Gradcast

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview Ran Jiang, a PhD candidate in Music Education, in Western's Don Wright Faculty of Music.  In her research, Ran explores how certain norms sometimes go unquestioned in music; especially, by non-disabled people.  Music-making is sometimes associated with an "ideal" body, such as having above-average dexterity.  In her field work, Ran works with secondary school students in China who use computer software and DIY electronics to expand what musical instruments are and who they are for. In their conversation, Ryan, Mark, and Ran also discuss piano music and what it is like at Western's music faculty, as a place for research in music, music-making, and as a community.  Ran's supervisor is adam patrick bell, who, in addition to teaching at Western, is also the Canada Research Chair in Music, Inclusion, and Accessibility.   Recorded on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Produced by Mark Ambrogio and Ryan Baxter Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produc

In this week's episode, hosts Anthony Cruz and Milan Mammen interview Evelyn MacKay-Barr, a third year PhD student in Physical/Analytical Chemistry. Evelyn is studying the effects of oxidation on protein structures and dynamics. Though her lab studies small model proteins, their findings have big implications for larger protein therapeutics! Tune in to learn how they use mass spectrometry and other techniques to study protein behaviour. Evelyn, Anthony, and Milan also discuss finding the right research group for you and the importance of having a supportive research environment. Follow these links to learn more about Evelyn's research and her supervisor, Dr. Lars Konermann, and his research group!  Recorded on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

In this week's episode, hosts Kelly Wang and Mark Ambrogio speak with Marina de Oliveira Emerick, a PhD candidate in Neuroscience. Marina's research looks at the relationship between music and cognition; more specifically, how music and non-invasive brain stimulation can affect walking patterns (gait) in healthy older adults and those with Parkinson's Disease.  Although walking feels automatic, it relies on brain systems that help us start moving and keep a steady rhythm, which can be disrupted by aging and Parkinson’s. Early studies with young adults show promising improvements in step rhythm when people synchronize their steps to music. Marina is now expanding this work to older adults and those with Parkinson's, which means she is working directly with a clinical population. In addition to being found on LinkedIn, Marina has a ResearchGate profile. Marina's supervisor is Dr. Jessica Grahn, a cognitive neuroscientist who studies music. Those in the broader London area may find more information and commun

This week, hosts Garth Casbourn and Maris Schneider speak to Sarah Capellaro, a master's student in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Sarah is developing methods to reduce bias against autistic people seeking to enter the workforce. Her particular focus is on promoting a growth mindset amongst hiring managers via carefully prepared infographic interventions. She studies how viewing these interventions affects managers' attitudes towards autistic applicants.   Sarah has been able to recruit a very impressive 400 participants in her experiment and shows us that it is possible to change, or at least momentarily influence, people's biases to create more fair hiring practices. Recorded on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by White Hot)  

In this week's episode, hosts Milan Mammen and Kelly Wang interview Denise Bedard, a PhD candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Health and Aging). Denise shares with us her immense professional and academic experience in long term care, including reimagining person-centered care in small home service areas. Denise also kindly shares the difficult lessons learned about long term care through the COVID pandemic and its many impacts, especially on older adults in long term care; please consider this a content warning if this is a particularly sensitive subject for you. Denise is part of the Caregiving Research (CARE) Lab at Western University.   Recorded on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Produced by kirstyn seanor. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).

For this edition of #BookCast, your hosts Garth Casbourn, Meghan Voll, and Scott Walters cover the unique writing of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, a tale based on a real and highly important Jewish prayer book told through fictional vignettes of its history. Hanna is a book conservator tasked with restoring a famous (and very real) copy of the Haggadah Jewish text that has experienced a tumultuous past. Blending actual history with fictional accounts of the text's origins and mysterious migrations through time, and telling the stories of the people, both real and imagined, that brought it to the present. We discuss the uncommon structure of this novel, the historic foundations of Brooks sweeping epic, and several of the principal themes. Join us in exploring what has been described as "an erudite Davinci Code". This episode was recorded on June 4, 2025 Produced by Scott Walters Theme song provided by https://freebeats.io/ Produced by White Hot

