The MTU Wellbeing Podcast: Recent Episodes
Thomas Broderick
Hello and welcome to the MTU Wellbeing Podcast. In this podcast we hear conversations from people inside and outside MTU who share their "golden nuggets" on health and wellbeing for students, their healthy lifestyle hacks, and provide sound and reliable advice for you the student. The aim of this podcast is to inform,inspire,empower and motivate you to make better decisions for your health and wellbeing as you journey through MTU.This podcast is funded as part of MTU’s ‘Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement 2020’ funding from the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, coordinated by the Teaching and Learning Unit
Key Discussion Points and Time Stamps:
- 20 - Introductions, Niall McNamee and Michael Guerin
4.00 - What is Problem Gambling, what are the challenges of gambling
5.20 - People get addicted to the ritual of speculating money - 45 - Niall tells his story from gambling a few bets to losing up to €250,000
18.45 - Niall talks about his low self esteem, negative self talk and how he couldn't see a way out when in the mod
21.40 - Niall talks about the arrogance of winning, how to guard against showing off and how unattractive trait this is
24.30 - Michael talks about responsible gambling, the increase in young people gambling online and some of the signs and symptoms to look out for.
29.00 - Michael reminds us that problematic gamblers are in closer proximity to us then we realise - 35 - Michael makes the clear distinction between problem gambling and responsible gambling with the question; Am I using gambling as a distraction or a method to absolve myself from contemplating things that might be bothering me?
32.50 - Michael talks about the transitioning time for students is such a challenging time with increased stress
35.00 - Niall reminds students how he gambling helped him switch off from the world and forget the problems to take time to be aware of your thoughts
40.00 - Niall reinforces the message that when you are problem gambling you need to get help and talks about going to the Rutland Centre in Dublin for help
44 .10 Niall talks about the importance of going to meetings and surrounding yourself with good people
46.05- Michael talks about how we need to foster a culture where it is acceptable to come forward provide opportunities for individuals to do so
48 .30 Students Questions Answered- Niall and Michael answer students questions and give some very good advice for a friend who might be concerned about someone else - hr 2 min - Michael finishes off the podcast by highlighting the importance of problem gamblers finding answers through dialogue and telling them not to be afraid to come forward
1 hour 3 mins 30 Niall finishes by sharing the magical feelings of opening up and getting help while encouraging students to get help also
Links and Supports
https://gamblingcare.ie/
National Helpline No. 1800 936 725
Student Counselling Cork Campus:
https://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Student Counselling Kerry Campus:
https://www.ittralee.ie/en/InformationFor/CurrentStudents/StudentLife/StudentSupportServices/StudentCounsellor/
Part Time Course for Counselors, Health Care and Social Care Staff which is a collaborative development between Munster Technological University and Cuan Mhuire/Galilee House of Studies.
https://www.mtu.ie/courses/tlhgamau/
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: mtu_wellbeinghub
Time Stamps
Introduction to the Student Engagement Office
| 02:20 | 5 key services that the AnSEO Student Engagement Office have to offer
What you have to look forward to in MTU
| 13:20 | Staff support and Engaging in all aspects of university life
| 15:45 | the sense of community, engaging with clubs and societies
| 18:55 | You deserve your place, its a fresh Start, it will take time to settle in, Ask for help
Managing your wellbeing as a student
| 24:15 | balance, plan my weeks, going to the gym in the MTU Arena
| 26:48| Take 20, helps me switch off and have have a pair fresh eyes
Sunday for me is the rest day
Overcoming Challenges as a student
| 29:49 | "its always hard at the beginning and gets better with time"
| 33:01 | Finding friends and time management, meal prep- do shopping - "Whiteboard Wisdom"
Guests Golden Nugget
| 37:51 | Get out of your comfort zone
| 39;14 | Golden Nugget-enjoy your time, ask for help
| 42:30 | Golden Nugget - get the edge award, get to know the staff
Email: roisin.ogrady@mtu.ie
Useful Links:
AnSEO Student Engagement Office- https://linktr.ee/mtuanseo
The MTU Wellbeing Hub- Instagram mtu_wellbeinghub
Students Union: https://linktr.ee/mtucsu
Student Counseling: https://www.mycit.ie/counselling
In this episode I talk to Jack Cooney, Player Development Lead with the GAA.
Jack has played, coached and managed at elite level in the GAA. He also has a Sport and Exercise Science degree and Masters in Sports Performance from University of Limerick. He is currently doing his Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance in Dublin City University.
