The Student Hub Live Podcast

Episode 13 - A Mother’s Day Special 2025

In this special edition of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi speaks to Rebekah. Rebekah is a mother to three children and is a year away from completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with The Open University. She is a full-time carer to her eldest son, who requires 24/7 support, and was awarded a Carers Scholarship through the OU. In this inspiring conversation, Rebekah shares an array of insights into how she manages her time, stays motivated and outlines the barriers facing those looking to practice Law, especially women with caring responsibilities. This episode is designed to celebrate the amazing women out there raising their children while studying with the OU. Happy Mother’s Day. We would like to extend a huge thanks to our producer on this podcast, Sophie Hoyle, who works in the OU’s Development Office.

 

Enjoying the series? Be sure to rate us on whichever platform you download the podcast on and if you have any feedback, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Episode 12 - The healing powers of education, in conversation with Ayr

In this Student Hub Live podcast special, Heidi and Scott speak with Ayr, an OU student who has already completed a degree is Psychology and is now on to the next, History. Ayr overcame a series of personal difficulties when studying, and uses education as a positive mechanism for coping with challenging times. Please note that in this episode, Ayr discusses grief, including the loss of a sibling and parent. Ayr also outlines the adversity faced by young people with special educational needs struggling to be seen and understood in ill-equipped mainstream schools. It wasn’t until Ayr was almost thirty that formal diagnoses were finally made, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, meaning that finally, support could be put in place, and Ayr could thrive. Ayr sees the OU as a route to mental wellbeing and happiness for so many and encourages everyone to give it a try.

Episode 11 - Busting those January blues

In the first episode of 2025, Heidi and Scott discuss how they stay motivated throughout January (not an easy task!) Scott draws on his planning routine to stay on top of things while Heidi opts to prioritise rest where possible to maintain her energy levels (coupled with her favourite hobby, feeding the birds and squirrels in her garden). There are huge changes underway for Scott who discusses his fantastic new teaching role following his move out of London and back to the countryside, stepping back from his 16-year career as a personal trainer. Heidi updates us on her PhD (now four months’ in) and outlines the challenges of studying at this level. Plus, as ever, this episode is filled with tips and advice on getting through your studies. Why not make yourself a cup of tea, get comfy and come and join Heidi and Scott for this month’s episode?

 

If you have any feedback on the podcast or if you would like to get involved, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk

Episode 10 - The magic of the OU: Transforming the lives of students everywhere, from those in prison to military personnel in active duty

In this very special episode of the Student Hub Live Podcast, Heidi and Scott speak with Rob Moore, an Associate Lecturer at The Open University. As one of our main Student Hub Live presenters, you will likely to know Rob as the reassuring, kind host who joins us from his ‘study shack’. However, what few students may realise, is that Rob has been dedicated to supporting OU students for over twenty years and has helped literally thousands to succeed.

 

Did you know, Rob’s role sees him supporting OU students serving prison sentences? Plus, students serving in active war zones? In this episode, Rob also shares details of quite how varied and fulfilling his role as an Open University Associate Lecturer is, plus the details of the most memorable graduation ceremony (featuring a rather lovely celebrity guest) and talks about the importance of connecting with other students where you can.

 

Heidi and Scott would love to hear from you. If you have any feedback on today’s show, please email studenthub@open.ac.uk and don’t forget to follow former OU student Scott from Mad About History on Tik Tok and Instagram.

Episode 9 - Au revoir but not goodbye

In the final episode of the Student Hub Live Podcast: Summer Edition, Scott outlines the fascinating history of Stonehenge and stresses the importance of caring for historical sites and artefacts.

Plus, Heidi and Scott ask each other a series of questions, including what courses they would design if they could, what they would title their autobiographies, which fictional character they would have dinner with, the superpowers they would choose and one piece of advice they would give. Finally, they promote the importance of mental wellbeing. Remember, as an Open University student you have access to extensive mental health support, including the OU's wellbeing app and free access to the Shout 85258 text support service. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're having a hard time, The Open University is always here for you.

