Major Insight

Find your place and purpose on campus. Honest conversations between college students about choosing majors, getting involved, making friends, finding faculty mentorship, overcoming fears, and more.

From First Year to Finish Line: Reflections from Graduating Superstars 05/22/2025

From First Year to Finish Line: Reflections from Graduating Superstars Graduation season is here! In this heartfelt episode, Maggie and Lauren reflect on their entire transformative college experiences. From their uncertainty as first-year students to the personal growth that happened along the way, they reflect on shifting goals, meaningful relationships, the pressures of post-grad life, and more. It’s a candid celebration of the resilience, change, and self-discovery that can only happen in college. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/36659280

Mental Health in College: Normalizing the Conversation 05/06/2025

Mental Health in College: Normalizing the Conversation College can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to mental health. In this episode, we talk about dealing with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), doomscrolling, the problem of appearing "perfect" online, and the pressure to keep it all together. Special guests and Social Work majors Arianna Nooks and Andie Karrenbauer share personal stories and helpful advice in this conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health. Additional Resources: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988. Or visit: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Visit: Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Visit Miami University Resources: . Or call 513-529-4634 : Features a wellness navigator to help connect faculty, staff, and students to health and wellness resources : Includes articles and short videos on topics related to mental health and wellness : Access a set of digital self-help tools to address issues, assess wellness, recognize patterns, track triggers, reinforce healthy habits, stick to a schedule, challenge negative thoughts, and more /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/36440715

Everything Works Itself Out 04/15/2025

Everything Works Itself Out Hear how a global pandemic sparked an interest in the supply chain for Brian Zetzer, who has also learned how to pivot, persist, and grow through every college challenge. We’ll also talk about landing internships, dealing with opportunities that can vanish unexpectedly, and about the exciting prospects that still await just around the next corner. Featured Majors: Supply Chain Operations Management, Information Systems, Cybersecurity /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/36131300

Finding that Independent Adult Aura 03/28/2025

Finding that Independent Adult Aura Debra Olabode is ready to face the future with the confidence and independence that only college can bring. Hear about the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, forming meaningful connections, and becoming who you’re truly meant to be. We’ll also talk about the life-changing experiences of studying abroad, and the bittersweetness of graduating as “the memories you get with college are one of a kind.” Featured Majors: Social Work, International Studies, Spanish /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/35869145

Embrace the Moment and Stress Less 03/12/2025

Embrace the Moment and Stress Less Kaylin Knapp’s college journey has taught her to embrace the challenges of balancing school work and a social life, while also working fulltime. We'll also talk about how building connections leads to confidence, and about navigating the inevitable ups and downs of college by embracing each semester as it comes. Featured Majors: Supply Chain and Operations Management /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/35620895

Sounds of College Life with The Audubon Society 02/26/2025

Sounds of College Life with The Audubon Society Awaken to the wonderful world around you with the Audubon Society! On this episode, we shift from the hustle of academics to the serenity of birdwatching. Join us as we pause and connect with the natural world in a way that’s often overshadowed by the hecticness of daily life. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/35420850

Get to Know Your True Self 02/07/2025

Get to Know Your True Self Dive into the unpredictable journey of career ambitions and personal growth with Cyle Ginsberg - an exceptional student who understands that college isn’t just about academics, but also about discovering who you truly are. We’ll also talk about how the journey through college is just as important as the destination, and about all the relationships you’ll build along the way. Featured Majors: International Studies, Economics, Philosophy, Law, Arabic, and Middle Eastern Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/35148545

Sounds of College Life @ The Equestrian Center 01/22/2025

Sounds of College Life @ The Equestrian Center We continue to explore the social sides of college by visiting Miami University’s Equestrian Center. Hear about a peaceful place on campus where horses help students find solace and serenity. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/34947425

Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be 01/06/2025

Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be Recent college graduate VaLanDria Smith-Lash '23 is now the CEO and founder of Coarse Culture, a personal skin care brand that was launched during her junior year. We’ll talk about what happens when college plans change, about what it takes to create a student-run startup, and about why it’s vital for all students to explore interests beyond school. Success is often shaped by unexpected opportunities. So embrace change and trust the process. For more info, visit: , or follow VaLanDria on Instagram @valandriaa Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Dance /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/34718735

A Perfect Environment for Growth and Change 12/09/2024

A Perfect Environment for Growth and Change Never underestimate the power of an email. That’s how Audrey Allen started her journey as an awarding-wining undergraduate researcher, who uses her passion for the environment and sustainability to make this world a better place. We’ll also talk about the importance of self-discovery in college, and about the dreaded imposter syndrome. Hear how common it really is, how to overcome self-doubt with self-compassion, and about all the confidence you’ll gain in college. Featured Majors: Environmental Earth Science, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship Featured Organizations: American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/34345010

