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.

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.

In college, I often heard, "Focus on the degree; everything else can wait." But, looking back, I wish someone had told me to savour the journey, to immerse myself in the moments that would shape not just my career but the person I would become. That's the heart of the conversation with our guest, Sonia Cacique from Discover You, as we unravel the complexities of career exploration and the critical intersection with mental health.

With her rich expertise in education and counselling, Sonia shares insights on how honouring individual talents and passions can illuminate the path to a fulfilling vocation.

We confront mental wellness challenges, stressing the necessity of aligning career pursuits with our core values. We share candid reflections on how misaligned ambitions can strain mental health and relationships and why remaining adaptable, holding onto transferable skills, and nurturing our values are pivotal as we ride the waves of life's ever-changing seasons.

Have you ever watched a tightrope walker and wondered how they maintain their balance? That's the life of a student entrepreneur, and on Campus Chronicles, we're here to reveal how it's done.

In this episode, I am joined by Asher Dahlgren, the 16-year-old founder and CEO of Dahlgren Social, who's mastering the high-wire act of managing school and a startup. Asher shares the magic of time management and the wisdom behind starting with bite-sized ambitions, offering advice for others wanting to follow in his footsteps.

Together, we swap stories about setting goals that revolve around actions we control and how this strategy can help combat scepticism. We unpack the resilience needed to push through challenges and the power of tuning out the noise, ensuring the static of disbelief doesn't dampen our entrepreneurial spirits.

From the structured confines of information technology to the boundless expanse of our imagination, Anne Scott takes us on a journey where the binary world of computers gives way to the rich, vibrant spectrum of creativity.

In this episode, we uncover the joy found in embracing creative pursuits, like singing, and confront the societal shaming that often silences our expressive voices, inviting you to reignite your creative spark by pondering the simple yet profound question, "What would I love?"—a question that could unlock the door to a life of fulfilment and wonder.

Kelly J. Mendenhall's life changed dramatically when she suddenly became disabled. However, she found solace and purpose in art.

In this episode, Kelly, the creator of the Affordable Art Revolution, shares the unexpected joys and mental health benefits of embracing traditional handcrafts, breaking down stigmas and celebrating the authenticity they bring to our lives, one brushstroke, one stitch, one block at a time.

Kelly's experience is about the art itself, the therapeutic power it holds, and the generational legacy it represents.

This week, we are joined by Tony Acosta, the head organiser of TEDx Timpview Drive, where we explore the art and impact of communication. Tony shares his journey from growing up in a home where different communication styles clashed to his passion for understanding and teaching the art of conversation.

Our discussion reveals the often-overlooked consequences of ineffective communication in our personal lives, society, and workplaces. We discuss the importance of being heard and valued and how transformative communication can change lives. We also explore how to craft messages that motivate and provide actionable steps for change.

Throughout the episode, we share stories and advice that can help you find your unique voice and path. We discuss the story of a broadcaster who demonstrated composure in the face of unexpected adversity, and we advise against the "fake it till you make it" mentality. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone looking to improve your communication skills, this episode has something for you.