If you've enjoyed the series and would like to hear more from Heidi and Scott, please let us know by emailing studenthub@open.ac.uk. 

Episode 8 - Scott on the spot, test your OU knowledge with us

In today's episode, the penultimate in our Student Hub Live Podcast Summer Edition series, Heidi puts Scott on the spot and tests his Open University knowledge. We would love for you to join in wherever you are listening to the podcast, let us know your score via studenthub@open.ac.uk. If you'd like to find out more facts about the OU or verify any of the answers in today's quiz, click here.

Plus, in our 'World Wide Webber' feature, Scott provides an overview on the Battle of Hastings in response to a query from OU student Steve (rather fitting considering William the Conqueror is Scott's 28th Great Grandad!)

Episode 7 - Bouncing back from disappointment

In this episode, Heidi and Scott discuss how to bounce back from disappointment, especially university grades which don’t align with your expectations! They talk about how to shift your perspective and use setbacks as an opportunity for growth. They explore some of the issues faced by students who have to sacrifice time with their families and how to manage feelings of ‘letting down’ those around you. Scott talks about studying during lockdown and offers advice on how to help communicate the demands of study with your significant other. Finally, he outlines the origin of Rome in response to a request by Charlotte who sent a DM on Instagram for the podcast’s new feature, the World Wide Webber, where Scott, a history expert, condenses a significant period in history into three minutes.

 

With only two episodes remaining in the summer series, don’t hesitate to get in touch using studenthub@open.ac.uk. 

Episode 6 - Discounts, freebies and The World Wide Webber

In today’s episode, Scott and Heidi talk you through many benefits available to you when you join as an Open University student. Scott will explain incredible discounts available via Totum, UNiDAYS and UCAS, including cinema treats, Amazon Prime Student and Spotify for students, plus, he also shares information about his friend Luke’s successful YouTube channel, College Music, totally free for everyone to enjoy.

Heidi highlights the free Being an OU Student course, the SCONUL Access scheme, free Office 365 access for OU students, the delights of being part of the OU Alumni Association, including exclusive discounts, events and volunteering opportunities, plus, she will talk you through how you can access free careers support with OU experts and the whole host of financial support available to OU students.

Finally, Heidi and Scott launch “The World Wide Webber”. In this new feature, students get to ask Scott about any period in history and he will explain it in just three minutes. OU student Lenka asked for an overview of the Ottoman Empire and as ever, Scott did not disappoint!

Email Heidi and Scott via studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Episode 5 - Apprehensive about distance learning? Let Heidi and Scott reassure you

In this episode, you’ll find out why Scott found himself in a (very hot) room with LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Eminem and Snoop Dog this week, plus we discuss distance learning versus learning at a bricks and mortar university.

Are you thinking of joining the OU but are concerned you might feel isolated? Are you worried there won’t be enough pastoral care? In which case, this episode is designed for you…

Plus, Scott, the founder of Mad About History, talks about the origins of beer and pizza and the historical artefacts he is most eager to see.

In this episode we mention the following:

• The role of the OU’s Student Support Team
• The disability support available with the OU
• MA in Classical Studies
• MA in Art History

Are you finding the podcast a useful resource? We would love to hear from you. Email Heidi and Scott using studenthub@open.ac.uk.

Episode 4 - The importance of rest, wellbeing and boundaries

In this episode, Scott and Heidi talk about the importance of rest for wellbeing and effective study. Scott outlines how exercise and reading are his go-to relaxation strategies, while Heidi discusses her trips away, solo-dates and setting healthy boundaries.

They also discuss the freedom that comes with being able to simply admit you don't know something and the importance of taking guilt-free breaks from study and life when needed.

We really hope you find this episode helpful and reassuring. Scott and Heidi present and produce this podcast in their own time for free in order to provide support for OU students so please don't forget to email us your feedback using studenthub@open.ac.uk.