Busy Brains

It's Busy Brains again and in this episode we explore the quiet, often misunderstood experience of loneliness—what it feels like, where it comes from, and why it can persist even when we’re surrounded by others. Through personal stories and expert insights, we unpack the difference between solitude and isolation and how modern life shapes our sense of connection. Our guest in this episode is Abdelbasset Boudjerda, our Off-Campus Student Support Officer who shares his own personal experience with loneliness.

This is EP 7 of CU Busy brains where we talk about FOMO (fear of missing out): that nagging feeling that everyone else is doing something more exciting or meaningful than you. We explore how social media fuels FOMO, how it affects our wellbeing, and practical ways to manage it so you can feel more present and satisfied with your own experiences. A huge thanks to our guest Gabriela Yanez, our Community Coordinator in charge for the TOS Team and Clubs on campus as well as to one of her TOS Team members Matas Sidlauskas for sharing their insights.

This special episode, is released in alignment with CU's “What & Why Sexual Health” Awareness Campaign. We dive into sexual health education across cultures and why it matters on an international, culturally diverse campus. Our lovely Health Peer Mentors share insights from their educational backgrounds, reflecting on how sexual health is taught (or avoided) where they come from and how it’s perceived within their cultures. This episode highlights the importance of inclusive, accessible sexual health education that respects cultural differences while empowering students to make informed choices. A huge thanks to Laura Smith, Head of Student Life & Support and our Health Peer Mentors who shared their perspectives.

Now that Students are back from winter break, returning from home, or a great winter adventure; homesickness can show up when we least expect it: back on campus. In this episode, we talk about what homesickness really is, why it happens, and how to cope with the mix of longing, guilt, and loneliness that often comes with it. Thanks to all students who opened up about this difficult topic for this episode, your honesty is highly appreciated! This episode is featured by Adilah Ponnurangam (Resident Life Manager in Mercator College), who herself left her home country to study and work far away from her family.   

In this episode, we dive into the surprisingly sneaky psychology of procrastination—why we do it, how it disguises itself, and what actually helps us break the cycle. Through relatable stories and science-backed strategies, we explore how to stop delaying what matters and start taking actions into our own hands. Tune in for practical tips, a few laughs, and the motivation you’ve been putting off. A huge shoutout to Nina Abo Alatta from our Academic Advising Services Team who featured this episode as our guest.

In this episode, CU Busy Brains dives into the often-blurred line between Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the more common winter blues. While many students feel a dip in mood as the days grow shorter, SAD is a clinically recognized condition that can significantly disrupt daily life. Join us as we explore the symptoms, causes, and science behind both, and help listeners understand when a seasonal slump might be something more. With insights and practical tips, we break down how to recognize the signs, and how to support yourself—or someone you care about—through the darker months. Big thanks to our guest Rudy Flores Soto from our Student Services Team who features this episode!

In our 2nd episode, we dive into the art of making friends — from breaking the ice to building real connections. Our guest Gabriel Sanchez Macías from the Residential Life Team shares his perspectives as he lived through the process of making friends on campus himself - form being a student to his new role as Residential Life Advisor. Tune in for honest stories, expert tips, and a reminder that it’s never too late to find your people.

Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. In this very first episode of Busy Brains, host and Student Health Coordinator Anna Pelz talks with Florence Yu from the Psychological Counselors team and Laura Smith, Head of Student Life and Support, about what students can expect during their first weeks on campus. From settling into a new environment to building connections and finding support, they share practical advice and reassuring perspectives on navigating the arrival phase at Constructor University.