Honestly Honours https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com The Honestly Honours Podcast explores and demystifies the University of Melbourne MDHS Honours program through real insights and practical guidance from students, staff, and mentors. 

From what Honours is and how to apply, to where it can take you and how to succeed, this series breaks down every stage of the journey with clear, student-focused insights. 

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:30:07 -0300 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Education 1440 serial The Honestly Honours Podcast explores and demystifies the MDHS Honours program through real insights and practical guidance from students, staff, and mentors. From what Honours is and how to apply, to where it can take you and how to succeed, this series breaks down every stage of the journey with clear, student-focused insights. honestlyhonours honestlyhonours videomedialogins@gmail.com No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/21827947/Honestly_Honours_Smallestb2ccz.jpg Honestly Honours https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 1. What is Honours? Really. Episode 1. What is Honours? Really. https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/podcast-episode-1/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/podcast-episode-1/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:26:15 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/eebd61bd-c16b-3f0a-a5b9-e4e3e04217b0 What is The University of Melbourne MDHS Honours actually like—and is it worth it? In this first episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan chats with three former MDHS Honours students about their real experiences. From working in labs and hospitals to navigating flexible schedules and unexpected challenges, they share what surprised them most, what a typical day looks like, and the skills they gained along the way. If you’re unsure about Honours or just want a clearer picture of what to expect, this episode breaks it down—honestly. 

]]> What is The University of Melbourne MDHS Honours actually like—and is it worth it? In this first episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan chats with three former MDHS Honours students about their real experiences. From working in labs and hospitals to navigating flexible schedules and unexpected challenges, they share what surprised them most, what a typical day looks like, and the skills they gained along the way. If you’re unsure about Honours or just want a clearer picture of what to expect, this episode breaks it down—honestly. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2168 1 full Episode 2. The Application Process Episode 2. The Application Process https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-application-process/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-application-process/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:28:22 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/6a60caa5-dac7-3949-9dad-b074ee19ded8 How do you actually land an Honours project? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan and guests break down the application process—from finding the right project to reaching out to supervisors. They share practical tips on standing out, handling rejection, and why persistence matters more than getting it perfect the first time. From cold emails to chatting with lecturers, this episode covers real strategies that worked (and what didn’t). If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, this is your guide to navigating the Honours search with confidence. 

]]> How do you actually land an Honours project? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan and guests break down the application process—from finding the right project to reaching out to supervisors. They share practical tips on standing out, handling rejection, and why persistence matters more than getting it perfect the first time. From cold emails to chatting with lecturers, this episode covers real strategies that worked (and what didn’t). If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, this is your guide to navigating the Honours search with confidence. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2027 2 full Episode 3. Relationship is Key Episode 3. Relationship is Key https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/relationship-is-key/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/relationship-is-key/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:28:36 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/35761492-6fbf-377d-b775-d9edbf480e19 What is the student–supervisor relationship really like in Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan and guests unpack how this dynamic works—and how it evolves over the year. From setting expectations and navigating communication to making the most of meetings and handling feedback, they share what students often misunderstand and what actually makes the relationship successful. If you want to build a strong working relationship and get the most out of your Honours year, this episode unpacks what helps the student - supervisor dynamic work well. 

]]> What is the student–supervisor relationship really like in Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan and guests unpack how this dynamic works—and how it evolves over the year. From setting expectations and navigating communication to making the most of meetings and handling feedback, they share what students often misunderstand and what actually makes the relationship successful. If you want to build a strong working relationship and get the most out of your Honours year, this episode unpacks what helps the student - supervisor dynamic work well. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2063 3 full Episode 4. The Stepping Stone Episode 4. The Stepping Stone https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-stepping-stone/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-stepping-stone/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:28:47 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/354e1c13-b066-3274-a03a-ab0f513b609b Where can Honours actually take you—and is a PhD the right next step? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by current PhD students to explore how Honours can shape your future and what the research pathway really looks like. From testing whether research is right for you to building independence, managing uncertainty, and developing transferable skills, they share how Honours helped clarify their direction. If you’re considering a PhD or want to understand where Honours can lead, this episode explores how the year can open doors—and help you decide what comes next. 

]]> Where can Honours actually take you—and is a PhD the right next step? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by current PhD students to explore how Honours can shape your future and what the research pathway really looks like. From testing whether research is right for you to building independence, managing uncertainty, and developing transferable skills, they share how Honours helped clarify their direction. If you’re considering a PhD or want to understand where Honours can lead, this episode explores how the year can open doors—and help you decide what comes next. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 1970 4 full Episode 5. The Path Less Taken Episode 5. The Path Less Taken https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-path-less-taken/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/the-path-less-taken/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:28:56 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/6778f5b9-b9e8-3aca-bd9f-5be2aafd4524 What if you don’t want to do a PhD after Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by staff from across MDHS coursework programs to explore alternative pathways beyond research. From optometry and physiotherapy to audiology and speech pathology, they unpack what graduate coursework degrees actually involve, who they suit, and how they can lead to diverse and flexible careers. If you’re considering your next step and want to understand your options, this episode explores how coursework pathways can open doors in different directions. 

]]> What if you don’t want to do a PhD after Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by staff from across MDHS coursework programs to explore alternative pathways beyond research. From optometry and physiotherapy to audiology and speech pathology, they unpack what graduate coursework degrees actually involve, who they suit, and how they can lead to diverse and flexible careers. If you’re considering your next step and want to understand your options, this episode explores how coursework pathways can open doors in different directions. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 1654 5 full Episode 6. A Life in Research Episode 6. A Life in Research https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/a-life-in-research/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/a-life-in-research/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:29:05 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/d822a39a-b58e-34c5-8162-9cd85f6137e6 What does a life in research actually look like? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by Dr Sarah Best, Laboratory Head at WEHI, to explore what it’s really like to build a career in research. From finding your path to leading a lab and navigating the highs and challenges of research, Sarah shares honest insights into the day-to-day reality of the field. If you’re considering research but aren’t sure where it could lead, this episode offers a grounded look at what a career in research can involve. 

