Open Mic Podcast

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A podcast about college life and advice, hosted by Caroline Chen, rising senior at Columbia University in the City of New York. Each episode features a new topic and a different guest, so be sure to follow for an inside look into the college experience!


    • Jan 4, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Open Mic Podcast

    Episode 26: Fitness Motivation for 2022 | Industrial Engineering Operations Research

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2022 47:15


    Happy 2022 from the Open Mic Podcast... and Happy 1-year Anniversary to the pod! ❤️ In Episode 26, Caroline is joined by Annabelle Tang, a senior in Columbia's Engineering School studying Industrial Engineering Operations Research (IEOR). Just in time for the New Year, Annabelle shares the secrets of her fitness journey—how to stay motivated, how not to go overboard, and how her goals have changed since she began. She also gives a deep dive into her interdisciplinary IEOR major ideal for those interested in math, CS, engineering, and economics.O P E N M I C P O D C A S TSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7brasrrbhBxveAv60xByVMApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-mic-podcast/id1565256553Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXJvY2hlbi5zcXVhcmVzcGFjZS5jb20vcG9kY2FzdD9mb3JtYXQ9cnNzStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=628649S O C I A L S☆ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/car.xo.line☆ Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.getrevue.co/profile/carolinechen☆ Website: https://www.carolinechen.meM O R E☆ Columbia Vlogs: https://tinyurl.com/columbiavlogs​​☆ Study with Me: https://tinyurl.com/studyatcolumbia​​☆ Study Tips: https://youtu.be/9jMuGZMd3EE​​Today's episode is sponsored by Ana Luisa! Ana Luisa is a NY-based jewelry brand that focuses on sustainability and affordability—their beautiful pieces start at $39 and they're currently running a 10% sale and 60% off last chance items! Use my link to shop:➡️ https://shop.analuisa.com/openmicpod#podcast #fitness #newyear #ivyleague #columbia #analuisany

    Episode 25: Acting & Filmmaking (Netflix, HBO, Broadway, NBC)| Taylor Richardson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2021 38:18


    In Episode 25, Caroline chats with rising star Taylor Richardson. Taylor is a stage, film, and TV actress who debuted as Annie on Broadway in 2012 and has since starred in NBC's Rise, HBO's The Gilded Age and The Time Traveler's Wife, Netflix's ALL TOGETHER NOW, and even Slender Man! She is currently in her first year at Columbia University's School of General Studies. Tune in for an inside look into the show biz life and to learn why representation matters.

    Episode 24: Stop stressing (yourself out) ft. Stoicism

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 27:02


    Welcome back to the Open Mic Podcast! I'm really excited for today's episode because it'll be our first solo chat.

    Episode 23: Chronic Illness Visibility Advocate | Humans Rights & Hispanic Studies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2021 41:58


    In Episode 23, Caroline is joined by the incredible Katy Brennan, a junior at Columbia studying Hispanic Studies and Human Rights on the pre-law track. Katy was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS; genetic connective tissue condition) in high school and has used writing as a means of promoting chronic illness visibility. Since high school, she has gained extensive experience in advocacy through her involvements in organizations such as Diversability and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Tune in to learn more about disability rights, illness narratives, and navigating college!

    Episode 22: Senior Class President | Columbia University

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2021 36:30


    In Episode 22, Caroline is joined by Eva Bogomilova, a senior at Columbia studying Political Science & History, on the pre-law track. Eva is the President of Senior Class Council and shares her experiences leading student government in college and high school. From overcoming imposter's syndrome to interning for Congress to navigating NYC subways, Eva has done it all. Tune in to learn more from one of the most spirited gals at Columbia!

    Episode 21: Architecture Major in NYC | Columbia University

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 41:11


    In Episode 21, Caroline is joined by Kristian Woerner, a senior at Columbia studying Architecture (and Anthropology!). Fun fact: Kristian was Caroline's Orientation Leader during her first year of college! After taking a gap year, he is now back in action and set to graduate next spring. Tune in to learn about artistic visions, major requirements, and life as a college creative in NYC.

