Any Questions Podcast

any questions podcast logoWHY THIS PODCAST AND WHY THESE TOPICS?

We choose to highlight themes that aren't usually talked about in the wellness presentations that we deliver on campus. That's because a lot of wellness topics, and the topics we discuss in this podcast, may be a bit more nuanced, complex, or are sometimes difficult discussing in a short presentation or a group setting.

While they may be personal, complex, or sometimes uncomfortable, we get asked these questions and want to create a platform where we can explore them in an accessible way for students. So pop in your ear buds on your walk to class and get a sense of what we get asked and what we have to say on Any Questions?

HOW TO LISTEN

Want to check out our podcast? You can listen by following the episode links below. (Transcripts coming soon!)

Episodes

Introducing: Any Questions?

Episode 1: Resilience

“Resiliency is just taking care of yourself after or during a hardship and getting back to your best self.''

In today’s episode join Caroline and Carson’s conversation about resilience: what is it, the various ways one can build resilience, and the relationship between self care and resilience.

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Caroline (she/her) 
  • Carson (he/him)

Note: Though Carson and Caroline recorded this episode long before the COVID-19 Pandemic we recognize resiliency is a crucial part of coping during this outbreak. In situations like this it is normal to experience a range of emotions. To learn more:

- CDC guide on Taking Care of Emotional Health During a Disaster

- WHO infographic on Coping During COVID-19

Episode 2: Consent and Communication

“We get and receive consent every day.” 

In this episode, listen to Caroline and Carson as they explain how communication and consent can enhance any relationship, especially during sex. 

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Caroline (she/her) 
  • Carson (he/him)

Episode 3: Kinky Sex

“Many students have kinky sex on their brain.” 

Explore the fascinating world of kink with Emily and Liv as they seek out information on kinky sex from sexuality experts, people who practice kink, and mental health professionals.

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Emily (she/her) 
  • Liv (she/her)

Episode 4: The Pleasure Gap

 

“What is the pleasure gap? What's the cause? What are some societal and individual impacts? What are some ways we can close the gap?”

Dive into today’s episode on the pleasure gap where Maggie and Nick explore media’s representation of pleasure in our society, share their and their friends experience with the pleasure gap, our current sex education, and how we can be better sexual partners.

Transcript

Hosts 

  • Maggie Lewis (She/Her)
  • Nick Balmadier (He/Him)

 

 

Episode 5: Nature and Mental Health

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Steph (She/Her)
  • Hannah (She/Her)

Scientists have found that nature is associated with positive mood.” In today’s episode, join Steph and Hannah as they discuss the benefits of nature with special guests Olivia Mays (she/her/hers) and Meg Smolinski (she/her/hers). Whether you are looking for a break from studies, a way to recharge after intense activism, or a way to ground yourself when the news gets overwhelming, connecting with nature can have helpful benefits for your mental health and overall wellbeing. Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Steph and Hannah also specifically discuss what connecting with nature could look like at this unprecedented time.

NOTE: 

Nature can be one of many tools that someone uses to support resilience and overall wellness. However, we recognize that nature is not always accessible to all people in the same ways.  Sometimes this may be due to inequitable investment and access to natural and green space in some communities, or due to valid safety concerns of being outside, as well as structural barriers that may limit physical accessibility in some outdoor spaces.Therefore, we’d like to remind folks that simply facing or opening a window, or watching/listening to nature videos on your phone can have similar benefits.

Here are Some Resources to Check Out! 

Check out the UMD Arboretum’s website (https://arboretum.umd.edu), Facebook, or Instagram (@umdabg)

https://www.airpano.com/

https://www.nps.gov/nature/videos.htm

https://www.youtube.com/user/NationalGeographic

Episode 6: Minority Stress Theory

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Steph (She/Her)
  • Hannah (She/Her)

"I hate saying it now, but I began to whitewash myself just so that I wouldn't be so different, I guess." Join Hannah and Steph as they discuss Minority Stress Theory. Learn about the origin of theory, Hannah and Steph's own experiences as members of marginalized groups, and what MST means to them. 

Episode 7: Active Citizenship

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Shayna(She/Her)

  • Lauren (She/Her)

What is being an advocate? How can you balance being an active citizen while being a college student?” on this month’s episode join Shayna and Lauren as they discuss their personal experiences as activists and active citizens. How do you get involved on campus and in broader society? Learn more this month!

Episode 8: Difficult Conversations

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Maiu (She/Her)
  • Arielle (She/Her)

“...Somebody says something that makes you uncomfortable, that’s problematic and you don’t know how to respond.” Discover how to have difficult conversations with Maiu and Arielle as they prepare you for the upcoming holidays with family and old friends. Listen as they share their own stories to help you figure out how to navigate problematic language.

 

Episode 9: Real Talk about Self Care (LIVE)

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Ashlyn  (She/Her)
  • Daniela (She/Her)

Face masks and bubble baths may be the standard for self care we see on social media, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach to self care - and it should never drain your wallet.

