Learn more about the Brock Experience
Welcome to the Let’s Talk Brock Podcast, a podcast highlighting the unique stories and experiences of current students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Tune in every Tuesday and Thursday to learn more about the Brock experience and find out why you should choose Brock.
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Season 2
Host: Liam, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Jevon Balfour (BA ’19)
On today’s episode our host Liam talks with Jevon Balfour, a Brock graduate who has pursued his passion for wrestling all the way to Team Canada. Jevon shares with us how he got started in wrestling, what a typical week for a varsity athlete is like and discusses what it was like representing Canada across the globe. Tune in to learn more about varsity sports at Brock and Jevon’s journey.
**This episode of the Let’s Talk Brock podcast is audio only. Check out the section above for links to Spotify, Apple podcasts or our RSS feed.**
Host: Liam, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Vicki Bendus (MSc ‘14), Lead Sports Performance Coach – Brock University
In this episode Liam talks with Vicki Bendus, the Lead Sports Performance Coach at Brock University. Vicki shares with us her incredible journey starting from growing up in Wasaga Beach, winning an Olympic gold medal, working on a master’s degree, and how Brock University has played a part in that story.
Host: Sarah, Current Student – Concurrent Education P/J
Guest: Ken Chan Vice President of Administration – Brock University
In today’s episode Sarah is joined by Ken Chan, the Vice President of Administration of Brock University. Ken shares with us his day-to-day responsibilities at the University, how he chose his major, and his fascinating journey through business, law, healthcare, politics and more!
**This episode of the Let’s Talk Brock podcast is audio only. Check out the section above for links to Spotify, Apple podcasts or our RSS feed.**
Host: Liam, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Maia (BA ‘21), Legal Assistant
Today we are joined by Maia Andrew, a graduate of Brocks Psychology program and an international student from Trinidad and Tobago. While at Brock she was heavily involved in student life and she shares with us her experiences as a Brock Ambassador running campus tours, what supports are available for international students, how her previous social justice work at Brock now guides her work as a legal assistant, and so much more.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Political Science
Guests: Katarina and Maddy, 4th Year Students – Applied Linguistics
In today’s episode Liam talks with Katarina and Maddy, both 4th year students majoring in Speech Language & Hearing Sciences. Our two guests share their experiences getting involved in a fascinating research practicum, discuss their positions as co-presidents of Brock University Linguistics Network and review some of the many enriching opportunities available within the Applied Linguistics program.
Host: Sarah, Current Student – Concurrent Education P/J
Guest: Brianne Veale (BA ‘14), Business Owner, Hockey Coach, Educator
In this episode, Sarah is joined by Brianne, a graduate of Brock’s Concurrent Education- Physical Education program and a Brock Varsity Women’s Hockey Team alum. Brianne shares her experiences of being a heavily involved student athlete at Brock, including how she learned to balance varsity sports, academics and extra- curriculars throughout her undergrad. We learn of how since graduating, Brianne has merged two of her biggest passions- sport and education, to become the founder and lead instructor of the Northern Elite Female Hockey Academy, where she utilizes the skills she developed at Brock to serve and inspire young female athletes every day.
Season 1
Let's Talk Brock Episode 35 - From Sociology to Social Justice and Beyond: Finding Your Way at Brock
Host: Tricia, Current Student, Concurrent Education
Guest: Jasmine Mehta (BA Sociology ’19, MA in Social Justice and Equity Programs ’21)
On today’s season one finale, Tricia is joined by Jasmine, a graduate of the BA in Sociology and master’s in social justice & Equity programs at Brock. Jasmine recently started law school at the University of Sydney, Australia and has a love for social research and policy making. Tricia and Jasmine discuss her involvement on campus through jobs, volunteering with various organizations and was a member of the Indian Student Association and Brock Women in House clubs. Let’s Talk Brock will be back with more this Fall!
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Madelyn Grossi, Current Student – Sport Management
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Madelyn, a second-year student in the Sport Management program. Tricia and Madelyn discuss her involvement with the Sport Management Council. She is also a member of the Brock Leaders Citizenship Society where she has joined volunteering and being a leader in the community. Madelyn shares insight into beginning her Brock experience virtually and the many ways to get involved despite being online.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Gianluca Agostinelli, MEd, MA and current PhD Candidate
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Gianluca Agostinelli, a graduate of Brock University and current employee in the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Humanities. Gianluca provides advice for students looking to pursue a career in education and outlines the various paths which have led him to his current position as a PhD candidate. Gianluca also discusses his wide range of experiences through Brock and in the Niagara Region.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Robert, Current Student – Kinesiology
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Robert O’Halloran, a current student at Brock in the BSc Kinesiology program. Robert sheds some light on the experiential learning opportunities available for Kinesiology students, and also outlines his experiences in the residence community at Brock. Robert also shares some insights on how students can get involved at Brock beginning right away in their first years.
