Campus Chronicles

Krista Ford, a trailblazer in powerlifting and bobsledding, joins me to share her awe-inspiring journey. As the first black female to compete in bobsledding and a professional powerlifter, Krista's story is one of resilience and impeccable planning despite not attending college. In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we explore Krista’s humble beginnings, her rise in the athletic world, and the met...

Rachel Withers, the inspiring Managing Director of Student FM and inspiration behind Campus Chronicles, opens up about her unique journey from being a professional ballet dancer to becoming a leader in student accommodation. Through her company, Student FM, Rachel shares the profound joy of making a difference in students' lives from various walks of life. Rachel also reflects on her time as a stu...

AJ from Romkey and Guidance joins me in sharing her compelling journey from property management to becoming a financial literacy advocate. AJ opens up about her financial mistakes, homelessness, and the societal pressures that shape our spending habits. In this episode, AJ shares actionable strategies for building financial discipline and curbing impulse buying. From visiting favourite stores with...

Rebecca Berry's dedication to fostering inclusive environments has been a journey of passion, personal growth, and profound reflection. As she shares the heartfelt story of caring for her mother while championing anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, Rebecca reveals the powerful impact of recognising one's role in perpetuating bias. In this episode, we explore the challenging topic of colourism and...

George Mycock, founder of MyoMinds, shares the intricacies of men's body image in a society that too often brushes aside the conversation. Grappling with the standards of masculinity and the weight of societal expectations, George opens up about his battle and how an injury set him on the path to advocating for men's mental health. This episode is not just about uncovering struggles; it's a testam...

In the midst of university life, where one's sense of self can either be strengthened or altered, the importance of real connections cannot be overstated. In this episode, Adam Daugherty of Leeds University and I delve into the freeing atmosphere that the university provides. Adam discusses the transformative power of genuine friendships and how these relationships have become the foundation of hi...

Laneice Runnel from Laniece Leads shares her journey from university life to motivational speaking. Her wisdom encourages us to set healthy boundaries and recognise that self-love isn't a destination but a journey we embark on with every breath we take. In this episode, we explore the waters of body positivity and confront the tidal waves of societal and media standards that often drown out self-a...

I'll never forget Joshua Sinclair's sheer determination. A university student who made the leap into entrepreneurship with his startup Webstart IOM, Josh's journey is a testament to the vibrant spirit of innovation that thrives within the student community. In our conversation, Josh shares the story of his venture, a fusion of academic rigour and entrepreneurial verve, revealing the secrets of bal...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to embrace the spectrum of human minds? Pete Quinn, an inclusion specialist with a wealth of experience from the University of Oxford to the grassroots of community organisations, joins me to discuss the complexities of neurodiversity and mental health. With Pete's guidance, we navigate the intricate dance of supporting marginalised groups and fostering e...

Unlock the secrets to conquering your study schedule and embracing a holistic approach to academic success with Nathan McGurl, the mastermind behind The Study Buddy. In this episode, we explore how Nathan's realisation, inspired by his son's academic struggles, led to the creation of an innovative study system. The Study Buddy not only helps students with their studies but also helps them overcome...

Growing up in a household where every decision was a tribute to the sacrifices of those before her, Carmelita felt the weight of expectations like a second skin. Carmelita's story mirrors the dance between honouring her family's dreams and chasing her own. As a mother, attorney for creatives, coach, and podcaster, Kat brings a depth of understanding to the complexities of immigrant identity and th...

Jess Ward of Positively Jessica Ward joins me as we tackle the complexities of mental health and the therapeutic nature of the arts. In this episode, Jess shares her raw account of overcoming bullying, her transformation of adversity into advocacy, and the essential role of confidence and resilience in the demanding world of performing arts. We explore how subtle yet impactful lifestyle tweaks, li...

Discover the transformative power of empathy in leadership through our conversation with Simon Cardmull. We explore his journey from the structured world of the Canadian military to becoming a beacon for compassionate command. Simon's story underscores the importance of aligning actions with the needs and desires of those we lead. His reflections on personal leadership experiences, both under stro...

