people who - like her - were changed by a diagnosis. Combining intimate storytelling, immersive sound design, candid interviews, science and a large dose of compassion, Room