Major Insight

College can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to mental health. In this episode, we talk about dealing with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), doom scrolling, the problem of appearing "perfect" online, and the pressure to keep it all together. Special guests and Social Work majors Arianna Nooks and Andie Karrenbauer share personal stories and helpful advice during a conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health. Additional Resources: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988. Or visit: www.988lifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: www.crisistextline.org Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Visit: www.ohiospf.org Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit www.mha.ohio.gov Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 Miami University Student Counseling Service. Or call 513-529-4634 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Hear how a global pandemic sparked an interest in the supply chain for Brian Zetzer, who has also learned how to pivot, persist, and grow through every college challenge. We'll also talk about landing internships, dealing with opportunities that can vanish unexpectedly, and about the exciting prospects that still await just around the next corner. Featured Majors:  Supply Chain Operations Management, Information Systems, Cybersecurity

Debra Olabode is ready to face the future with the confidence and independence that only college can bring. Hear about the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, forming meaningful connections, and becoming who you're truly meant to be. We'll also talk about the life-changing experiences of studying abroad, and the bittersweetness of graduating as “the memories you get with college are one of a kind.” Featured Majors: Social Work, International Studies, Spanish

Kaylin Knapp's college journey has taught her to embrace the challenges of balancing school work and a social life, while also working fulltime. We'll also talk about how building connections leads to confidence, and about navigating the inevitable ups and downs of college by embracing each semester as it comes. Featured Majors: Supply Chain and Operations Management

Awaken to the wonderful world around you with the Audubon Society! On this episode, we shift from the hustle of academics to the serenity of birdwatching. Join us as we pause and connect with the natural world in a way that's often overshadowed by the hecticness of daily life.

Dive into the unpredictable journey of career ambitions and personal growth with Cyle Ginsberg - an exceptional student who understands that college isn't just about academics, but also about discovering who you truly are. We'll also talk about how the journey through college is just as important as the destination, and about all the relationships you'll build along the way.   Featured Majors: International Studies, Economics, Philosophy, Law, Arabic, and Middle Eastern Studies

We continue to explore the social sides of college by visiting Miami University's Equestrian Center. Hear about a peaceful place on campus where horses help students find solace and serenity.

Recent college graduate VaLanDria Smith-Lash '23 is now the CEO and founder of Coarse Culture, a personal skin care brand that was launched during her junior year. We'll talk about what happens when college plans change, about what it takes to create a student-run startup, and about why it's vital for all students to explore interests beyond school. Success is often shaped by unexpected opportunities. So embrace change and trust the process.  For more info, visit: shopcoarseculture.com, or follow VaLanDria on Instagram @valandriaa Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Dance

Never underestimate the power of an email. That's how Audrey Allen started her journey as an awarding-wining undergraduate researcher, who uses her passion for the environment and sustainability to make this world a better place. We'll also talk about the importance of self-discovery in college, and about the dreaded imposter syndrome. Hear how common it really is, how to overcome self-doubt with self-compassion, and about all the confidence you'll gain in college. Featured Majors: Environmental Earth Science, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship   Featured Organizations: American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)

College comes alive in this new short-form documentary series that explores the social side of campus life. Hear short stories about the orgs and activities that lead to self-discovery and community connection. In this episode, we go inside Meeples, the tabletop gaming club where students bond over board games.

Lauren Kelley always wanted to become a storyteller to uplift the voices of others, and along the way she found an inspiring voice of her own. Her interests in media, political science, and technology have also unlocked amazing opportunities that have led to new levels of self-esteem and confidence. We'll also talk about realizing when you've taken on way too much in college, and how to adjust and recalibrate along the way. Featured Majors: Strategic Communication, Individualized Studies, Political Science, Film Studies

A love of art and teaching have inspired Isa Obradovich to share her passions with others. As a successful artist and aspiring educator, her work is displayed across university halls, in local art centers, and in the Boomer Gallery of London. Isa has also received attention and acclaim across social media, where her massive following continues to expand. We'll also talk about the joy of building a community in college, the transformative impact college can have on your confidence, and about making art education more accessible to everyone. Featured Majors: Art Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification

Succeeding in college can sometimes be a but balancing act. But Rachel Banitt has found insightful and relatable ways to balance a thriving academic and social life, while also leading the largest student organization on campus. We'll also talk about overcoming the fears of making new friends, about finding a supportive campus community, and about keeping the courage to push yourself to new heights.   Featured Majors: Finance, Accounting

Even when the path ahead may seem long and daunting, with hard work, success is always possible. This is one of the most important lessons that Charles Ellis '25 has learned in college so far. We'll also talk about the importance of gaining first hand experience in college, how it's okay to take time to find your path, and why the fear of feeling behind is just an illusion. Featured Majors: Biomedical Engineering, Premedical Studies

It's the start of a new adventure on Major Insight as we welcome Maggie Snee to the podcast as our new host. Maggie is an award-winning student researcher whose love of animals and science has inspired her to study Zoology and Geography. We'll also talk about overcoming the pressure to be extraordinary, how friends and “found-family” can make all the difference in college, and about how everything has a way of working itself out. Featured Majors: Zoology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

From a first-generation undergraduate all the way to becoming the President of Miami University, Greg Crawford has seen how the entire college experience can unfold. On this special episode, President Crawford talks about what makes college so special including all the doors it can open, all the unimaginable ways to get involved, and about how it can provide the skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.     Featured Majors: Physics, Mathematics

Part two of our special summer series will help you navigate all the ups and downs of college life with more advice and inspiration from successful students who have already been through it all.

Hear short stories about being proactive, taking chances, and overcoming college doubts and fears. Because finding your place and purpose on campus is not about just waiting for college success to happen to you. It's actually about taking charge of your journey. And we have all the inspiration and advice to get you started right here.

There's a reason college has been the setting for some of the most memorable scenes and stories from movies and television shows for generations. But where do the all the myths end, and where do the realities begin? Well, we're going to find out. Because on this episode, we get to the bottom of everything you ever thought you knew about college life.

As graduation approaches, we continue our conversation that reflects back on four amazing and transformative years as college students. Miami senior Maya Mehlman is back to help recap all the ups and downs -- and all the fun and fears -- of our experiences, while we look ahead to the next chapter of life. If you missed part one, it's up now. Go back and listen for the rest of this story so far. Or just jump right in! Because whether we want it to or not, this train is moving forward!

Graduating college is a profound milestone that can bring a huge swing of emotions. On one hand, there's the profound sense of accomplishment and the excitement of a bright new future ahead. But there's also the bittersweet feelings of bidding farewell to the place that's felt like home and all the friends who have become family. So on this episode, we're joined again by Maya Mehlman, a graduating senior who's going to help us reflect back on four amazing years. We'll talk about bonds forged, memories made, important life lessons learned, and so much more.

Sometimes lighting just strikes. And you'll never know where you'll be (or even who you'll be) when it happens. And that's exactly how it struck for Brock Shults, a Miami student and the drummer for the Thumbtack Mechanics, a rising band that's taken the campus community by storm. We'll talk about balancing the limelight of live music while keeping up with classes and coursework, the challenges of time management, and about how you never know what might be just around the corner in college. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Exercise Science

Melanie Hamon has found creative ways to carve out a unique path for herself through college as a writer and musician. Melanie is also active across campus as a writing tutor and Cello performer. And we'll also talk about finding your own voice and style, learning to embrace feedback, and about college as the prefect time to make mistakes, to totally reinvent yourself, and to become who you really want to be. Featured Majors: Creative Writing, Cello Performance, Rhetoric Featured Organizations: Honors College's ULIP (Urban Leadership Internship Program), Happy Captive Literary Magazine

The deep connections between the brain and behavior are something scientists still don't fully understand, and it's a mystery that's always fascinated Cambria Beane. Cambria is interested in studying therapeutic interventions for those struggling with trauma and substance use disorders. And we'll also talk about finding great undergraduate research opportunities, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about facing the fear of fitting in by immersing yourself in absolutely everything. Featured Majors: Psychology, Neuroscience Featured Organizations: The Reward and Addictive Disorders (RAD) Lab, Psi Chi (The International Honors Society in Psychology, Miami Shakerettes Dance Team