Cheri Dixon is a former elementary school principal who transitioned into entrepreneurship, showing fearlessness and a willingness to break away from expectations. In this episode, I sit down and talk to Cheri, who shares her journey from North Lowa to Houston, Texas, and the challenges she faced along the way. With honesty and openness, she talks about the obstacles she overcame and the personal...

Venturing from the familiar into the unknown often feels like jumping without a safety net. Still, for Amy Jazienickis, the leap led her to a life of rich cultural exploration and personal fulfilment. In this episode, Amy shares the catalysts that propelled her from the routine grind in Canada to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Her story reflects courage and the pursuit of passion that echoes thro...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the tidal wave of independence that hits when you step onto a university campus? You're not alone; this episode is a testament to the power of community and understanding in facing such challenges. Dr. Dominique Thompson joins me, and together, we navigate the turbulent waters of mental health among university students. We're bridging the gap between awareness and...

Unlock the secrets of smart money management and confidently step into your financial future with Elisabeth Aragon, the mastermind behind Chalkboard Financial. In this episode, we explore the power of setting achievable financial goals, the value of receiving wise advice, and the societal shifts affecting young people's economic aspirations. Elisabeth shares how our social circle and friends can i...

At the crossroads of resilience and reinvention, Jane Reason shares her narrative, from the precision of physics to the passion of pedagogy.  In this episode, reflecting on her dynamic shift to academia, Jane breaks down the walls built around leadership. She gives us a candid look at the pressures and challenges unique to women at the helm, including her dance with burnout. Together, we expl...

Terence Coetzee is talented and passionate about turning student accommodation into unforgettable life experiences. In this episode, Terence discusses how student housing has evolved from a place to sleep to becoming a hub for growth and connection, significantly impacting student well-being. He reflects on his mentor, Penny Jones, who pioneered inclusive environments that have now spread througho...

In college, I often heard, "Focus on the degree; everything else can wait." But, looking back, I wish someone had told me to savour the journey, to immerse myself in the moments that would shape not just my career but the person I would become. That's the heart of the conversation with our guest, Sonia Cacique from Discover You, as we unravel the complexities of career exploration and the critical...

Have you ever watched a tightrope walker and wondered how they maintain their balance? That's the life of a student entrepreneur, and on Campus Chronicles, we're here to reveal how it's done. In this episode, I am joined by Asher Dahlgren, the 16-year-old founder and CEO of Dahlgren Social, who's mastering the high-wire act of managing school and a startup. Asher shares the magic of time managemen...

From the structured confines of information technology to the boundless expanse of our imagination, Anne Scott takes us on a journey where the binary world of computers gives way to the rich, vibrant spectrum of creativity. In this episode, we uncover the joy found in embracing creative pursuits, like singing, and confront the societal shaming that often silences our expressive voices, inviting yo...

Kelly J. Mendenhall's life changed dramatically when she suddenly became disabled. However, she found solace and purpose in art. In this episode, Kelly, the creator of the Affordable Art Revolution, shares the unexpected joys and mental health benefits of embracing traditional handcrafts, breaking down stigmas and celebrating the authenticity they bring to our lives, one brushstroke, one stitch, o...

This week, we are joined by Tony Acosta, the head organiser of TEDx Timpview Drive, where we explore the art and impact of communication. Tony shares his journey from growing up in a home where different communication styles clashed to his passion for understanding and teaching the art of conversation. Our discussion reveals the often-overlooked consequences of ineffective communication in our per...

Unlock the secrets of creating meaningful connections as we sit down with Jennifer Winkel, the CEO of Girl Talk of Age. Jennifer shares practical strategies for anyone seeking to find their community in unfamiliar territories, such as the university campus. In this episode, we explore how to use our interests and hobbies as a launch pad to build a supportive network that reflects our values. In a...