All Episodes - WISPod
Welcome to WISPod, a podcast series dedicated to all things student life, hosted by Western University’s Women in STEM. Join us for guides on navigating university, interviews with STEM professionals, candid advice, and more! New episode coming every month
View Podcast Details30 Episodes
The Freshmen Files
Join us as we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the highs, lows, and everything in between from our first year. Hosted by Julia (Director of Operations) alongside my wonderful friends Besa, Saahi, Hailey, and Ainsley, we’re now in our second year and ready to share our reflections. From navigating academics and making new friends to adjusting to social life and facing all the scary moments in between, we’re diving into the challenges, learning curves, and growth that shaped us. Plus, we’re sharing the advice we wish we had as incoming first years!
Navigating Women's Mental Health with Dr. Dalfen
Join us today as we’re incredibly excited to have Dr. Ariel Dalfen with us—CEO and Co-Founder of BRIA, as well as an MD psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in women’s mental health. Dr. Dalfen has dedicated her career to supporting women at all stages of life, from the perinatal to the perimenopausal years. She co-founded BRIA after leading Ontario's largest perinatal mental health program for nearly 13 years and pioneering Canada’s first Perinatal Mental Health Telemedicine Program in 2014. Dr. Dalfen has also published research and authored When Baby Brings the Blues: Solutions for Postpartum Depression, furthering the conversation on maternal mental health. In today’s WIS podcast, we’ll explore Dr. Dalfen’s journey as a physician, the challenges she has navigated, and her insights on women’s mental health—especially how our healthcare system supports women through critical life stages.
Chemistry Culture ft. Professor Workentin
Join us as we explore the world of chemistry with the infamous OChem professor, Professor Workentin! Hosted by Mary (VP of Operations) and Katrina (Director of Operations), our podcast covers everything from advice on succeeding in organic chemistry to insider tips on landing lab positions. Whether you're a student, a chemistry enthusiast, or just curious about the field, we bring you insightful discussions, expert advice, and real stories from the world of science. Tune in for engaging conversations and practical guidance to help you navigate your journey in STEM!
Money Talks: Mastering Holiday Spending and New Year Budgeting
This holiday season, let your finances flourish! In this episode of WISPod, we focus on the importance of financial literacy and wellness, especially during the holidays! Join Co-VP of Operations Mary and the Finance portfolio (VP of Finance Christa, and Directors of Finance Grace and Roanna) as we dive into smart holiday spending strategies, from creating budgets to avoiding common shopping pitfalls. Don't miss out on critical tips! Financial mindfulness can reduce stress, and support your academic and personal goals. Whether you’re a student navigating tight budgets, looking for ways to shop smarter, or simply seeking thoughtful and budget-friendly gift-giving tips that work all year round, this episode has everything you need for a joyful and financially sound holiday season.
Navigating STEM Careers: Our Executives' WISdom
Our last podcast episode of the year wraps up with our Director of Operations, Sophia, interviewing two fellow students from our executive team: Eliana and Felicia. Tune in as our team shares their best advice on approaching networking and coffee chatting etiquette to build valuable mentorship connections post-graduation!
From Aspiring to Achieving: The Journey to Medical School Part 2
Join Victoria, our Director of Operations, in this enthralling two-part series featuring first-year medical students at Western University: Regan and Mia. Whether you are interested in learning more about the application process and prerequisites required for Canadian students or want to deep-dive into what Western's MD program experience is like and the opportunities offered, this episode has you covered!
From Aspiring to Achieving: The Journey to Medical School
Join Victoria, our Director of Operations, in this enthralling two-part series featuring first-year medical students at Western University: Regan and Mia. Whether you are interested in learning more about the application process and prerequisites required for Canadian students or want to deep-dive into what Western's MD program experience is like and the opportunities offered, this episode has you covered!
Female Inspos at Western
Join our host, Director of Operations Elia, and her two guests, Mary and Victoria of the Operations portfolio as they discuss the impact of female representation in STEM and highlight female figures at Western. Delve into the episode to hear more!
Mustang Archives: Exploring Reddit Threads Part 2
WIS is back with Part 2 of our two-part series where members of our executive team dig through Reddit threads featuring student stories to provide their advice for undergraduate students!
Mustang Archives: Exploring Reddit Threads Part 1
Welcome to the first instalment in a two-part series where members of our executive team, Hayley, Parnika, and Sara, dive into popular UWO Reddit threads to debunk some common myths surrounding student culture, the hardest programs, and best professors of all time. Follow along as our speakers share their own relatable stories with viewers!
Stemming into STEM: The Western Science Internship Program
Welcome to a new episode featuring our host Co-VP Operations Mary alongside members of the WIS executive team: Thea, Fiona, and Ishika. Hear more about their experience with the Western Science Internship Program and explore the world outside of academia. Dive into the internship lifestyle and learn about potential careers ranging from the pharmaceuticals, research, to biotech fields!
Stemming into STEM: The Western Science Internship Program
Welcome to a new episode featuring our host Co-VP Operations Mary alongside members of the WIS executive team: Thea, Fiona, and Ishika. Hear more about their experience with the Western Science Internship Program and explore the world outside of academia. Dive into the internship lifestyle and learn about potential careers ranging from the pharmaceuticals, research, to biotech fields!