Host: Liam, Current Student, Sport Management
Guest: Nick Kathen, Brock Alumnus, Recreation and Leisure Studies
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Nick, a graduate of the Recreation and Leisure Studies program at Brock. Nick discusses his experience transferring to Brock from another institution as well as his current role at the Bruyere Research Institute in Ottawa. Nick also touches on his wide variety of on-campus experiences in Brock Sports, on-campus jobs, and experiential education.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Owen, Current Student – Business Communication
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Owen, a fourth year Business Communication student at Brock. Owen talks about his experiences in the BCOMM program and discusses his unique path to becoming a Badger. Owen also outlines his involvement with the Badgers Building Bridges program and provides some tips for how incoming students can get involved on campus.
Host: Sarah, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Noah, Current Student – Political Science, Editor-in-Chief of the The Brock Press
On today’s show, Sarah is joined by Noah, a current student in Brock’s Political Science program and Editor-in-Chief of the The Brock Press, Brock’s student newspaper. Noah speaks about his experiences getting involved in both political science and journalism during his time at Brock. Noah shares insights into the value of experiential learning at Brock, including volunteer opportunities, on-campus jobs, and co-op options. He encourages future students with interests in writing to get involved in the Brock Press by reaching out to him at editor@brocku.ca.
Host: Sarah, Current Student -Concurrent Education
Guest: Karlyn Babcock, Film Studies Graduate (BA ‘21)
On today’s show, Sarah is joined by Karlyn, a recent Brock graduate from the BA in Film Studies program. Karlyn shares her vast experiences getting involved in the program, including her roles as the student Film representative and the Mentorship Coordinator for the Badgers Building Bridges program. She also shares her story of how she became interested in the film industry and takes us on a journey from her discovery of film in high school, throughout her time at Brock and where she is now.
Host: Sarah, Current Student, Concurrent Education
Guest: Alex Rankin, Public Health Digital Engagement Advisor (BA ’17)
On today’s show, Sarah is joined by Alex, a 2017 graduate from Brock University’s Applied Linguistics program. Alex shares stories of the many valuable experiences she had as a student, including volunteer opportunities and on-campus jobs. Alex also shares the educational and career path that has led her to her current position working for the Niagara Region.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Yunus Butt – Strength Coach, US Paralympic Training Centre (BKin ‘17)
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Yunus, a graduate from the Bachelor of Kinesiology program. Yunus is presently a strength coach and research assistant at the University of Illinois. Tricia and Yunus discuss his work with a US Paralympic Training Centre and how Brock’s experiential education opportunities guided his path to get there.
Host: Andrea, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Arushana – Grad (BA POLI SCI)
On today’s show, Andrea is joined by Arushana, a recent graduate of the Political Science program with a minor in Media Studies. Arushana talks about her involvement in the Political Science community and how her experiences have led her to her current job at a research think take in Ottawa.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Lauren, Current Student – Concurrent Education
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Lauren, a fourth year Concurrent Education student. Lauren talks about her experience in the Concurrent Education program, changing teachable subjects, time in Residence and being part of the Residence Action Council, and share wisdom for prospective and incoming students.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: William, Current Student – Sport Management
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Will, a third-year student in the Sport Management program at Brock. Liam and Will talk about some of their favourite experiences in the Sport Management program, both inside and outside of the classroom. Will also talks the Brock Sport Management Council podcast, and why he finds it so rewarding to connect with Brock Sport Management alumni.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Dr. Andrew Gaudes, Dean – Goodman School of Business
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Dr. Andrew Gaudes, Dean of the Goodman School of Business. Dr. Gaudes discusses his educational and career experiences which have led him to Brock, as well as what makes the Goodman School of Business unique.
