'How To Be WiSE' Podcast by Queen's University WiSE Chapter

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Danica Johnson and Diana Orsini, two researchers working at the forefront of psychedelic science and mental health. From ketamine to psilocybin, they share how these emerging therapies are reshaping our understanding of the brain and offering new hope for treating conditions like depression.We dive into their journeys into research, the realities of working in a highly regulated and evolving field, and the powerful (and sometimes surprising) impact these treatments can have on patients. They also open up about the challenges behind the scenes; from ethical considerations to emotional resilience, and share advice for students interested in neuroscience and research.If you’re curious about the future of mental health treatment or considering a path in research, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, we sit down with Asia Fee: cosmetic chemist, science communicator, entrepreneur, and founder of Alchemist Asia. Asia shares her journey into the world of cosmetic chemistry, from experimenting with lipstick formulations in high school to building a platform that combines beauty, science, and education.We talk about what cosmetic chemists actually do, the STEM behind skincare formulation, and how to think critically about popular skincare claims and trends online. Asia also opens up about her experience as a woman in STEM, the misconceptions surrounding beauty-related science careers, and why communication, business, and interdisciplinary learning are so important for students entering the field.To wrap up, Asia gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her experience on Beast Games and reflects on how her scientific mindset shaped the way she approached competition, risk, and teamwork.This episode is one you don't want to miss. It is such an empowering conversation on science, beauty, entrepreneurship, and navigating your own path in STEM.Asia's Instagram: @AsiafeeEnjoy!

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Angelique Matias, a first-year medical student at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.Angelique shares how her early experiences in healthcare sparked her interest in medicine, how volunteering and research shaped her journey, and what ultimately confirmed that this path was right for her. Together, we discuss:Discovering your “why” for medicineMCAT preparation strategies and common misconceptionsNavigating the Canadian medical school application processWhat surprised her most about starting med schoolStaying balanced and grounded in a high-pressure fieldWhat she wishes she could tell her pre-med selfIf you’re considering medicine, feeling unsure about your next steps, or simply curious about what medical school is really like, this episode offers honest and first-hand insight and practical advice from someone who’s recently been through it.Thanks for tuning in, and as always, stay WiSE ✨

In a world of curated routines, productivity culture, and highlight reels, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling to keep it all together.In this episode, host Shubneet sits down with Lilli Jankovich, a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Queen’s University, Pilates instructor, and wellness content creator, for an honest conversation about what student “balance” really looks like behind the scenes.Lilli shares her journey navigating academic pressure, social media expectations, and holistic wellness, opening up about routines, boundaries, burnout, and learning to prioritize mental, physical, and emotional health without striving for perfection. This episode unpacks the realities of student life, the pressure to appear productive online, and why wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all.If you’ve ever compared your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, felt pressure to do it all, or wondered how to care for yourself while pursuing a demanding degree, this conversation is for you. Enjoy!

In this special holiday episode of the WiSE Podcast, host Shubneet is joined by members of the WiSE podcast and communications team - Petra, Nicola, and Samantha - for a fun and timely conversation to close out the semester and year!We get into hot topics in STEM right now, including AI in education, burnout culture, and navigating uncertainty in academic and career paths. Then, we lighten things up by sharing our favourite ways to unwind during the semester, from books and shows to habits that actually helped us get through.Whether you’re studying, commuting, or finally taking a well-earned break, this episode is a cozy end-of-year listen. Thanks for being part of the WiSE community, and happy holidays! ✨

In this episode, host Shubneet is joined by Wendy Wu, Jory Hunter, and Stephanie Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to build a career in STEM, especially when your path is anything but linear. They discuss navigating uncertainty, taking risks, switching directions, and letting go of the pressure to “have it all figured out.”The episode also explores how mentorship, curiosity, confidence, and self-trust shape both your professional and personal growth. Whether you’re choosing a major, facing a pivot, acquiring an internship, or reimagining your future, this conversation reminds you that uncertainty isn’t a setback - it’s part of the path that will lead you to where you're meant to be.

