UofG Sound Tracks

As a student at UofG Richard travelled the UK performing and regularly taking shows to the Edinburgh Fringe, unbelievably he never missed a single lecture or tutorial during his four years of studies. This commitment and drive set him on an award-winning career path as a writer, comedian and actor, and here Richard shares his professional highs and lows. Richard’s 2016 show ‘Monkey See Monkey Do’, written about his experience of being sexually assaulted and his subsequent battles with mental health, won the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award. In this episode Richard talks about his anxiety ahead of performing the show and how writing from a place of personal experience was deeply cathartic. His debut play ‘Baby Reindeer’ premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019 and was another profoundly personal narrative exploring obsession and delusion. The show was Olivier Award nominated in 2020. Richard is also a successful actor, starring in BAFTA-nominated BBC2 drama ‘Against the Law’, in BBC3’s ‘Clique’ and E4’s ‘Tripped’. He has also written episodes on Netflix’s ‘Sex Education’. In this episode Richard shares his tips for budding writers and performers. He encourages you to follow your gut and to write from a place of experience, and explains how hard graft and taking the odd gamble have helped to shape his success. Please note this episode contains references to sexual assault and harassment. What's your soundtrack? With - Alex from Student Theatre at Glasgow (STAG), with 3 awesome tracks to his student theatre journey, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks 

Statistician, political commentator, television chef and author – Liberty Vittert has developed so many strands to her career. In this episode, we travelled to Boston to meet Liberty and to find out how. Liberty is a passionate believer that data can be used for good – and tells us about how the work she has done on the Board of USA for UNHCR, the north American arm of the of Refugee Agency has done just that. Liberty’s research, as a PhD student at UofG, focused on facial shape analysis with Dr Adrian Bowman, who she describes as the ‘greatest supervisor on the planet’. During her time at Glasgow Liberty hosted an STV cookery show and amongst her many accolades was named one of the "Coolest People in Scotland" by the Herald in 2018! Hear Liberty’s thoughts on the importance of learning to use maths, just like we learn to read, and how we can encourage more women and girls to study and work in STEM. Liberty explains how – no matter your background – there are so many opportunities to train and work in stats and data analysis. Liberty also shares awesome advice on finding volunteering opportunities that match your skills and interests and building connections as a PhD student and early career academic. Listen out for a special cameo from Henry – Liberty’s rescue dog who she adopted in Glasgow and now lives with her in Boston! He is officially the first guest pet to appear on Sound Tracks. What's your soundtrack? With - Aine O'Brien, UofG PhD student in Planetary Science who has 3 space-tastic themed songs, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks   

This is the Inside Track on turning your great idea into a world-class business with Darina Garland, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer at Ooni pizza ovens. Are you thinking of creating a prototype of a product idea? Have you ever wondered how much funding to ask for? Have you got a business idea but don’t know where to start? Hear Darina tell how Ooni began as an idea (and a desire for great pizza!) in her backyard, to a simple scrappy prototype and now the fastest growing company in Scotland selling outdoor pizza ovens all over the world. Get the low down on how Darina and her team have used crowdfunding campaigns to fund innovative new products, to test new ideas with customers and backers and to grow the ‘Ooni-verse’. Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks 

Get the Inside Track on an early career mindset. Not everyone has ‘always known’ what they want to do and even if you do… it might be altogether different when you get there. In this episode, Dan tackles four different myths surrounding the early career decision making process. Myth 1 – You have to know what you want to do, to be successful. Myth 2 – The hardest part is getting your foot in the door Myth 3 – You have to specialise to become valuable. Myth 4 – Networking is all there is to getting ahead Listen to him bust 4 myths, share his personal experience working at Ernst and Young in London and give lots of practical tips along the way – all in under 10 minutes!

