PODCAST · education
Unlocking College Life
by Ilona Phillips and Joy Pehlke
Welcome to Unlocking College Life!Real talk about all things college -- the good, the bad, the messy, the complicated, all of it. And you get to participate! Our show incorporates what you have to say -- your questions and your feedback.We go beyond our experiences working in higher education and mental health with hundreds of students like you. We reflect on current and ever-present issues of college students, with you and our guests. We‘ll encourage you to try new things in order to connect differently with yourself and others. And we hope to help you shift your perspectives on the college experience, authoring your own path. Let‘s dive in.
Episodes
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Ep34: Brief Episode: Closing Out This Season
Joy and Ilona wrap-up the season by reflecting on the many students who joined the show to share their college experiences. The hosts are grateful for the bravery and vulnerability of each guest and hope each episode will continue to help listeners feel less alone in their struggles and paths...
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Ep33: Navigating Multiple Identities & Safe Risk-Taking In College - Mel Selber
Joy and Ilona welcome guest Mel Selber, who is a graduating senior at the University of Michigan. Mel talks about how she redefined who she is over the course of her college experience, and how continuing to take small risks played a role. Key Takeaways: Internalized beliefs about who we are...
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Ep32: Medical School & Disability Advocacy In Health Care - Kate Panzer
Ilona and Joy welcome guest Kate Panzer, who is a 2nd-year medical student at the University of Michigan. Kate followed the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania as an undergrad where she developed an interest in disability health through learning American Sign Language (ASL). She is…
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Ep31: The Power Of Student Government - Merry Gebretsadik
Joy and Ilona are joined by Merry Gebretsadik, a first-generation student studying political science and ethnic studies at Colorado State University. Merry outlines her path at CSU from a disconnected first-year student to ultimately being elected as the Vice President of Student Government...
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Ep30: The Music School Experience - Senaida
Ilona and Joy are joined by Senaida, a student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music. Senaida talks openly about her experiences as a musical artist, and the challenges she went through to find her unique artistry now. She says: “My art is my life, and my life is…
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Ep29: A College Student Against All Odds - Todd Perry
Joy and Ilona talk with Todd Perry who never imagined he would be a college student. This episode is especially for those who have struggled with addiction and don’t believe college is a possibility. Todd had behavioral issues as a young person, and a traumatic upbringing. He lived through years…
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Ep28: Relationships And Hook-up Culture In College - Emma Abed
Joy talks with Emma Abed, a graduate student at the University of Michigan, about the varied types of relationships in college, and why they can get complicated. Joy and Emma also explore the pros and cons of hookup culture in the college environment. Key Takeaways: Relationships, gender, and...
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Ep27: Finding Purpose In An Unexpected Place - Piers Donald
Joy and Ilona are joined by Piers Donald, a senior at the University of Redlands in California. They follow Piers’ story of determination to play basketball in college, being cut from the team and having to build his identity back up through sobriety and a student job opportunity. Key Takeaways:...
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Ep26: Finding Their Way as a First Generation, Low-Income Student - Mase Peterson
From the promise of a no-tuition college in Kentucky to a community college in Maine to Amherst College. Mase Peterson talks with Ilona and Joy about the double-edged sword of striving for an elite college education as a first-generation, low-income student. Key Takeaways: Reaching for your...
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Ep25: Unpacking FOMO And Trusting Your Gut - Jonah Jacobs
Ilona and Joy talk with Jonah Jacobs, a fellow podcaster and recent graduate of the University of Michigan. Jonah is passionate about normalizing the mental health struggles of men and describes how he worked through the ongoing tensions between his insecure self and his authentic self in…
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Ep24: A Connector for Students - Dr. Makeda Turner
Ilona and Joy welcome Dr. Makeda Turner to discuss the role of an academic advisor and mentor in the college environment. Students may not be aware of all of the types of helping professionals in their college or university. Makeda highlights how to find advisors and mentors who can help students...