In this episode of HTBW, host Shubneet sits down with Lauren Brown and Logan Germain, co-founders of the Queen’s University Biotech Innovation and Consulting group (QUBIC). They share how QUBIC is helping students bridge the gap between academic research and Canada’s biotech industry - turning ideas into impact and research into live ventures. From building entrepreneurial skills to empowering women in STEM leadership, Lauren and Logan reveal what it takes to innovate, collaborate, and make your mark in the future of biotech at Queen’s.

In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with three graduate students from Queen’s University’s Tayade Lab to talk about their research on endometriosis and reproductive health, and what it’s really like to be women leading change in science. From unexpected lab challenges to mentorship, collaboration, and resilience, this candid conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of grad school and the future of women’s health research!

What if the key to thriving in STEM isn’t pushing harder, but learning to pause?In this episode of How to Be WiSE, host Shubneet sits down with Kim Barthel - a world-renowned occupational therapist, speaker, and author - for a powerful conversation on self-compassion, burnout, and the neuroscience of stress. With over 35 years of experience in trauma-informed care, Kim shares her insights into how high performing students can protect their well-being while still pursuing excellence.We dive into:What self-compassion really means (and why it's not fluff)How chronic stress impacts your brain (and your GPA)The science behind burnout, flow state, and emotional regulationWhy connection, vulnerability, and boundaries are essential in competitive fieldsReframing failure as feedback, not defeatIf you’re feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or in need of permission to breathe, this episode is for you. Tune in, take a breath, and let Kim remind you that you are enough - exactly as you are💜

Welcome to Season 8 of HTBW! In our very first episode, host Shubneet sits down with the 2025/26 WiSE Presidential Team including Charlotte, Kaylee, and Lindsay. We discuss their journeys into STEM, their WiSE origin stories, and what this year’s leadership team envisions for the WiSE community. From biggest challenges to proudest STEM moments, quick-fire fun facts, and advice for aspiring women in STEM, this episode sets the tone for an inspiring season ahead.

As our world continues to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health and mental disorders, we must recognize the scientists that dedicate their lives to learning more about the human brain. Tune in to this week's episode to hear how Gina, a Clinical Psychology MSc student at Queen's, researches the relationship between PTSD and chronic pain in Canadian women veterans. Mikaela and Gina discuss the importance of psychological research, helping us as an audience understand more about how the experiences of others affect them and what we can do to support our friends, peers, and loved ones. 🤍

As undergrads, it can be difficult to decide what exactly you'd like to do after graduation. Some might default to saying that they will get their Master's or PhD, but what exactly do you do during grad school?! Tune in to this week's episode for advice from Angelica and Kristen as they share their stories of their academic journeys. Learn about how rewarding research can be, what challenges can be associated with academia and how to decide what career is really for you.

Without epidemiologists, our world would be at risk for uncontrolled disease outbreaks, uninformed health policies, and ultimately lower life expectancy. So, yeah... we need them! Are you interested in health and disease, but also working with statistics? Public Health and Epidemiology might be the perfect career for you. Tune in to this week's episode to learn all about what the journey to becoming an epidemiologist could look like! Mikaela chats with Penny and Ryann as they tell us exactly how they got to where they are today! 🦠📊

Welcome back to HTBW! As we enter 2025, join Mikaela and Kaylee as they set their intentions for the new year! During the school year, it can feel impossible to set aside time for yourself. Tune in to hear us chat about why it’s crucial to make sure you are balancing personal life with school, and how we plan to do it. Learn about amazing women-in-STEM books, podcasts, and even influencers that will inspire you to challenge yourself this year!

