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.

Unlock the secrets to conquering your study schedule and embracing a holistic approach to academic success with Nathan McGurl, the mastermind behind The Study Buddy.

In this episode, we explore how Nathan's realisation, inspired by his son's academic struggles, led to the creation of an innovative study system. The Study Buddy not only helps students with their studies but also helps them overcome procrastination and provides them with the strategic skills necessary to navigate their educational journey.

Through Nathan's college experiences, he reveals the delicate balance between academic rigour and the temptations of campus life, imparting valuable advice on harmonising discipline and enjoyment.

Growing up in a household where every decision was a tribute to the sacrifices of those before her, Carmelita felt the weight of expectations like a second skin.

Carmelita's story mirrors the dance between honouring her family's dreams and chasing her own. As a mother, attorney for creatives, coach, and podcaster, Kat brings a depth of understanding to the complexities of immigrant identity and the quest for personal authenticity.

In this episode, Carmelita shares how she transformed from art to law school and how balancing myriad roles while adhering to cultural norms is as captivating as they are enlightening. Kat’s reflections are a beacon for anyone juggling the demands of heritage with the yearning for self-expression.

Jess Ward of Positively Jessica Ward joins me as we tackle the complexities of mental health and the therapeutic nature of the arts.

In this episode, Jess shares her raw account of overcoming bullying, her transformation of adversity into advocacy, and the essential role of confidence and resilience in the demanding world of performing arts. We explore how subtle yet impactful lifestyle tweaks, like choosing phone calls over video chats, could ease your daily grind.

Jess and I exchange stories, reflect on redefining success away from societal pressures, and champion self-compassion with an urgency that resonates with anyone feeling the academic or professional squeeze.

Discover the transformative power of empathy in leadership through our conversation with Simon Cardmull. We explore his journey from the structured world of the Canadian military to becoming a beacon for compassionate command.

Simon's story underscores the importance of aligning actions with the needs and desires of those we lead. His reflections on personal leadership experiences, both under strong and weaker commanders, highlight the significant impact leaders can have on our success.

In this episode, you'll gain invaluable insights into how Simon's philosophy breaks conventional moulds. His emphasis on curiosity, active listening, and understanding the whole person offers a fresh perspective on leading with heart, a narrative that challenges and reshapes traditional military stereotypes.

Cheri Dixon is a former elementary school principal who transitioned into entrepreneurship, showing fearlessness and a willingness to break away from expectations.

In this episode, I sit down and talk to Cheri, who shares her journey from North Lowa to Houston, Texas, and the challenges she faced along the way. With honesty and openness, she talks about the obstacles she overcame and the personal growth she experienced, providing inspiration for anyone considering a similar life shift.

Cheri Dixon's story is a valuable resource for anyone facing a crossroads in their life, whether it's starting a new business or navigating personal difficulties. Her universal strategies, such as embracing discomfort, learning from mistakes, and staying true to one's purpose, are applicable in any situation.

Venturing from the familiar into the unknown often feels like jumping without a safety net. Still, for Amy Jazienickis, the leap led her to a life of rich cultural exploration and personal fulfilment.

In this episode, Amy shares the catalysts that propelled her from the routine grind in Canada to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Her story reflects courage and the pursuit of passion that echoes through the lives of many millennials. We unravel Amy's journey, the risks she braved, and how her experiences inspired those yearning to break free from the shackles of the conventional.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the tidal wave of independence that hits when you step onto a university campus? You're not alone; this episode is a testament to the power of community and understanding in facing such challenges.

Dr. Dominique Thompson joins me, and together, we navigate the turbulent waters of mental health among university students. We're bridging the gap between awareness and action, highlighting steps to strengthen our mental resilience through workshops and self-care routines.

Unlock the secrets of smart money management and confidently step into your financial future with Elisabeth Aragon, the mastermind behind Chalkboard Financial.

In this episode, we explore the power of setting achievable financial goals, the value of receiving wise advice, and the societal shifts affecting young people's economic aspirations.

Elisabeth shares how our social circle and friends can impact our financial health and how to establish boundaries and maintain transparency when it comes to money matters. By doing so, we can ensure that our friendships don't undermine our financial stability.

At the crossroads of resilience and reinvention, Jane Reason shares her narrative, from the precision of physics to the passion of pedagogy. 

In this episode, reflecting on her dynamic shift to academia, Jane breaks down the walls built around leadership. She gives us a candid look at the pressures and challenges unique to women at the helm, including her dance with burnout. Together, we explore the landscape of empowerment in education, discovering how personalising our approach can lead to genuinely transformative experiences within the classroom and when steering the ship of a bustling educational institution.

Terence Coetzee is talented and passionate about turning student accommodation into unforgettable life experiences.

In this episode, Terence discusses how student housing has evolved from a place to sleep to becoming a hub for growth and connection, significantly impacting student well-being. He reflects on his mentor, Penny Jones, who pioneered inclusive environments that have now spread throughout campuses in the UK, sparking lively cultural exchanges and a true sense of belonging for students from all over the world.

Terence shares his personal stories about the significance of play in academic settings, where the laughter of a family sports day echoes the deeper connections forged across generations.