In this episode, Heidi and Scott speak with Dan Richards, an elite athlete and OU student who received a Disabled Veterans Scholarship with The Open University in 2023. After serving in The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and later Afghanistan, Dan had a devastating motorbike accident which caused him to lose almost a quarter of his body. However, Dan refused to let ‘one bad day’ (his words) dictate the rest of his life. He soon began his progress back to recovery and to the military. After three more years, Dan was medically discharged, and after returning to live with his mum, a mixture of unemployment and depression caused him to question his future. However, a new job opportunity through Capstar Services and his relentless pursuit of his fitness goals (running, rowing and cycling), led him to the Invictus Games. He later joined The Open University in 2023 to study BSc (Hons) Sports, Fitness and Coaching. Dan’s story is one of perseverance, grit and determination, and one which we know will inspire so many. Be sure to follow him on Instagram @theonearmedwonder.

Please note, this episode details physical injury and includes two references to suicide.

In this special edition of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi speaks to Rebekah. Rebekah is a mother to three children and is a year away from completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with The Open University. She is a full-time carer to her eldest son, who requires 24/7 support, and was awarded a Carers Scholarship through the OU. In this inspiring conversation, Rebekah shares an array of insights into how she manages her time, stays motivated and outlines the barriers facing those looking to practise Law, especially women with caring responsibilities. This episode is designed to celebrate the amazing women out there raising their children while studying with the OU. Happy Mother’s Day. We would like to extend a huge thanks to our producer on this podcast, Sophie Hoyle, who works in the OU’s Development Office.

Enjoying the series? Be sure to rate us on whichever platform you download the podcast on and if you have any feedback, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk.

In this Student Hub Live podcast special, Heidi and Scott speak with Ayr, an OU student who has already completed a degree is Psychology and is now on to the next, History. Ayr overcame a series of personal difficulties when studying, and uses education as a positive mechanism for coping with challenging times. Please note that in this episode, Ayr discusses grief, including the loss of a sibling and parent. Ayr also outlines the adversity faced by young people with special educational needs struggling to be seen and understood in ill-equipped mainstream schools. It wasn’t until Ayr was almost thirty that formal diagnoses were finally made, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, meaning that finally, support could be put in place, and Ayr could thrive. Ayr sees the OU as a route to mental wellbeing and happiness for so many and encourages everyone to give it a try.

In the first episode of 2025, Heidi and Scott discuss how they stay motivated throughout January (not an easy task!) Scott draws on his planning routine to stay on top of things while Heidi opts to prioritise rest where possible to maintain her energy levels (coupled with her favourite hobby, feeding the birds and squirrels in her garden). There are huge changes underway for Scott who discusses his fantastic new teaching role following his move out of London and back to the countryside, stepping back from his 16-year career as a personal trainer. Heidi updates us on her PhD (now four months’ in) and outlines the challenges of studying at this level. Plus, as ever, this episode is filled with tips and advice on getting through your studies. Why not make yourself a cup of tea, get comfy and come and join Heidi and Scott for this month’s episode?

If you have any feedback on the podcast or if you would like to get involved, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk

In this very special episode of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi and Scott speak with Rob Moore, an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As one of our main Student Hub Live presenters, you will likely to know Rob as the reassuring, kind host who joins us from his ‘study shack’. However, what few students may realise, is that Rob has been dedicated to supporting OU students for over twenty years and has helped literally thousands to succeed.

Did you know, Rob’s role sees him supporting OU students serving prison sentences? Plus, students serving in active war zones? In this episode, Rob also shares details of quite how varied and fulfilling his role as an Open University Associate Lecturer is, plus the details of the most memorable graduation ceremony (featuring a rather lovely celebrity guest) and talks about the importance of connecting with other students where you can.

Heidi and Scott would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback on today’s show, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk and don’t forget to follow former OU student Scott from Mad About History on Tik Tok and Instagram.

In the final episode of the Student Hub Live Podcast: Summer Edition, Scott outlines the fascinating history of Stonehenge and stresses the importance of caring for historical sites and artefacts.

Plus, Heidi and Scott ask each other a series of questions, including what courses they would design if they could, what they would title their autobiographies, which fictional character they would have dinner with, the superpowers they would choose and one piece of advice they would give. Finally, they promote the importance of mental wellbeing. Remember, as an Open University student you have access to extensive mental health support, including the OU's wellbeing app and free access to the Shout 85258 text support service. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're having a hard time, The Open University is always here for you.

If you've enjoyed the series and would like to hear more from Heidi and Scott, please let us know by emailing studenthub@open.ac.uk.

In today's episode, the penultimate in our Student Hub Live Podcast Summer Edition series, Heidi puts Scott on the spot and tests his Open University knowledge. We would love for you to join in wherever you are listening to the podcast, let us know your score via studenthub@open.ac.uk. If you'd like to find out more facts about the OU or verify any of the answers in today's quiz, click here.

Plus, in our 'World Wide Webber' feature, Scott provides an overview on the Battle of Hastings in response to a query from OU student Steve (rather fitting considering William the Conqueror is Scott's 28th Great Grandad!)

In this episode, Heidi and Scott discuss how to bounce back from disappointment, especially university grades which don’t align with your expectations! They talk about how to shift your perspective and use setbacks as an opportunity for growth. They explore some of the issues faced by students who have to sacrifice time with their families and how to manage feelings of ‘letting down’ those around you. Scott talks about studying during lockdown and offers advice on how to help communicate the demands of study with your significant other. Finally, he outlines the origin of Rome in response to a request by Charlotte who sent a DM on Instagram for the podcast’s new feature, the World Wide Webber, where Scott, a history expert, condenses a significant period in history into three minutes.

With only two episodes remaining in the summer series, don’t hesitate to get in touch using studenthub@open.ac.uk.