Major Insight
73 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsFind your place and purpose on campus. Honest conversations between college students about choosing majors, getting involved, making friends, finding faculty mentorship, overcoming fears, and more.
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Episodes
College Success Isn’t Brain Science (But It Can Be!)
April 10, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBThe 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. Feat...
Accomplishing Everything Everywhere All at Once
March 19, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBMarguerite 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 E...
Finding Your Own Personal Win
February 27, 2024 11:00 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBOrin 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: ...
Making College Feel Like Home
February 24, 2024 23:44 - 25 minutes - 34.5 MBNyah 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, Publi...
The Ice Breaker Ep. (or Having Fun Conversations in College)
January 19, 2024 15:02 - 12 minutes - 17.2 MBBefore every episode of Major Insight, we start with ice breakers. It’s just a way to have fun, to get warmed up, and to get to know each other a little better. So on this special episode, get ready to hear college students answer some of the least important questions of our time.
A Game-Changing Guide to Personal Growth
December 05, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBCollege 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...
Staging Success in Film and in Life
November 07, 2023 12:36 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBActing 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
Aspiring to Inspire for Generations to Come
October 24, 2023 10:15 - 18 minutes - 25 MBLauren 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, ...
The Road to Recovery Leads to Opportunity
October 10, 2023 10:05 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBAvery 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: Miam...
Surviving Culture Shock (Part 1: Studying Abroad)
September 26, 2023 09:54 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBMaya 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, Insi...
Oh, How You’ll Grow (Part 2: Studying Away)
September 26, 2023 09:30 - 20 minutes - 28.3 MBStudying 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, Theate...
Mental Health in College: A Student Roundtable
September 05, 2023 10:15 - 33 minutes - 46.7 MBMental 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 Organi...
Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Yourself
August 08, 2023 10:30 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBCollege 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.
Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Community
July 18, 2023 10:15 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBHave 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.
The Sounds of College Life
June 13, 2023 10:15 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBTake 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.
Great Game Design + Finding Friends Over Time
May 01, 2023 10:15 - 15 minutes - 21.2 MBGianni 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
Embracing Uncertainty in Your Environment
April 11, 2023 10:15 - 20 minutes - 27.9 MBUncertainly 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 ...
The Domino Effect of Success and Social Support
March 27, 2023 10:23 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBNever 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...
Finding Yourself Through Film and Philosophy
March 06, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 34.1 MBIt 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 Hollywoo...
Artfully Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
February 16, 2023 17:51 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBZoë 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 Th...
Daring to Dream of Neural Networks
February 01, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 26 MBBen 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 f...
Making Media That Matters
December 01, 2022 11:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBMakenzie 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...
When Acting on Intuition Takes Center Stage
November 10, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBTheatre 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 stude...
Letting College Growth Unfold Naturally
October 24, 2022 10:00 - 16 minutes - 22.2 MBWhen 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 t...
How One Email Can Change Everything
October 06, 2022 10:02 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBWhen Eckhardt Karsten ‘24 first took the initiative 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. Fea...
Finding a Voice through a Love of Languages
September 20, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBAfter 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 tr...
Creating Connections Across Campus
August 30, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBOn 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.
Advice for My First-year Self: Getting Involved
August 01, 2022 08:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBHear 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.
Advice for My First-year Self: Leaving Home
July 18, 2022 09:00 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBHear stories from students who found themselves away from home for the first time, trying to make new friends, and learning how to adapt and thrive in new and unfamiliar environments. As we prepare to bring you a new season of Major Insight this fall, part one of this special summer series shares some of the best advice from the podcast so far.
A Revitalization of Knowing, Speaking, and Being
May 23, 2022 09:00 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBGretchen Spenn is highly involved in the academic and cultural sides of campus life. As a Kinesiology and Nutrition major, she combines her interests in sport and physical activity with a deeper understanding of how nutritional needs change as we grow and age. Gretchen is also a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, which is commemorating a 50-year-long partnership with Miami University this year. Her work is helping to strengthen the relationship between the two Miamis by promoting the lang...
The Zen of Building Confidence and Character: On and Off the Court
May 03, 2022 10:51 - 26 minutes - 36.3 MBWil Stevens ‘23 has come a long way from his Chicago neighborhood to Miami University, where he plays on the Men’s Basketball team and studies East Asian Languages & Culture. On this episode, he also talks about discovering his interest in East Asian culture, how to balance athletics with academics, and how he’s building confidence and character, and all while staying true to himself.
