Switchboard

In the final episode of this season of Switchboard, we catch up with some of the sporting community in Cambridge to talk about all things Varsity competitions. From boxing to taekwondo and women's blues football we learn about the preparations for the competition against Oxford and what it's like balancing work with training. We also hear from our very own Senior Sport's Editor at Varsity, Liam, about what it's like covering sports at both the college and university level and the importance of sports for the Cambridge community. Transcripts available here! .................................................................................................................................... Meet this term's team! Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In this episode, we learn about various student campaigns around Cambridge. We hear about the U Bus Campaign to increase accessibility around the city for different colleges, Cambridge Period Project in their fight against period poverty in the university and beyond, and the Demilitarise Cambridge campaign aimed to shed light on the university investment ties to arms companies. You're guaranteed to leave feeling proud and inspired by all the amazing student activism in Cambridge! Transcripts available here! .................................................................................................................................... Meet this term's team! Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In a slightly different format than previous episodes this season, Liv and Izzy sit down with a group of vegan and veggie Cambridge students, to hear about a variety of experiences with bringing a plant-based lifestyle to uni. Tune in for a panel-style discussion about cooking in college gyps, ways college dining halls could do better, and recipe favorites from all of our guests. This one is a tasty one!  Transcripts available here! .................................................................................................................................... Meet this term's team! Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

...or, The Queer, The Corporate, and The Christian. In this episode, we dive into what Valentine's Day really means, who it's for (and who is left out), and how people are celebrating their love outside of the heteronormative imagining of February 14th. This one is a heart-warmer; stories of love, joyful first dates, and nonromantic expressions of love overflow from our guests this week. We also challenge the commercialization of Valentine's Day, and ask whether there might be better ways to show and share our love. Transcripts available here! .................................................................................................................................... Meet this term's team! Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Just in time for the start of Pink Week 2022 (and the Pink Week Ball happening tonight, Feb 5!!) comes an episode about the history of Pink Week, from its conception years ago to its resounding success today. Our very own host, Liv, is Pink Week President this year, so she gives us the scoop on what Pink Week really is, and how she's managed to balance being president with a Cambridge degree. Our guests have each played a different role across Pink Week's history, each with their own insights and reflections on their experiences with the cause - so settle in and enjoy!  Learn more about Pink Week!  Transcripts available here!  .................................................................................................................................... Lent Term Team:  Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In the first episode of a brand new season of Switchboard, our hosts Liv and Izzy bring you student voices from across the university reflecting on and chatting about their experiences throughout the past two years. Tune in to hear from Yasmin, Tara, and Ayomide as they unpack their covid considerations, plus a special treat at the end in collaboration with Varsity's AskVulture.  Transcripts available here! .................................................................................................................................... Meet this term's team!  Producers: Olivia Young & Isabella Todini Audio Engineers: Laleh Bergman Hossain & Joe Bray Writers: Matilda Sidel and Gwilym Hubbard Outreach Manager: Lucy Rostant Graphic Designer: Sam Benatar --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Izzy and her guest host Alex Oxford discuss the North/South divide and how this affects the Cambridge experience, exploring both the UK and Italy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Listen to Izzy and her guest host Ted chat with LGBT+ identifying students about their experiences in Cambridge, as well as the work they and others are doing in various spaces around Cambridge to make the university and the city all the more accepting! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Izzy and her guest host Inika Murumbi take a look at the impact of the Indian Covid Crisis for Cambridge and its students, and how we have been doing what we can to support those suffering most in this time... --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Izzy and her guest host Nora Redmond discuss spirituality and faith both inside and outside the Cambridge bubble. From the Christian Union to Mindfulness, the duo discuss the different experiences of students either finding religion at university or feeling more detached from it. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

As it's Mental Health Awareness Week, Izzy and her guest host Libby Warr take stock of mental health in the last year. With interviews from students, researchers and Cambridge helplines, the episode reflects on the past and looks forward to the future. Special thanks to the interviewed guests: Alicia, Jessica, Natalie and Cat! All resources mentioned in the episode are linked below: University Counselling Service: https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/ Nightline: https://cambridge.nightline.ac.uk/ Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/ Hopeline: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/ SANE: http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline/ Disability Resource Centre: https://www.disability.admin.cam.ac.uk/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In our first new episode of the series, new host Izzy and her guest host Theola discuss the highs and lows of this year's Lent term. We spoke to Ashlan, an Executive officer and soon-to-be president of Cambridge RAG, who spoke to us about organising virtual events and the incredible ways that the Cambridge community were helping others while also struggling themselves.  Next, we spoke to fellow fresher Colin about love, lockdown and living back with your family. He discussed his experiences maintaining a new relationship over the term, as well as the return to sharing a study space and his excitement to cook with friends once again... Finally, we round off by chatting to Zara, a Homerton student who was unfortunately denied the chance to return to Cambridge on mental health grounds, and how she found the term in a space she did not plan to be in... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Send in a voice message for next week's episode: https://anchor.fm/switchboard/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

