Spotlight: The Oxford Media Society Podcast

Hosted by Oxford Media Society

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Jun 2025

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Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century, our podcast Spotlight aims to bring our work to a wider audience. By interviewing leaders in the fields of broadcasting, journalism, and television, we hope to inspire the next generation of media professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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31 recent

June 12, 202537 min

Bella Roberts: "The Best Films Are The Ones Where You Don't Even Notice the Cuts" - Editing, Social Media, and the Film Industry

Bella Roberts is a social media star and editorial trainee known for her TikToks and Instagram reels on @belladoesediting. In this episode, Jan Maciejewski speaks with Bella to discuss her reasons for becoming an editor; the rewards and challenges of social media; and the realities of working in a competitive industry.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hosts interviews with world-class speakers; leads interactive skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox.Credits:Host & Editor: Jan MaciejewskiProducer: Guy McEwingDirectors: Jan Maciejewski & Guy McEwingComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 20251 hr 0 min

Chris Broad: "Every Video I Try to Challenge Myself" - YouTube, Japan, and Culture Shocks

Chris Broad is a Youtuber and filmaker who started his YouTube channel, Abroad in Japan, in 2012. Chris has built a loyal global following with his signature blend of dry humor, cinematic visuals, and deep dives into Japanese culture, society, and travel. What started as a side project during his time on the JET Programme has since evolved into a full-time career spanning hundreds of videos, several travel series and most recently, a bestselling book detailing his decade-long journey living and working in Japan.In this epsiode, Anotoni Lee speaks with Chris to discuss his love of filmmaking; what drives his creative process; the challenges of building a YouTube channel; and what it means to share a country’s culture with millions of viewers.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hosts interviews with world-class speaks; leads interactive skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox.Credits:Host & Editor: Antoni LeeProducer: Jan MaciejewskiDirectors: Jan Maciejewski & Guy McEwingComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 23, 202554 min

Benjamin Moser: "Find Ways to get it to People" - Biography, Creativity, and the Art of Writing

Benjamin Moser is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, biographer, and literary critic. Benjamin is perhaps best known for his biographies of Clarice Lispector and Susan Sontag which go beyond just chronicling their lives to offer profound insights into the cultural and intellectual landscapes of their time. In this episode, Guy McEwing speaks with Benjamin to discuss his approach to biography, the challenges of capturing a life on the page, and the responsibility of a writer in shaping literary history.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hosts interviews with world-class speakers; leads interacting skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisatiosn and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 3, 202547 min

Sean Tucker: "Find Patience in your Creative Journey" - Photography, Storytelling, and The Meaning in The Making

Sean Tucker is a photographer, filmmaker, writer, and one of the most thoughtful voices in the creative space. As a popular YouTuber, he explores both the technical aspects of photography and the deeper philosophy behind the creative process. His fascinating career path has taken him from growing up in Africa to working as a pastor, as an industrial photographer for furniture companies, and more. Through it all, Sean has developed a unique perspective on art, storytelling, and the meaning of creativity. In this episode, Antoni Lee speaks with Sean to discuss the art of photography, his magazine The Parable, and his book The Meaning in the Making. They also discuss YouTube as a creative platform; the mindset and approach to sustaining creativity; and some advice for aspiring artists.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hosts interviews with world-class speakers; leads interactive skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox.Credits:Host & Editor: Antoni LeeProducer: Guy McEwingDirectors: Jan Maciejewski & Guy McEwingComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 25, 202539 min

Baylen Leonard: "Beyoncé Doing Country Music Is Not Gonna Take Your Country Away" - Broadcasting, Dolly Parton, and the UK Country Music Scene

Baylen Leonard is a radio broadcaster specialising in country music. He is best known for his work with Absolute Radio Country, which he presents six days a week, and for his podcast Country Music Talk where he has interviewed country music stars such as Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, and Bailey Zimmerman. He has twice been recognised as International Broadcaster of the Year by the Country Music Association, and has won two British Country Music Awards (CMAs) for his work as a radio presenter. In this episode, Maya talks to Leonard about his journey into commercial broadcasting, the appeal of American music in the UK, and whether or not Beyoncé can be considered a country artist.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hsots interviews with world-class speakers; leads interactive skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox.Credits:Host & Editor: Maya Heuer-EvansProducer: Guy McEwingDirectors: Jan Maciejewski & Guy McEwingComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 7, 202531 min

Shazia Mirza: "I Don't Make Jokes About Being Muslim; I Make Jokes About My Life" - Comedy, Identity, and the Changing Face of Britain.

Shazia Mirza is an award-winning Birmingham-born actress, writer, and stand-up comedian. Born as the eldest daughter to Punjabi-Pakistani parents, Shazia first read Biochemistry at the University of Manchester before completing a PGCE in London. Whilst a science teacher, Shazia began to study acting part-time before eventually moving away from teaching all together. As a comedian and actress, Shazia is a staple on TVs and radios in households across the country and even hosted her own podcast, Pale, Male, and Stale, with journalist John Kampfner. More recently, Shazia has formed a comedy-supergroup alongside fellow female British-Muslim comedians, which Shazia has dubbed as ‘the Muslim Spice Girls’. In this episode, Jan speaks with Shazia about her childhood, career, and reflections on the changing worlds of comedy and media in Britain. They delve into the relationship between comedy and teaching, the morality of making jokes at your community's expense, and how Punjabi ideals of duty influenced her career. With insights on the novel ways in which comedians now market themselves, Shazia discusses how traditional routes into comedy are becoming more and more overcrowded as the market becomes increasingly overcrowded.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The society hosts interviews with world-class spearks; leads interactive skills and employability workshops; and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.ox.Credits:Host & Editor: Jan MaciejewskiProducer: Guy McEwingDirectors: Jan Maciejewski & Guy McEwingComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 6, 202430 min

Negar Esfandiary: "The Stories Around You Might Matter Most" - Preserving Women's Voices, Championing Compassion, and Reporting on Iran.