In this episode of "Any Questions?", Ashlyn and Daniela went LIVE on Facebook to share our own self care journeys, examine how influencer culture distorts our understanding of what self care actually looks like, and how to explore what self care strategies feel right for you!

Episode 10: Swiping While Queer

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Ashlyn  (She/Her)
  • Daniela (She/Her)

In the age of COVID-19, more people are using online dating apps to connect with others for friendship, love, and sex, including people in the LGBTQ+ community.  In this episode of "Any Questions?", join Ashlyn and Daniela as we discuss the experience of using dating apps as a queer person. 

We break down the pros and cons of four popular dating apps, discuss harm reduction tips for connecting with people you meet online, and discuss other ways to find queer community at the University of Maryland!

Episode 11: The Evolution of Body Image

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Breannah (she/her)
  • Leah (she/her)

Our relationship with body image can be complicated.  Join Breannah and Leah as we unpack the true origins of the body image movement, discuss how body image movement has evolved over time, and explore how to move the body image conversation forward in a more inclusive and culturally informed way. 

We also chat with our friend Jane Jakubczak, the University Health Center's Registered Dietician, about the concept of "intuitive eating", and share some resources on the University of Maryland campus to support your body's wellness!

Episode 12: Cannabis Harm Reduction

Transcript

Hosts:

  • Breannah (she/her)
  • Ashlyn (she/her)

In this episode of "Any Questions", Breannah and Ashlyn dive into cannabis use - specifically, how those who choose to engage in cannabis use can use harm reduction strategies to reduce the risks associated with using cannabis.  Join them to bust some myths, learn about laws and policies regulating cannabis use, learn some helpful safety tips, and discover the resources available to you at the Health Center for support!

Note: The University Health Center cares about your wellbeing, and as part of the University of Maryland, we do not condone illicit substance use of any kind.  That said, for those who choose to use cannabis, we care about giving you the knowledge, skills, and resources to keep yourself safer when using, and providing you support when you need it, without judgement.

Episode 13: Disability Justice

Transcript

Hosts

  • Breannah (she/her)
  • Ashlyn (she/her)

In this episode of "Any Questions", Breannah and Ashlyn dive into cannabis use - specifically, how those who choose to engage in cannabis use can use harm reduction strategies to reduce the risks associated with using cannabis.  Join them to bust some myths, learn about laws and policies regulating cannabis use, learn some helpful safety tips, and discover the resources available to you at the Health Center for support!

Note: The University Health Center cares about your wellbeing, and as part of the University of Maryland, we do not condone illicit substance use of any kind.  That said, for those who choose to use cannabis, we care about giving you the knowledge, skills, and resources to keep yourself safer when using, and providing you support when you need it, without judgement.

Episode 14: STI's and Stigma

Transcript

Hosts

  • Demi (she/they)
  • Jerry (he/him)

Sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs, are prevalent among young adults - in fact, almost half of the total STI diagnoses in the United States were from people in the 15-24 age group! 

STIs are also often mild, often curable, and always manageable, especially when they are detected early.  So, if STIs are so common among college students, and they're so easy to treat, why do they still seem like such a big deal?

In this episode of "Any Questions", join Demi and Jerry for a candid conversation about STIs, and more specifically, how the stigma surrounding STIs can impact students' wellness.

As a reminder, STI Testing is available through the UMD Health Center! For more information about this popular resource, check out health.umd.edu, and search "STI Testing".

Episode 15: Prescription Stimulant Misuse

Transcript

Hosts

  • Jerry (he/him)
  • Demi (she/they)

In this episode of the UHC Peer podcast, “Any Questions?”, Demi and Jerry dive into how prescription stimulant misuse (i.e. Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) impacts students’ personal and academic wellness.

Episode 16: Gender Affirming Health Services

Transcript

Hosts

  • Jerry (he/him)
  • Demi (she/they)
  • Luca (he/they)

In this episodeDemi (she/they) and Jerry (he/him) are joined by Luca Rodriguez (he/they) to discuss accessing gender affirming care at the University Health Center, along with other resources across campus to support transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming students.

The University Health Center is proud to be the second-ever college health center to receive the designation as a Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights campaign, and remains committed to continual education and growth as the needs and desires of our student population shift over time.

To learn more about gender affirming health services, as well as other services to support LGBTQ+ students at the University Health Center, visit health.umd.edu/lgbthealth

Follow additional resources on social media to learn more about LGBTQ+ student life at University of Maryland:

University Health Center: @UMDHealthCenter

MICA Office: @UMDMICA

LGBTQ+ Equity Center: @LGBTQEquity

Episode 17: Introduction to Meditation

Transcript available soon

Hosts

  • Jerry (he/him)
  • Demi (she/they)

In this episode of "Any Questions", Demi (she/they) and Jerry (he/him) discuss meditation - their relationship with the practice, how it benefits them as college students, and meditation's connection to wellness. 

They also chat with Sarah Wilson (she/her), the Director of the University Health Center's Meditation Program, about the many different styles of meditation offered to UMD students!

To learn more about the Health Center's Meditation Program, visit our Meditation Services page.  Happy listening!