On this episode Jack shares his insights and experiences in how he supports young athletes in sport. His positive attitude towards sport, young people and how he looks at things from their perspective is refreshing to hear. He talks about his belief in creating a fun and challenging environment where players are "leaders and/or learners". His passion and enthusiasm for sport is evident throughout this conversation. If you play sport or coach at any level this podcast is worth 40 minutes of your time.
Time stamps:
5:00 – Jack developed interest in coaching and completed a part-time sports science degree and full-time Masters at UL
6:50 – Importance of things other than ‘winning’ in sport, how sport helps with personal evolution and self-reflection
12:15 – There will be tough times during sport, don’t forget the reason why you started playing sport
14:00 – Important to find a balance for young people between college and sport
14:35 – Have honest conversations with Coach about stress levels, balancing time, etc.
22:10 – Coaches have a strong impact on athletes
24: 50 – Characteristics for athlete: willingness to learn, leader or learner, physical and psychological resilience, effort, look for small steps
31:15 – Importance of having a plan and purpose in order to work towards something
On today's episode I am joined by clinical psychologist Mark Smyth. We talk about the new mental health initiative from the HSE. We also discuss the challenges that you, the students are facing on a daily basis and Mark provides some practical suggestions as to how to look after yourself. We discuss areas including; talking about your challenges, social anxiety, focusing your attention, getting the right balance and getting the support when you need it. We also have a conversation on sports performers and wellbeing where Mark shares some thoughts from his work with Rugby Players Ireland. I loved having this conversation with Mark and I hope you enjoy it too.
You get Mark on Twitter: @psychpolis and he is definitely worth a follow.
Time Stamps
4:30 | Description of the HSE campaign designed around your mental health
4:50 | Information about the key aspects of mental health: ongoing stress, low mood, anxiety and sleep patterns
6:00 | How important is your sleep?- recharging the batteries
9:50 | What are what-if thoughts? What do they mean?
15:05 | Being afraid to speak about emotions with others, thinking it is a burden on other people- have a conversation with someone
19:05 | Self-reflection/Addressing issues e.g., how did my anxiety feel last semester?
20:00 | Your Health Balance Sheet-what are you putting in and what are you taking out?
21:40 | How do you goal-set realistically?
22:30| Put something in your diary that you enjoy doing
27:55:00 | What are you thinking about when you are anxious Vs What are other people thinking about?
32:15:00 | Am I paying attention to too many things at once?
33:55| Be fair to yourself
35:20| Sports People (Rugby Players) and Wellbeing
38:31| Scholar Athletes and Wellbeing- sometimes good is good enough
41:20| Seek more support when you need to
Links:
HSE Website: www.yourmentalhealth.ie
Cork Campus
Student Counseling: http://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Email Cork : counselling.admincork@mtu.iePhone: 021 4335772 / 087 7688657
Kerry Campus
Email Kerry: supportserviceskerry@mtu.ie
Phone: 066 7191688/7191722
General
Text 50808 Crisis Helpline https://text50808.ie/
Speak Out in MTU http://www.mycit.ie/counselling/speak-out
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtu_wellbeinghub/
On today's podcast I talk to Mary Crilly from the Sexual Violence Centre and of Safe Gigs. We chat about the safe gigs and spiking campaigns. Mary shares her stories from over 40 years of her work in the sexual violence centre. The purpose of this episode is to raise awareness particularly at this time of year which typically sees an increase in sexual assaults on nights out. Mary also talks about how we should "call each other out and check in with our friends on nights out. She advocates for a zero tolerance policy towards in MTU. We highlight the active consent campaign and the other work being done in MTU to raise awareness. This episode discusses themes that some listeners will find upsetting. We have included links in the show notes where students can go to get support if needed.
