In this week’s episode, Anthony Cruz and Maris Schneider are joined by our newly reappointed international commissioner, Lucas Ferreira Marques dos Santos. Lucas is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemistry, but today he is telling us all about his experience moving to Canada, conducting research as an international student, and sharing the exciting new opportunities he pours his heart and soul into to help make Western a welcoming community for all. Tune in and get ready to think about how your soul is doing!

Check our Lucas' work here: https://www.instagram.com/sogs.international/

https://www.instagram.com/westernuinternational/

https://www.instagram.com/lucas_forgeron/

Recorded on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Produced by Anika Bushra Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

In this week's episode, hosts Ryan Baxter and Mark Ambrogio interview GradCast's own Scott Walters, a long-time host and producer. Shortly after his successful PhD defence on June 11, Scott's thesis was​ published on the Western website.

Scott's research explored how the feeding patterns of water-associated birds are reflected in the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies. Surprised by the results, Scott talks the hosts through some of the prevailing hypotheses that contextualized his research and talks through an explanation for his findings.

In their conversation, Ryan and Mark also listen as Scott recounts his journey from the West Coast to Western. With Scott's time at GradCast winding down, they reminisce about collaboration with Radio Western, playing analogue music (vinyl and CDs) live on air, and the importance of family and friends to a well-rounded graduate experience. Scott's PhD thesis: https://uwo.scholaris.ca/items/59896d8f-a9c8-457f-b087-81ecdfc25065 Recorded on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 Produced by Kuljeet Chohan Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)

In this week's episode, hosts Mark Ambrogio and Ryan Baxter interview Kelly Wang, a first-year PhD Student in Education. Kelly is exploring how digital media tools can enhance English language learning to support learners who are older adults and seniors. With her research, Kelly aims to contribute to a field that heavily emphasizes supporting children and youth, and less on older adults and seniors in their English language learning journey. The goal of her research is to support older newcomers in English-speaking regions to learn the language more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Tune in to hear Mark, Ryan, and Kelly’s conversation about her family’s immigration story, how it influenced her research, and how she’s preparing for her upcoming comprehensive exam.

Recorded on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Produced by Evelyn MacKay-Barr Theme song provided by FreeBeats.io (Produced by WhiteHot)