Negar Esfandiary is a British-Iranian journalist and researcher, with over two decades of international experience. Having worked for Channel 4 News, BBC Radio 4, and COLORS Magazine, Negar has a unique perspective on international journalism and the role of ethics in storytelling. Her work with the Women’s Learning Partnership’s Oral History Project has documented the lives and contributions of extraordinary women leaders from the Global South.In this episode, Antonia speaks with Negar about her fascinating journey from reporting for local newspapers in London to covering global events and documenting oral histories. They delve into the changing landscape of journalism, the ethical dilemmas of reporting, and the importance of maintaining a human connection in every story. Negar shares her thoughts on freelancing, the role of languages in journalism, and her advice for aspiring reporters on finding their unique voice. With anecdotes about pivotal career moments and reflections on the challenges of modern media, this episode is a masterclass in thoughtful journalism.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The Society hosts interviews with world-class speakers, leads interactive skills and employability workshops, and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on socials @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.oxCredits:Host & Editor: Antonia RogersProducer: Jan MaciejewskiDirectors: Alice Hazell & Antonia RogersComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 2, 202440 min

Susanna Clarke: "You Have to Write the Way You Can" - On Her Approach to Writing, World-Building, and Success.

In this episode of Spotlight, in collaboration with the Oxford Review of Books, Caspian and Andy sit down with Susanna Clarke, the renowned author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, a Hugo Award-winning alternative history, and Piranesi, which won the 2021 Women's Prize for Fiction. An alumna of St Hilda's, Susanna explores her journey from childhood inspirations to crafting deeply immersive, fantastical worlds. Susanna discusses the challenges of writing, the influence of Oxford and medieval history on her work, and her perspective on creativity as a deeply personal and organic process. She also shares thoughts on balancing historical authenticity with magical realism, her experiences with adaptations, and the transformative impact of winning the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers and fans of rich, atmospheric storytelling.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The Society hosts interviews with world-class speakers, leads interactive skills and employability workshops, and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on socials @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.oxCredits:Host: Caspian Wagner and Andy Producer & Editor: Alice HazellDirectors: Alice Hazell & Antonia RogersComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 22, 202450 min

Stuart Hazeldine: "My Drawings Were Movies in My Mind": Screenwriting, Directing, and Hollywood Success

In this episode of the Oxford Media Society Spotlight podcast, Caspian speaks with acclaimed screenwriter and director Stuart Hazeldine, best known for directing Exam (2009) and The Shack (2017). Stuart shares his journey from being a creatively inclined child in Surrey, captivated by sci-fi worlds, to his rise in the film industry, penning scripts for major studios and directing critically acclaimed films.He discusses the joys and challenges of writing and directing, the intricacies of adapting faith-based works like The Shack, and how serendipitous moments—like a butterfly on set—can create cinematic magic. Stuart also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and directors, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and the importance of standing out. A must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling and the art of filmmaking!Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The Society hosts interviews with world-class speakers, leads interactive skills and employability workshops, and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on socials @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.oxCredits:Host: Caspian WagnerProducer & Editor: Alice HazellDirectors: Alice Hazell & Antonia RogersComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 15, 202432 min

Harriet Worsley: "Fashion Is Always Looking to the Future" Breaking into Fashion Journalism, Navigating the Shift to Digital, and Teaching the Next Generation.

Harriet Worsley is a fashion journalist, stylist, author, and lecturer. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, Harriet has contributed to leading publications such as Vogue, Timeout, and The Sunday Telegraph. She was formerly Senior Internet Designer at Condé Nast and a Fashion editor at Draper’s. Harriet has authored four books, including Decades of Fashion and 100 Ideas That Changed Fashion. She currently lectures in fashion communication and journalism at Central Saint Martins.In this episode, Antonia speaks to Harriet about her dynamic career, from breaking into the industry through internships to her pioneering work in digital fashion journalism during the rise of the internet. They discuss the transformation of fashion journalism in the digital age, the challenges of freelance writing, and the opportunities presented by social media. Harriet also shares her insights on writing and styling, her approach to crafting fashion features, and the evolving role of print magazines in a digital world. Her reflections on teaching the next generation of fashion journalists, alongside anecdotes from her time in the industry, provide a candid, inspiring, and invaluable perspective for anyone passionate about fashion and storytelling.Oxford Media Society is the foremost forum within the University of Oxford for discussion about the media industry in the 21st century. The Society hosts interviews with world-class speakers, leads interactive skills and employability workshops, and connects students to organisations and opportunities within the media sphere. To learn more, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on socials @oxfordmediasoc and @spotlightpod.oxCredits:Host & Editor: Antonia RogersProducer: Alice HazellDirectors: Alice Hazell & Antonia RogersComposer: Ariana May Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.