Major Insight

Honest conversations between college students about choosing majors, getting involved, making friends, finding mentors, overcoming challenges, growing as a person, and finding your place and purpose on campus.

What Everyone’s Asking About College: A Live Q&A (Part 1) 06/25/2026

What Everyone’s Asking About College: A Live Q&A (Part 1) Students across campus ask their biggest questions about college, and our student hosts answer in this live roundtable. Is it normal to change your major? To eat alone? To feel like everyone else is ahead? In part 1 of this Q&A special, we talk about adjusting to college, avoiding burnout, the importance of understanding yourself, and why comparison is almost always a losing battle. Hear honest answers to questions most students think—but don’t always say out loud. Featured Majors: Media and Communications (MAC), Emerging Technology in Business & Design (ETBD), Journalism, Political Science /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/41798410

Who We Became in College: Senior Reflections (2026) 05/27/2026

Who We Became in College: Senior Reflections (2026) Graduation season is somehow here again! In this special Senior Superstar episode, Michaela and Katie reflect on their entire college journeys. Hear how their goals, identities, and sense of direction shifted along the way, as they open up about the unexpected challenges, close-knit communities, and leadership opportunities that shaped who they’ve become today. It’s an honest reflection on growth, uncertainty, the future, and how hard it can be to leave a place that has become home. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/41444005

Turn Your Passion Into a Career Plan 05/06/2026

Turn Your Passion Into a Career Plan When does a passion become a career path? In this episode, Marcus Cheung shares how a curiosity in middle school orchestra led to a full college journey in music performance. From nerve-wracking first performances to leading student orgs and gaining experience in Europe, Marcus reflects on the discipline, confidence, and mindset it takes to pursue what you love. We’ll also talk about taking advantage of opportunities, balancing creativity with career goals, and why choosing a path you love not only shapes what you do, but who you become. Featured Majors: Music Performance, Arts Management and Entrepreneurship, Accountancy /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/41166645

Sounds of College Life with The Climbing Club 04/23/2026

Sounds of College Life with The Climbing Club Step up to the wall with the Climbing Club as we explore what it feels like to try something new—and a little scary—for the first time. From tentative first moves to words of encouragement from fellow climbers, hear how students support one another, build confidence, and discover that sometimes all it takes to get started is to show up. So take that first step and see how far you can go. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/40975565

Parker Explores Life Abroad (Part 2: Living in Luxembourg) 04/15/2026

Parker Explores Life Abroad (Part 2: Living in Luxembourg) The journey continues as we check in with our campus correspondent Parker Green as she settles into Miami University’s Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Luxembourg. Now weeks into her study abroad, Parker reflects on the realities of daily life, the cultural adjustments, and all the moments that have already made the experience unforgettable. Discover how expectations evolve into real-life growth, and get an inside look at what it truly feels like to find your footing in a new part of the world. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/40884855

College Then and Now: An Alumni Story 04/01/2026

College Then and Now: An Alumni Story Choosing a college is rarely a solo decision. It’s a shared journey of excitement and uncertainty. In this special episode, Miami alumna Carolyn Manley reflects on her college years alongside her daughter Madelyn, a high school senior navigating her own college search. Together, they explore what it means to choose a school, step into independence, and build a sense of belonging. From lifelong friendships to moments of doubt and discovery, this intergenerational conversation reveals how college not only shapes students. But also the families who support them. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/40697330

Engineering Your Own Confidence 03/19/2026

Engineering Your Own Confidence Confidence isn’t something you arrive with—it’s something you build along the way. In this episode, Eva Goorskey shares how she went from doubting whether she belonged in engineering to becoming a leader in Engineers Without Borders and a researcher working on an innovative, low-cost prosthetic hand. Along the way, we talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, redefining what it means to be “smart,” and why asking for help can be one of the most important skills to learn in college. Featured Majors: Chemical Engineering, Bioinformatics /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/40530685

Learning to Love a Nonlinear Life 02/21/2026

Learning to Love a Nonlinear Life What happens when life feels both wide open and wildly uncertain? In college, that’s often where real growth begins. In this episode, Gianna Colarich reflects on stepping away from past paths and learning how to build a new life that doesn’t need to fit neatly into any box. We’ll also explore the pressure to have a perfect post-grad plan, and why you don’t have to have everything all mapped out. Because sometimes the most meaningful path forward isn’t a straight line—it’s one that leaves room for creativity, courage, and adventure. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Theatre /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/40146410

Say “Yes” and See Where It Leads 01/29/2026

Say “Yes” and See Where It Leads In college, every “yes” opens a door. In this episode, Miami University Student Body President Daniel Martin reflects on risks taken, friendships formed, and all the opportunities that followed—from life-changing study abroad experiences and running for student government to interning on Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a first-year still finding your footing or a senior starting to look ahead, this is a reminder that courage, curiosity, and a willingness to say “yes” can lead to places you never imagined. Featured Majors: Diplomacy and Global Politics, History, Spanish /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/39915990

