In this episode, college student Jaice Abraham investigates the importance of walkability on a college campus and how it can impact students’ quality of life. Jaice invites several University of Illinois students to recount what their lives in their hometowns were like without access to a car, and many expressed feeling trapped and socially restricted. Jaice contrasts this to the lifestyle that may be present on walkable college campuses by talking about how walkable college campuses. Jaice asks students to share how they feel being able to walk to places easily, contributing to the social and academic environment of the campus. Many spoke about the new freedom they hold to socialize, spend free time how they want in a walkable campus community. Finally, Jaice concludes the episode by speaking on the economic, environmental, and social benefits walkability can bring to American cities.

In this episode, Chris Yang showcases Illinois Mock Trial Team, a registered student organization at University of Illinois. Illinois Mock Trial simulates a real trial and students can portray 2 roles: an attorney or a witness. Chris and participants of Mock Trial chat about how they juggle both having fun and competing to have successful outcomes. Chris asks students about their motivations for joining the RSO and gives them a chance to share some of their favorite memories of being a part of the group. Since Mock Trial’s requires a major time commitment, Chris explores how much mock trial becomes a focus point in university life.  We will talk about the differences between invitational and regular season and what different teams do before tournament weekends to prepare and deal with nerves.

Key Words: Mock Trial, Law, RSO, Environment, Competition

In this episode, college student and frequent gym-goer Thomas Locke explores how “gymtimidation”, or intimidation of going to the gym, impacts the experiences of college students and what they do to overcome these feelings of uncertainty and discomfort. Have you ever felt intimidated to go to the gym? If you are intimidated to go to the gym you aren’t alone–– it is quite common, especially when you first go. In college, many individuals decide to explore the gym as a way to release stress and remain healthy, but often face the obstacle of intimidation. Thomas interviews a range of new and experienced gym-goers to gain perspective on this situation. Many say that those with more experience are not judging new people, but instead they are supportive of the fact that they are venturing to the gym. This episode explains the universal experience of gym intimidation, and offers encouragement to those currently facing it.

Key Words: Fitness, Health, Intimidation, Gym-going

Freshmen Elias Newton talks to undergraduates about socializing and substances use, what role do substances play in the forming of authentic connection with peers? This episode draws focus on two people with different experiences using substances. We flip back and forth between two interviewees with contrasting experiences on substance usage and socialization.  The interviews are structured like conversation, where ideas about the function of substances in forming friendships is interrogated and explored.

Keywords: Substances, socialization, alcohol, partying, college experience

In this episode, Avery Bowen discusses a common occurrence among college students: changing majors. In fact, within three years, 30% of undergraduate college students that previously declared a major end up changing their majors (US Department of Education 2017). During this episode, Avery speaks to students who took the plunge to pursue a new major at the University of Illinois. Six undergraduate students discuss their past and current majors, how this decision came to be, and what their lives now look like following this academic switch. Avery also shares some useful resources to learn more about changing majors at the University of Illinois.

Appearing in episode: William Briolat, Katherine Tamayo, Josh Olson, Maria Larmon, Emily Rokicki

Key words: college decisions, major, career training, happiness, changing paths

In this episode, Grace Alongi, a University of Illinois student, focuses on education programs designed to teach students about safety. Grace acknowledges that universities often attempt to prepare their students for the risks of living on a college campus, but is it enough to promote a safe environment? Grace interviews two University of Illinois students about their opinions on the University’s ability to prepare their students. They are asked about the mandatory programs such as FYCARE and ACE IT that are required during freshman year. They are also asked if they feel safe on campus and what precautions they take when going out after dark. Two more students are interviewed and share a personal experiences of feeling unsafe on campus. This episode offers an outlet for students to share their personal experiences and raise awareness.

For more information: https://galongi3.web.illinois.edu/OBMUSafety/

Key Words: Awareness, storytelling, safety, advice, preparation

In this episode, Rithika Bhattaram, a college student enrolled in a Midwestern university, will talk about the growing pressures and stress of going through the recruiting process in college. Rithika interviews students of different grade levels to compare how these pressures has changed over the years and how expectations to work at top companies in the earlier stages of one’s career has increased. Additionally, Rithika inquires how the recruiting process compares to the workload from courses, extracurriculars and how it impacts mental health throughout the process. Interviewees discuss whether they enjoy the work they are doing or if they are trying to enter a field for the sake of prestige, wealth, or peer pressure.

Key Words: Jobs, Internships, Recruiting, College, Interviews

In this episode, Computer Engineering and Physics student Matt Schmitt examines the mental health of college students in a post-COVID world and aims to find effective coping mechanisms like physical activity. Matt speaks with 6 students of different backgrounds: Peter Caboor (Political Science), Evan Lee (Aerospace Engineering), Brendan O'Rourke (Bioengineering), Rohan Shah (Computer Science), Jason Vasko (Electrical Engineering), and Thomas Yoo (Kinesiology). These undergraduates talk about their own mental and physical health, as well as their general knowledge on the subject matter. Matt also gets to speak with Dr. Steven Petruzzello, a professor in the department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois. Dr. Petruzzello provides some insight into the mental health outcomes of physical activity he's seen through his research, as well as some thoughts on physical activity as a treatment for mental health issues.