We must confess.. we've spent far too long scrolling through Facebook. But is this really such a waste of time? In this week's episode, Amber and Eliza explore the goods and ills of Cambridge confession pages and consider how their role has changed during Covid-19.  We chatted with the anonymous admins of Kindbridge, Worldbridge and ADCbridge (who were kept so through some hilarious voice modulation). We also heard some favourite Camfess-es and George Garrity's observation of these pages, based off of his Varsity article. Next week, we're looking for love. So if you want to share your love (or lack there of) for the people, culture and place that is Cambridge send it in on Anchor FM or our Facebook! Our music this week is Soul Boat by 2 Non Men, brought to you by New Music Cambridge.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

As we enter the first week of a remote Lent term, Switchboard is helping you stay tuned to the needs of your mind and body during lockdown! This episode, Amber and Eliza are speaking to Kit Treadwell (representing Student Minds) and Lucy Patchett (one of Varsity’s sports editors) about the importance of feeling physically and mentally fit during this time! Then we’ll hear from two of Cambridge’s best organisations, RAG and Pink Week to discuss how their plans for the term will help you connect with our Cambridge community and every part of yourself even at a distance. With music from Colonel Spanky's Love Ensemble and Judah Daniels  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Amber and Eliza chat to V-C Toope on everything from Safety Net provision to the new Foundation Year to hear how Cambridge is preparing for another online term. The brilliant music for this episode was generously provided by Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble and a new track from Katrina Rose brought to you by the Cam FM show New Music Cambridge. Unlike your Pret Subscription, we don't expire after a month so tune in again next Friday! Oh and we'd love to hear you on our Facebook, Instagram or by email on switchboard@varsity.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Happy New Year to all and welcome to the podcast version of the Cambridge Pret Queue! A new (albeit virtual) term means a new season of Switchboard with a brand new team, here to introduce themselves and share their first episode. Amber and Eliza (this term’s hosts) open by discussing Michaelmas in all its odd glory, speaking to students from Medwards and Homerton about their rather different experiences regarding college communication and welfare throughout the term. Then, we heard an official statement from Rent Strike Cambridge and a participant’s perspective on the next few months and what they mean for strikers, giving information and advice to anyone seeking it! Discovering what’s been and what’s ahead, this episode is packed with personal insights and useful tips from Cambridge students, tune in to find out more!  The brilliant music for this episode was generously provided by Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble and a new track from Matt Haygarth brought to you by the Cam FM show New Music Cambridge. Unlike your Pret Subscription, we don't expire after a month so tune in again next Friday! Oh and we'd love to hear you on our Facebook, Instagram or by email on switchboard@varsity.co.uk --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

For Switchboard’s final episode of the season, hosts Isabel and Maddy explore the impact the coronavirus crisis has had on creative endeavours, asking those involved in Cambridge’s creative scene what it was like working in the arts during such challenging times. The hosts begin by speaking to Alex Haydn-Williams and Cate Horne from BAIT, a termly Cambridge art and culture zine. They explain the origins of the magazine and how the pandemic has impacted their work. (1:21). Next, Fred Duffen and Yvette Murphy from Selwyn College choir tell the hosts about how the choir continued during lockdown 1.0 and 2.0, outlining the safety measures that have been adopted and highlighting the increased engagement that their choral evensong services have had online. (10:35). The hosts turn to discuss innovative ideas that came about during lockdown in an effort to spread positivity. They speak to Tom McGachie, creator of Cambrovision - an online competition where students from Cambridge and beyond could vote for their favourite Eurovision entry. He outlines how this competition worked and the incredible response from students and university staff. (17:50). Continuing the discussion on the importance of music during a crisis, Maddy and Isabel speak to Amber De Ruyt, the creator and co-producer of ‘Ordinary Days’. This musical had its scheduled performances cut short due to the announcement of the second lockdown in November. Amber explains how the production operated under social distancing guidelines and the astonishing morale of the theatre community during this uncertain time. (22.50). Next, we check back in with Alex Haydn-Williams from BAIT about the pressures to be creative during unprecedented moments like the pandemic. He explains that while it was difficult to be productive over the first lockdown, having a small creative task, something he hopes BAIT provides for people, can be a useful form of escapism. (32:18). Finally, Prerona Prasad, curator of the Heong Gallery at Downing College, speaks to the hosts about how lockdown, and subsequently moving the galleries online, has redirected focus onto previously neglected areas, such as accessibility. She highlights the value of art in giving direction and purpose during such challenging times and emphasises her hope that when galleries are able to reopen again, they establish access as a key commitment and principle. (35:10). From all of the Switchboard season two team, we would like to thank you for joining us this term and wish you all a Happy Holiday! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