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Ep23: Finding Your Way To Your Dream School - Barrett Bongiorno
Ilona and Joy are joined by Barrett Bongiorno, a sixth year senior who began his college career at Miami University and transferred to the University of Michigan. Barrett talks about getting denied from his dream school and eventually finding a way there through determination and a laser focus on...
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Ep22: Journey Of A Business School Student - Eric Hopfenbeck
Ilona and Joy welcome business school student, Eric Hopfenbeck, to discuss life in an MBA program. Eric shares his perspective on connecting the for-profit and nonprofit world and his thoughts on social impact. He also discusses leadership values of humility, empathy, compassion, and…
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Ep21: Fueling Your Flame - Ishita Shukla
Joy and Ilona talk with Ishi Shukla, a junior at the University of Michigan, who is one of the co-founding members of a non-profit called the Lunar Doula Collective and a current president of a reciprocal student organization - the Luna Doula Support Network (LDSN). Ishi refuses to wait until she...
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Ep19: Becoming Unapologetically Yourself - Morgan Brown
Joy and Ilona talk with Morgan Brown, a freshman at the University of Michigan, who shares her experiences with anxiety and social anxiety in college. Morgan is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and being open about her story of childhood trauma and the path that brought her to where...
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Ep18: Prison To College: Journey Of A Student In Recovery - Taylor Gayle White
Ilona and Joy talk with Taylor Gayle White, a nontraditional undergraduate student at UNC Greensboro who is a mental health first aid instructor and also a recovery program assistant. Taylor has a powerful life journey that is informed by the tenet: “how can I be the best version of myself’ every...
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Ep17: Spin On New Year’s Resolutions
This episode tackles the concept of New Year’s resolutions, and the pros and cons of focusing on them. Joy and Ilona encourage students to broaden the concept of setting goals, and to start with values first. Resolutions and goals are not end points to be achieved or accomplished. What matters is...
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Ep16: What Does Socioeconomic Status Have To Do With It: The Unconventional Student Journey - Alyxandria Ransom
Joy and Ilona talk with Alyxandria Ransom, a student majoring in chemistry and sociology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Alyx discusses her experience of finding belonging and purpose as a disconnected transfer student. Key Takeaways: What to do when you feel like “just a number”…
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Ep15: Women In STEM, Priorities & Boundaries - Sami Alves
Joy and Ilona talk with Sami Alves, a senior studying physics and computer science at Yale University who doubles as a flying trapeze gymnast. Key Takeaways: Learning the skill of saying “no” Finding communities of women in the sciences Real friends who challenge you when you’re spread too thin...
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Ep14: Student Athlete Mental Health - Derek Schaedig
Ilona and Joy talk with Derek Schaedig, a senior psychology major and men’s hockey player for Harvard University. Derek discusses his own mental health struggles, and the perseverance it takes to reframe failures and build resilience to hardships. Key Takeaways: How Derek challenged the stigma...
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Ep13: Finding Belonging And Purpose In College - Dolores Perales
Ilona and Joy talk with Dolores Perales, who is a recipient of the Young Climate Leader Award through the Michigan Climate Action Network. Her journey through college was not easy, and is also full of inspiration and impact. Key Takeaways: How to follow your own path? Dolores’ passion about the...
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Ep12: Is My Phone Controlling Me?
Joy and Ilona discuss the different layers of social media and phone use, it’s benefits, drawbacks and potential for compulsive use. *How does this play out for you? Where do these enhance your life and where do they do the opposite? Any changes you want to make? Key Takeaways: What are signs…
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Ep11: Basking In Imperfection - Sarah Renberg
Joy and Ilona are joined by Sarah Renberg, an honor student with a unique backstory, who has spent her college career reframing her own definitions of success and failure. Key Takeaways: How failures become an asset and a measure for growth Aligning everyday small habits with personal values...
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Ep10: Boundaries And School Breaks
Joy and Ilona offer encouragement around setting boundaries with family and friends around the holidays. Where might you hope to assert a boundary, and where might you consider letting down your guard? Key Takeaways: Noticing what triggers come up for you around the holidays How to respond to...