As we approach the end of exam season, mid-December blues are hitting hard and can be difficult to see through. Don't worry! The HTBW Holiday Special is here to brighten your day! Join Mikaela as she interviews the Podcast Team behind Season 7! The team discusses 2024's 'STEM Wrapped', including hot topics in STEM this year and advances in technology such as ChatGPT, biodegradable plastics, reverse genetics, etc! We love a controversial topic. To finish off the episode, Mikaela guides the team through a lighthearted game of Holiday STEM Trivia (we definitely got every question right...) Take a study break, tune in! You deserve it. Good luck and Happy Holidays from the Pod Team!!!🎄⭐️☃️

Have you ever wondered how the universe operates on a fundamental level? Join Mikaela as she chats with Kate and Charlotte about their respective experiences in the fields of physics and computing! Learn how the future of quantum computing may involve development of many complex tasks, such as simulating drug delivery. From the undergraduate level to the doctorate level, explore what kind of opportunities there are in this field of STEM! The scope of possibilities are TRULY endless!!!

Join Mikaela as she chats with Aranya and Rachel from FREED (Field Research in Ecology and Evolution Diversified), a field work association focusing on providing hands-on learning opportunities for BIPOC students. Are you a nature lover? Learn about the importance of gaining experience in the field, and the scope of possibilities that are available to those interested in the conservation of our environment. From land to water, there is so much to explore within the realm of ecology and conservation. Tune in to hear about what field work ecologists are focusing on today and what you can do to get involved!

Exploring the field of medicine can be daunting after learning that you might have to write a 7 hour exam... Tune in to hear how Ayesha and Claire from QUEMA, Queen's University Exploring Medicine Association, conquered the MCAT! Learn the scope of studying hacks and resources that are available, and that it's not as scary as it may seem. From reading scientific articles to help you get into the studying groove, to how to practice the timing of your CARS section, there are so many amazing ways to prepare for this exam! Make sure to follow QUEMA on Instagram for more pre-med related content!! @qupremed

Have you ever considered dentistry as a career? Join Mikaela as she chats with Anya, a third year Dental Surgery student at Queen's University Belfast! The two of them discuss what drove Anya to pursue dentistry, what was required for the application process, and the importance balancing school with personal life. Did you know you can study to become a Dentist AND travel the world? Tune in to learn what kind of options you have, the possibilities are endless!!!🌎🦷✨

Introducing How To Be WiSE Season 7! Please welcome our incredible new host, Mikaela, as she interviews our WiSE 2024/25 Presidential Team including Ariana, Ellie, and Kya! Tune in to hear about life at Queen's, QUIP, WiSE, and all the amazing things they have learned through those experiences. The girls play a STEM-related Jeopardy game and share lab horror stories (Mikaela started a fire?!). Talk about starting the year off with a BANG!

The episode you've all been waiting for!! HTBW x ThinkTwice We collaborated with Elena & Eve, two PhD neuroscientists at Queen's University from the ThinkTwice Podcast, to bring you an episode analyzing social media consumption from a neuroscience perspective. Learn about neuroscience as Fizza, Elena and Eve explore how social media impacts the brain's reward system, influences decision-making processes, and shapes our perceptions of self and others!! Check out ThinkTwice on Social Media! IG: @thinktwice_podcast Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15FqUC1wc2CiCj3aQPcwM5?si=090e1352055e4fc4

Sit down, grab a cup of Joe (or an 8$ latte @ Cogro!) & be a fly on the wall as Fizza and Ellie (HTBW's DoC) chat about their lives as women in STEM students at Queen's University. Listen to conversations about the important of female friendships in STEM, the struggle of getting internships, the race against our biological clock, and an extensive overview on hygiene in the STEM atmosphere. (don't worry, Fizza has gum!)

Climate change.🔥 You've heard about it, Greta Thunberg is worried about it, Hank Green is talking about it...even your mom knows what it is! As the tides rise and the temperatures increase, it is vital more than ever that as a society, we must take an urgent call to action. Join Fizza as she interviews geological engineering students, Mackenna and Maddy (Sci'25) as they talk about geoengineering, carbon capture, making sustainable choices and understanding the impacts of climate change on our planet! 🌍

Have you ever wondered, what does an engineer...actually do? Find out with us and join Fizza as she interviews Kristy Tu (Sci'16, P.Eng) and Samantha Zareski (Sci'18, the OG creator of HTBW <3 & currently a junior engineer!!) as they talk about life after graduation, obtaining your P.Eng and advice about engineering jobs & internships!