    Episode 20: Working at NASA | Space Interns Co-founder & Harvard Grad

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2021 46:40


    In Episode 20, Caroline (Chen) chats with Caroline Juang, a PhD student at Columbia studying Earth & Environmental Sciences. Caroline J. graduated from Harvard University in 2017 and worked as a project coordinator at NASA prior to beginning her graduate studies. She is a Brooke Owens Fellow, an artist, and the co-founder of "Space Interns," a volunteer project aimed to increase the diversity of and accessibility to the aerospace industry. Tune in to learn about PhD application secrets, space consulting, life at Harvard, and what it's like to work at NASA!

    Episode 19: Columbia Daily Spectator (University Newspaper Publisher) | Political Science & Human Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 38:16


    In Episode 19, Caroline is joined by Tamarah Wallace, a rising senior at Columbia studying Political Science and Human Rights. Tamarah is the Vice President and Publisher at the Columbia Daily Spectator (Spec), Columbia's student-run university newspaper and media company. Tune in to learn about journalism & business operations, beloved Spec traditions, and how to navigate the "Best All-Around Student Newspaper" in the US!

    Episode 18: Asian-American Creatives | Adoptee Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2021 34:08


    In Episode 18, Caroline is joined by Emmalia Ning, a rising senior at Columbia University majoring in Philosophy and concentrating in Visual Arts & Psychology. In the last episode of APAHM 2021, Em shares her experiences as an Asian-American adoptee and how she has actively engaged with her heritage. She also provides an inside look into her artistic endeavors, sharing resources she has found helpful in the pursuit of her passion. Tune in to learn about philosophy, art, and culture through Em's soothing voice. ❤️

    Episode 17: First-Generation Ivy League Advice | Matriculate Head Advising Fellow

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2021 42:54


    In Episode 17, Caroline is joined by Ashley Gutierrez, a rising senior at Columbia University majoring in Biochemistry. Ashley is a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) college student passionate about giving back to her community. She serves as Head Advising Fellow at Matriculate, a mentorship program for high school students on their journey of applying to college. Tune in to learn about scholarship opportunities, FGLI support in college, biology research, and graduate school!

    Episode 16: Deaf Awareness & Entrepreneurship | “The Business Baddie”

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 45:10


    In Episode 16, Caroline chats with Zusi Ine, a rising senior at Columbia studying Business Management and Political Science. Zusi is an entrepreneur and social media marketer who is also a dedicated advocate for deaf awareness. Having discovered her deafness as a teenager, Zusi reveals how her relationship with the world has changed, as well as how she continues to works towards increasing accessibility in community spaces. She shares tips on how to balance your social media presence with authentic real-life connections, as well as how to turn your passion into something more. Tune in to be inspired by the Business Baddie!

    Episode 15: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month | APAHM at Columbia

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2021 38:22


    Happy APAHM everyone!! In Episode 15, Caroline is joined by Pranathi Srirangam, a first-year in Barnard College who is a part of Columbia APAHM club. Pranathi shares her experiences with online school, explains the different events hosted by Columbia APAHM, and describes how she's found community during socially distant times. Tune in to learn more about student organization event planning, favorite classes, and celebrating AAPI culture!

    Episode 14: Brown University | Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 56:47


    In Episode 14, Caroline is joined by Emily Wang, a junior in Brown University's Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)—aka the 8-year medical program! Emily and Caroline go way back to the beginning of high school, when they both participated in a biotechnology camp at a local university! Now, Emily is majoring in Economics, on a very unique pre-med track. She shares her journey to and experiences in PLME, as well as her involvement in many community-focused initiatives. Emily is President of the Community Health Advocacy Program and Co-President of the Salsa Club, as well as Finance Chair of her sorority at Brown. Tune in until the end to learn about Brown's campus culture, the intersections of economics and medicine, and the Naked Donut Run!