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Ep09: Connection and Student Leadership - Thomas Vance
Joy and Ilona are joined by Thomas Vance, a first-year law student at Columbia Law School. Thomas reflects on his experiences as both an undergraduate and a graduate student, student leadership, and his focus on maintaining connections and relationships amidst hardship. Key Takeaways: Who to lean...
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Ep08: Connecting Or Avoiding
Ilona and Joy discuss the hesitations college students face when wanting to reach out to new people. What can you do to boost your confidence in making friends, and finding the people with whom you truly connect. Key takeaways Taking small vulnerable risks in connecting with others How to be…
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Ep07: Opening Doors: Connecting On College Campuses - Naomi Alvarado And Sanil Mittal
Joy and Ilona are joined by two students, Naomi and Sanil, who share their inside perspectives on navigating college life, making friends, and loneliness. Key Takeaways How to navigate campus mental health resources Advice for first-year students who might be feeling disconnected How to find your...
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Ep06: Imposter Syndrome
Joy and Ilona discuss the topic of imposter syndrome. They explore ways students can reframe comparisons with others, and challenge negative self-talk. Key Takeaways The difference between perfectionism and high standards How tracking the facts can help with self-doubt The bi-directional impact…
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Ep05: Connection and Relationships
In today's episode, Joy and Ilona ask you to consider what kinds of connections and relationships you truly want in college. How do you learn to create boundaries with some people, and take small risks to build deeper connections with others? Key Takeaways Knowing yourself: Do you prefer a small...
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Ep04: Doing vs Being
In today's episode, we will discuss the tension that exists between the desire to rest or take a break, and the guilt that creeps in when you take time for yourselves. Even sleep can feel like a “waste of time.” How do you learn to just be? Key Takeaways The pitfalls of busy culture and the...
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Ep03: Asking For Help
In this episode, we discuss why it can be difficult to seek help even though there are seemingly endless resources on a college campus. Key takeaways to listen for Understanding your own barriers to seeking help Unlocking some of the secrets about campus resources How to have agency in who you...
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Ep02: Layers Of Perfectionism
In today's episode, we'll talk about how perfectionism can impact your emotional and academic growth, as well as the instinct to seek help. Key Takeaways The impact of perfectionism on your success as a student How to escape the perfectionism-procrastination loop The difference between high...
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Ep01: Transitions and Uncertainty
In today's episode, we talk about the reaction and feelings that arise in the transition back to in-person life on college campuses. Key Takeaways: Transitions as opportunities for reflection about your values Questioning college norms and myths about friendships Tips to guide your next steps...
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Unlocking College Life
We know that college life can be very complicated. That is why Unlocking College Life is born as a way of giving back and offering valuable content to college students like you. This is a great avenue for you to participate in, provide feedback and learn to communicate with yourself and others.…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Unlocking College Life!Real talk about all things college -- the good, the bad, the messy, the complicated, all of it. And you get to participate! Our show incorporates what you have to say -- your questions and your feedback.We go beyond our experiences working in higher education and mental health with hundreds of students like you. We reflect on current and ever-present issues of college students, with you and our guests. We‘ll encourage you to try new things in order to connect differently with yourself and others. And we hope to help you shift your perspectives on the college experience, authoring your own path. Let‘s dive in.
HOSTED BY
Ilona Phillips and Joy Pehlke
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Unlocking College Life have?
Unlocking College Life currently has 35 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Unlocking College Life about?
Welcome to Unlocking College Life!Real talk about all things college -- the good, the bad, the messy, the complicated, all of it. And you get to participate! Our show incorporates what you have to say -- your questions and your feedback.We go beyond our experiences working in higher education and...
How often does Unlocking College Life release new episodes?
Unlocking College Life has 35 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Unlocking College Life?
You can listen to Unlocking College Life on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Unlocking College Life?
Unlocking College Life is created and hosted by Ilona Phillips and Joy Pehlke.
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