Campus Chronicles

Unwind from a long day of academia with Brooke and the Campus Chronicles team, your trusted companions in your student journey.

From inspirational stories, profound insights and practical advice that will fuel your success both in and out of the classroom, Campus Chronicles is your reliable friend and mentor, ready to enlighten and inspire you.

Each week we immerse you in heartening conversations that will deepen your understanding of student life and equip you with invaluable knowledge.

Campus Chronicles is a podcast that truly understands and caters to the essence of student life.

Do you ever feel like your path isn’t going as planned? In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we dive into the journey of Dwight Riddick, founder of Max Potential Coaching and Speaking Academy. From the highs of being a promising high school athlete to the crushing reality of setbacks in college, Dwight opens up about navigating unexpected challenges.

Dwight shares his personal story of resilience—getting cut from the basketball team, facing delays, and battling feelings of inadequacy. But through it all, he found ways to turn setbacks into comebacks. Discover how he used visual motivation, small goals, and the power of supportive relationships to reclaim his path.

Have you ever stopped to wonder how gender shapes the way we communicate? In this episode of Campus Chronicles, I am joined down once again with the insightful Katie Binger to dig deeper into the world of gender and communication. From breaking down stereotypes to exploring the nuances that often get overlooked, we tackle the age-old misconceptions about how men and women 'should' talk.

Katie challenges the binary approach to communication and shares her own experiences, offering a fresh perspective on how society influences the way we interact—whether in the classroom, in relationships, or on social media.

Together, we explore the dangers of sticking to rigid gender roles and discuss how we can foster better, more authentic connections.

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to go back to school and start fresh? In this episode, we sit down with Chris Webb—entrepreneur, creator, and investor—who took the plunge and returned to academia in his late 30s. Chris opens up about his journey from navigating life in various industries to mastering economics and data analysis, all while balancing financial stability and a supportive relationship.

What drove him back to the classroom? How did he overcome the fear of fitting into a rigorous academic environment? Chris shares the personal challenges, wins, and lessons learned from tackling compressed courses and embracing the unknown. He reflects on the importance of strong support networks, honest mentors, and the wisdom that comes from seeking informed guidance rather than external validation.

Whether you’re considering a career change or just need motivation to stay the course, Chris shares valuable advice, from networking tips to mastering the fundamentals of your field, reflections on perseverance, personal growth, and how to turn fear into fuel for success.

What if the key to thriving through academic stress isn’t just working harder—but practicing gratitude?

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, I sit down with Earl Kapule, founder of The Gratitude Mindset, to explore how shifting your focus can transform your outlook on life.

Earl's story is one of resilience, from battling rejection in a decade-long solar sales career to a life-changing accident that led him to the power of gratitude. We dive into how his chaotic upbringing and personal struggles shaped his philosophy and why gratitude isn’t just a feel-good buzzword, but a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being—especially for students.

Earl shares how incorporating small practices, like five-minute daily reflections and "vibe checks," can help rewire your brain from stress to appreciation. He breaks down why this mindset shift is scientifically proven to boost happiness and combat anxiety, offering practical tips for making gratitude part of a student’s daily routine.

Can yoga really change your life? In this episode, I chat with Ginger Dunaway from Spiritual Yoga about her transformative journey with yoga and how it can be a game-changer for students. Ginger shares her turbulent childhood and how yoga became a crucial tool for healing, shifting her from a place of anger to one of peace and self-acceptance.

We explore the concept of "witness consciousness"—a superpower, as Ginger calls it—that helps individuals distance themselves from self-judgment and societal pressures. For students caught up in the grind of university life, this perspective can be a liberating breath of fresh air. We also tackle the idea of perfection and how the constant chase for achievements can lead to unnecessary suffering.

Ginger also gives us a sneak peek into her 12-week program at Spiritual Yoga, designed to help you build a sustainable yoga practice and connect with your purpose.

What does it really take to break free from the "golden handcuffs" of entrepreneurship?

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, Sean Knutson from Warrior Mindset Strategies joins me. Sean’s journey started at 24 when he launched his first business, but what seemed like a rapid success soon turned into overwhelming stress and burnout. He shares how he realised that without the right systems in place, success can feel like a trap.

From running multiple businesses to serving on a federal SWAT team, Sean opens up about his path of resilience, leadership, and self-discovery. We explore key lessons like the power of mentorship, overcoming ageism, and how to align your career with your personal values. Sean also shares his approach to leadership—building trust and collaboration without coercion.

I sit down with image consultant Morgan Weider to uncover how personal style can shape your identity and career prospects.

In this episode, Morgan shares her inspiring journey from corporate retail to helping people find confidence through their wardrobe choices. We explore the power of clothing in professional settings, with Morgan offering practical tips on building an affordable interview wardrobe that speaks to your unique style.

Morgan also highlights the importance of self-acceptance, body language, and authenticity in making a memorable first impression.

How prepared are you to protect yourself in unexpected situations?

In this episode, we sit down with Henry from CONCAC, a self-defence expert passionate about empowering others, especially university students, to take control of their safety.

Henry shares why self-defence is a critical skill for everyone, regardless of experience or background. We explore practical strategies that can make a real difference—from boosting your situational awareness and recognising potential threats to mastering conflict management techniques like avoidance and de-escalation.

Whether navigating campus life or looking to stay safe in everyday situations, this episode gives you the knowledge and tools to be proactive and vigilant.

Can technology change the way we communicate on a fundamental level? 

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we explore this intriguing question with Katie Bingner, a clinical provider and interpersonal coach. Together, we explore the intricate dynamics of how online interactions are reshaping our communication styles, especially among university students. From the nuanced reasons behind ghosting to the complexities of conflict resolution in a digital age, Katie offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating these modern challenges. 

We also explore the curious phenomenon of "the ick" in relationships, where a sudden feeling of repulsion can dramatically alter our connections, be they romantic or platonic. Katie helps untangle the web of social anxiety, loneliness, and the quest for meaningful relationships, particularly in the context of online dating. She shares valuable advice for young adults seeking to improve their communication skills, understand their values, and seek help when needed.

Douglas McCall, a university professor and founder of Identity Evolution Coaching, joins us for this episode of Campus Chronicles. Douglas shares his extensive journey through education, from his beginnings as a public-school music teacher to earning a PhD in music education. 

Together, we explore identity, particularly through the lens of college experiences and social group memberships like fraternities. We discuss the balance between maintaining personal identity and adopting group identities, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and introspection.

Douglas shares practical steps such as journaling and self-reflection to help students understand who they are beyond labels and roles, which is crucial for navigating life's many transitions, including the move from college to career.