    Episode 13: The NYC Food Scene | Columbia Varsity Swimmer & Foodie

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 43:02


    In Episode 13, Caroline is joined by the adventurous Cleopatra (Cleo) Lim, a junior at Columbia studying Psychology and Creative Writing. Cleo is a member of the Varsity Swim Team and runs a food instagram page (@cleeeeats), where she documents her food adventures around NYC. The episode begins with some of Cleo's favorite spots to dine and delves into how maintaining a food instagram helps Cleo have a social life. "How," you may be wondering, "can she eat everything she posts?" Turns out, swimming does wonders for your appetite! At 21:31​, Caroline and Cleo dive into (*ba dum tss*) life as a varsity swimmer and the college recruitment process. Cleo shares her favorite fun, non-touristy NYC activities and her rationale behind completing a Psychology/Creative Writing double major. Tune in until the end to learn about food, swimming, and classes SO good, they'll literally make you cry.

    Episode 12: Columbia-Juilliard Exchange | A Harmony of Two Passions

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 45:24


    In Episode 12, Caroline is joined by the talented Ria Honda, a violinist in the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange and Economics major in CC '22! Ria *debunks* common misconceptions about the exchange, while revealing how she balances her musical passion and education. From 8:40am economics classes, to 4-hour long practice sessions, to serving as President of Popsicles (chamber ensemble within Columbia's Pops Orchestra), tune in to see how Ria balances it all!Questions discussed:- How much of a balance is there between Columbia & Juilliard?- Is the exchange a dual-degree program?- How does the application process work?- Is there a Final Jam at classical music camp?!

    Episode 11: The Ivy League Memelord | Trading Internship & Job Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 43:09


    In Episode 11, Caroline is joined by the one and only Stan Liao! Stan is possibly the most well-known student at Columbia due to his prominent role as master meme-maker and "tyrant of Ref." He shares his experience in the world of memes, the essence of Columbia life, and the unique culture that has formed around the Reference Room in Butler Library.More academically, Stan is a senior in SEAS studying Applied Math. He has been a banking intern and plans to work as a prop trader after graduation. Tune in to learn the secrets of meme-making, resume drops, and job searches at Columbia!

    Episode 10: Boston University 7-Year Medical Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 44:49


    What's it like to be guaranteed acceptance to med school? In Episode 10, Caroline chats with James Kim, someone who knows exactly how that feels! James is a junior in the accelerated MD program at Boston University and shares his experience as a non-traditional pre-med. From the unique "Medical Science" major, to exploring graphic novel and music theory courses, James provides an inside look into one of the top combined medical programs in the US. Tune in to learn more about BU med, campus traditions, the BU/BC rivalry, and life in Boston!

    Episode 09: Applied Math at Columbia | Physics & CS Researcher

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 49:21


    In Episode 9, Caroline is joined by William Zheng, a Columbia senior majoring in Applied Math and concentrating in CS. Will is the President of Columbia's Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and shares advice for students interested in exploring the field. Aside from being super smart at math, Will has experience as a TA for Machine Learning, a tech intern, a tour guide at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in NYC, and a physics and CS researcher. After graduating this spring, Will plans to pursue his Master's in CS at Columbia (since he's basically fulfilled half the credits needed for this degree!). Tune in to learn about the different opportunities Applied Math offers! William adds that his best experience was the physics lab. In his own words, he "Loves it with a capital L.”

    Episode 08: Columbia Varsity Track & Field Captain | Middle Eastern Studies

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 54:05


    In Episode 8, Caroline is joined by Maryam Hassan, two-year Captain of Columbia's Varsity Track & Field team. Maryam graduated from Columbia College in 2020 with her BA in Middle Eastern Studies & Anthropology. A seasoned athlete, Maryam shares a "run-through" (get it?

