Campus Chronicles

Rebecca Berry on Anti-Racism, LGBTQIA+ Inclusion, & Challenging Colourism

How do we turn awareness into action when it comes to inclusion? In this powerful episode of Campus Chronicles, Rebecca Berry shares her lived experiences as an anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ inclusion advocate, diving into the emotional terrain of social justice, identity, and allyship.

We explore Rebecca’s journey of navigating deeply personal challenges—like caring for her mother during illness—while staying committed to creating inclusive, equitable environments in education and beyond. Her story is not only one of resilience but of accountability, as she opens up about the ongoing process of unlearning internalised bias and recognising how we all play a role in challenging systemic inequality.

From confronting colourism within communities of colour to addressing generational shifts in how we discuss identity, Rebecca's insights are nuanced, honest, and deeply human. She sheds light on how students can become agents of change through small but intentional actions—whether that’s questioning language, amplifying marginalised voices, or advocating for structural change on campus.

If you’re passionate about building a more inclusive university culture, this conversation offers both courage and clarity for the road ahead.

Body & Mind: Navigating the Pressure of Male Image with George Mycock

George Mycock, founder of MyoMinds, shares the intricacies of men’s body image in a society that too often brushes aside the conversation. Grappling with the standards of masculinity and the weight of societal expectations, George opens up about his personal experience — and how a serious injury became the turning point in his journey.

Redefining Strength in a Silent Struggle

In this powerful episode of Campus Chronicles, George discusses the often-ignored mental health challenges many young men face around body image, gym culture, and what it means to “look the part.” He breaks down the psychological toll of chasing unrealistic ideals and how those pressures can develop into full-blown disorders or toxic mindsets.

From Injury to Advocacy

After sustaining a major injury during training, George found himself not just physically sidelined, but mentally overwhelmed. It was during this time that he began to question the identity he had built — one tied to performance, aesthetics, and external validation. Out of this crisis, MyoMinds was born — a platform designed to start honest conversations and reshape how we think about fitness and mental health.

Creating Safe Spaces for Men to Speak Up

George shares insights from the MyoMinds community, where vulnerability and openness are celebrated, not shamed. He explains why so many young men bottle up their struggles — and what needs to change in university, fitness, and peer group cultures to make help more accessible.

Advice for Students and Supporters

Whether you're struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, George encourages listeners to educate themselves on the signs of distress, challenge harmful norms, and prioritise conversations over appearances.

Campus Chronicles is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

For more stories on mental health, resilience, and personal growth, browse the full Campus Chronicles archive.

Adam Daugherty: Blending Studies & Friendship at Leeds University

In this edition of Campus Chronicles, we catch up with Adam Daugherty, a student at Leeds University, to explore how real friendships and a strong support system have shaped his university life. At a time when independence and identity take centre stage, Adam shares how surrounding himself with the right people made all the difference.

Building Meaningful Connections

In the midst of university life—where one’s sense of self can either be strengthened or altered—the importance of genuine human connection cannot be overstated. Adam describes the freeing, open atmosphere that Leeds provides, allowing students to explore not just academics but their personal values and identities.

He reflects on the transformative power of friendship and how these relationships have become a foundation of strength, encouragement, and personal growth. From spontaneous coffee chats to late-night exam prep, these moments have defined his university experience far more than any lecture hall ever could.

The Role of Support Systems

Adam also highlights how crucial support systems are—whether it’s family back home, a great flatmate, or educators who go the extra mile. These are the people who keep you grounded, fuel your curiosity, and make the journey worthwhile.

Advice for New Students

“Don’t underestimate the power of your social circle,” Adam says. “University isn’t just about what you learn in class—it’s about who you become in the process.”

Want more stories from real students? Browse the full Campus Chronicles archive for interviews and insights from across the UK.

Celebrating Uniqueness & Self-Love with Laneice Runnel

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we’re joined by Laneice Runnel — motivational speaker, coach, and founder of Laneice Leads. Laneice shares her powerful journey from university student to TEDx speaker, reflecting on what it means to truly love and honour yourself in a world that often tells you not to.

From Student to Speaker: Laneice’s Journey

Laneice opens up about her time at university — a formative period filled with self-doubt, pressure, and the weight of comparison. Over time, she began to challenge those inner voices and step into her purpose. Today, she helps others do the same through her work in leadership, wellness, and self-development.

Self-Love Isn’t a Destination

One of Laneice’s most powerful messages is that self-love isn’t a place you arrive at — it’s something you practise every single day. From setting boundaries to embracing your quirks, Laneice shares how self-love becomes a compass for decision-making, relationships, and personal growth.

Challenging the Beauty Standard Narrative

We explore body positivity, social media pressures, and the unrealistic standards young people are bombarded with daily. Laneice challenges listeners to reclaim their voice and worth — no filters, no approval needed. Her TEDx talk, which she references in the episode, dives even deeper into this mission of helping people rediscover their confidence and power.