Important Links
Sexual Violence Centre
- Phone - 1800-496-496
- Text 087 1533 393
- Email info@sexualviolence.ie
Safe Gigs
https://www.safegigs.ie/home
https://www.safegigs.ie/spiking
Active Consent
https://www.consenthub.ie/consent/
Supports in MTU Cork
http://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Email us at : counselling.admincork@mtu.ie
Call us 021 4335772 / 087 7688657
Support in MTU Kerry
Email us at supportserviceskerry@mtu.ie
Call us 066 7191688/7191722
Speak Out in MTU http://www.mycit.ie/counselling/speak-out
Helpline
Text "Hello" to 50808 Crisis Helpline
https://text50808.ie/
Show NotesIntroduction to podcast 00:00 - 02:00
Introduction of Guests and SU Roles 02:00: - 08:40
What should students be looking forward to in MTU? 0 8:40 - 13:32 Key Messages
- ready to make a fresh start, get involved in clubs and societies
- enjoy your time as part of the MTU community
- embrace the change and allow things to flow
- the possiblities and opportunities that might come your way
- opportunity to be who you want to be
- don’t let anyone dull your sparkle
Challenges that students should be aware off? 13:32 - 20:20
Key Messages
- first time on your own so there will be a challenge of adjusting to the change
- the size of the campus, everyone is there to help you, don’t be afraid to ask for help
- having nerves, 1st day jitters, everyone is in the same boat
What is your golden nugget for students to take away? 20:20 - 33:50
Key Messages
- Get involved in more stuff in the college while not over committing
- Don’t be a sheep- do what you want to do, it goes by very quickly
- Take your time to adjusting to college, don’t be too hard on yourself, go to as many lectures as you can
Campaigns/Event you should be aware of as a student. 33:50
- Safety Week, SHAG Week, Exam De Stress Week
- Class Rep
Links
The MTU Wellbeing Hub- Instagram mtu_wellbeinghub
Students Union
Students Union Website: https://www.mtucorksu.ie/
President’s email: supresidentcork@mtu.ie
Education email: sueducationcork@mtu.ie
Welfare email: suwelfarecork@mtu.ie
Instagram page: mtu_corksu
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mtucsu
Student Counseling: https://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Student Engagement: https://studentengagement.cit.ie/anseo
Student Services: https://www.cit.ie/studentlife.studentsupportservices
In this episode I talk to Conor Hammersley and Joe Murphy, Conor has joined us from the National Centre from men’s health and will be talking to us today about all things men’s health and masculinity. We have many interesting points to go through and have even gotten some opinions from students on certain matters
Time Stamps
00:27 - Introductions
12:48 - How power relations develop within a social group?
23:10 - How could you do it differently?
30:17 – The more extreme the terminology the less likely men will associate with it.
39:49 – Learnt Behaviours.
49:25 – Promoting healthy masculinity.
54:37 – Questions we asked students.
Resources
TEXT – 50808 Crisis Helpline - https://text50808.ie
Academic Success Coaching - https://studentengagement.cit.ie/asc/what
Student counselling - https://www.mycit.ie/counselling
National Centre for Men’s Health - https://www.itcarlow.ie/research/research-centres/healthcore.htm
YouTube Videos Mentioned:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVQ78xZSCG8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHNDg1oByq8&t=27s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbk3iJqmjNU
On today's podcast I'm delighted to be joined by a good friend of mine, Des Golden, a performance coach who helps leaders, entrepreneurs and business-people improve their performance. To quickly frame our conversation, Des shared the blog “Nailing the Basics” on Twitter which was about getting the very simple things in life right and we will be discussing movement nutrition and sleep and some top tips on they can affect you.
Time stamps
0.36 - Introductions
3.27 - What was interesting about the blog “Nailing the Basics”?
5.22 - Why is movement important to us?
14.13 - Why should we avoid food wrapped in plastic?
24.28 – Thoughts/advise on sleep
31.26 - Take home notes
Golden Nuggets
8.57 - Advice to fit movement into your schedule
19.13 – Tips on breaking habits
28.01 – Can technology affect our sleep?
32.59 – What affects all three areas?
Links
Nailing the basics podcast - https://thegrowtheq.com/nailing-the-basics-is-simple-not-easy-the-growth-equation-manifesto/
DesGolden.com - https://www.desgolden.com
@coachdesgolden https://www.instagram.com/coachdesgolden/
On today's episode, we talk about health and wellbeing in MTU from a staff perspective. I am delighted to be joined by my good friends and collegaues; Dr Con Burns, Andrea Bickerdike and Prof Jim O'Mahony. We talk about what health and wellbeing means for them in MTU. We discuss what they do in their various roles to support students and they give us their top practical tips on what students can do to increase their health and wellbeing as they journey through MTU.
Time Stamps
1.30 - Introductions/What do the staff do in the health and wellbeing space
7.08 - Why is health and wellbeing important in their life?
15.34 - Guests share Golden Nugget for a student, to support wellbeing.
24.18 - Resources recommended
28.40 - Take home notes
Links
Brené Brown: The power of Vulnerablity - https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en
Hidden Brain Podcast - https://hiddenbrain.org
BJ Fogg: Tiny Habits - https://tinyhabits.com
Susan Jeffers: Feel the fear and do it anyways
Student Support Services in MTU:
https://www.cit.ie/studentlife.studentsupportservices
Student Counseling at MTU - http://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Email: counselling.admincork@mtu.ie
Phone: 021 4335772 / 087 7688657
Instagram: mtu_studentcounsellingcork
On today's episode I talk to Masters student in MTU, Johanna Forde. We discuss how she balances the college, work and life commitments, how she manages feedback from lecturers and Johanna highlights how she prioritizes wellbeing by doing what works for her. Johanna is our 1st student on the podcast so delighted to have the opportunity to talk to her about her journey in MTU.
