Welcome to AccessGranted: The Stories of UCL's most Inspiring Students! In each episode, we'll peel back the layers and reveal the unique experiences of our guests, from conquering daunting academic challenges and socio-economic barriers to battling the dragons of self-doubt. These stories will remind us of all that obstacles can be overcome, dreams can be realized, and change is within our reach. Contrary to your average storytelling podcast, we tend to infuse some wit, playfulness, and a dash of the unexpected into each episode. Sit back, adjust your headphones, and get ready to be inspired, and moved. Your access is now granted!
Episode 5 - Mental health, higher education, and institutional systems
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Access Granted, hosts Zhitong and Phoebe sit down with Yuxin, a third-year anthropology student, to explore the complex intersection between mental health, higher education, and institutional systems. Yuxin shares her journey navigating severe depression, academic interruption, and the challenges of returning to university life. The conversation unpacks how language barriers, cultural context, and institutional structures shape students’ ability to seek help and express themselves. The episode also critically examines the role of universities: Can flexibility in deadlines solve deeper issues in learning environments? What does meaningful support actually look like in large institutions? Through honest reflections, the discussion highlights the importance of human connection, inclusive teaching practices, and small, meaningful interactions that can make a lasting difference. This episode also experiments with the use of AI tools to bridge communication gaps — raising subtle questions about the role of AI in education and personal expression.
28 Nov 2025
Episode 4 - Living Between Tempos — ADHD, Music, and the International Student Journey with Kaito Mizukoshi
In this deeply personal and refreshingly honest episode, hosts Zhitong Li and Phoebe Chen sit down with pianist and UCL Management Science student Kaito Mizukoshi for a conversation that flows between introspection, culture, and the unexpected rhythms of life with ADHD.
Kaito opens up about receiving his ADHD diagnosis in London, years after growing up in Japan where the condition is often overlooked—or even quietly associated with success. He shares how this new understanding reshaped the way he studies, practices music, and takes care of himself, revealing the strategies, struggles, and surprising gifts that come with a restless mind.
From five-hour piano practice sessions to battling distraction during coursework, from navigating UCL as an international student to finding connection across cultural gaps, Kaito reflects on identity, belonging, and the power of self-knowledge.
The trio dive into stigma, romanticisation of mental health, friendship, and the small but meaningful ways we learn to work with—not against—our own nature. Set to the delicate beauty of Debussy performed by Kaito himself, this episode is an intimate look at how one student turns introspection into empowerment and transforms challenge into creativity.
Credits:
Date of episode recording: 2024-07-04
Duration: 00:40:58
Language of episode: english
Presenter: Zhitong Li, Phoebe Chen
Guests: Kaito Mizukoshi
Producer: takoua jendoubi
Podcast Owner: Takoua Jendoubi
23 Apr 2025
Episode 3. Step Out
Discover the transformative power of finding your place in education with our latest podcast episode of AccessGranted. Scott, a clinical sciences student at UCL, shares his story of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness.
In the words of Scott himself, "If you feel like you belong at a certain university or in a certain city, trust that instinct." Whether you're a student, educator, or simply someone passionate about personal growth, I invite you to be captivated by the ebbs and flows of choosing the right learning environment and the impact it can have on your future. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking piece that reminds us all of the power of finding our true path.
Transcript link: www.ucl.ac.uk/statistics/edi-wel…essgranted-podcast
(https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucl.ac.uk%2Fstatistics%2Fedi-wellbeing%2Fedi-and-outreach-initiatives-and-events%2Faccessgranted-podcast&token=aade51-1-1745405339481)
Date of episode recording: 2023-11-29T00:00:00Z
Duration: 00:37:11
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Yuxin Zhu and Kaixin Zhang
Guests: Scott Booth
Producer: Takoua Jendoubi
24 Oct 2023
Episode 2. Amelia Meade: Dreams and Duties
How do you chase your dreams while supporting others? Amelia, a devoted UCL student, offers a unique perspective on balancing academic demands and being a steadfast anchor for her family, and long commutes and social life at uni. We invite you to dive into the rarely shared stories of a student who pursues her educational aspirations against all odds. Tune in. Your access is now granted.
For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/statistics/accessgranted-podcast
Date of episode recording: 2023-07-18
Duration: 00:27:43
Language of episode: English
Presenter:Zhitong Li; Kaixin Zhang
Guests: Jean-Marie Meade Amelia
Producer: Jendoubi Takoua, Zhitong Li, Yuxin Zhu, Kaixin Zhang
18 Aug 2023
Episode 1. Beth Woolley: My Mental Health Can't Define Me
'Overcoming' can be a difficult and daunting task, especially when faced with personal struggles and academic pressures. In our first episode, Beth, who is autistic, anxiety-ridden, and a trauma survivor, recounts her struggles and her life-long journey of self-discovery. Rather than trying to fit into preconceived molds or forcing oneself to conform to certain expectations, Beth encourages everyone to explore your own ways of managing well-being. Your mental health does not define who you are.
Podcast series created and directed by Takoua Jendoubi (Dr)
For more information and to access the transcript: www.ucl.ac.uk/statistics/accessgranted-podcast
Date of episode recording: 2023-06-30
Duration: 00:32:18
Language of episode: English
Presenter: Zhitong Li; Yuxin Zhu
Guests: Beth Woolley
Producer: Zhitong Li, Yuxin Zhu
Podcast Authority Score: 1 / 100
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