Major Insight

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!      

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

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

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

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

College can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to mental health. In this episode, we talk about dealing with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), doom scrolling, 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 during a conversation about breaking the stigma around mental health. Additional Resources: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988. Or visit: www.988lifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: www.crisistextline.org Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Visit: www.ohiospf.org Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit www.mha.ohio.gov Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 Miami University Student Counseling Service. Or call 513-529-4634 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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: shopcoarseculture.com, or follow VaLanDria on Instagram @valandriaa Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Dance