The Student Guide On ... With ... (Pick Up The Mic)
The Student Guide (formerly Pick Up The Mic) is Pick Up The Mic’s flagship conversation series, based in the UK. We believe everyone is a student of life. Whether you’re at university, building your career, changing direction, or simply trying to grow.
Each episode features honest, impactful conversations with founders, professionals, and community voices, exploring themes like race, identity, wellbeing, belonging, and personal development. We also spotlight practical support, tools, and resources that can help you navigate life’s big transitions. From education and work to confidence, purpose, and community.
At its heart, The Student Guide is rooted in real stories: our journeys, lessons, setbacks, and wins, shared to help listeners feel seen, learn something new, and take their next step with clarity.
Episodes
125 episodes
The One Thing Every Beginner Coder Gets Wrong
In this episode of The Student Guide (Season 9), host Jeffrey welcomes Ruth, a pharmacist turned self-taught software engineer now working at a London investment bank. Ruth shares why having a clear project goal matters when learning to code, h...
Embracing Your Authentic Self: Navigating Careers and Cultures
In the final episode of Season 8 of The Student Guide, join Jeffrey as he sits down with Ylva, an MFL teacher and professional dancer, to discuss the importance of authenticity, navigating multiple cultures, and balancing dual careers. Ylva sha...
Your Biggest Startup Mistake Might Be Obvious
What does it really take to build a creative platform without privilege, shortcuts, or hype? Founders often get caught up in big ideas, forgetting the power of their community. Nai shares how to adapt by focusing on available resou...
When Medicine Says No, Build Your Own Path!
In this episode of The Student Guide, Jeffrey chats with Anjelina Manase, a neuroscience student and founder of LifeSci Connect. They discuss the importance of parental support in education, transitioning from medicine to neuroscience, and the ...
Transforming Tech & Championing Diversity
In this episode of The Student Guide, we talk with Ama Annan, an Info Transformational Specialist at Accenture. Ama shares her journey transitioning from law to a career in technology consulting. Through personal anecdotes, such as conquering h...
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Empowering Youth with Chiemezie Anosike
In this episode of The Student Guide, we chat with Chiemezie Anosike, a 23-year-old digital marketing specialist at Salesforce. Chiemezie shares his insights on overcoming self-doubt, the importance of daily affirmations, and the pivotal role h...
The Life Of A Web3 Entrepreneur
In this episode of The Student Guide, we sit down with Nkeiru, founder and CEO of Web3sy, a platform making emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and quantum computing accessible to young people. Alongside running Web3sy, Nkeiru is a full-...
The Power Of Community With Tumi
In this episode, we sit down with Tumi, founder of Sounds Of The Diaspora, a global creative collective exploring identity, community, and healing through art, music, and storytelling.Tumi is not only a cultural organizer and DJ but als...
Finding Your Artistic Voice: Insights from Multidisciplinary Artist Elfreda
In this episode of The Student Guide, host Jeffrey interviews Elfreda, a talented multidisciplinary artist who seamlessly weaves together sustainability, creativity, and identity in her work. Elfreda shares her inspiring journey, the importance...
Championing Creativity and Mental Wellbeing
In this episode of The Student Guide, we dive into an inspiring conversation with PR and communications expert, Patricia. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Patricia shares her journey from cultural journalism in Romania to her c...
Navigating the Creative Industry with Precious
Welcome to Season 8 of The Student Guide! In our first episode, we sit down with Precious, a BAFTA Young Presenter and journalism student, to discuss her incredible journey in the creative industry. Precious shares her experience of winning the...
Mastering Entrepreneurship: Lessons from Akil on Community, Success, and Overcoming Barriers
Join us for the season finale of Season 7 of The Student Guide as we sit down with the inspiring entrepreneur Akil Benjamin. Discover how he transformed his big university dream into impactful workshops and programmes. Learn from his journey of...
Navigating Youth Engagement with Aaliyah | The Student Guide
In this episode of The Student Guide, we dive into an incredible conversation with Aaliyah, co-founder of Dipped In Creative Engagement (DICE CIC). We explore the importance of asking questions, the significance of mental health, and the power ...
What Happens When FASHION Meets TECH: A Deep Dive with Giovanna
In this episode of 'The Student Guide,' host and guest Giovanna Vieira discuss the future of sustainable fashion, the role of technology in mitigating textile waste, and practical advice for students and early-career creatives passionate about ...
Trusting Your Gut and Being Authentic - Insights with Chinwe from The Student Guide
Join us in this episode of The Student Guide featuring Chinwe, a Partnerships Executive at a creative agency. From career advice to personal anecdotes, Chinwe shares her journey of working with culturally impactful brands like The North Face an...
Empowering Voices and Bridging Gaps in STEM
In this episode of The Student Guide, we dive deep into the importance of cultivating and amplifying voices in various professional spaces. We welcome Rehema Muthamia, a consultant and founder of Empower Essence, dedicated to helping women over...
Creating Lasting Change Combating Afro Hair Discrimination and Parental Imprisonment with Jemmar
Go to our sponsor https://betterhelp.com/pickupthemic for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help.In this episode of The Student Guide, the host welcomes Jemmar, a mu...
Transformative Takeaways - Embracing Your Journey Mentorship, Responsibility, and Sharing Your Story
In this empowering episode, we explore the various themes of our Takeaways from Season 6, centred around personal and professional growth. Key messages include the importance of sharing your story and embracing failures as steps towards success...
Empathy, Value, and Data Storytelling: A Conversation with Obinna Iwuji
In this episode of 'The Student Guide,' we delve into the importance of being true to oneself and understanding the values you bring, as intertwined with Obinna's personal journey of being bullied and isolated. Obinna shares insights into his d...
Unlocking Mental Health Resources for Students Insights from Priscilla Vivian
In this episode of The Student Guide, we explore the crucial topic of mental health support for students. Host Jeffrey welcomes Priscilla Vivian, a therapist turned entrepreneur and the founder of Vivified Therapy and Flourishing Founders. They...
Reclaiming Narratives: Empowering Black Creatives and Overcoming Barriers
Join host Mawuena and a diverse panel featuring Dan, Hope, Ivié , and Jeffrey Manso as they explore the powerful theme of reclaiming narratives. This profound discussion delves into overcoming societal stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and em...
Maintaining Authenticity and Well-being in a Corporate World With Carley Luckett
In this episode of The Student Guide, we sit down with Carley Luckett, a legal apprentice and host of the @ChristCentredPodcast to discuss the importance of living ...
Embracing Authenticity, Rest, and Creativity Insights from Natasha Minter | The Student Guide
In this enriching episode of The Student Guide Podcast Season 7 welcomes Natasha Minter, Founder and Creator of ModelMe, who shares her journey from fashion modeling to well-being advocacy. Natasha discusses the creation of brave spaces, import...
Building Your Personal Brand & Navigating LinkedIn | The Student Guide Season 6 Finale
Welcome to the final episode of Season 6 of the Student Guide! In this episode, we dive deep into the essentials of building a personal brand, especially on LinkedIn, with insights from our special guest, Mawuena, a LinkedIn content creator. Ma...
Creating Inclusive Cultures: For Students & Workplaces | The Student Guide
In this enriching episode of The Student Guide, we engage with Tolu Afelumo and Jeffrey on the critical topics of inclusion and mental health within student and professional environments. Tolu, founder of Tolu Wellspring, shares her journey and...
