It takes GUTS to take up space in a field that wasn’t built with you in mind. When the Big Sisters in STEM podcast launched last year, it promised advice, stories, and laughter to help every step of the way.
The first episode dropped to over 1,000 eager listeners, featuring Aerospace Lecturer Ciara McGrath (she/her) and Earth and Environmental Science Student, Vee Thai (they/them). Together, exploring intersectionality in climate change policy, the ‘little things’ that can inspire us in urban areas, and how community can drive change.
Candid and conversational, Big Sisters in STEM became a comfort to many – tackling previously taboo topics at university, like imposter syndrome and unconscious biases. It quickly became UoM’s most listened-to podcast at the beginning of (brat) Summer 2024. Host and Creator of the brand, Jasmine Luby Barrow (she/her) explained ‘I hope it’s heartening for people to know they are not alone, and that together we might be able to better support each other.’
Now back for Season Two, the Big Sisters in STEM is dreaming even bigger, with some exciting changes in the family. Not least, the introduction of new Co-Host Alice Stevens (she/her). Formerly working magic behind the scenes, Alice sparkles in her on-mic debut with her clear background in journalism coming to the fore.
With eleven new guests, this season offers bold, honest conversations with students, scientists, and changemakers across the STEM spectrum. Expect first-hand insight from Tammana Haque (she/her), Data Science Lead at Jaguar Land Rover; Aram Ameen (she/her), President of 93% Club; Drapers ’30 Under 30′ listed Catharine Sayer (she/her); FSE Officer Amrit Dhillon (she/her) – and many more.
Season Two builds on the heavy lifting of Season One, delving into everything from neurodiversity and trans-allyship to scientific discoveries and social housing. Here’s what’s on offer:
1. Being a fangirl, ADHD, and carving your own spaces
2. Confidence, exams, and finding your path
3. Self-growth, allyship, and learning to ask questions
4. Becoming a leader, choosing engineering, and taking a break
5. Rocks ARE cool, physics is a team sport, and art is essential in STEM
6. State school, hard work, and going for GOLD
🎧 Listen on Spotify, watch on YouTube, and get all the behind the scenes on Instagram.
Thought you didn’t have a sibling to turn to for advice? Oh, you have a village.