Happy Holidays from the HTBW Podcast Team to YOU! Thank you for an amazing year of podcasts - from women in various STEM fields, interesting topics & tons of amazing conversations, we are able to continue providing a platform for ALL women in STEM! As a thank you, we have prepared an extra *silly* special episode for our viewers! <3 Join our S6 Podcast Team, including Fizza, Lauren, Kaylee & Ellie, as they chat about their semesters & tier rank the elements of the periodic table!

We decided to put our own twist on the classic 'Reading Reddit Stories', where we read stories from Reddit based on women in STEM! Join Fizza, Izzah and Kya as they share their thoughts, opinions and experiences on these stories about microaggressions, the importance of allyship, collaboration and equal representation in STEM!

Welcome to our Mental Health Episode! It is so important to take a moment to check in with yourself & ask yourself, "how am I doing?" This week, Fizza interviews clinical psychotherapist, Jo-Ann Ferreira from Student Wellness Services at Queen’s University. Join us as we talk about the different support groups that Student Wellness Services provides, acknowledging the mental health struggles that women in STEM face, and how we can be kinder to ourselves moving forward.

Electric cars? Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably heard about them! In this electrifying episode, Fizza dives headfirst into the world of electric cars through two exclusive episodes with mechanical engineering student, Katherine, and industry professional, Vittoria! Join them as they talk about its eco-friendly technology, its pros and cons, its impact on the automative industry and how it will change the future of transportation!

Have you considered a career in pharmacy, but not sure what that entailed? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Join Fizza as she interviews pharmacists MacKenzie and Katherine, as they chat about their day in the life, the different types of pharmacy and the journey to obtaining their PharmD!

Join Fizza as she chats with Ayesha and Taylor, Ph.D. and B.A.Sc. students in computer engineering, respectively, as they engage in a fascinating conversation surrounding the controversies and debatable advantages behind AI technologies and ChatGPT. Will AI doom the future of education? Learn about how computers HALLUCINATE, and how they may not be the know-all-tell-all they are showcased to be. Will AI and humanoid robots replace humans?! Take a listen to find out!

Introducing…How To Be WiSE Season 6! Our amazing new host, Fizza, interviews our incoming Wise Presidential Team including our president, Kyle, as well as our vice-presidents, Andrea and Emilia! Listen as they talk about the incredible doors that have been opened for them through being in WiSE, their advice for facing uncertainty and loneliness during university (cause we've all been there!) as well as the story time of when Kyle got struck by lightning! (not clickbait, real story!!!!)

A true full circle moment! For our final episode of the podcast for this season, we revisit Life Sciences with our host, Ellie, and special guests, Gwen and Ariel! Join them as they chat about course selection, study habits and the variety of courses that Life Sci has to offer! Thanks for listening to the podcast this year!! We hope you loved this season, and we’re so excited to come back for Season 6 in the Fall!

Join Ellie T. as she chats with graduating chemical engineering students, Alison and Audrey, about their advice to their first year selves, the iron ring, and the best time to get your dried mango at Bulk Barn!

Alpha, beta, theta, mu! They know way more greek than you! (Is this a line from an engineering cheer? Yes. Is it fitting? Also yes!) This extra special physics episode brings you two girls from the same world! Meet Rory, 2nd year Physics major and Charlotte, 2nd year Engineering physics major! Listen as they chat with Ellie about lasers, circuits labs and the secret *exclusive* physics student lounge in Stirling - oops, was that a secret? ;)

Proofs, stats and everything math. Being the most debated subject of all time, we couldn’t have a season without a little math! Whether you love numbers or are still recovering from first year Calculus (trust me…I STILL am!) Kristen and Christina will make you fall in love with mathematics and statistics all over again!