Get the Inside Track on building your personal brand. Cat Hepburn has a portfolio career as a voice over artist, script writer and spoken word performer. Having started her personal brand early on, she’s sharing all her top tips on how to get started, how to use social media to best effect and how to ensure you’re staying true to yourself. Cat talks Instagram culls, Bryony Gordon and how to start a website if you’re not tech savvy… so if you need to work on your personal brand, press play!  Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks 

When Kevin Sneader submitted his application to McKinsey, one of the world’s largest consultancy firms, as a UofG law graduate, he couldn’t have known it was the start of a career that would span decades, cross continents and ultimately take him to Hong Kong, where he is now Global Managing Partner. In this latest episode of UofG Sound Tracks, Kezia travelled to Hong Kong and met Kevin at the McKinsey office to hear about his incredible career journey. From technology and artificial intelligence to the global climate crisis, Kevin touches on some of the major issues facing the world, and the global workforce, today. He explains what skills good leaders need to have and why. Plus he shares how effective time management can help to ensure that we all pursue our passions and get away from the daily grind. Kevin describes himself as an optimist - and he truly is! His belief in the power of curiosity, seizing opportunities and being yourself is something we can all learn from. Listen out for: Kevin’s top tips for good leaders What Kevin thinks young professionals of today will be facing in the new working world Kevin's advice for standing out What's your soundtrack? With - Florian, GU Consultancy Society President with 3 fantastic songs, now added to the UofG SoundTracks Spotify playlist! For resources and links to take next steps visit www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks 

Jordan Daly co-founded the campaign group and charity Time for Inclusive Education (TIE). TIE has one aim: to tackle homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia with LGBT-inclusive education in schools. Jordan’s experience growing of up as a young gay man, and his feeling of isolation at his most desperate helped to shape the work that TIE do in schools. In this episode Jordan tells the incredible story of TIE and how he took the organisation from grass roots campaigning to making LGBT history, it all started with one petition. Hear how Jordan balanced his second-year UofG studies, alongside working part time and launching the campaign. Hear how he learnt to navigate the Scottish Parliament, to meet MSPs and persuade them to support the TIE campaign. Jordan shares how he looks after himself in the face of social media criticism and attacks from anonymous accounts. You’ll get insights from TIE’s innovative digital campaigns, including how they used social media as an integral campaign tool to gain traction amongst politicians, young people and teachers. Jordan even offers up the TIE press release template! Listen out for: How TIE made history in LGBT history month How Jordan handles social media trolls What’s next for Jordan and TIE What's your soundtrack: With Ali Noble UofG History student who's making it easier for students to give to charity More info and episode links at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

UofG grad and Human Rights Barrister Isabel must have made one of the most brave post-graduation decisions covered on the Sound Tracks Podcast. At age 23, after graduating from the Law School, Isabel went to work in Pakistan, on death row. In this episode, Isabel discusses the decisions she made along the way to becoming the Barrister she is today and how it’s a balance of listening to your gut and then analysing the available information that works for her.  Isabel has written an award-winning book – Trials on Death Row in Pakistan – which documents her transformative experience working in a new legal chambers in Lahore.  From UofG law student, to lawyer, to author, to Barrister… the verdict is unanimous that Isabel’s story is not one you can skip.  What's your soundtrack: With Scott James Meyer. More info and episode links at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks

Check our Erin's bio and recommended career resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/erinmacdonald/ In this episode of Sound Tracks you’ll hear from Dr Erin Macdonald the self-confessed ‘tattooed Scottish-American N7 Slytherin Rebel from Starfleet’. Not sure what to make of that? Then take a listen! Dr Erin is the awesome host of YouTube series Dr Erin Explains the Universe, where she explores space science found in our favourite sci-fi TV shows, movies, books, and video games. She is a science fiction consultant to the entertainment industry where her specialty focuses on the use of general relativity in sci-fi through faster-than-light travel, artificial gravity, alternate universes and more. Erin tells us about how she fulfilled her life goal…. of becoming a warp drive expert! If you’re not sure what that means… nor did Rosie. Listen out for: How comedy improv classes helped Erin to gain confidence, her tips for improving your communication skills and the reality of ‘faking it until you make it’ in Hollywood. What’s your Soundtrack?: This week we ask UofG PhD candidate Anna Henschel to pick 3 songs along the theme of  science! Anna also tells us about her research exploring human interaction with robots.