From the Dance Floor To Psychology and More
April 15, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBAfter seeing how the pressures of ballet dancing affected the mental health of many close friends, Kristina Miljkovic ‘22 became interested in psychology. Today, psychology continues to influence her work with the Research on Eating Disorders and Suicidality Lab (REDS), and she’s added a public health degree to help even more people live healthier, happier lives. On this episode, Kristina also talks about avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to others and the importance of taking things o...
Finding Harmony Between Animals and Music
April 04, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBMusic performance and zoology define two different sides of James Lukenda ‘23. He is not only studying animals in an academic setting, he’s also the first violin in the Miami University Symphony Orchestra. James is also highly active on campus as the VP of the Miami University Audubon Bird-Watchers Society, and on this episode, hear how his different interests work together in surprising ways, how music has improved many aspects of his life, and how a lifelong love of animals is preparing h...
How Nursing Becomes a Labor of Love
March 17, 2022 08:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBMolly Ferguson ‘23 discovered her passion for nursing early on. When a memorable experience at a young age showed her the difference a caring and compassionate nurse can make, she knew she wanted to have that same impact on patients and families one day. On this episode, Molly also talks about balancing her major with student organizations, and about how rewarding it can be to find a career dedicated to helping others. Featured Majors: Nursing (BSN) Featured Organizations: Miami Oxford S...
Venture Into the Metaverse with a Web 3.0 Startup
March 02, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 45.3 MBStartup entrepreneurship is an area that Blake Faulkner ‘23 knows well. As a junior, Blake is already working on scaling up his own venture-backed startup called Bloxsmith -- a Web 3.0 company that provides an innovative marketplace for metaverse game developers. Blake is also highly involved in Miami’s student-led venture capital fund, Redhawk Ventures. And on this episode, he talks about the road that led to Bloxsmith, overcoming the challenges of building a new business, and how more st...
Following a Passion for Teaching and Travel
February 17, 2022 09:00 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBTeaching is almost a family tradition for Olivia Casey ‘22. As a Middle Childhood Education major, Olivia is preparing to teach math and social studies and she’s part of the Urban Cohort, where she collaborates with high-needs local schools. She is also all about studying abroad, and became passionate about traveling after visiting MUDEC, Miami’s campus in Luxembourg. On this episode, she also talks about the life-changing impact of experiencing new cultures, the joys of teaching, and how t...
Designing a Lifestyle Brand Through Social Media Marketing
January 31, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.6 MBEmily Coyne is already a successful YouTuber, entrepreneur, and influencer who runs the popular lifestyle, fashion and digital media company, emilyOandbows. At Miami, Emily is also an Emerging Technology in Business + Design major, which is providing the graphic design, social media marketing, and business skills to take her company to the next level. When she’s not sharing parts of her life one vlog at a time, she’s also active on campus as part of the Student Foundation, her sorority, and ...
How to Architect a Sustainable Future
November 24, 2021 15:59 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBAs an architecture major, Julie Bohlen ‘22 is passionate about community-focused projects that champion sustainable designs. Her work recently earned her 1st place in the 2021 American Institute of Architects Ohio Student Design Awards for her project called “Eviction to Empowerment: Shared Housing in Milwaukee’s Inner City.” Julia is also a member of the Miami University Botanical Society, and she’s a great example of how college can help students combine creative thinking with an analyti...
Finding the Social Support to Succeed in Sales, Finance, and in School
November 01, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBAs a first-generation student, Clinton Ransom ‘22 came to college with a background that was different from many of those he would meet on campus. But that didn’t stop him from pursing his interests in business and finance. After an internship at Rocket Mortgage landed him a job at the Chicago real estate firm Marcus & Millichap, Clinton knew that sales was the right career choice for him. On this episode, we talk about learning how to thrive in a new and unfamiliar environment, the networ...
Making Education Accessible for All Learners
October 15, 2021 07:00 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBMary Culp ’21 has deep convictions about making education accessible for all learners, and she is well on her way to becoming a special education teacher. In this episode, Mary talks about discovering her passion for teaching, the joys of working with students, her work with trauma-informed schooling practices, and the power of “learning by doing.” We’ll also talk about adjusting to college life after moving away from home, overcoming the need to compare yourself to others, and about how...
