QUT Real Talk

QUT

Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Your hosts are Sarah Winkleman and Melanie Rolfe. Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Mel is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health.

Episodes

  1. 03/04/2025

    Perfectionism

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT as well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends stand-up paddle boarding as a fun new way to explore and get outdoors. Sarah recommends going to the beach and feeling the sun and salt water. In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss how to recognise if you may be a perfectionist, the costs and benefits, and how to break the cycle if perfectionism is having a negative impact on your life. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. Further reading: · Perfectionism| Psychology Today · The destructiveness and public health significance of socially prescribed perfectionism: A review, analysis, and conceptual extension · Multidimensional Perfectionism Turns 30: A Review of Known Knowns and Known Unknowns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min

  2. 03/04/2025

    Do I have ADHD?

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. In each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT as well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends yoga hammocks for sensory regulation and relaxation. Sarah recommends Netflix series ‘Man on the Inside’ for a heartwarming and uplifting watch. The number of Australians on ADHD medication surged by almost 300 per cent in ten years, rising to 470,000 people in 2022-2023. (PBS data). In this episode, Sarah and Mel unpack some of the popular messaging around ADHD online, discuss neurodiversity and the neurodiversity affirming approach. We answer common questions about ADHD – why does everyone seem to have it now? What even is ADHD and how does it differ from ‘normal’ inattention or disorganization? How does it present differently in women and girls? How can we find the right strategies that work for our individual brains? This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. Further reading: ·         ADHD diagnoses on the rise as awareness grows | APS ·         ADHD Symptoms in Women: Misunderstood, Overlooked, Undertreated ·         Neurodiversity | Psychology Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min

  3. 03/04/2025

    Procrastination

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends nature dates with family and friends. Mel also reveals she has done a ted talk on the benefits of nature play! Sarah recommends ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle. Sarah is not a Glennon ‘stan’ but found the messages about freedom and gender fascinating. In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss an experience we’re all familiar with, procrastination.  Procrastination is complicated to understand and define. Sarah and Mel share their personal experiences with procrastination and what has helped them to overcome it. People might procrastinate for all different reasons, and it’s important to understand what your reason is to know how to overcome it. Sarah and Mel talk about some strategies to increase motivation, manage your time, and set achievable goals and rewards. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. Further reading: ·         Procrastination Why We Procrastinate | Psychology Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min

  4. 29/04/2025

    The New Addiction (Social Media)

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Sarah recommends a new hobby, paint by numbers. It’s helped her to challenge ideas about her own creativity and perfectionism, and it keeps her off her phone! Mel recommends habit tracking on the fridge to keep on top of life admin and achieve goals. In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss how pervasive social media is in our lives today, which can have both positive and negative consequences. They unpack a few theories as to why we all seem to be addicted to our phones and social media, and whether it’s helpful to call it an addiction? Sarah and Mel also give some helpful tips on how to have a more balanced approach to social media in our lives.   Handy links: · Online safety | eSafety Commissioner · Screen Zen App -  BestScreen Time App for Android & iPhone – Download Free · One Sec App -  one sec | stopmindless scrolling – scientifically This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min

  5. 06/05/2025

    Living and Studying in Brisbane as an International Student: Conversation with Rayane

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. In this episode, Sarah speaks to PhD student Rayane El Masri about her experiences arriving in Brisbane, cultural differences, coping with homesickness, and all the services on offer to international students at QUT. An informative conversation for both international and local students! Resources for International Students (links will only work for QUT enrolled students): International student support Find a club or project - Student - QUT Portal                          Spiritual wellbeing - Student - QUT Portal Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    Vicarious Trauma

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends revisiting an old hobby that brought joy (in her case, tap dancing!). Sarah recommends a cozy game for relaxation. Bonus Book Recommendations: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, and The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss what vicarious trauma is, and how we can be particularly vulnerable to it early career. They open up about their experiences with vicarious trauma and share their tips on how to overcome it. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  7. 19/05/2025