Check our Neil's bio and recommended career resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/neiloliver ‘That guy from Coast’, Neil Oliver, has one of the most recognisable voices to give you sound advice in this latest episode. Archaeologist-broadcaster-author-journalist... he’s carved out a unique niche for himself in his multi-hyphen career and he’s about to give you the tools he used to do it. Listen out for: Neil’s advice for those in a job they’re not in love with, what he thinks about career planning and how he’s used contacts, connections and friends all the way along his journey. What’s your Soundtrack?: this week we ask UofG Future World Changer Student Kenny to pick 3 songs along the theme of Neil’s career! Is this the trickiest challenge yet? Find out how Kenny got on and more about his own archaeological project.

Get the Inside Track on making meaningful connections, with UofG Grad Paul Kay, who founded his own company Perfect Ink Media after working as the Managing Editor of Hong Kong Tatler! Paul gives three tips – that anyone can use – to break the ice, establish rapport and put your best foot forward with someone new. Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks/makingmeaningfulconnections

Get the inside track on future skills, with UofG Grad David Timis - EU Civic Outreach Fellow at Google. David suggests tools for your learning, describes what the future looks like in the age of AI, and gives us lots of (let’s face it – much needed) hope for how we can all adapt our skills and mindsets in the world’s most technologically advanced work place. Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks/futureskills

Get the inside track on aligning your career with your passion, with UofG Grad Mark Ross – Finance Director EMEA at sports brand Under Armour in Amsterdam. Mark talks you through how to show your passion at interview, suggests ways that he develops passionate members of his team and shares his insight into combining his Accountancy profession with his love of sport.  Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks/aligningyourcareerwithyourpassion

Get the inside track on managing Impostor Syndrome and building confidence, with UofG Grad Mairi McMartin – Knowledge Lawyer at Linklaters in Brussels. Mairi’s episode will make you laugh out loud and connect with your inner child again as she takes us right back to Primary School to explore some of the ways Imposter Syndrome can take hold. With three top tips that you can action today – this is an episode not to be skipped! Resources and references from this episode can be found at www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks/impostorsyndrome  

Get the inside track on getting your first job abroad, with European Commission Comms Officer, Rosie Birchard. Rosie talks you through each step of the way, from skype interviews and CVs to what to pack and how to make friends in a new city. Listening to her practical tips and tricks will equip you with everything you need to go abroad – and likely abroad again, and again, and again! Resources and references from this episode can be found at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks/gettingyourfirstjobabroad

More info about Shiona and how to connect with her on our webpages at: www.gla.ac.uk/soundtracks In this first episode of Season 3 of Sound Tracks hosts Rosie and Kezia recorded in the BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat studio with Shiona McCallum, reporter and UofG law grad. Shiona’s role as a reporter covering stories across the UK, interviewing and investigative journalism, and broadcasting live on air on Radio one. Shiona also has a real deep interest and love for country music – which has led to her writing for magazines and presenting a new country music on Radio 2. Working in Scotland in Inverness at Moray Firth Radio – she got her first ‘on air’ miles under her belt and from there has worked in the Middle East, Scotland and now in the capital city! In order to work for Radio One ‘the pinnacle of youth broadcasting’ … she moved down to London, taking a risk and leaving behind a secure job in Glasgow. She listened to the voice inside her that said ‘go for it’ and she’ll encourage you to listen to it too.   Listen out for: How a tweet led to her big career break at BBC Radio 1 What Shiona misses as a Scottish lass in London What’s your SoundTrack? This week UofG Student Peter Standfast gives us three songs describing his recent Amsterdam trip where he spent 2 weeks on a work shadow placement with future podcast guest Mark Ross!

This special episode of Sound Tracks was recorded live at Drygate Distillery, in front of an audience of 100 students and alumni. UofG Arts Grad Helen studied English Literature and Language in Glasgow, all the while brewing ideas for diversifying her family farm back home in Pitlochry. Today, she is both forager and founder at Badvo Distillery - successfully launching a unique Scottish Gin range and distilling not only great products, but the true essence of entrepreneurship along the way too! Listen out for: Helen's challenging experiences as a female in the drinks industry, the key role one of her lecturers played and her top tips for success.  Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Anita's bio and recommended careers resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/anitachaudhuri   Anita Chaudhuri is a UofG Drama grad who’s now Associate Editor of Psychologies Magazine and a long-standing journalist in the arts and current affairs. In this episode Anita talks openly about what she’s learnt from writing for some of the UK’s biggest newspapers and magazines.   Listen out for: What Anita thinks are the biggest issues facing our career development today, her pet social media hates and her top celeb interviews! What's your soundtrack? We ask Victoria Monari, Who's founded Make Official Magazine.  Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