Episode 20 of the Let’s Talk Brock podcast is audio only. Check out the section above for links to Spotify, Apple podcasts or our RSS feed.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Rebecca, Current Student – Nursing
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Rebecca, a fourth-year nursing student from St. Catharines. Rebecca is a member of the Brock Leader’s Citizenship Society and shares her experiences with a wide variety of activities at Brock. Tricia and Rebecca also discuss working on campus at Student Life and getting involved outside the classroom.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Abby, Current Student – Concurrent Education
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Abby, a fourth year Concurrent Education student at Brock University. Abby shares her experience as a Brock student and ways that she has been involved on campus, including her time as a Brock Ambassador and working for Parking Services.
Host: Andrea, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Alex Hobbs – International Trade Counsel (BA ’16)
On today’s show, Andrea is joined by Alex, a graduate of the Political Science program at Brock University. Alex shares his educational path and experiences that led him to his successful career in law.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Tara, Current Student – Nursing
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Tara, a current student in the Nursing program at Brock. Tara discusses her Brock experience from a transfer student perspective, and highlights what makes Brock’s Nursing program so unique. Liam and Tara also talk about how Nursing students can get involved and maximize their time outside of the classroom.
Host: Kylee Gault, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guests: Luca and Danielle, Current Students – Dramatic Arts
On today’s show, Kylee is joined by Luca and Danielle. Luca is a fourth-year student from Oakville, studying Concurrent Education in the Intermediate/Senior stream with teachables in Dramatic Arts, French and Math. Danielle is a fourth year student from Hamilton studying Dramatic Arts and History with plans to go to teachers college next year. Luca and Danielle started the Dear Marilyn podcast within the Marilyn I Walker School of Fine & Performing Arts to highlight local artists and the opportunities available for graduates with a degree in the arts.
Host: Andrea, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Alex Wellstead – Press Secretary for the Prime Minister of Canada (BA ’10)
On today’s show, Andrea is joined by Alex Wellstead. Alex is a Brock alumnus (Political Science) and currently works as the Press Secretary for the Prime Minister of Canada. Andrea and Alex discuss his role working for the Prime Minister, how his experience at Brock helped prepare him for a career in politics, and advice for aspiring students and political staffers.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Brittany Stewart – Teacher (BA ‘13, BEd ‘14)
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Brittany Stewart. Brittany is a high school teacher in Ontario and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts and English as well as a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. Brittany discusses her involvement as a student, on-campus jobs, experience teaching abroad, and advice for prospective students and teachers.
Host: Andrea, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Madison, Current Student – Political Science
On today’s show, Andrea is joined by Madison, a second year Political Science student. Madison discusses her experience with Law Plus, extracurriculars she has been involved in, and her experience as a Brock student.
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Sabrina, Current Student – Concurrent Education
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Sabrina, a fourth year Concurrent Education student. Tricia and Sabrina discuss their experience in Concurrent Education and as members of the ICU University World Cup Cheerleading Championship team. Sabrina also talks about Smart Start, our first-year orientation program for incoming students, as well as her experience in the Concurrent Education program.
Episode 10 of the Let’s Talk Brock podcast is audio only. Check out the section above for links to Spotify, Apple podcasts or our RSS feed.
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Alex, Current Student – Medical Sciences
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Alex, a current student in the Medical Sciences program and a member of the Brock Leader’s Citizenship Society (BLCS). Liam and Alex discuss the uniqueness of student-faculty interactions at Brock, as well as how current high school students can apply to the BLCS.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 8 – Boxed Cookies and Mental Health
Host: Andrea, Current Student – Political Science
Guest: Cate Basic – Owner, Boxed Cookies (BA ‘15)
On today’s show, Andrea is joined by Cate Basic. Cate is a graduate of the English Language & Literature program and current owner of Boxed Cookies, a local business in the Niagara Region. Andrea and Cate discuss her experience at Brock and how she is giving back to Brock students and supporting mental health services through her business.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 7 – What Makes Brock Unique
Host: Liam, Current Student – Sport Management
Guest: Dr. Lynn Wells, Provost and Vice-President – Academic
On today’s show, Liam is joined by Dr. Lynn Wells, Provost and Vice President – Academic at Brock University to discuss what makes Brock unique, as well as Dr. Wells’ experiences which have led to her current role.
Lets Talk Brock Episode 6 – Med Plus
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Brent, Current Student – Medical Sciences
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Brent, a fourth year Medical Sciences student. Brent discusses his experience in Med Plus and at Brock, and future plans upon graduating.