Parker Prepares to Study Abroad (Part 1: The Adventure Begins) 01/12/2026

Parker Prepares to Study Abroad (Part 1: The Adventure Begins) This spring, Major Insight takes you across the Atlantic for a special mini-series that follows our first-ever campus correspondent to Miami University's Dolibois European Center (MUDEC) in Luxembourg. In this bonus episode, Parker Green talks about her hopes and expectations as she prepares for this life-changing journey to study abroad. Get a first look at what it’s like to live and learn in a new country, as we set the stage for this European adventure! /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/39692690

Growth Takes Time 12/16/2025

Growth Takes Time Belonging doesn’t happen overnight—and that’s okay. As a leading campus advocate for mental health, Carson Ebbrecht reflects on facing rejection, finding community, and getting involved. We’ll also talk about setting achievable goals, staying motivated, and learning how to lead with purpose. From advocating for student mental health to taking on leadership roles, Carson shares why letting college unfold naturally, showing up for others, and staying open to change can make all the difference. Featured Majors: Psychology, Premedical Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/39429730

Become Someone You Never Thought You'd Be 11/19/2025

Become Someone You Never Thought You'd Be Finding yourself can start with a small step that leads to a complete transformation. In this episode, A’Dymond Sammons talks about feeling alone her first semester to becoming a campus leader, mentor, and advocate for others. As president of the Black Leadership Coalition and a regional board member for the National Society of Black Engineers, she explains how overcoming fears and embracing unexpected opportunities helped her flourish into who she is today. We’ll also talk about navigating college as a first-gen student, the power of asking for help, and why it’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out from the start. Featured Majors: Electrical Engineering, Humanitarian Engineering, English Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/39081985

To have a village, you have to be a villager 11/03/2025

To have a village, you have to be a villager Building community in college isn’t just about meeting new people. It’s also about connecting with them along the way. In this episode, Edward Johnson shares how embracing change—from failed music auditions to major switches—helped him grow into the teacher he’s always aspired to be. Through music, mentorship, and meaningful engagement, Edward reflects on his work as a musician, in government relations through ASPIRE, as part of TEACh Cincinnati, and about how every setback can be a path to personal growth. Featured Majors: Social Studies Education, Music In Culture /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/38807045

Taking the Riskier Route 10/13/2025

Taking the Riskier Route What happens when you choose the harder path—not because it’s easy, but because it helps you grow? In this episode, Olivia Patel reflects on how saying “yes” to new roles, bold choices, and unexpected challenges has shaped her entire college experience. As the editor-in-chief of The Miami Student, one of the oldest and most successful college newspapers in the country, Olivia talks about pushing past self-doubt to turn a clean slate into a lasting legacy. Featured Majors: Journalism, Political Science, Classical Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/38548250

Sounds of College Life at Homecoming 10/07/2025

Sounds of College Life at Homecoming Experience the energy and community that make Homecoming a highlight of college life. From the cheers and celebrations to all the moments that make campus so electric, this episode captures the fun, connection, and spirit that brings everyone together. Join us as we look toward the start of basketball season, which was just one part of a celebratory weekend. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/38488330

Become Part of Something Bigger 09/25/2025

Become Part of Something Bigger College is less about making a mark and more about building genuine connections. In this episode, we explore how student orgs shape leadership, foster belonging, and prove why it’s never too late to try something new. From dance teams to reestablishing a sorority chapter, Katie Caleodis shares all the lessons she’s learned along the way. Now also the Senior Producer of Major Insight and leader of our Sounds of College Life series, Katie highlights how students can find community and embrace opportunity, while navigating all the twists and turns of college. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Emerging Technology in Business & Design (ETBD) /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/38344625

Real Talk About the Moments That Matter Most 09/08/2025

Real Talk About the Moments That Matter Most Michaela Buck has embraced every twist and turn of her college journey — from finding a true home on campus and discovering new passions abroad, to stepping into her role as the new host of Major Insight. Hear about the courage it takes to change course, the power of being present in the moment, and the excitement (and nerves) of what comes next after graduation. Featured Majors: Political Science, Journalism /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/38121460

Sounds of College Life with Stage Left 08/20/2025

Sounds of College Life with Stage Left Step behind the curtain with Stage Left — an entirely student-run theater org — to hear candid reflections on nerves, community, and the magic of live theater. From chaotic backstage rituals to heartfelt cast moments, hear how students bring a full musical to life during the whirlwind of tech week, the most intense stretch of the rehearsal process. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/37880620

What I Wish I Knew: Advice for My First-Year Self 07/29/2025

What I Wish I Knew: Advice for My First-Year Self There is no roadmap for college. Because nobody starts out knowing exactly what to do. So on this next special summer episode, we’ll hear from students who share what they wished they’d known sooner. Hear about all the small life lessons that made a big difference, and about the honest truths and challenges that helped them grow along the way. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/37547565

Facing Your Deepest College Fears 07/02/2025

Facing Your Deepest College Fears On this special summer episode, we dive into the real and raw emotions of college life as students share their anxieties about coming to campus. From the pressures to succeed, to the fears of not fitting in, hear honest, funny, and totally relatable tales about how students pushed through their fear to grow into the version of themselves they are today. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/37242075

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 with The Equestrian Center 01/22/2025

Sounds of College Life with 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

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