Sounds of College Life @ Meeples Tabletop Gaming 11/25/2024

Sounds of College Life @ Meeples Tabletop Gaming College comes alive in this new short-form documentary series that explores the social side of campus life. Hear short stories about the orgs and activities that lead to self-discovery and community connection. In this episode, we go inside Meeples, the tabletop gaming club where students bond over board games. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/34118976

College Shapes Your Story 11/07/2024

College Shapes Your Story Lauren Kelley always wanted to become a storyteller to uplift the voices of others, and along the way she found an inspiring voice of her own. Her interests in media, political science, and technology have also unlocked amazing opportunities that have led to new levels of self-esteem and confidence. We’ll also talk about realizing when you’ve taken on way too much in college, and how to adjust and recalibrate along the way. Featured Majors: Strategic Communication, Individualized Studies, Political Science, Film Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33820422

Create a Self-Portrait of Personal Growth 10/23/2024

Create a Self-Portrait of Personal Growth A love of art and teaching have inspired Isa Obradovich to share her passions with others. As a successful artist and aspiring educator, her work is displayed across university halls, in local art centers, and in the Boomer Gallery of London. Isa has also received attention and acclaim across social media, where her massive following continues to expand. We’ll also talk about the joy of building a community in college, the transformative impact college can have on your confidence, and about making art education more accessible to everyone. Featured Majors: Art Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33572537

Keep the Courage Going 10/02/2024

Keep the Courage Going Succeeding in college can sometimes be a balancing act. But Rachel Banitt has found insightful and relatable ways to balance a thriving academic and social life, while also leading the largest student organization on campus. We’ll also talk about overcoming the fears of making new friends, about finding a supportive campus community, and about keeping the courage to push yourself to new heights. Featured Majors: Finance, Accounting /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33284427

The Myths and Fears of Feeling Behind 09/18/2024

The Myths and Fears of Feeling Behind Even when the path ahead may seem long and daunting, with hard work, success is always possible. This is one of the most important lessons that Charles Ellis ’25 has learned in college so far. We’ll also talk about the importance of gaining first hand experience in college, how it’s okay to take time to find your path, and why the fear of feeling behind is just an illusion. Featured Majors: Biomedical Engineering, Premedical Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33088687

The Fulfillment of Forging Your Own Path 09/03/2024

The Fulfillment of Forging Your Own Path It’s the start of a new adventure on Major Insight as we welcome Maggie Snee to the podcast as our new host. Maggie is an award-winning student researcher whose love of animals and science has inspired her to study Zoology and Geography. We'll also talk about overcoming the pressure to be extraordinary, how friends and “found-family” can make all the difference in college, and about how everything has a way of working itself out. Featured Majors: Zoology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32866957

What Makes College So Special (with University President Greg Crawford) 08/20/2024

What Makes College So Special (with University President Greg Crawford) From a first-generation undergraduate all the way to becoming the President of Miami University, Greg Crawford has seen how the entire college experience can unfold. On this special episode, President Crawford talks about what makes college so special including all the doors it can open, all the unimaginable ways to get involved, and about how it can provide the skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. Featured Majors: Physics, Mathematics /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32594277

You Are Enough (Advice for My First-Year Self) 08/01/2024

You Are Enough (Advice for My First-Year Self) Part two of our special summer series will help you navigate all the ups and downs of college life with more advice and inspiration from successful students who have already been through it all. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32165912

Never Give Up (Advice for My First-year Self) 07/18/2024

Never Give Up (Advice for My First-year Self) Hear short stories about being proactive, taking chances, and overcoming doubts and fears. Because finding your place and purpose on campus is not about just waiting for college success to happen to you. It’s actually about taking charge of your journey, and we have all the inspiration and advice to get started right here. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32165857

Myth Busting College Stereotypes 06/25/2024

Myth Busting College Stereotypes There’s a reason college has been the setting for some of the most memorable scenes and stories from movies and television shows for generations. But where do the all the myths end, and where do the realities begin? Well, we’re going to find out. Because on this episode, we get to the bottom of everything you ever thought you knew about college life. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31866337

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 2) 05/16/2024

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 2) As graduation approaches, we continue our conversation that reflects back on four amazing and transformative years as college students. Miami senior Maya Mehlman is back to help recap all the ups and downs -- and all the fun and fears -- of our experiences, while we look ahead to the next chapter of life. If you missed part one, it’s up now. Go back and listen for the rest of this story so far. Or just jump right in! Because whether we want it to or not, this train is moving forward! /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31328422

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 1) 05/14/2024

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 1) Graduating college is a milestone that can bring a huge swing of emotions. On one hand, there’s the profound sense of accomplishment and the excitement of a bright new future ahead. But there’s also the bittersweet feelings of bidding farewell to the place that’s felt like home and to all the friends who have become family. So on this episode, we’re joined again by Maya Mehlman, a graduating senior who’s going to help us reflect back on four amazing years. We’ll talk about bonds forged, memories made, important life lessons learned, and so much more. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31262337