Stemming into STEM: The Western Science Internship Program
Welcome to a new episode featuring our host Co-VP Operations Mary alongside members of the WIS executive team: Thea, Fiona, and Ishika. Hear more about their experience with the Western Science Internship Program and explore the world outside of academia. Dive into the internship lifestyle and learn about potential careers ranging from the pharmaceuticals, research, to biotech fields!
Clinical Research: Perspectives from the PhD and Undergraduate Level
Join our host CO-VP Operations Alice and her two guests Shahnaz and Lauren as they give you exclusive insight into clinical research ranging from involvement as an undergraduate to doing a PHD! Let this episode help you answer if clinical research may be for you!
I WISh I knew... How to build a strong support system
Join this years WIS Co-Presidents Iris and Sara as they break down UWO clubs week. Get their insider tips and advice on joining the right club for you, how to make the most out of your club experience, and hear more about WIS culture. P.S Listen carefully as there is a surprise in this episode for our clubs week listeners!
I WISh I Knew... How to Combat Imposter Syndrome
Last WISpod of the year! Join Mary, Director of Operations and Ana, VP of Finance of Women in STEM as they chat all things imposter syndrome from what it is, how it manifests in our behaviour, and how to combat it.
I WISh I Knew... How to Combat Imposter Syndrome
Last WISpod of the year! Join Mary, Director of Operations and Ana, VP of Finance of Women in STEM as they chat all things imposter syndrome from what it is, how it manifests in our behaviour, and how to combat it.
STEM and HBA Dual Degrees
Not interested in traditional career routes of med school or grad school? Want to explore combining your STEM background with a degree in business? Tune in as this episode spotlights a talented panel of HBA/STEM Dual Degree students sharing their experiences at the Ivey Business School. Jam-packed with topics ranging from academics and internships to program culture, this is the perfect episode for you! Contact Info: Kyleigh Stubbs (Health Science/HBA3) Email: kstubbs.hba2023@ivey.ca Instagram: @kyleighstubbs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleighstubbs/ Samantha Goertz (Chemical Engineering/HBA2) Email: sgoertz3@uwo.ca Instagram: @sam._.goertz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-goertz/ Shirley Wu (Computer Science/HBA2) Email: swu.hba2024@ivey.ca Instagram: @syywu_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-shirley/ Eleanor Feng (HBA2 - Previously Medical Sciences) Email: efeng.hba2023@ivey.ca Instagram: @eleanorfeng_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-feng
WIS Gets Real: Living Alone Diaries
Listen in as members of the WIS executive team discuss the realities of student living and the importance of personal identity during this time. Topics include roommates, friends, routines, support systems, and more!
WIS Gets Real: Money, Money, Money
Listen in on the personal experiences of WIS executives as they discuss all things money-related and student-related! Topics such as housing, groceries, resources, social outings, and more all come into play in this "WIS Gets Real" episode.
USRI 101
The Undergraduate Summer Internship Program is a valuable opportunity for research. Learn more about the program through the experiences of our executive members and for important advice when considering research!
Finding Opportunities in Research
Interested in research but have no idea where to start? This episode discusses cold emailing, summer internships, and work-study through the experiences of our executive members. Listen in for some advice along with tips and tricks on getting started!
I WISh I Knew... how to take care of myself during exam season
We’re Back! - and with a new host Thea, Women in STEM’s AVP Operations. For our first episode of the year, Thea is joined by Alice, one of the Operations directors to discuss all things they wish they knew in first year, self-care tips, and surviving the dreaded two-week period known as exam season. Listen in as we address exam-centred topics through a mental health lens and authentic conversation. More episodes in our I WISh I Knew series coming soon!
Community Inclusion Special
Meet Jessie, our VP of Community Inclusion and find out what our CI team does in WIS! Included in this episode: the inspiration behind our Resource Book, an EDI Training digest, and a realistic take on campus culture
WIS Gets Real: Built Different
Part 3 of WIS Gets Real - a mini series about student social life, building relationships, and time management. In this final part, we wrap the series up by delving into the common misconceptions about being a well-rounded student and reveal the imperfect ‘behind the scenes’ that often goes ignored.
WIS Gets Real: Long Distance
Part 2 of WIS Gets Real - a mini series about student social life, building relationships, and time management. Today, we discuss the tough realities of moving away from home and maintaining long distance relationships, whether it be with family, friends, or a significant other.
WIS Gets Real: First Year
Part 1 of WIS Gets Real - a mini series about student social life, building relationships, and time management. In this episode, our first year directors share their struggles in residence, talk about shallow vs meaningful friendships, and discuss finding a work/life balance in University. Stay tuned!
Life after Western
What does life look like after undergrad? Western alumni, Mariska, Kristina, and Melissa, share their growth post graduation covering regrets, most rewarding experiences, reflections on the past, and what to do once you get your degree.
Unboxing STEM Programs
Join in for an all-new episode featuring the senior executive team as they unbox STEM programs at Western University! In this segment, speakers share their insight on preparing for undergraduate programs and post-undergraduate pathways. University applications, research and internships, specializations, imposter syndrome, and dealing with failure, this STEM-focused episode covers it all!
Must Knows for Mustangs
Incoming and returning mustangs, welcome! This pilot episode is the ultimate, tell-all survival guide to entering first year as a Western student. In episode 1, our upper years share their experiences and advice on everything you need to know from residence, classes, and clubs, to campus life and rookie mistakes to avoid, buckle up!