Stay You Boo

How exciting, we have our first ever guest! Emma (AKA p.h.days) is currently doing her PHD in molecular biology and is an absolute queen (go and listen to her podcast 'Persistently Hard Days' if you haven't already!)  We're having a long old chat about the frustrating state of demographics in the STEM field. From socio-economic class, to race, to gender - there are numerous failings in the industry and it needs to change. We've all witnessed this inequality in some way, shape or form and also the detrimental impact it can have on individuals but also at higher levels.  It's difficult to thrive when you have nobody who 'looks like you' in positions which you aspire to reach. When will it change? The oppressor is not responsible for fixing the oppression.  But unfortunately, it often falls to the minority groups to initiate these changes.  If you're looking for more relatable people in your field, check instagram, or one of the organisations below: Higher Education Race Action Group BBSTEM - Black British professionals in STEM, a non profit organisation aiming to ncrease the representation of black individuals in STEM ScienceGrrl - A grassroots organisation representing the female face of science in the UK, working to inform women in STEM policy at a national level. STEMettes - An organisation running panel events, hackathons and exhibitions aimed at inspiring the next generation of women into STEM. We haven't even begun to talk about disabilty, sexuality and numerous other realms of inequality, the list goes on. But we hope that it starts a conversation, you've got this, stay you boo xoxo References: https://www.sciencecentres.org.uk/resources/promoting-diversity-and-inclusion-stem-engagement/case-improving-diversity-stem/ https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/news/report-on-equity-in-stem-education-released?gclid=CjwKCAiA4rGCBhAQEiwAelVti5SlAMrYQtVO2A8fiQCzgOIKfQQbpKjSXKdPcJf5yC41MZ_z1afZTRoCNZ8QAvD_BwE https://www.stemwomen.co.uk/blog/2021/01/women-in-stem-percentages-of-women-in-stem-statistics https://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i632 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35641061#:~:text=The%20trust%20said%20that%20of,educates%207%25%20of%20the%20population. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19723-8 Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo Hello hello, how are we all doing? Another 'deep' chat where we feel apprehensive and vulnerable talking about our own experiences of failing. Because I'm pretty sure we've alllll failed at some point in our lives, whether that be with exams, job applications or knocking the ball into the pond when you're playing crazy golf... But it's something we tend to avoid discussing because it's embarrassing and awkward. However, we are two of the most graceless people you'll ever encounter, so it makes sense to chat about these things. This was definitely more of a casual chat rather than a chance to give advice because we're so lost, so please don't expect miracles from us! Are goals a good thing, or do they just set us up for disappointment? Can you avoid failure and rejection? And how do you deal if you do experience it? All these questions come up (I won't say answered because that implies we know what we're doing) in this episode and we're so grateful to the lovely listeners who got involved over on our instagram! Make sure you're looking after yourself (listen to episode 1 on self care if you need some tips...) and allowing time to wallow if you need because you are a marvellous human with lots of exciting things to come! And as always, stay you boo xoxo Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo The trend these days seems to be surviving on as little sleep as is humanly possible. We're existing in a weird sort of ‘hustle' culture, where if you're  not waking up at 5am to workout and tick off half your to do list before breakfast then you're falling short. But this attitude leaves us failing to acknowledge the importance of sleep. It's not just a time to rest, it's important for our mental, physical and overall wellbeing. This episode we're having a chat about the science of sleep and the acute and chronic health conditions that can be associated with sleep deprivation. It's a complicated topic so this is a bit of a whistle stop tour! We're also discussing our own experiences with sleep and how we've tried to improve them. The main thing we want you to come out of this with, is the understanding that sleep is essential! And there is so much you can do to help yourself if you are struggling. So go forth and get those ZZZZZs, and as always, stay you boo xoxo Our tips: Avoid caffeine before bed Set up a regular sleep routine Sleep podcasts and meditations (we've mentioned our favourites below!) Write down worries or stresses before you go to bed (or id you wake up in the idle of the night) If you are experiencing chronic, severe or out of your norm sleep disorder or, talk to your GP. Therapy and counselling can really help and in some cases medication. Sleep apps/Sleep help Calm Headspace Sleepio, online CBT for sleep  Sleep podcasts Wake up/Wind down by Nial Bresnen Sleepy by Otis Gray Dreamy by Kristen Eddy Deep Sleep Sounds Peaceful Retreat Sleep Acoustic References Sleep disorder overview  Medications that can affect sleep  Sleep: A health imperative (Sleep Research Society) The extraordinary Importance of Sleep Associations of frequent sleep insufficiency with health-related quality of life and health behaviours (Sleep Medicine)

Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo How many times have you heard someone to claim "I'm not like the other girls"? Or had someone use it to compliment you? Or maybe you've even said it yourself?! Well it needs to stop! What can appear as a harmless phrase is actually incredibly problematic. It demeans the female gender, stereotypes us, and turns us against each other.  In this episode we discuss all of this, some pop culture examples of girls either supporting or breaking down this phenomenon, and why we ARE like the other girls - because I don't know who these 'other girls' are, but I want to join. (And there may be a rant or 2 about the patriarchy). As always, stay you boo xoxo Check out this Youtube video: Tiffany Ferguson - she explains it all so well (probably better than us but listen to us too!) Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk Local Elevator by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.   https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300012 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo Friendships - it can't be just is that finds them a bit tricky to navigate? We've been friends for 20 odd years (still going strong) but can't quite get our head around the idea of friendships in general. How to make friends, what makes a good friend and a little natter about our own story! We're by no means experts but if you want some tips from a couple of awkward scientists then this is the podcast episode for you! Our biggest piece of advice is being brave, putting yourself out there and being yourself! So, as always, stay you boo xoxo If your meeting up with anyone you've met online, please be safe! Tell friends and family where you're going and who with Meet in a public place Take a friend with you Try and facetime or even call the person first Facebook groups: Team Nobs Gals who graduate Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Hello wonderful humans! This episode was inevitable... We are both anti-diet. This is not the same as being anti-weight loss or hating people who are themselves on a diet. It's the soul destroying, misery spreading, self esteem crushing industry that we have a problem with. Because it IS an industry. Diet culture survives because we pay money into it. This episode we're discussing the impact of diets on our bodies and our minds. We go a little bit into the science behind why diets do not work and why BMI is a load of rubbish. However, we do realise that we are both coming from a place of thin privilege. Our experiences cannot be compared to that of those living in fat bodies and it would not be fair to assume that everyone is able to take the same approach as we have. Please, look after your own mental and physical health always! And don't forget, stay you boo xoxo Some of the resources we discuss this episode: Team Nobs facebook group - for breaking down those fitness stereotypes and finding like-minded individuals. BHF - stats on the diet industry and why dieting does not work The podcasts mentioned: You're wrong about: the obesity epidemic The Liturgists: Does fat = Bad? The liturgists: Fatphobia Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram/Twitter: @stay_you_boo Hello you lovely bunch! Today we're talking about identity - what is it, does it matter and how do we identify.  It seems to embody so much, from how we see ourselves to how others recognise us. From race and gender to hobbies and interests, identity seems to be pretty nuanced and we're attempting to dissect it throughout this episode. It both creates communities but leads to pressures and segregation to ‘fit in', so we wonder whether its role is a positive one...  So have a listen and let us know what identity means to you. And however you identify - stay you boo xoxo Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram and Twitter: @stay_you_boo Hello again! Today we're talking about something a little different, our journey in STEM. STEM is science, technology, engineering and maths. We both study STEM subjects at uni, Sam is reading astrophysics and Megan studies medicine.  There are a multitude of stereotypes surrounding science and the people who study it, this episode we're talking about those presumptions and whether we've found them to be true or not...  Let us know what you think of STEM, whether you study it, work in the field, or have no interest whatsoever! Come and nerd out with us for half an hour. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, review and get involved! And as always, stay you boo xox Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram and Twitter @stay_you_boo Hello and happy 2021!  That was a wild ole year we made it through! This episode we're having a chat about our highlights and what we've learnt from the tricky parts of the past 52 weeks.  But most of this episode is focused on how we're hoping 2021 will look. Although we're both tired of New Year's Resolutions, we love the idea of fresh starts and setting some intentions for the year ahead.  Resolutions tend to have negative connotations and the inherent tie to weight, diets and body can be a bit toxic, so we want to move away from that, instead creating goals that are realistic, mindful and healthy too!  Check out @nobsguides which we mention in the show for more information on your new year antidote!  Speak to you soon and remember to look after yourself, stay you boo xoxo Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk 