    Episode 07: Environmental Engineering at Columbia | QuestBridge Scholar

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 59:39


    In Episode 7, Caroline is joined by Isabela (Bela) Yepes, a QuestBridge Scholar at Columbia majoring in Earth and Environmental Engineering and minoring in Economics. Bela is a certified yoga instructor and shares habits that have helped her cope with the stress of school. In addition, Bela explains how she decided to go into Environmental Engineering, her research experience in the field, and "Why Columbia" for her academic goals. She discusses the various career options for environmental engineers and her experience with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a large student-run engineering club at Columbia. Caroline and Bela also talk about the new three-term structure of classes at Columbia, share life hacks only Columbia students would know, and reminisce about campus traditions (Food Fest!!). Tune in to learn about engineering for humanity and life at Columbia!

    Episode 06: Biology/Pre-Med at Columbia | Transfer Student Advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 72:05


    In Episode 6, Caroline talks all things biology & pre-med with Anna Christou, President of the American Medical Student Association (Pre-med Chapter) at Columbia University! Anna is one of the nicest and wisest Columbia seniors majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. As a transfer student, Anna shares tips on transfer applications, her experience with transfer NSOP (New Student Orientation Program), and recommendations of favorite NYC activities. From TAing for multiple science courses to conducting genetics research, Anna gives a sneak peek into STEM life in college. If you're thinking of biology and/or pre-med, don't miss out. Tune in for a head start!

    Episode 05: Computer Science in the Ivy League

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 72:35


    In Episode 5, Caroline is joined by the ~ever-lovely~ Luvena (Lulu) Huo, a Computer Science major at Columbia minoring in Entrepreneurship & Applied Math! Lulu hails from the Bay Area and shares insider tips on excelling in CS in the Ivy League. From coding a "boba milk tea" video game, to diagnosing scoliosis at hackathons, to snatching those coveted CS internships, Lulu shares the ultimate guide to computer science at Columbia. Between discussing classes and recruitment, Caroline & Lulu chat about lifestyle at Columbia: table tennis, bullet journaling, keeping up with friends, JJ's recommendations, Lactaid milk, west coast worries on the east coast, and ultimately, best food spots in the city. Tune in to win that CS internship of your dreams!

    Episode 04: Columbia Artist & Bodybuilder | Beauty, Brains, & Brawn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 64:27


    In Episode 4, Caroline is joined by Anton Zhou, a Columbia senior majoring in Visual Arts & concentrating in Business Management. Anton is a professional artist and a fitness guru who balances these two passions with maintaining his studies at the Ivy League! The mega-talented artiste shares insider advice on how to effectively reach your goals in the studio and the gym, how to find inspiration in daily life, and overall, how to see the world in a different light. Tune in to learn about what it takes to maintain beauty, brains, and brawn in college... and ultimately, how to get those gains!

    Episode 03: Sophie Davis 7-year Medical Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 66:11


    In Episode 3, Caroline takes a virtual subway ride *up* to Sophie Davis to catch up with high school friend Bilal Siddiqui, who is in entering into the medical school portion of the 7-year accelerated BS/MD program. Bilal shares his drive for applying to combined medical programs, gives realistic advice on how to survive college and med school, and recommends some great ways to relive stress and take care of your mental health in school. Tune in for an inside look into what being a student at Sophie Davis is like!

    Episode 02: NYU Stern School of Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 55:58


    In Episode 2, Caroline takes a virtual subway ride down to Washington Square Park to catch up with high school friend Weiting Hong, a Finance & Stats major at NYU Stern! Weiting will be graduating a whole year early (!!) and talks about his experiences with finance student organizations, investment banking recruitment, and NYU campus life in general. Weiting gives advice for international students, reflects upon living in the *hottest* ✌️ dorm on campus, and gives real-talk about how to network.

    Episode 01: Columbia Student-Athlete Wisdom

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 72:59


    In this debut episode, Caroline catches up with her good friend, Daniel Core, an Econ major who just so happens to be one of the top varsity golfers at Columbia University! Dan shares his journey to the Ivy League, reflects upon lessons learned, and explains why it's better to be "sub-par" than on-par in golf (ba dum tsss)! Tune in to learn about the student-athlete balance, how to play golf, and how to live life to its fullest.

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