Student Life Radio

In this episode of Student Life Radio, Ijeoma and I sit down with Joceley dos Reis, a UEL student who's navigating one of the toughest balancing acts there is: being a full-time mum and a full-time student. Joceley opens up about what her journey has really looked like, from the early mornings and late-night study sessions to the moments where she's had to stop, reassess, and reset. It's an honest conversation, not a polished highlight reel, about what it actually takes to show up for your degree and your family at the same time. We talk about how she found herself pursuing higher education while raising her child, how she structures her days and manages her time without burning out, and the support systems, both on campus and at home, that have made all the difference. She doesn't shy away from the hard days either, and she shares her top tips for other student parents at UEL who might be walking a similar path, or thinking about starting one. Whether you're a parent studying at UEL, considering a return to education after having kids, or just need a reminder that it's possible to do hard things, this episode is for you. Joceley's story is proof that ambition doesn't pause for motherhood, it just finds a new rhythm. Tune in to Student Life Radio for the full conversation.

In this episode, Milo returns for one more episode to sit down with Emily Greenwood from UEL's Early Years Institute to explore the fascinating world of infant development. From the moment babies are born, they are already learning, but how does that process actually work? Emily takes Milo through the science behind early childhood development, unpacking how babies make sense of the world around them and what those first crucial years mean for how we all learn. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the human mind, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Sounds of East London: Music, Memory & Community explores the vibrant musical landscape of East London and the powerful role that sound plays in shaping community identity, memory, and culture. In this episode, Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects joins the conversation to discuss how local music scenes, stories, and shared listening experiences help document and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the area. We also touch on Katherine’s upbringing and the experiences that inspired her passion for community-led creative work. The episode explores how Rendezvous Projects helps communities find and express their voice through creative collaboration, highlighting some of the projects they have delivered and the impact these initiatives have had locally. The discussion reflects on how music connects generations, captures the spirit of local communities, and amplifies the voices of East London’s diverse populations. Listeners will also get a glimpse into what Rendezvous Projects may be developing in the future, offering insight into how sound can continue to act as both an archive of the past and a catalyst for community connection moving forward. 

Saul Payne from the Student Life team steps in as host being joined by Aneeka Tariq for East London Sport for a grounded, energising conversation on motivation, habits, and the inspirations that sustain both fitness journeys and wider life goals.

Together, Saul Payne and Aneeka Tariq explore why motivation often fades after the January highs of resolutions and “new year, new me” thinking. They unpack the emotional and practical reasons we lose momentum, and focus on the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that help reduce disappointment and keep progress consistent long after initial motivation runs out.

Milo is joined by Karli-Jade Fontiverio-Hylton, a creative ethnographer who shares her journey from fine art to ethnography, emphasising the importance of immersive research and cultural storytelling in sharing authentic narratives within the creative space.

Karli-Jade and Milo touch on the challenges of tokenism, the need for authentic engagement and what home truly means for children of the diaspora. Karli-Jade also shares thoughts on how Black History Month can evolve through continuous representation and reeducation.

How can we build for the future of our communities whilst keeping history alive?

For this episode, Milo draws on a member of his own community to understand how we can endeavor to sculpt brighter futures, even through seemingly unrelated work. Milo is joined by Nadu Placca Rodriguez, a self-proclaimed 'event extraordinaire', who shares her experience of breaking new ground through events, education and building global bridges.

What happens when you ask the UEL community big questions about identity, growth, purpose and belonging?

In this special unscripted episode, we uncover the unfiltered perspectives shared by students, staff and alumni. They speak candidly with Milo about their experiences on campus, the challenges they’ve faced and the ways they’ve changed.

Tune in for a rich and diverse snapshot of some of the voices shaping UEL as we learn, explore and grow as a community.

 In this episode, Lumi, Oyinda and Joanna join Milo to share their journeys of personal growth, everchanging identities and finding home in the UK thousands of miles away from their homes in Nigeria. From navigating cultural shifts (English weather included!) to embracing newfound freedoms, the students reflect on how their confidence and sense of self have evolved.  

Struggling with career clarity? In this episode, Milo sits down with UEL alumna turned Life and Career Coach Dina Grishin to explore how unexpected detours can lead to fulfilling careers. From active self-discovery to embracing “happenstance,” Dina shares practical tips on breaking limiting beliefs, staying flexible and taking control of your path. Your career begins when you decide, so tune in to take charge!

In a Student Life Radio first, Milo sits down with a panel of three UEL students who share stories of their unique backgrounds and aspirations while exploring the commonalities found through their shared passion for music.

Joined by Luca (rapper and producer), Maleia (music journalist) and Theo (musician and instrumentalist), this episode discusses themes of authenticity, representation and identity both as artists and individuals. Each student speaks openly about their journey to UEL, their experiences of building connections and their musical triumphs and desires for the future of their craft.