Instagram&Twitter: @stay_you_boo TW: This episode we'll be talking about our own anxiety disorders, including what they look like for us and what symptoms we might experience. Please don't listen if you think this might impact you negatively or you're not in the right head space! Today we're chatting about anxiety. What is it? Is it common? And how do we cope with it? Anxiety disorder is not the same as simply feeling anxious - an emotion which all of us will have experienced at one point or another. Anxiety disorder can take over your life, but it varies massively between people and it's important to acknowledge that! There are a number of ways to help you manage, including (but not limited to): Strong friendships/relationships Medications Therapy Distraction techniques Just to name a few. But you've got to find what works for you as an individual. Please, if you're struggling, reach out. Don't suffer in silence. You can always contact The Samaritans on 116 123 if you're in a position where you might hurt yourself. We also mentioned Togetherall which will be linked below. For more information or support, you can also check out Mind Charity and Anxiety UK. Thanks for listening! Speak soon, and stay you boo xox Togetherall: https://togetherall.com/en-gb/ Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram: @stay_you_boo So we all knew Christmas was going to look a little different this year, I'm just not sure we realised quite how different… We don't want to pretend this is going to be easy for anyone, but we do want to remind you that there are silver linings, support you can access and things to look forward to! Christmas traditions differ for everyone! For Sammy they normally involve big family gatherings and curry for dinner, whereas Megan has a smaller celebration with arguments over boardgames. And maybe this is the year to create some new traditions? How about christmas cocktails, puzzles or quizzes? We know that Christmas isn't easy for everyone. If you're struggling this Christmas here are some places you can go for help: Samaritans - call 116 123, free to call any time. Shout - if making a phone call isn't for you, text ‘shout' to 85258for free mental health support 24/7 Papyrus - a suicide prevention charity for anyone under the age of 35. Open 9am-midnight, just call 0800 068 4141 Refuge - a charity supporting anyone experiencing domestic violence Beat - a charity dedicated to helping those with eating disorders, their phonelines will be open 4-8pm over the christmas period, and they also offer web chats if that's easier to access. Sending lots of Christmas love to you all! Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram: @stay_you_boo Hello guys, gals and non-binary pals! We're talking about periods this episode, and it's not just for people who bleed, it's for EVERYONE! It's time to debunk some myths, dispel the shame and learn something new (I know that I did). We cover a lot in this episode and definitely want to get into more detail with some topics! Get ready to hear about shame, products, what's ‘normal', period poverty and SO much more! So buckle up, grab a cuppa and tune in! Here are some resources for learning about the non-binary and trans community, and how they might prefer to be addressed: https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/ https://uihc.org/health-topics/quick-tips-medical-providers-transgender-patients Our favourite content creators to learn a bit more about periods: @gynaegeek @thefoodmedic @theperiodprince @itsaugust And definitely check The Masala Podcast's episode on periods in the South Asian community. Speak out, start the conversation and don't hesitate to ask for help - you are not alone! And remember to stay you boo xoxo Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Instagram: @stay_you_boo Hello you lovely lot! Today we had a good old natter about how we look after ourselves in this weird world! We have a chat about the fact self care is focussed on so many unhelpful things such as aesthetic, spending money, exercising and how it's very female focussed! What personal care looks like has had to change so much over the past months with the global pandemic getting in the way too! And we acknowledge how privileged we are to be able to access certain forms of self care. Some of our ideas for cheaper (or free!) practices: Call a friend Meditate or practice yoga Go for walk Tidy your room Dance around like nobody is watching We also spend some time fangirling Jamela Jamil and her incredible approach to life! Have a look at her insta @jameelajamiloficial and @i_weigh for some inspo! Please leave us your own self care tips and let us know what you think! xo Artwork: @printsbygg Music: Roadtrip by Slynk

Hello, and welcome to Stay You Boo! Listen here to meet your hosts, Sam & Megan, plus get a flavour of what we've got planned for you lovely lot coming up! In the meantime, follow us on Instagram @stay_you_boo and leave us a comment, send us a DM and get involved! Subscribe to be the first to know when we release a new episode, chat to you soon xoxo