Content note: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Nine months after the investigation into the mishandling of sexual assault complaints by senior members of college staff at Trinity Hall was published, the hosts ask, has anything changed? (0:38). Switchboard talks to an anonymous student from Homerton college about the recent allegations of mishandled sexual misconduct and disciplinary complaints. (1:10). Journalists Ella Hill and Chris Cook from the media company Tortoise, who originally broke the story of Trinity Hall’s sexual assault allegations mishandling, discuss how they came to cover the story, and Cambridge’s inadequacy of dealing with complaints compared to other universities. (9:05). The hosts talk to Marina McCready and Antonia Harrison, the founders of the Cambridge Loud and Clear society, about what their society is doing to create a zero-tolerance policy against sexual misconduct in the university, and why college culture has led to mishandling of claims. (14:22). Student university counsellor Freddie Poser talks to Switchboard about his manifesto, which pushes for a centralized sexual harassment reporting procedure, why he believes it’s necessary, and the obstacles in the way of such change. (21:40). Finally, the hosts talk to Chris Down, investigator at Office of Student Content, Complaints and Appeals about the procedure of dealing with reports of sexual misconduct, and how the Coronavirus pandemic is preventing students coming forward. (31:31). Switchboard is Varsity’s flagship podcast. Episodes are released every Friday on all major podcasting apps via Anchor. Transcripts of all episodes are available via links on the respective podcast article, found at http://www.varsity.co.uk/. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

In the wake of Cambridge University’s commitment to fully divest from fossil fuels by 2030 and the announcement earlier this week that Trinity Hall will divest from direct investments in fossil fuels within the next six months, Switchboard speaks to campaigners to investigate how they achieved this goal, and to outline the next steps. To start off the episode, we hear from Evan Wroe, a representative of the Cambridge Zero Carbon Society. He explains the aims of the society, as well as breaking down some of their demands and methods in the fight for divestment. (1:18). Next, Jesus College Green Officer and representative for Jesus College climate justice campaign, Zak Coleman, talks to the hosts about the college specific campaign. Zak speaks about the campaign’s methods, and the need for Jesus College to commit to full divestment. (4:47). Discussing the 2030 target, an anonymous spokesperson from Extinction Rebellion (XR) expresses their disappointment towards the University, arguing that full divestment needs to come sooner. They also consider the actions of XR youth in Cambridge, such as digging up Trinity College lawn, and the impacts that direct action has on the public perception of XR. (11:44). Continuing the conversation around XR, Evan Wroe speaks on the relationship between XR and Zero Carbon Society and shares his opinion of their action in Cambridge, as well as the general exclusivity of climate movement and the lack of commitment to anti-racism. (21:58). Zak Coleman shares his thoughts on the commonality of direct action in climate protests, specifically referencing the protest that members of Jesus College conducted on their Old Court. (23:54). Talk turns to strike action as hosts speak to Junayd and Luana who are members of Cambridge Youth Strike for Climate. They discuss their involvement in activism directed towards the Council, detailing its response and the ways in which the movement has adapted to limitations caused by the Covid pandemic. (27:04). Finally, the hosts ask some of the guests about their hopes for the future, and how more people can get involved in demanding action on the climate crisis. (33:05). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message

This week, hosts Issy Roberts and Maddy Fisher tackle student mental health at Cambridge, in a term where the start of the notoriously difficult week five coincides with the start of a month-long national lockdown. Switchboard talks to the BME campaign’s mental health and disabilities officer Elia Chitwa about their experiences of poor mental health at Cambridge, and how BME students are disproportionately impacted by mental health issues at Cambridge. (01:10). Former Pembroke student Luke Naylor-Perrott tells Varsity about the documentary he directed, Feeling Blue, which tackles the mental health crisis at Cambridge, and how he thinks the university can improve its provisions. (02:51). Maddy talks to natural sciences student Karris McGonigle about her petition to introduce a reading week to counter ‘Week Five Blues’, and if she thinks the discourse around week five creates a self-fulfilling prophecy. (15:36). Disability Resource Centre mentor, Julie Bailey, tells Switchboard why she thinks mentors should be available to all students, regardless of disability. (21:42). Finally, Switchboard talks to an anonymous Camfess admin about how the nature of submissions have changed since the beginning of the pandemic, with there being a significant increase in the number of posts by students struggling with loneliness, anxiety and isolation. (27:44). --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/switchboard/message