And if you thought you heard enough about coding…surprise! We’ve got a computer science episode for you! Sorry…not sorry! Listen to Olivia and Hannah chat about stereotypes, hardware, and the beautiful world of tech! P.S. Extra special dedication to our lovely internal VP, international superstar computer science queen, Joelle ❤️

We're back baby!!! Happy 2023! To kick off the new year, we've got an extra special Biochemistry episode for y'all! Join Ellie as she chats with Lauren and Madison, two upper year biochemistry students, about organization, dirty chai's and 4 hour labs.

Christmas may be over but the WiSEest of them all ~ The HTBW Podcast Team ~ has delivered an extra special holiday gift for you all!! Listen to Emilia, Rebecca, Ellie and Ellie (yep, there’s two!) chat about managing exam stress, trying new hobbies, and being kind to yourself this holiday season!

Guess who’s back?? Emiliaaaaa!! That’s right, our lovely Director of Communications is taking over the mic for a very special episode of the podcast. Learn about the wonderful world of frog lovers and secret coders with special guest, Rishona!

Even if you’re not good at math, here’s an inequality equation anyone can solve. Girls who code >>> Oh yeah!! The Software Eng girls.

Eeeee! Chemistry! Welcome to the Chemistry episode, where Ellie chats with Sam and Izzy, two upper-year chemistry students who will chat about all things chem! Join the girls as they talk about their best study tricks for midterm season, the rolly chairs on first floor Stauffer *chef’s kiss* and the curse of CHEM 223…iykyk. P.S. Chemistry is the best major. Hands. Down. P.S.S. This caption was maybeee written with a *tiny* bias! - Love, your eng chem editor <3

Hey hey hey! The Mech Eng girls are here! Join us as Ellie chats with upper-year mechanical engineering students, Liz and Kya. The girls share their best study tips on staying on top of the crazy mech eng workload, talk about the broad variety of internship opportunities that eng has to offer, and how the girls stay motivated throughout the school year…or at least try to! ;) Editor’s Note: Eng girl here…any girly who can run autoCAD is a hero to me <3

Calling all Life Sciences girlies! This episode is for you! Join your oh-so-wise host Ellie as she chats with 4th year Life Sciences students, Madi and Eesha, as they spill the tea on making the most out of your undergrad. Hang out as the Life Sci trio chat about role models, dealing with the stress of application season, and whether Jane Goodall studied orangutans or chimpanzees (we are still unsure!).

New year, new podcast! Welcome to the season five debut of the How to be Wise podcast! Get to meet your oh-so-wise podcast host for this season, Ellie! With WiSE’s veteran host, Emilia, the girls chat with the incoming executive team including WiSE’s president, Sydney and VPs, Joelle and Heili. Join us as we discuss their journeys in STEM, how they got involved with WiSE, and how YOU (yes, you!) can get involved with WiSE this year!

In this episode, Queen’s student Yujin discusses why she chose computer engineering, her experience as a woman in that field, and the importance of role models and outreach programs." episode title could be 'Solving the world's problems with science.&nbsp;

In this episode, Radeon AMD senior director Laura Smith talks about gender-based double standards, staying confident in new environments, and the influence of her role models.&nbsp;

In this episode, Harvard art conservation scientist Julie Wertz discusses balancing stability and career as an academic, effective communication with non-scientist colleagues, and surviving grad school.

In this episode, medical student Mary-Claire talks about destigmatizing mental health, her experiences at Western University, and overcoming academic setbacks.

In this episode, Joint Hydrographic Center outreach specialist Tara Hicks Johnson speaks about making ocean science more accessible to everyone and the importance of change.

In this episode, dental student Bella Marsin discusses the importance of exercise and community support, being flexible with your career prospects, and her hopes for the field of dentistry in the future.