]]> What does a life in research actually look like? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by Dr Sarah Best, Laboratory Head at WEHI, to explore what it’s really like to build a career in research. From finding your path to leading a lab and navigating the highs and challenges of research, Sarah shares honest insights into the day-to-day reality of the field. If you’re considering research but aren’t sure where it could lead, this episode offers a grounded look at what a career in research can involve. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 1888 6 full Episode 7. What I’d Tell My Year Ago Self Episode 7. What I’d Tell My Year Ago Self https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/what-i-d-tell-my-year-ago-self/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/what-i-d-tell-my-year-ago-self/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:29:29 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/6660a395-7ad9-3e77-8ed0-c345df44e97d What do students wish they knew before starting Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by recent graduates to share the lessons that only come with experience. From managing uncertainty and staying organised to building confidence and asking for help, they unpack what actually makes a difference once you’re in the thick of it. If you’re about to start Honours or just getting settled, this episode explores how to approach the year with the right mindset—and make the most of it. 

]]> What do students wish they knew before starting Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by recent graduates to share the lessons that only come with experience. From managing uncertainty and staying organised to building confidence and asking for help, they unpack what actually makes a difference once you’re in the thick of it. If you’re about to start Honours or just getting settled, this episode explores how to approach the year with the right mindset—and make the most of it. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2108 7 full Episode 8. Pressure, Burnout, and Support Episode 8. Pressure, Burnout, and Support https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/pressure-burnout-and-support/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/pressure-burnout-and-support/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:29:40 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/163f4f63-480a-3454-9f19-bef06fad062a How do you handle pressure, burnout, and everything in between during Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by students and a coordinator to unpack the realities of stress throughout the year—and what actually helps. From managing time and expectations to navigating uncertainty, comparison, and self-doubt, they share honest insights into why things can feel overwhelming and how to respond. If you’re looking for ways to stay grounded and supported, this episode explores how to navigate the pressure and look after yourself throughout the year. 

Wellbeing Support 

The University of Melbourne offers a range of free and confidential wellbeing services 

 Chaplaincy 

All religions and faith groups: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/faith-and-spirituality 

 Indigenous Students 

https://murrupbarak.unimelb.edu.au/ 

Telephone: 13 MELB (13 6352) 

 Safer Community Program 

https://safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au  

Telephone: 03 9035 8675 

 For a complete list of university services available to students please visit: 

http://services.unimelb.edu.au/finder 

]]> How do you handle pressure, burnout, and everything in between during Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by students and a coordinator to unpack the realities of stress throughout the year—and what actually helps. From managing time and expectations to navigating uncertainty, comparison, and self-doubt, they share honest insights into why things can feel overwhelming and how to respond. If you’re looking for ways to stay grounded and supported, this episode explores how to navigate the pressure and look after yourself throughout the year. 

Wellbeing Support 

The University of Melbourne offers a range of free and confidential wellbeing services 

 Chaplaincy 

All religions and faith groups: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/health-and-wellbeing/faith-and-spirituality 

 Indigenous Students 

https://murrupbarak.unimelb.edu.au/ 

Telephone: 13 MELB (13 6352) 

 Safer Community Program 

https://safercommunity.unimelb.edu.au  

Telephone: 03 9035 8675 

 For a complete list of university services available to students please visit: 

http://services.unimelb.edu.au/finder 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2162 8 full Episode 9. Success Moments Episode 9. Success Moments https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/success-moments/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/success-moments/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:29:49 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/20c6ab71-def8-30ee-9f89-1a91a4550546 What does success actually look like in Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by recent graduates to explore the moments that define a successful year—both big and small. From experiments finally working and presenting at conferences to finding balance, building confidence, and realising how much you’ve learned, they share what success looked like for them in practice. If you’re wondering whether you’re “doing it right,” this episode explores how success in Honours goes far beyond grades—and often shows up when you least expect it. 

]]> What does success actually look like in Honours? In this episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by recent graduates to explore the moments that define a successful year—both big and small. From experiments finally working and presenting at conferences to finding balance, building confidence, and realising how much you’ve learned, they share what success looked like for them in practice. If you’re wondering whether you’re “doing it right,” this episode explores how success in Honours goes far beyond grades—and often shows up when you least expect it. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 1824 9 full Episode 10. Mentors Matter Episode 10. Mentors Matter https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/mentors-matter/ https://honestlyhonours.podbean.com/e/mentors-matter/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2026 02:30:07 -0300 honestlyhonours.podbean.com/df22799e-0991-3ef6-80e9-c5ad2cddcd33 What’s the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program—and is it worth joining? In this final episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by current PhD students to unpack how mentoring works and why it can make a difference. From having a safe space to ask questions to building confidence, navigating uncertainty, and gaining perspective beyond your lab, they share how mentoring supports both your research and your overall experience. Whether you’re starting Honours or considering becoming a mentor, this episode explores how mentoring can shape your experience—and the value it offers on both sides. 

]]> What’s the Honours Alumni Mentoring Program—and is it worth joining? In this final episode of the Honestly Honours Podcast, Ryan is joined by current PhD students to unpack how mentoring works and why it can make a difference. From having a safe space to ask questions to building confidence, navigating uncertainty, and gaining perspective beyond your lab, they share how mentoring supports both your research and your overall experience. Whether you’re starting Honours or considering becoming a mentor, this episode explores how mentoring can shape your experience—and the value it offers on both sides. 

]]> honestlyhonours false No 2188 10 full