Episode 5 of the Let’s Talk Brock podcast is audio only. Check out the section above for links to Spotify, Apple podcasts or our RSS feed.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 4 – From Brock to Beechwood Doughnuts
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Taylor Book, Co-Owner, Beechwood Doughnuts (BA ‘14)
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Tayler Book. Tayler is a graduate of the Sociology program and co-owner of the local and famous Beechwood Doughnuts. Tricia and Tayler discuss her experience at Brock, starting her own business, and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 3 – Varsity Hockey & Med Plus
Host: Kylee, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Rebekah, Current Student – Medical Sciences
On today’s show, Kylee is joined by Rebekah, a third year Medical Sciences student and member of the Varsity Women’s Hockey Team. Rebekah discusses her experience in the Medical Science program, time as a varsity athlete, her involvement with clubs and research, and the Med Plus program.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 2 – Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice
Host: Daniel Deschenes – Recruitment Officer, Campus Visitors (BSM ‘16)
Guest: Professor Angela Book – Psychology
Guest: Associate Professor Voula Marinos – Child and Youth Studies
Guest: Associate Professor Matthew Hennigar – Political Science
On today’s show, Recruitment Officer Daniel Deschenes is joined by Professor Angela Book (Psychology), Associate Professor Voula Marinos (Child and Youth Studies), and Associate Professor Matthew Hennigar (Political Science) to discuss Brock University’s newest program Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice.
Let’s Talk Brock Episode 1 – Maximize Your Brock Experience: Campus Wide Co-Curriculum
Host: Tricia, Current Student – Concurrent Education
Guest: Jacqueline Harber (BA ‘18), Municipal Advisor – Ontario Public Service
On today’s show, Tricia is joined by Jacqueline Harber. Jacqueline is a graduate of the Political Science program at Brock and was the first student to complete the Campus Wide Co-Curriculum. Jaqueline discusses her involvement on campus, including working in Recruitment, Student Life, and Brock Recreation, as well as her efforts in spearheading the BU4U Campaign.
Our Team
Daniel
Recruitment Officer, Campus Visitors (BSM ‘16)
He/him
Born and raised in Ottawa, Daniel started his journey at Brock in 2012. He is a graduate from the Sport Management program and had various experiential education opportunities both on and off campus throughout his undergraduate degree. Daniel has since returned to the classroom to complete his Bachelor of Education in Adult Education. He found a passion for helping students navigate their journey to and in post-secondary. In his current role at Brock, Daniel oversees the Campus Visit Program and the Brock Ambassador team. He enjoys working with students to share their Brock stories and gain meaningful work experience on campus.
Andrea
Political Science
She/her
Andrea is from Essex, Ontario and is currently is a third year Political Science student. Since becoming a Badger in 2018, Andrea has been involved with many clubs, intramurals, and events on campus, including Brock Model United Nations and Brock Pre-Law Society. Recently, Andrea has become a part of the Brock Ambassador team. Being a Brock Ambassador allows her to share her on campus and community experiences and her passion for Brock with prospective students.
Kylee
Concurrent Education
She/her
Kylee is in her second year of Concurrent Education and hopes to teach high school Biology upon graduating. While she grew up in Guelph, Kylee has lived in the Niagara region since high school and is a big fan of its beautiful escarpment and many hiking trails. On campus, Kylee has been involved in tutoring programs, the Con-Ed Student Association, Brock Power to Change, and most recently, her role as a Brock Ambassador. As an Ambassador, she has developed a passion for engaging in conversation with future students, helping people prepare for their transition to university life, and memorized a plethora of random Brock facts that she can whip out at a moment’s notice.
Liam
Political Science
He/him
Liam is in his third year of the Sport Management program at Brock, with a minor in Film Studies, and hoping to add a second minor in History. Liam is originally from Stellarton, Nova Scotia and since moving to Brock he has been involved in a variety of on-campus jobs, clubs, and activities. Liam loves interacting with prospective and incoming students through his roles as a Brock Ambassador and a Smart Start Team Member.
Tricia
Concurrent Education
She/her
Tricia is in her fourth year of Concurrent Education Junior/Intermediate with a teachable subject in French and a minor in Geography. She is from Oakville, Ontario, and lives in Thorold, Ontario during the school year. Since the beginning of her time at Brock, Tricia has been a member of the Varsity Cheerleading team and has represented both Brock and Team Canada. A highlight of Tricia’s undergraduate experience has been being a part of the Brock Ambassador team and chatting with prospective students about why Brock is the place to be!
How to Get Involved
Are you a Brock current student or alumni and want to get involved?