Marguerite Smith always wanted to be (and to do) more than one thing in college. As an Engineering major, she's not only become a leader in a traditionally male dominate field, Marguerite also excels outside the lab as a nationally ranked beach volleyball player. We'll also talk about some college and engineering stereotypes, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about learning how to take a break, while still accomplishing everything you want to accomplish. Featured Majors: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Pre-Law Featured Organizations: Society of Women Engineers, IEEE Eta Kappa Nu Honors Society, Miami Beach Volleyball Team

Orin Edwards strives for excellence in all aspects of life. As part of Miami RedHawks football, Orin shines as a leader on and off the field. As a student, he understands the essential importance of time management and balance. But success isn't always easy, and not everything always goes as planned. So we'll also talk about not giving up when your reality unravels, overcoming the limitations often imposed on us by others, the power of changing your perspective, and more. Featured Majors: Biology, Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) Featured Organizations: Miami RedHawks Football

Nyah Smith has gone from an uncertain first-year student to a true student leader as the university's student body president, and it's been a remarkable journey that shows just how truly transformative college can be. We'll also talk about how to pivot and adapt to the unexpected, while still embracing the magic of the moment. Why student orgs are so vital. And why it's so important to get out of your comfort zone, to get involved, and to just go for it! Featured Majors: Social Work, Public Health Featured Organizations: Associated Student Government, SEAL Ambassadors, Armstrong Student Center Board, Intramural Sport Program

Before every episode of Major Insight, we start with some fun ice breakers. It's just a way to get warmed up and to know each other a little better. And they can work for you too! Because when's the last time you were around a bunch of people, and you couldn't think of anything to say? Well, on this special episode, we're going to help transform awkward conversations into a symphony of witty banter as college students answer some of the least important questions of our time.

College is a time of intellectual and personal growth. And Liz Grossman has excelled at both by combining her many interests into a dynamic experience that breaks boundaries between sports, video games, art, history, fashion, pop culture, AI, and more. We'll also talk about being financially responsible in college, the best kept secrets of time management, tips on applying to grad school, and about how finding balance in life might be one of the most important things you ever learn how to do. Featured Majors: Sport Leadership and Management, Esports Management Featured Organizations: Women in Sport Leadership (WISL), NBA2K Esports Team, Phi Sigma Pi

Acting is life for Jonathan Erwin, who has been inspired to move audiences to laughter, tears, and applause ever since he began performing at a young age. We'll also talk about what it takes to pursue a career in film, learning how to break the mold, to expect the unexpected, and to embrace the freedom you'll find in college. Featured Majors: Theater, Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship. Featured Organizations: Department of Theatre

Lauren McCann understands how truly transformative great educators can be. As a primary education major and aspiring teacher, she hopes to help new generations of children become intelligent, creative, thoughtful, and empathic life-long learners. We'll also talk about overcoming homesickness, the pitfalls of “people pleasing,” and about relying on good friends and family members during those challenge college times.  Featured Majors: Primary Education Featured Organizations: EcoReps, Miami University National Science Teaching Association (MUNSTA), Global Initiatives

Avery Holmes knows how to find amazing opportunities from challenging situations. After playing a lot of sports, which came with lots of injuries, she discovered the path to pursue athletic training and physical therapy. We'll talk about the fascinating world of performance and recovery, why rejection is simply redirection, and how to make the most out of time in college. Because it's going to fly by. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Nutrition Featured Organizations: Miami Athletics, RedHawks Football, Kappa Delta

Maya Mehlman loves meeting new people, being creative, telling stories, and the kinds of experiences that a career in Media and Communications can bring. She's also back from a semester-long study abroad, which led to life-changing revelations about overcoming FOMO, dealing with culture shock, and what it's really like to learn how to live on your own. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Theater  Featured Organizations and Internships: Chi Omega, Chabad, Global Initiatives, Inside Washington, Miami In Luxembourg

