Student Life Radio

In this episode, Milo returns for one more episode to sit down with Emily Greenwood from UEL's Early Years Institute to explore the fascinating world of infant development. From the moment babies are born, they are already learning, but how does that process actually work? Emily takes Milo through the science behind early childhood development, unpacking how babies make sense of the world around them and what those first crucial years mean for how we all learn. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply curious about the human mind, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

Sounds of East London: Music, Memory & Community explores the vibrant musical landscape of East London and the powerful role that sound plays in shaping community identity, memory, and culture. In this episode, Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects joins the conversation to discuss how local music scenes, stories, and shared listening experiences help document and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the area. We also touch on Katherine’s upbringing and the experiences that inspired her passion for community-led creative work. The episode explores how Rendezvous Projects helps communities find and express their voice through creative collaboration, highlighting some of the projects they have delivered and the impact these initiatives have had locally. The discussion reflects on how music connects generations, captures the spirit of local communities, and amplifies the voices of East London’s diverse populations. Listeners will also get a glimpse into what Rendezvous Projects may be developing in the future, offering insight into how sound can continue to act as both an archive of the past and a catalyst for community connection moving forward. 

Saul Payne from the Student Life team steps in as host being joined by Aneeka Tariq for East London Sport for a grounded, energising conversation on motivation, habits, and the inspirations that sustain both fitness journeys and wider life goals.Together, Saul Payne and Aneeka Tariq explore why motivation often fades after the January highs of resolutions and “new year, new me” thinking. They unpack the emotional and practical reasons we lose momentum, and focus on the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that help reduce disappointment and keep progress consistent long after initial motivation runs out.

Milo is joined by Karli-Jade Fontiverio-Hylton, a creative ethnographer who shares her journey from fine art to ethnography, emphasising the importance of immersive research and cultural storytelling in sharing authentic narratives within the creative space.Karli-Jade and Milo touch on the challenges of tokenism, the need for authentic engagement and what home truly means for children of the diaspora. Karli-Jade also shares thoughts on how Black History Month can evolve through continuous representation and reeducation.

How can we build for the future of our communities whilst keeping history alive?For this episode, Milo draws on a member of his own community to understand how we can endeavor to sculpt brighter futures, even through seemingly unrelated work. Milo is joined by Nadu Placca Rodriguez, a self-proclaimed 'event extraordinaire', who shares her experience of breaking new ground through events, education and building global bridges.

What happens when you ask the UEL community big questions about identity, growth, purpose and belonging?In this special unscripted episode, we uncover the unfiltered perspectives shared by students, staff and alumni. They speak candidly with Milo about their experiences on campus, the challenges they’ve faced and the ways they’ve changed.Tune in for a rich and diverse snapshot of some of the voices shaping UEL as we learn, explore and grow as a community.

 In this episode, Lumi, Oyinda and Joanna join Milo to share their journeys of personal growth, everchanging identities and finding home in the UK thousands of miles away from their homes in Nigeria. From navigating cultural shifts (English weather included!) to embracing newfound freedoms, the students reflect on how their confidence and sense of self have evolved.  

Struggling with career clarity? In this episode, Milo sits down with UEL alumna turned Life and Career Coach Dina Grishin to explore how unexpected detours can lead to fulfilling careers. From active self-discovery to embracing “happenstance,” Dina shares practical tips on breaking limiting beliefs, staying flexible and taking control of your path. Your career begins when you decide, so tune in to take charge!

In a Student Life Radio first, Milo sits down with a panel of three UEL students who share stories of their unique backgrounds and aspirations while exploring the commonalities found through their shared passion for music.Joined by Luca (rapper and producer), Maleia (music journalist) and Theo (musician and instrumentalist), this episode discusses themes of authenticity, representation and identity both as artists and individuals. Each student speaks openly about their journey to UEL, their experiences of building connections and their musical triumphs and desires for the future of their craft.

In this episode, Milo is joined by UEL staff and international graduates Bansari Bantwa (Senior Career Zone Advisor) and Samson Olagbami (EDI Manager) for a discussion surrounding culture, what it means and why it matters. Here, three individuals share the view from their respective cultural lens and converge them into a celebration of what makes each of us unique.

Adebusola Adisa of the Student Wellbeing team joins us to share some handy tips to carry forward in the new year.This episode includes techniques to reduce stress and panic, as well as some great tools to help you manage your wellbeing without the need for any additional materials.Listen along for a bitesized bonus of bliss, and relax...Have a look at our Playlist to keep the chill vibes flowing.

On Volume 3 of Student Life Radio, we sit down with UEL's very own Regina Everitt to talk about the concept of belonging, UEL's Belonging Framework, developing a sense of who you are, and the importance of community.  Regina Everitt is Assistant Chief Operating Officer & Director of Library, Archives and Learning Services. She began her professional career as a technical author/trainer working with computer companies that developed software for the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and financial sectors in the US and UK.  After managing a small library at a university in West Africa as a volunteer with the United States Peace Corps, she transitioned into the HE sector developing and managing libraries, social learning spaces, and other learning resources.  She is a member of boards of professional bodies, including the Adult Literacy Trust. She co-edited Narrative Expansions:  Interpreting Decolonisation in Academic Libraries and Privileged Spaces:  Academic Libraries in University Estates Strategy, which will be published in December 2024. Want to listen to Regina's playlist? Listen to it here. 

On Volume 2 of Student Life Radio, you'll hear from Ali Alajeeli, a recent graduate of UEL who is currently working as a Stage Manager as part of the UEL Graduate Employment Scheme, and Milo Osun-Benjamin, this episode's host. Ali and Milo will discuss Ali's journey, the concept of Ikigai, and how they've found and nurtured their sense of purpose. Ali is a London-based photographer, cinematographer and writer-director for film. His juxtaposition between light and shadow in film style punctuates his signature style. Ali believes photos are metaphors, making the abstract concrete and mystifying the mundane. Learn more about Ali on his website. Check out Ali's Playlist. 

On Volume 1 of Student Life Radio you'll hear from Ezi Odozor (Head of Student Life) and Salimata Bojang (Assistant Head of Student Life) about what they love, what community means to them and what Student Life Radio is all about. As part of Student Life Radio, you can also check out the playlists they've created on Spotify. Check them out here: Ezi's PlaylistSali's Playlist

This is your community, but have you ever wondered who's in it?   Each month on Student Life Radio we’ll delve into the lives of our community members as we hear stories about you--the students, staff, and local community --that make UEL come alive. Each episode also comes with a playlist created by our featured guests that represents who they are, what they love, and where they want to go. So tune in, learn about each other, and come closer together as we learn, explore, and hopefully grow with Student Life Radio.