Time Stamps:
Time Management 3 min 45 secs
How emails are open to interpretation
Dealing with feedback from supervisors: its about the work and not you- 6 mins
Balance of college work and other - 13mins 10 secs
How Johanna keeps the balance - 15 mins 0 secs
Prioritizing Wellbeing - 15 mins 40 secs
Practical things that might work for you - 19 mins 10 secs
- we discuss movement breaks, walking, meditation, house work, food that we eat
Take home nuggets - 22 mins 35 secs
Personal Wellness and Resilience module - 23 mins
Links:
Website/App that Johanna Uses for Meditation:
https://www.ilivethelifeilove.com/
Student Support Services in MTU:
https://www.cit.ie/studentlife.studentsupportservices
Wellness and Resilience Module discussed:
https://courses.cit.ie/index.cfm/page/module/moduleId/14508
Hello and Welcome, to the MTU Wellbeing Podcast, on this the 2nd episode I chat to Aishling McCormack, who is a Outreach Health Promotion Officer, in the Sexual Health Centre in Cork. We chat about how students can connect with the Centre and highlight what services they offer. We dispel some sexual health myths, discuss student trends and have an open and honest conversation about many areas of sexual health including consent, pornography and STIs, I really love the way Aishling shares her insights in such an honest and refreshing way. She shares many golden nuggets (tips) for students including;
- Connect with the Sexual Health Centre.
- Communicate openly and check in with your partner.
- Don't compare your sexual activity to porn.
- Understand your needs and boundaries and be confident
- Be aware of non verbal signs and take noting for a given when with someone
Proud also to say that Aishling is a past student of MTU on the BA Social Care course so she has a great insight into life as a student in MTU.
Links
Sexual Health Centre Cork
Phone number: 021 427667
Email: info@sexualhealthcentre.com
Website: https://www.sexualhealthcentre.com
Facebook: @BeSexyStayHealthy
Instagram pages: @shc_cork and @shc_hub
Eircode T12 DX73
Contact Details for Drug Alcohol and Sexual Health (DASH)
Danny Fitzpatrick - Coordinator - 083-132250
(DASH is a mobile unit that provides a service for Co. Cork & Kerry
https://www.sexualhealthcentre.com/news/dashlaunch)
Time stamps2:10 Student supports through the centre
4:20 Best ways to connect with the centre
8:50 Challenging Myths around sexual health
10:41 Transmission of STIs
16:04 Getting an STI Screen
19:04 DASH- Drug Alcohol and Sexual Health
22:20 Tips for Students: Contact the centre
23:10 Communicate with your partner
27:30 Understand your needs and boundaries - have the confidence to do what you want
29:00 Consent - be aware of non verbal signs and check in with your partner
31:30 "Nothing is ever a given"
32:45 Health Hub in City Centre (check @shc_hub)
33.50 "Sex Education on Netflix
In this episode I talk to Dr Honor Carroll, head of student counseling in MTU. We talk about why counseling is about doing what is right for you and not focusing on what is wrong with you. Honor discusses how to engage with the counseling service in MTU and what it might look like for you as a student when you do so. Honor also shares with us 3 golden nuggets for all students to consider to support their mental health. We finish off the podcast by discussing 2 important initiatives for students to be aware of in MTU, the Speak Out Campaign and the 24 hour student helpline crisis number. This podcast will hopefully give you a sense of the supports that are available to you in MTU. Honors positive and humerus approach in this podcast will brighten your day.
Thanks for your interest in health and wellbeing and remember it is your journey so you chose.
Thank you to the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, the Teaching and Learning Unit in MTU and the Department of Sport,Leisure and Childhood Studies for their support with this podcast.
Links:
Student Counseling at MTU http://www.mycit.ie/counselling
Email: counselling.admincork@mtu.ie
Phone: 021 4335772 / 087 7688657
Instagram: mtu_studentcounsellingcork
Text 50808 Crisis Helpline https://text50808.ie/
Speak Out in MTU http://www.mycit.ie/counselling/speak-out
Time Stamps:
4:40- How to engage in the student counseling service in MTU
11:09- What happens in a counseling session?
22:00 - Honor shares 3 Golden Nuggets for students to support positive mental health
30:35- Discussion on Speak Out and Crisis Helpline number 50808