SHL Podcast

NEW!!! Episode 9 - Au revoir but not goodbye

In the final episode of the Student Hub Live Podcast: Summer Edition, Scott outlines the fascinating history of Stonehenge and stresses the importance of caring for historical sites and artefacts.

Plus, Heidi and Scott ask each other a series of questions, including what courses they would design if they could, what they would title their autobiographies, which fictional character they would have dinner with, the superpowers they would choose and one piece of advice they would give. Finally, they promote the importance of mental wellbeing. Remember, as an Open University student you have access to extensive mental health support, including the OU's wellbeing app and free access to the Shout 85258 text support service. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're having a hard time, The Open University is always here for you.

If you've enjoyed the series and would like to hear more from Heidi and Scott, please let us know by emailing studenthub@open.ac.uk. 

Posted on 29 August 2024

Episode 8 - Scott on the spot, test your OU knowledge with us

In today's episode, the penultimate in our Student Hub Live Podcast Summer Edition series, Heidi puts Scott on the spot and tests his Open University knowledge. We would love for you to join in wherever you are listening to the podcast, let us know your score via studenthub@open.ac.uk. If you'd like to find out more facts about the OU or verify any of the answers in today's quiz, click here.

Plus, in our 'World Wide Webber' feature, Scott provides an overview on the Battle of Hastings in response to a query from OU student Steve (rather fitting considering William the Conqueror is Scott's 28th Great Grandad!)

Posted on 22 August 2024

Episode 7 - Bouncing back from disappointment

In this episode, Heidi and Scott discuss how to bounce back from disappointment, especially university grades which don’t align with your expectations! They talk about how to shift your perspective and use setbacks as an opportunity for growth. They explore some of the issues faced by students who have to sacrifice time with their families and how to manage feelings of ‘letting down’ those around you. Scott talks about studying during lockdown and offers advice on how to help communicate the demands of study with your significant other. Finally, he outlines the origin of Rome in response to a request by Charlotte who sent a DM on Instagram for the podcast’s new feature, the World Wide Webber, where Scott, a history expert, condenses a significant period in history into three minutes.

With only two episodes remaining in the summer series, don’t hesitate to get in touch using studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Posted on 15 August 2024

Episode 6 - Discounts, freebies and The World Wide Webber

In today’s episode, Scott and Heidi talk you through many benefits available to you when you join as an Open University student. Scott will explain incredible discounts available via Totum, UNiDAYS and UCAS, including cinema treats, Amazon Prime Student and Spotify for students, plus, he also shares information about his friend Luke’s successful YouTube channel, College Music, totally free for everyone to enjoy.

Heidi highlights the free Being an OU Student course, the SCONUL Access scheme, free Office 365 access for OU students, the delights of being part of the OU Alumni Association, including exclusive discounts, events and volunteering opportunities, plus, she will talk you through how you can access free careers support with OU experts and the whole host of financial support available to OU students.

Finally, Heidi and Scott launch “The World Wide Webber”. In this new feature, students get to ask Scott about any period in history and he will explain it in just three minutes. OU student Lenka asked for an overview of the Ottoman Empire and as ever, Scott did not disappoint!

Email Heidi and Scott via studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Posted on 8 August 2024

Episode 5 - Apprehensive about distance learning? Let Heidi and Scott reassure you

In this episode, you’ll find out why Scott found himself in a (very hot) room with LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Eminem and Snoop Dog this week, plus we discuss distance learning versus learning at a bricks and mortar university.

Are you thinking of joining the OU but are concerned you might feel isolated? Are you worried there won’t be enough pastoral care? In which case, this episode is designed for you.

Plus, Scott, the founder of Mad About History, talks about the origins of beer and pizza and the historical artefacts he is most eager to see. In this episode we mention the following:

• The role of the OU’s Student Support Team
• The disability support available with the OU
• MA in Classical Studies
• MA in Art History

Are you finding the podcast a useful resource? We would love to hear from you. Email Heidi and Scott using studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Posted on 1 August 2024

Episode 4 - The importance of rest, wellbeing and boundaries

In this episode, Scott and Heidi talk about the importance of rest for wellbeing and effective study. Scott outlines how exercise and reading are his go-to relaxation strategies, while Heidi discusses her trips away, solo-dates and setting healthy boundaries. They also discuss the freedom that comes with being able to simply admit you don't know something and the importance of taking guilt-free breaks from study and life when needed.

We really hope you find this episode helpful and reassuring. Scott and Heidi present and produce this podcast in their own time for free in order to provide support for OU students so please don't forget to email us your feedback using studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Posted on 25 July 2024

Episode 3 - Study strategies, self-compassion and Heidi’s McDonald’s meltdown

In this week’s podcast, Scott and Heidi discuss study strategies and expectations versus reality when it comes to studying with The Open University. Plus, Scott offers tips on how he deals with online trolls, shares fascinating history facts about potatoes, perpetual stews (gross) and early South American civilizations, and talks about the importance of not slipping behind in your studies. Heidi discusses the value of self-compassion while studying and shares details of her toughest study day EVER where she ended up crying in McDonald’s at midnight!

We really hope you are enjoying the series this summer. Don’t forget to get in touch with any questions via studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Posted on 18 July 2024

Episode 2 - Busting myths, imposter syndrome and smashing ‘perfection paralysis’

In this second podcast, Heidi and Scott, both former OU students, share their experiences of self-doubt. Despite having one of the most popular history Tik Tok channels in the UK and winning a national award as a personal trainer, Scott shares how he is still plagued by imposter syndrome. Heidi talks about perfection paralysis and how she refuses to let it stop her, outlining how studying with the OU played an instrumental role in helping her to tackle it.

We hope by the end of today's session you feel suitably reassured that despite any negative rhetoric you were taught in regards to your learning capabilities, or how much your confidence has been undermined, you have everything it takes to succeed in higher education.

As ever, you can reach out to the show using studenthub@open.ac.uk. Heidi and Scott would love your feedback.

Posted on 11 July 2024

Episode 1 - Learning journeys, neurodivergence and exam challenges

In this first podcast of the series, Heidi and Scott discuss their experiences of studying with The Open University, how struck they were by the passion and expertise of OU Associate Lecturers and the quality of OU teaching materials. Scott talks about how he harnessed his love of learning and developed his hugely successful Tik Tok channel, Mad About History while Heidi shares her challenges with exams and the misery of school! Plus, they talk about ‘following their bliss’ and embracing introversion and self-awareness.

You can follow Scott on Instagram @mad_about_history_scott and Tik Tok @madabouthistory.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team if you have any questions or feedback using studenthub@open.ac.uk

Posted on 04 July 2024