Inside the Life of a Rising College Band 05/02/2024

Inside the Life of a Rising College Band Sometimes lighting just strikes. And you’ll never know where you’ll be (or even who you’ll be) when it happens. And that’s exactly how it struck for Brock Shults, a Miami student and the drummer for the , a rising band that’s taken the campus community by storm. We’ll talk about balancing the limelight of live music while keeping up with classes and coursework, the challenges of time management, and about how you never know what might be just around the corner in college. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Exercise Science /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31067508

Write Your Own Story Through College 04/25/2024

Write Your Own Story Through College Melanie Hamon has found creative ways to carve out a unique path for herself through college as a writer and musician. Melanie is also active across campus as a writing tutor and Cello performer. And we’ll also talk about finding your own voice and style, learning to embrace feedback, and about college as the prefect time to make mistakes, to totally reinvent yourself, and to become who you really want to be. Featured Majors: Creative Writing, Cello Performance, Rhetoric Featured Organizations: Honors College’s ULIP (Urban Leadership Internship Program), Happy Captive Literary Magazine /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30965638

College Success Isn’t Brain Science (But It Can Be!) 04/10/2024

College Success Isn’t Brain Science (But It Can Be!) The deep connections between the brain and behavior are something scientists still don’t fully understand, and it’s a mystery that's always fascinated Cambria Beane. Cambria is interested in studying therapeutic interventions for those struggling with trauma and substance use disorders. And we’ll also talk about finding great undergraduate research opportunities, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about facing the fear of fitting in by immersing yourself in absolutely everything. Featured Majors: Psychology, Neuroscience Featured Organizations: The Reward and Addictive Disorders (RAD) Lab, Psi Chi (The International Honors Society in Psychology, Miami Shakerettes Dance Team /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30749683

Accomplishing Everything Everywhere All at Once 03/19/2024

Accomplishing Everything Everywhere All at Once Marguerite Smith always wanted to be (and to do) more than one thing in college. As an Engineering major, she’s not only become a leader in a traditionally male dominate field, Marguerite also excels outside the lab as a nationally ranked beach volleyball player. We’ll also talk about some college and engineering stereotypes, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about learning how to take a break, while still accomplishing everything you want to accomplish. Featured Majors: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Pre-Law Featured Organizations: Society of Women Engineers, IEEE Eta Kappa Nu Honors Society, Miami Beach Volleyball Team /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30417923

Finding Your Own Personal Win 02/27/2024

Finding Your Own Personal Win Orin Edwards strives for excellence in all aspects of life. As part of Miami RedHawks football, Orin shines as a leader on and off the field. As a student, he understands the essential importance of time management and balance. But success isn’t always easy, and not everything always goes as planned. So we’ll also talk about not giving up when your reality unravels, overcoming the limitations often imposed on us by others, the power of changing your perspective, and more. Featured Majors: Biology, Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) Featured Organizations: Miami RedHawks Football /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30121138

Making College Feel Like Home 02/24/2024

Making College Feel Like Home Nyah Smith has gone from an uncertain first-year student to a true student leader as the university’s student body president, and it’s been a remarkable journey that shows just how truly transformative college can be. We’ll also talk about how to pivot and adapt to the unexpected, while still embracing the magic of the moment. Why student orgs are so vital. And why it’s so important to get out of your comfort zone, to get involved, and to just go for it! Featured Majors: Social Work, Public Health Featured Organizations: Associated Student Government, SEAL Ambassadors, Armstrong Student Center Board, Intramural Sport Program /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/29756493

The Ice Breaker Ep. (or Having Fun Conversations in College) 01/19/2024

The Ice Breaker Ep. (or Having Fun Conversations in College) Before every episode of Major Insight, we start with ice breakers. It’s just a way to have fun, to get warmed up, and to get to know each other a little better. So on this special episode, get ready to hear college students answer some of the least important questions of our time. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/29385533

A Game-Changing Guide to Personal Growth 12/05/2023

A Game-Changing Guide to Personal Growth College is a time of intellectual and personal growth. And Liz Grossman has excelled at both by combining her many interests into a dynamic experience that breaks boundaries between sports, video games, art, history, fashion, pop culture, AI, and more. We’ll also talk about being financially responsible in college, the best kept secrets of time management, tips on applying to grad school, and about how finding balance in life might be one of the most important things you ever learn how to do. Featured Majors: Sport Leadership and Management, Esports Management Featured Organizations: Women in Sport Leadership (WISL), NBA2K Esports Team, Phi Sigma Pi /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28898443

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