SHL Podcast

SHL Podcast: Summer Edition is here!

We are thrilled to announce a new Student Hub Live offering, the SHL Podcast: Summer Edition. Produced, presented and brought to you by our very own Heidi (who is a co-presenter on our live shows), along with Scott Webber, who set up his hugely successful Mad About History Tik Tok channel after studying with the OU. They will be chatting about their own experiences of studying, why they started, what they loved, the challenges they faced and how studying changed their lives. They will also be answering listener questions and offering support and advice.The episodes will be posted every Thursday throughout July and August right here!

*Please note that views expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of The Open University.

NEW!! 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