Studying away and going abroad is about more than just seeing new places and meeting new people. It's also about growing as a person and about the life-lessons learned along the way. On this episode, Maya and Meredith continue their conversation after spending their summers studying away and abroad. We'll also talk about the power of networking, finding the confidence to live the life you want, and about learning how capable you really are. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Theater   Featured Organizations and Internships: Inside Washington, Miami In Luxembourg

Mental health struggles among young people have skyrocketed. Many college students are facing anxiety and depression, drowning in stress, worried about the future, or just feeling overwhelmed by everything all at once. On this episode, we hope to bring more awareness and understanding to this issue by talking about student experiences with mental health, advice for those seeking services and support, and about ending the stigma around mental health for students everywhere.  Featured Organizations: National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The Hidden Opponent's Campus Captains program Additional Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text 988. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Or visit: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: www.crisistextline.org Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit www.mha.ohio.gov Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 Miami University Student Counseling Service. Or call 513-529-4634 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

College can be an amazing time of personal growth and self-discovery. But the journey is not always easy and the path is never very clear. So as our special summer series continues, we have short stories about students facing fears, finding freedom, embracing uncertainty, and overcoming self-doubt. Because figuring out who you really are takes time and effort. And it's an adventure that often begins by realizing that nobody has it all figured out just yet.

Have you ever been away from home, feeling homesick, and unsure of your future? Many people have. And it's one of the biggest challenges for college students. So part 1 of our special summer series features short stories of how students can make new friends and create campus communities. So take a leap of faith and put yourself out there. Because friends are just as important as academics, and belonging to something bigger than yourself can create connections that will last a lifetime.

Take an immersive journey into the many different sides of campus life. Hear fascinating soundscapes capturing the magical moments and life-changing experiences that make the university experience come alive. 

Gianni Dimacchia ‘24 brings immersive worlds and inspired characters to life as an artist, storyteller, and video game designer. We'll also talk about being involved in eSports, balancing academic life and leisure, avoiding the pitfalls of procrastination, and about overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there to make new friends. Featured Majors: Games + Simulation, Studio Art Featured Organizations and Internships: Miami eSports, Marching Band

Uncertainly is a big part of life, especially for college students who are figuring out their future. For Alexandria Coffman ‘23, embracing uncertainty is an essential part of success. We'll also talk about gaining and nurturing leadership experience. Building a new network of friends from scratch. And about how there may not be one right answer for your future, but lots of right answers. Featured Majors: Urban and Regional Planning, Geography and Sustainable Development, Sustainability Featured Organizations: EcoReps

Never let the fear of rejection hold you back. That's one of the most valuable lessons Kailey Kraft has learned in college so far. As an economics major, Kailey has already interned with the Federal Reserve and participated in the extremely selective Fed Challenge Competition. We'll also talk about the extraordinary power of facing your fears, and about the domino effect it can have on academic success and social support. Featured Majors: Quantitative Economics Featured Organizations and Internships: The Fed Challenge, Women in Economics, the Federal Reserve

It was a love of movies and music that inspired Ryan Rosu to study film in college. But along the way, he also became interested in the kinds of writing and thinking that unlocked new levels of self-awareness and personal understanding. We'll also talk about immersing yourself in your passions, and about the value of surrounding yourself with people who are just as passionate as you are. Featured Majors: Film Studies, English Literature, Philosophy Featured Organizations: Inside Hollywood, Telluride Film Festival's Student Symposium, Zero Waste Oxford

Zoë Neubig '23 creates personal works of art that circumvent the elitist mentalities often found in the art world. Her work also focuses on the experiences of growing up as a woman in today's society, and her exploration of art history is helping new generations of artists and historians bring difficult topics to light. We'll also talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about embracing new opportunities wherever and whenever they present themselves. Featured Majors: Studio Art, Art Therapy, Art History Featured Organizations and Internship: Miami University Art Museum, College of Creative Arts Student Advisory Council