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview Natasha Beaudoin, a student in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program.  The MFA has both academic and production elements, which enables Natasha to pursue her interests, mixing traditional painting techniques with influences from social media, gaming, and digital culture.  Natasha is inspired by the use of light in the works of the Italian renaissance painter Caravaggio (1571- 1610).  While portraiture is sometimes associated with the past, Natasha would like to see this tradition continue. Natasha can be found on Instagram and her website is:  https://tashaskates.wixsite.com/mysite  Some of Natasha's paintings will be featured at Western's McIntosh Gallery, from June 6 to July 4, 2026.   Recorded on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Produced by Mark Ambrogio Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

This week, hosts Anthony Cruz and Mark Ambrogio interview Aoife Hawthorne, a master's student in Western's Curriculum Studies program in the Faculty of Education. Aoife's research focuses on teacher attrition and how different factors like courses taught, funding, and even postal code affect likelihood to remain in a teaching position.  On top of her research, Aoife, Mark, and Anthony discuss their experiences in elementary and high school, the Irish teaching system, and how getting involved on campus can lead to a greater sense of belonging in our own educational environments. Tune in to learn more! Recorded on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by White Hot) 

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview Meghan Voll, a PhD candidate in Media Studies here at Western University. GradCast listeners will recognize Meghan's voice, as Meghan served as a long-time host and Social Media Manager for this show.  This is Meghan's second time with us as a guest, as she approaches the conclusion of her doctorate, for those interested, Meghan's first episode, as a guest, can be heard here. Meghan studies the interaction between economic value and values on mobile dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel, drawing from the political economy of communication, mobile dating studies (MDS) and critical data studies (CDS). Ryan and Mark engage with Meghan on these ideas, asking about the intersection between so-called "soft values" (such as honesty and loyalty) and economic value ($). They also ask Meghan about her field research, interviewing human subjects, and the steps involved in obtaining ethics approval. Recorded on Tuesday, No

This week on GradCast, hosts Garth Casbourn and Bruno Mesquita are joined by Carlos Eduardo Barzotto, a PhD Student in Western's Department of Education. Carlos investigates how anti-gender movements in Brazil and Canada use transnational rhetoric to undermine inclusive education and LGBTQIA+ rights. Through his research, he reveals how these movements operate across national contexts and highlights ways to foster safer, more equitable educational environments. Listen to learn more!  Recorded on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Produced by Milan Mammen. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).  

This week, hosts Maris Schneider and Anthony Cruz discuss one of the most daunting aspects of being a graduate student, publishing. The team walk through key parts of the publishing process and how speed bumps can occur along the way. The GradCast team have reached out to ask for reviewer comments from the broader graduate student audience to share on this timely Halloween episode. Join us to reflect on the publishing process and discuss reviewer comments in horror. Recorded on August 5, 2025 Produced by Bruno Mesquita and Maria Khan Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot) Sound effects sourced from Scott Arc (Spotted! & Hallowed Ground) and Leigh Haggerwood (Werewolf & The Scarecrow)

This week, hosts Anthony Cruz and Mark Ambrogio are joined by Milan Mammen, a first-year master's student in Western's department of biochemistry. Milan's research focuses on how nonsense suppressor tRNAs may be used to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe type of muscular dystrophy that has severe negative impacts on a person's movement capabilities. Listen to learn more about Milan's research! Recorded on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).

This week on GradCast, hosts Maris Schneider and Milan Mammen are joined by Sydney Brouillard-Coyle, a PhD Student in Western's Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. Sydney researches the importance of creative arts to trans and gender-diverse individuals. Sydney also discusses nir activism in the queer community, including the development of Rainbow Allyship and the publication of nir book, A Pocket Guide to Pronouns. Listen to learn more! You can find even more about Sydney's work at nir website, Instagram, or Facebook. Recorded on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Produced by Anthony Cruz. Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot).