The Major League Potential of Connecting Business and Sport Analytics
October 01, 2021 07:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBData is completely transforming the way we watch and play sports, and Caroline Brega is interested in how this “analytics revolution” connects her knowledge of business and her passion for sport. Outside the classroom, Caroline has worked with the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of Miami University’s inaugural Sport Analytics Summer Academy, and she was selected by Major League Baseball to be a part of its Society for American Baseball Research. On this episode, she also talks about how her ...
When Photography and Fashion Meet Business Analytics and Marketing
September 16, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBAnnie David ‘22 is always searching for ways to combine creativity and analytics. As a senior studying marketing and business, Annie is also passionate about a career in fashion and photography. She is also the Creative Director at Up Magazine, Miami University's sophisticated student-run fashion & lifestyle publication, and the former VP of marketing for Advancing Women in Entrepreneurship. On this episode, she also talks about overcoming the uncertainly of being a freshman and how joinin...
Balancing Biomedical Engineering, Virtual Reality, and Video Games
September 01, 2021 07:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBImagine smart prosthetics that anticipate and respond to the user. Unlocking the secrets of human balance inside virtual worlds. Or combining computer programing with genetic engineering. It may sound like science fiction. But it’s all part of the college experience for Gabe Lenneman ‘22. As a senior studying Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics, Gabe also competes on the waterski team and plays on the varsity eSports team. On this episode, he also talks about finding the courage to t...
How to Discover the Illuminating and Life-Changing Opportunities of College
May 25, 2021 07:00 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBCollege is always a time of growth, transition, and change. As podcast host Peter Everett ‘21 prepares for life after graduation, this episode also marks a chance to welcome Jason Meggyesy ‘22 as the new host of Major Insight. Jason is interested in using a variety of media and communications platforms to build and strengthen connections with people. And on this episode, he also speaks about overcoming a fear of failure, and about all the illuminating and life-changing opportunities that c...
For the Love of Human Movement, High-Tech Health and Medicine
May 11, 2021 06:00 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBAfter a career-ending injury derailed her plans to play college soccer, Grace Chaney used the experience as an opportunity to find her true passions in biomechanics, orthopedics, and medicine. As a kinesiology and premed double major, Grace has served as an undergraduate fellow at the Mayo Clinic, and her award-winning research has already helped busy people find new ways to squeeze in effective workouts. On this episode, she also talks about working towards medical school, some innovative...
How Art Education Can Make a Powerful Impact
April 30, 2021 07:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBAs an artist and educator, Lucy Osborne ‘22 is always excited share her love of art with others. As art education and art therapy double major, Lucy uses art to enhance the development of children, as well as the well-being of older adults with alzheimer's and dementia. She’s also an award-winning recipient of the Ohio Art Education Association scholarship. On this episode, she also talks about not only finding, but also maintaining a passion for your chosen major, the life-changing differ...
Balancing Athletics, Academics, and AI: From Tennis Courts to Computer Code
April 13, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBJanelle Ghanem ‘21 has become extraordinarily adept at balancing two very different worlds. As a member of the Miami Women’s tennis team, Janelle was named an All-Academic Scholar-Athlete, while also studying computer science and engineering. She has already gained experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning at the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and as a software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase. On this episode, she also talks about balanc...
Connecting the Dots Between Nutrition and Sustainability
March 26, 2021 05:00 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBOlivia Ferrazza seamlessly connects her interests in nutrition, food insecurity, and environmental sustainability. But it didn’t happen overnight. Olivia began college on a very different path before she learned how to put all the pieces together. As a nutrition major, and a food systems & food studies co-major, she is now the co-president of Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection, and she serves on the Student Sustainability Committee with other green campus org presidents. On ...
Increasing Access for First Gen Students and Citizens
February 18, 2021 06:00 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBAmitoj Kaur understands how to seize every opportunity that comes her way. As a freshman, she was appointed by the governor of Ohio to serve on Miami University’s Board of Trustees, where she advocates for the student experience. Amitoj is also a first generation college student, who helps others navigate the transition into university life. And on this episode, she also talks about combining her interests in design, marketing, and policy to create more accessibility for immigrants, and for ...
Manufacturing Innovation Between Engineering and Business
December 01, 2020 07:00 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBAs a mechanical and manufacturing engineering double major, Laura Mayer is fascinated by how things work, how they’re put together, and how they can be built even better. Laura is also interested in exploring the connections between engineering and business. And on this episode, she talks about discovering her passion for engineering, her mission to get more young women interested in the field, her research on 3D printing, and how engineering relates to so many hidden aspects of life. Fe...