Ben Maldonado '23 has always loved math and problem solving, which is why he's now exploring the new frontiers of machine learning, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and self-driving cars. We'll also talk about gaining leadership experience through Greek life, about making hard college decisions, and about why it's important to close some doors before new ones can open. Featured Majors: Computer Science, Data Science and Statistics Featured Organizations and Internship : Center for Analytics and Data Science, Alpha Psi Lambda, Miami University Climbing Club, Miami University Outdoor Pursuit Center, Neurolex Data Science Intern, Amazon Software Engineering Intern

Makenzie Knore is a true storyteller who hopes to inspire curiosity and to enrich lives through many forms of media including screenwriting, songwriting, and film making. We'll also talk about overcoming college doubts, finding confidence and clarity when your path becomes uncertain, and about how movies, music, and media can carry us through tough times. Featured Majors: Media & Culture, Creative Writing, Music Composition, Emerging Technology in Business + Design Featured Organizations: Miami Television News, University Communications and Marketing, Miami University Gospel Singers, Intramural Sports Program, Inside Hollywood (Study Away program)

Theatre has the power to inspire, educate, and even change the world. And for Charlotte Perez ‘23, it's the perfect way to address important social issues through the power of art and performance. She's been a playwright, a performer, a stage manager, and she recently directed the Theatre Department's mainstage production of the “Angel's Trumpet,” while also staying involved on campus as a tour guide, and more. On this episode, we'll also talk about navigating college as a first-gen student. And about the importance of following your own intuition as a way to find out who you really are, and who you may wish to become. Featured Majors: Theatre, Social Justice and Inequalities Featured Organizations: The Walking Theatre Project, Office of Admissions Campus Tours, Cedar Summerstock Theatre Company Internship, London Theatre Study Abroad, Urban Cohort, Fostering Just Communities

When Laura Schonken decided to help plant flowers for club in high school, she never imagined how that experience would change her life forever. Today, Laura hopes to make a positive impact on the world through botany and science. But plants aren't her only passion. Laura is also interested in fashion. So we'll talk about this unique combination of majors -- and about ways to avoid burnout, the value of research lab experience, the importance of peer perspectives, and about learning how to take your time in college by letting things grow and unfold in their own natural way. Featured Majors: Botany, Fashion Design Featured Organizations: The Bauer Lab, The Botanical Society, Miami University Fashion & Design (MUF&D), Miami Apiculture Society, Undergraduate Summer Scholars, MU Costume Shop

When Eckhardt Karsten ‘24 first took the initative to email a professor for a simple recommendation, he never imagined the life changing paths it would ultimately open. Today Eckhardt is embarking on an ecological research project as part of the U.S. Antarctic Program and he's a member of the Honors College Student Advisory Board on campus. On this episode, he also talks about overcoming the fear of reaching for new opportunities and how building confidence is key for college success. Featured Majors: Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Geology Featured Organizations and Internships: Honors College Student Advisory Board, Rachael Morgan-Kiss Lab, Pacific Northwest National Lab, The REU Disturbance Ecology in Central Appalachia Summer Research Program

After finding her passion to connect with people from different backgrounds, Victoria Lopez Rangel is combing a love of languages with a career field that's greatly in need of more bilingual speech pathologists. Victoria is also a recent recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship for Portuguese, and on this episode, we'll talk about finding a place on campus while managing the challenges of being a commuter student, why it's okay to feel overwhelmed at times, and about overcoming the trap of being too hard on yourself. Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Latin American Studies Featured Organizations: National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Miami in Spain (study abroad)

On this episode, we welcome Meredith Aliff '24 to the podcast as the new host of Major Insight. An all new season is here as our hosts talk about embracing the newfound independence of university life, viewing college as a glimpse into adulthood, crossing paths with different people across campus, and why you should never be afraid to try new and interesting things.

Hear stories from students who found the courage to step out of their comfort zone, embrace exciting opportunities, join new clubs, and get involved on campus. As we prepare to bring you a new season of Major Insight this fall, part two of this special summer series shares some of the best advice from the podcast so far.