Practical Tools for Students

Laneice leaves listeners with empowering tools for everyday life:

• Replace negative self-talk with affirmations rooted in truth
• Surround yourself with people who uplift, not diminish
• Create boundaries around comparison triggers (online or offline)

Whether you're struggling with self-image, navigating university pressures, or looking to build more confidence, this episode reminds us that our uniqueness is not something to fix — it’s something to celebrate.

Explore more Campus Chronicles episodes for stories that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the full spectrum of student experience.

Balancing University & Startups with Joshua Sinclair

I’ll never forget Joshua Sinclair’s sheer determination. A university student who made the leap into entrepreneurship with his startup Webstart IOM, Josh’s journey is a testament to the vibrant spirit of innovation that thrives within the student community.

Turning Ideas Into Action

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, Josh shares how his passion for technology and web development led to the creation of Webstart IOM — a startup focused on helping small businesses improve their digital presence. What started as a side project quickly gained traction, and Josh found himself navigating the demands of both university life and early-stage entrepreneurship.

The Balance Between Studies & Startups

Josh opens up about how he manages his time between coursework, deadlines, social life, and startup meetings. It’s not always easy, but with structure, motivation, and a clear purpose, he’s been able to stay on top of both. He also credits a strong support network at home and at uni for helping him stay grounded when the pressure rises.

Taking Smart Risks

Unlike the stereotype of impulsive startup culture, Josh takes a measured approach. He shares how planning, feedback loops, and goal setting helped him grow Webstart without letting it derail his studies. “Risk-taking isn’t about diving headfirst — it’s about knowing what matters, then going all in on it,” he says.

Advice for Student Entrepreneurs

Josh encourages other students to follow their ideas — even if they start small. From finding co-founders to managing imposter syndrome, he offers practical tips for launching something meaningful while still studying full time.

Feeling inspired? Explore more episodes in the Campus Chronicles series to hear how students across the UK are redefining success on their own terms — through travel, tech, creativity, and courage.

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to embrace the spectrum of human minds? Pete Quinn, an inclusion specialist with a wealth of experience from the University of Oxford to the grassroots of community organisations, joins me to discuss the complexities of neurodiversity and mental health.

With Pete's guidance, we navigate the intricate dance of supporting marginalised groups and fostering environments where every individual's unique strengths are not just recognised but celebrated.

Pete offers advice and shares success stories that prove resilience and optimism can carve paths for change in educational settings and beyond as we tackle the thorny issue of social media's impact on discourse, arming you with strategies for maintaining constructive communication.

Transforming Study Habits with Nathan McGurl

Struggling to stay on top of your revision? You're not alone—and Nathan McGurl, founder of The Study Buddy, knows exactly why. What started as a personal mission to support his son through GCSEs has grown into a powerful framework helping thousands of students beat procrastination and master their time.

In this episode, Nathan shares the origin story of The Study Buddy and how it’s evolved into a proven system for structuring study time, reducing overwhelm, and building confidence through consistent, bite-sized progress. More than just revision timetables, Nathan’s approach considers the emotional and psychological pressures students face and how mindset plays a critical role in performance.

We dive into Nathan’s own university experiences and how he learned (sometimes the hard way) to balance academic rigour with the distractions of campus life. He speaks candidly about the challenges students face when they feel pulled in every direction—social expectations, looming deadlines, and the fear of failure—and how self-awareness is key to building habits that last.

From practical tools for getting started when motivation is low to tips on how parents and educators can support students without adding pressure, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Nathan also reflects on what he wishes he’d known as a student and why learning how to learn might just be the most valuable skill of all.

If you’re a student, parent, or educator looking for fresh ways to tackle study stress and promote real progress, this conversation will leave you inspired and better equipped for academic success.

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.

Embracing Performance & Vulnerability for Mental Health Resilience with Jess Ward

In this powerful episode of Campus Chronicles, I’m joined by mental health advocate and performer Jess Ward, founder of Positively Jessica Ward. Through her own journey of overcoming bullying and embracing the arts as a form of healing, Jess shows how performance and vulnerability can build true emotional resilience.

Turning Adversity Into Advocacy

Jess opens up about her early experiences with bullying and how they fuelled her desire to create safe spaces for others. She talks about finding purpose through performance, and how stepping on stage gave her the strength to reclaim her voice and identity.

The Power of Small Shifts in Mental Health

We explore how even subtle lifestyle changes — like choosing a phone call instead of a video chat — can significantly improve our mental well-being. Jess shares how listening to your own nervous system and setting healthy boundaries is vital for thriving at university and beyond.

Redefining Confidence in the Arts & Academia

As someone who understands both the pressures of academic achievement and the demands of performing, Jess shares her framework for building confidence without relying on external validation. Her message is clear: resilience isn’t about being invincible — it’s about staying soft, honest, and self-compassionate in the face of pressure.

A Conversation for Creatives, Students, and Anyone Seeking Balance

Whether you're balancing coursework and creativity or dealing with imposter syndrome, this episode offers honest, practical reflections on managing mental health while staying true to your passions.

Catch the full Campus Chronicles series

Tune into more real stories from students and thought leaders on personal growth, purpose, and thriving in the university years.

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.