First in Family Podcast
First in Family Podcast is hosted by Jane Setter and focuses on the experiences of first generation students in higher education. It features interviews with first generation students, graduates, and educational researchers. Episodes discuss students' journeys into university, the challenges they face, and what is known about supporting first generation students. The podcast also offers tips and advice for prospective students and those supporting them. It is funded by the University of Reading and invites listeners to share their stories or get in touch.
Episodes
FiF Podcast Episode 10: Amy Morrell
Why do some students feel like impostors at university? Jane chats with Amy Morrell, a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, who is currently undertaking a PhD which explores the experiences of university students from disadvantaged groups, including First Generation students. With the support of her supervisor, Prof. Julie Hulme, Amy is hoping to find out what universities can do to ens
FiF Podcast Episode 9: Grace Sutton
What's it like being a First Generation student? Listen to second year BA English Language and Linguistics student Grace chat with Jane about her experience, from (accidentally) attending an Open Day to classes to extra-curricular activities - including presenting a radio show - and more!
This episode was produced and edited by John Constable, and Grace Sutton and Jane Setter from the University o
FiF Podcast Episode 5: Alan Smith
Prof. Jane Setter interviews Alan Smith, who is Professor of Learning and Teaching at Leeds-Beckett University. Jane and Alan discuss his work with first-generation students, as well as his own experience being a first generation student. Alan goes on to explain to Jane how he and his colleagues aim to support students’ transitions throughout university life, along with teaching Jane about the Rhu
FiF Podcast Episode 8: Dermot Daly
Jane's guest this week is Dr Dermot Daly: a university lecturer, researcher and practitioner working across theatre, film and audio as an actor, director and dramaturg. He was the first in his family to go to university, and talks about his experience of being the first to be awarded a PhD, and how an accident during his A-levels changed the course of his education and career. We will look at his
FiF Podcast Episode 7: Dan Skelson
Jane talks to Dr Dan Skelson, lecturer in Chemstry at the University of Reading, about his experience of studying in higher education and his journey into teaching at the University.
Originally from Dorset and coming from a family with a strong military history, he was the first person in his family to attend university and tread a new path. He teaches the Science Foundation students in Chemistry,
FiF Podcast Episode 6: Abbie Tibbot
Prof. Jane Setter talks to Digital Humanities Officer Abbie Tibbot about her time studying at university as she finalises her PhD, and how she feels her first-generation status has impacted her experience within academia. Seeing university education as a "get out of jail free card", Abbie discusses the financial issues of studying at university while coming from a working-class background from the
FiF Podcast Episode 4: Anna Mammitzsch
Prof. Jane Setter interviews Dr Anna Mammitzsch about her journey across Europe to graduating with a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Stockholm University. Anna explains, that for her parents living in East Germany during its division, studying at university was not an option for them. This and being encouraged to travel and see the world, influenced her decision to begin an undergraduate degree in
FiF Podcast Episode 3: Zara Parr
Professor Jane Setter talks to Zara Parr, a graduate from the University of Reading, about her experiences applying for and studying at university. This episode discusses life whilst studying, such as finding work, and studying abroad, as well as Zara’s journey to now working in the Cabinet Office.
This episode was produced and edited by John Constable, and Jane Setter and Lily Dewar from the Univ
FiF Podcast Episode 2: Angela Smith
Join Professor Jane Setter interviewing Dr Angela Smith about her experience being a first generation student, and her journey to becoming a research fellow in the Energy Demand Centre at the University of Leeds. Angela touches upon her time in Sixth form and her unconventional entry into university, and how her working class background impacted her time studying at Coventry University, the Univer
FiF Podcast Episode 1 (pilot): Jake Ishiguro-Shute
Listen to Professor Jane Setter interview University of Reading student, Jake Ishiguro-Shute, in the pilot episode of the First in Family podcast. Jake talks about his thoughts on the financial and social challenges that first generation students might face, and how the support of his wife influenced his decision in applying to university.
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