What's a better way to start off the school year than with a brand new mini-series! GradCast is teaming up with Learning, Development and Success, out of Western Student Experience. We talk to experts on campus who support graduate students in doing research, writing theses, and have all the tips and tricks to succeed in grad school! In our last episode, hosts Anthony Cruz and Scott Walters chat with Maggie Kubow, a Senior Writing Advisor at the Writing Support Centre and Heather Ellis, a Learning Specialist at Learning Development & Success, to share everything a grad student needs to know about writing and learning how to balance it all! We chat about the services offered by the Writing Support Centre by Maggie. Then we shift to Heather, who shares resources provided by Learning Development & Success when it comes to writing and project management. Tune in to learn some tips to help with the writing process! The Writing Support Centre offers free 50-minute one-to-one appointments with a writing advi

In this installment of the #TheScoopOnSOGS miniseries, host Maris Schneider is joined by Saghar Soltanabadi, a fourth-year PhD candidate in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, serving as the Vice President Student Services (VPSS) for the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) at Western University. In her role, Saghar acts as a main operational role for graduate student support, coordinating across committees, services, and the executive team to enhance student life beyond the classroom and lab. She oversees key areas including mental and physical health initiatives, ancillary fees, orientation programming, recreation, and overall student well-being. Through committees such as Graduate Peer Support, the Health Plan Committee, and the Orientation and Social Committee, Saghar helps deliver essential services like the orientation week, graduate wellness week, health and dental coverage, social and athletic events, buss pass system, and support funds for students. From launching large-scale activities like the SOGS

What's a better way to start off the school year than with a brand new mini-series! GradCast is teaming up with Learning, Development and Success, out of Western Student Experience. We talk to experts on campus who support graduate students in doing research, writing theses, and have all the tips and tricks to succeed in grad school! In our third episode, hosts Anthony Cruz and Chrishma Perera chat with Aldean Ellis and Heather Ellis, Learning Specialists at Learning Development & Success, to dive into the hidden curriculum. We explore what exactly is the hidden curriculum in graduate school? Why is it hidden and what are some common hidden curriculum topics Learning Specialists discuss with graduate students? Tune in to learn more about this mysterious hidden curriculum! You can book an appointment with Learning Development & Success online! Workshops are being hosted with Own Your Future in October/November on sustaining motivation, AI and graduate school, the hidden curriculum/inculturation and pro

In this installment of the #TheScoopOnSOGS miniseries, host Maris Schneider is joined by Kirsty Ng, a PhD Candidate in Western's Department of Chemistry who currently serves as the Board Chair at the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS). Listen to this episode to learn about Kirsty's research, background, and roles at SOGS. Recorded on September 23, 2025.  Produced by Anthony Cruz & Milan Mammen.  Theme song provided by https://freebeats.io/ (Produced by White Hot).

What's a better way to start off the school year than with a brand new mini-series! GradCast is teaming up with Learning, Development and Success, out of Western Student Experience. We talk to experts on campus who support graduate students in doing research, writing theses, and have all the tips and tricks to succeed in grad school!  In our second episode, hosts Riya Sidhu and Garth Casbourn chat with Heather Ellis, a Learning Specialist at Learning Development & Success, to explore a timely topic: time management in graduate school. Heather shares how time management can be a huge task for a grad student to tackle. She shares tips and tricks for time management, such as breaking down bigger tasks into smaller ones and using sticky notes!   You can book an appointment with Learning Development & Success online! There are workshops being hosted with Own Your Future in October/November on sustaining motivation, AI and graduate school, the hidden curriculum/inculturation and project management! Here is

In this installment of the #TheScoopOnSOGS miniseries, host Maris Schneider is joined by Anthony Cruz, a PhD Candidate in Western's Department of Psychology who currently serves as the Vice-President Academic at the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS). Listen to this episode to learn about Anthony's research, background, and roles at SOGS. Recorded on September 16, 2025.  Produced by Anthony Cruz.  Theme song provided by https://freebeats.io/ (Produced by White Hot).

What's a better way to start off the school year than with a brand new mini-series! GradCast is teaming up with Learning, Development and Success, out of Western Student Experience, to talk to experts on campus who support graduate students in doing research, writing theses, and have all the tips and tricks to succeed in grad school!  In our first episode, hosts Chrishma Perera and Ryan Baxter chat with Aldean Ellis, a Learning Specialist, to dive into motivation. He defines motivation, key factors that shape and sustain motivation and practical strategies for navigating periods of low motivation or feeling stuck. Aldean will be hosting an Own Your Future workshop about sustaining motivation on November 11 through Western Connect.  Own Your Future complements the doctoral curriculum by focusing on the often-overlooked skills and attributes of PhDs that contribute to their success within and beyond their studies. Own Your Future makes professional development meaningful and makes the advantages of participatin