    Juggling life as a mature age student: Conversation with Kristi

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends the Circle of Security as a parenting approach. Sarah recommends visiting your local library, and the Brisbane City Council Library App. In this episode, Sarah and Mel are joined by Kristi Manger to chat about the decision to return to Uni later in life and how this seems to be a growing trend. They discuss how their approach to study differs as a mature student, the ongoing journey to find the right balance between study and other commitments, and the importance of having support around you. Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min

  8. 26/05/2025

    Sleep

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. Recommendations – Mel recommends the Inside Out films, and Sarah recommends The Imperfects Podcast. In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss the importance of a good night’s sleep, the biological processes involved, and share their tips to get a few more Z’s! Tips: • Regularity – keep your bedtime consistent where possible • Unplug from electronics – 30-60minute buffer time • Try different relaxation techniques • Get daylight exposure • Reduce alcohol (sedation) and nicotine (stimulant) • Reduce caffeine in the afternoon/evening • Optimize your bedroom – temperature, warm lighting, block out light and noise, invest in quality mattress and pillow. Hand links: •  Calm - The #1App for Meditation and Sleep •  Headspace Content | Meditation & Sleep App •  Smiling Mind App —Smiling Mind •  The Best Podcasts for Sleep | Sleep Foundation Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min

  9. 10/06/2025

    More than food: Understanding Eating Disorders with Carmel Fleming

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. In this episode, Sarah and Mel chat with Carmel Fleming, PhD, from the Queensland Eating Disorder Service. Carmel shares valuable insights into the emotional, psychological, social and physical facets of disordered eating, and how it can progress into a clinical eating disorder. We also unpack some myths around who can experience eating disorders, explore the signs, and offer advice to loved ones and individuals on how to access support. Help and support is available, and recovery is possible. Links: For support for yourself or a loved one, call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673). Or visit the Butterfly Foundation: Support for Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues | Butterfly Foundation National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) Service locator: Service locator And information for family and friends: Families and Supports More support for families and carers: Eating Disorders Families Australia - Support for families and carers of those with Eating Disorders - EDFA EDQ: Eating Disorders Queensland - Home Reach Out and Recover: Reach Out and Recover – Intervention resource for eating disorders QUT Eating Disorders Clinic: Eating Disorders Clinic - Student - QUT Portal QUT Medical Centre: QUT Medical Centre - Home Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

  10. 16/06/2025

    Deep Dive into Mindfulness with Hui

    We would love to see as many listeners as possible at the live recording during welcome week! QUT students register here: QUT Real Talk - Live Podcast Recording Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. In this episode, Sarah and Mel chat with fellow QUT counsellor and Clinical Psychologist Hui, breaking down the myths and misconceptions about mindfulness and how can be of benefit. Included is a brief mindfulness practice we invite you to participate in if safe to do so. Links: Mindfulness - Student - QUT Portal The Free Mindfulness Project - Free Resources Insight Timer — #1 Free Meditation App Headspace Content | Meditation & Sleep App Smiling Mind Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  11. 15/07/2025

    How to make the most of your first semester at Uni (LIVE from Welcome Week)

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health. In this episode, Sarah and Mel chat with Stacey, Allie, Glen and Guy about all the wonderful services available to QUT students, as well sharing our top tips to get the most out of your first semester. Support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit Health and wellbeing - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  12. 19/10/2025

    From Service to Study: Interview with ADF Veterans

    Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. In this episode, Sarah interviews two ADF veterans, Sam and Trent, about their experiences transitioning from service to study at QUT. Sam and Trent share their tips for making the process as smooth as possible, and share the support services they have found helpful on the journey. Links: QUT - Veterans Academic Success Program (VASP)  Health and wellbeing - Student - QUT Portal Academic help and workshops - Student - QUT Portal QUT Veterans and Families Club on Facebook: QUT Student Veterans and Families Club | Brisbane QLD | Facebook And Instagram: QUT Veterans & Families Club (@qutveteransfamiliesclub) • Instagram photos and videos   Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019. This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together. Your hosts are Sarah Winkleman and Melanie Rolfe. Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services. Mel is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health.

Information

  • Creator
    QUT
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12