John Tiffany is one of UofG’s most prestigious alumni working in the creative arts. He’s worked on internationally acclaimed productions, winning numerous accolades including two Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards! In this very special episode of Sound Tracks we hear about John’s journey from a UofG Biology student, to becoming Associate Director at the National Theatre of Scotland and most recently Directing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This funny and thought-provoking discussion is packed with John’s advice for aspiring young creatives and how to truly shine at auditions and interviews, the challenges of getting into the arts today and the importance of diversity in the sector.   Listen out for: How he brought the magic of Harry Potter to life using Victorian illusions and how he really feels on a show’s opening night. Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Ben's bio and recommended careers resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/benmervis/ Food historian, researcher and editor Ben Mervis, came to Glasgow studying on a year abroad - and stayed! In this episode you'll hear how Ben used the skills from his history degree to create a multi-hyphen career around one of his passions: food.  Working for Noma, Netflix's Chef's Table and now having launched Fare Magazine - Ben's followed his gut throughout.  We joined him for a foodie chat looking back at his journey as he serves up some great career insight and advice. Whet your appetite for this one! Listen out for: Ben's tips on networking, an insight into the superlative watermelon experience and how to put your UofG Degree skills to best use.  What's your soundtrack? A cheesey playlist from the UofG Cheese Society President Matthew. Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Linda's bio and recommended careers resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/lindadecaestecker/ UofG Grad Linda De Caestecker is the Director of Public Health for Greater Glasgow and Clyde, a career which she moved into after working as a Doctor both at home and abroad.  Now an Honorary Professor, Charity Trustee and important local figurehead, Linda explains what Public Health really means in it’s broadest sense – and how you can build a career in it too.  We talk through some of the big health issues that shape all our lives and hear Linda's big career takeaways (not the Friday night pizza variety!) Listen out for: Linda’s insight into types of leaders, advice on getting into Public Health no matter what you studied – plus, her confession in a very relatable Myth Buster! What’s your soundtrack?: We ask Jamie, a UofG Future World Changer student with a mission to bring Love back into the Care System. Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Jude's bio and recommended careers resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/judepullen/ Jude Pullen is an award-winning Product Design Engineer and Technologist with a fascination for solving unconventional problems – both mechanical and human. Jude has worked for brands like Dyson, Speck Design, Sugru and is now currently working for Lego. From fire-fighting robots and Superman Space-pods, to medical devices for the NHS and life-changing inventions for terminally ill children… Jude has worked on a diverse range of challenging projects across the world.   Listen out for: how Jude almost designed himself out of a job, his insights into how to make the most of second chances and how a 3.00pm beer could transform your career prospects. What's your Soundtrack: We ask Chrissy, current President of the UofG Engineering Society! Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check our Mark's bio and recommended careers resources: www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/markbeaumont/ In this final episode of Sound Tracks season 1, UofG politics and economics graduate Mark Beaumont talks us through what it takes to break the circumnavigation cycling world records not once but twice! We unpick what ‘success’ actually means, get his tips on work-life balance plus hear about the journey he took before his world-record breaking ones. What’s your Soundtrack? We ask GUSA President Paddy to share his favourite tunes for working out and chilling out. Listen out for: How we can make stress and pressure work in our favour and how launching a start-up and planning a record breaking endurance adventure have more in common than you might think. Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Bev has over two decades of experience as a writer and broadcaster for web, tabloid, magazine, broadsheet, TV and radio. She founded the daily Razz pages for the Scottish Daily Record newspaper covering entertainment and has written for the Glasgow Evening News. A familiar voice on our radio and television Bev has appeared on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Clyde, STV and so many more! Today, Bev blogs on her site www.theshowbizlion.com (check it out for all the latest news and gossip from Glasgow) and her Instagram stories are guaranteed to feature a familiar face or two. In this episode Bev tells Rosie and Kez about how far she will – and has – gone for an exclusive scoop. Her tales of celebrity encounters are not to be missed! What’s your Soundtrack? We ask QMU President Mata to share her favourite tunes from the QMU’s incredible music heritage, there’s so many to pick from! Listen out for: How One Direction took Bev’s career in a new direction, the time George Clooney was a true gent (which we all knew he was!) and our first adulting fail to feature an international superstar. Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Kian's Bio and recommended resources here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/kiangolzari/ Kian Golzari has personally sourced and manufactured over 2,500 products for brands such as Tesco, Panasonic, United Nations, Google and more! So his insight into business as a product developer and entrepreneur is not to be missed! Today, Kian is in business with LeBron James and Neymar as a Partner in Active Dreamers - a connection made during his year studying abroad in Miami. And now he's on yet another adventure, launching an innovative new travel brand, Veltra.  What's your Soundtrack? We ask Cal - study abroad returning student and all round extra-curricular super star! Listen out for: How to use Instagram DMs for business, manufacturing myths about China and Kian renaming our Adulting Fail segment.  Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Amal's Bio and recommended resources here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/amalazzudin/ Amal Azzudin is a Human Rights campaigner and Social Justice Activist now working for the Mental Health Foundation and as an ambassador for the Scottish Refugee Council. Amal's passion for human rights and social justice began when she rose to fame as one of the Glasgow Girls in 2005 after campaigning against dawn raids, and the detention and deportation of asylum seekers in Glasgow.  What's your Soundtrack? We ask Fatemeh, Student Support Officer at the SRC!  Listen out for: Amal's Mum making a milestone phonecall, an interesting way to pay for the bus and what happened to Kez's sleeve on the way to the interview.  Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Mick's Bio here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/mickcooke/ In this episode we hear from Mick Cooke, the UofG Pharmacology graduate who found his feet as a musician whilst studying at Glasgow and went on to spend 15 years with iconic indie band Belle and Sebastian. Since leaving the band, Mick has gone on to become a successful composer for children’s television. Mick shares his advice for building connections in the creative industries and reminds us how important it is to pick ourselves up and get out there, even after a knock back… you never know where it might take you (in Mick’s case it took him to the Brits, where he and his fellow band mate picked up a Best Newcomers award). What's your Soundtrack? We ask Scott Kirby, SVP for Student Activities.  Listen out for: Why Mick feels his UofG Life Science degree still helps him today in the music industry, what happened when Mick played along side Sir Paul McCartney and where that Brit Award is now! Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Check out Corien's Bio and recommended resources at : https://www.gla.ac.uk/alumni/welcomehome/soundtracks/corienstaels/ UofG business grad Corien Staels, Founder of Staels Design ltd. trading as Wheelair - is an impressive source of inspiration. In this episode, hosts Rosie and Kez caught up with her while she was back in the UK on business after an exciting year for her product.  Corien's Dragons' Den experience was described by Peter Jones as 'pitch perfect' and today she's still travelling all over the world developing and marketing her incredible idea that won Peter's praise. With her pragmatic approach to tackling the commercial world and her determination to inspire other young business women - she's on a sound track to lots more success.  What's your Soundtrack? We ask Moa Schafer, ASBS Business Briefings Host. Listen out for: Corien's Dad's thoughts on her hair, Kez vs Corien on Parallel parking ... and a shout out for the UofG Enterprise team!   Sound Tracks is supported by The Network - UofG's exclusive online community for students, graduates and staff. Join at bit.ly/TheUofGNetwork

Sound Tracks is the fortnightly podcast brought to you by UofG Careers and Alumni, that’s jam-packed with sound advice from our graduate world-changers to help keep your career on track. Join hosts Kezia and Rosie as they take your on a tour with awesome alumni all over the world to share their career journey. From side hustles and social enterprises to surviving freelance, creating social, creative and scientific impact, to surviving the big city living around the globe. Our alumni guests will share their career highs, lows and everything in between! In each episode, you’ll be sure to get the inside track with industry insights, practical ideas and honest advice. It’s the must-have soundtrack to your career journey.