The Business Student Podcast

Hosted by Karol Koszorz

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Business Student Podcast is made by business students for business students. Every 2 weeks, I sit down with passionate (i.e. very chalant) students, entrepreneurs and professionals to show you can have your dream career and earn money too!

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October 20, 202656 min

Supporting the Next Generation of Musicians - Martin Moran on Subsounds Youth Music Collective

What if all teens needed to put their music out there was a push from somebody a bit older, and not some social media platform? Another artist I had a great chat with was Martin Moran, one of the mentors and programme manager of the Subsounds Youth Music Collective. An organisation older than myself, I was able to find it through... A TikTok sound, yeah not the way most people romanticise finding their favourite artists, but oh well. In this episode, I talked with Martin about the ups and downs and in betweens of running Subsounds, how technology influences art today, the amazing teens that they mentor and even the Irish language, hope you enjoy:) Links Subsounds Website Interview with Martin and other Subsounds mentors I found in preparation for the episode 00:00 The trailer that came out really well imo 02:16 Introduction to Subsounds Youth Music Collective 07:37 Funding Challenges and Support 10:43 The Artistic Landscape and Recognition 15:11 The Power of Live Performance 19:32 Surprising Talents of Young Musicians 22:44 The Impact of Technology on Creativity 26:33 The Evolution of Martin's Music 30:57 The Balance of Natural Talent and Hard Work 34:19 Recognizing Emerging Talent 37:52 Creating a Supportive Artistic Community 38:43 Exploring Poetry and Music Connections 41:02 Songwriting Inspirations and Collaborations 43:39 The Art of Poetry and Translation 46:01 Cultural Reflections in Language 47:28 Reviving Irish Language and Culture 50:36 The Future of Artistic Expression 51:49 Strange(r) Advice: Dealing with the Future's Uncertaincy 55:21 Closing Thoughts on Creativity and Community

September 23, 20267 min

Bikepacking (540km) Between Unis: Best “Business” Decision I Ever Made

In this short but mighty (like me) episode, let me take you an August bike ride, during the heatwaves in France (actually the week after that was impossible. 3 days of Type 2 Fun hell, plus one day on a ferry, so it balances out. Remember, don't take yourself too seriously, but take stupid ideas seriously, especially in your 20s :) And here's a link to Cycle Against Suicide , the charity I was raising money for:) Enjoy!

September 9, 202642 min

F Around And Find Out: How To Discover What You Want To Do - Franek Dobroński

Ironically, the theme of keeping up with multiple projects came back to bite me, considering I'm publishing this conversation 6 months later... In March, I talked with Franek Dobroński, a passionate activist and student about his experiences in sports, activism, and navigating being Polish in Ireland. We discussed trying new things, the importance of community, and managing a busy life (and I mean, a verrry busy life, but Franek - he's not overworking himself (cause he is just an incredible human). Links Franek's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franek-dobronski-56687b336/ Washington Ireland Program - https://wiprogram.org/ SpunOut Ireland - https://spunout.ie/ National Youth Council of Ireland - https://www.youth.ie/ 00:00 Intro (6 months later and from France) 00:31 Introduction and College Beginnings 01:41 The Grueling Sport of Rowing 04:53 Teamwork and Individual Effort 07:33 Activism and Open-Mindedness 11:57 Finding a Sense of Belonging 16:57 Productivity and Time Management 19:55 Embracing Procrastination and Finding Focus 23:02 The Washington Ireland Program Experience 26:00 Group Dynamics and Teamwork in Diverse Settings 28:19 Researching Youth Engagement in Democracy 31:35 Navigating Identity and Belonging (Being Polish in Ireland) 36:59 Future Aspirations and Career Paths 38:15 Strange(r) Advice on Balancing Education and Work

July 14, 202633 min

Scientists vs. Artists, How to Choose Hobbies and Studying Nuclear Fusion – Dawid Kiszkiel

In a episode long in the making (I was on internship and practicing basically full-time for my driving test), I talked with another Dawid from Polonia Camp, this time from the Netherlands. At the moment, he is pursuing a master's in nuclear fusion (his second master's, mind you) down in France (about 9 hours by train down south from where I'll be staying soon). In the episode, we talked about: What got him interested in nuclear fusion Specialising vs being a generalist in the sciences Comparing artists to theoretical physicists Polonia Camp (the best adult summer camp there could be) Differences between the Netherlands and Dublin And how Dawid chooses his hobbies (in a completely different way to me) Hopefully you found this was worth the wait, and I should have my next episode out for you before the end of August (after which I'm moving to France on my bike) :) Chapters: 00:00 The Journey into Nuclear Fusion 02:48 Hard Work vs. Talent in STEM 05:23 Specialization vs. Generalization in Science 07:31 The Role of Business in Society 09:54 Art vs. Science: Different Perspectives 12:36 Cultural Differences and Personal Growth 14:52 The Importance of International Experiences 18:53 The Value of Passion and Interests 22:03 Polonia Camp 23:48 Dublin vs. The Netherlands 25:18 Only Picking Hobbies You're Good At? 30:11 Strange(r) Advice: How To Be Happy When You Succeed, But Not in the Way You Wanted To

May 4, 20261 hr 6 min

Connecting Across DR(I)P and Borders - David Andres Janeczko

Links to Disaster Recovery Plan's - Instagram And David's Instagram : In this episode of the Business Student Podcast, I got to talk with David Andres Janeczko, an engineer, designer, and entrepreneur that I met at Polonia Camp last July. David shared his journey from attending Polonia Camp, where he presented his streetwear brand, Disaster Recovery Plan. We discussed the challenges of entrepreneurship, DRP's innovative marketing strategies, and the importance of community engagement. David also shared his experiences from studying in Shanghai, working with diverse teams, and the value of every random job he has had. The conversation touches on themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and the future of young Polish people abroad, culminating in advice on empathy and connection in a fragmented world. While David has since wound down DRP due to business problems, I've still decided to publish it because I got so much out of it and thanks to David for letting me do so anyway - I guess his lesson to all of you - don't be embarassed by the stumbling, show off what you've done anyway (yes, that's quite cliché, but do you really care that it's cliché?) :) Takeaways David emphasizes the importance of being present in every moment. He believes that every job, no matter how small, has value. David's brand promotes the idea that everyone makes mistakes and can learn from them. He highlights the significance of community engagement for brand growth. David's experiences in Shanghai shaped his perspective on global citizenship. He encourages young people to embrace their cultural identities while being open to others. David's innovative marketing strategies include creative social media campaigns. He stresses the need for empathy in today's fragmented society. David's journey reflects the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. He believes in the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange. Sound bites "Sorry, I'm a fucking disaster." "You cannot build a house in one day." "I was homeless for 10 days in China." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Andres Janeczko 02:31 Polonia Camp 03:46 Streetwear Culture in Spain 05:48 Challenges of Starting a Clothing Brand 10:09 Innovative Marketing Strategies 16:07 Misconceptions About E-commerce 19:50 Lessons Learned in Business 22:59 Experiences in Shanghai 27:19 Managing Teams Across Cultures 34:01 Building Team Spirit Through Action 35:09 Lessons from Diverse Work Experiences 38:07 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Identity 43:22 The Importance of Being Present 48:09 Adventures and Life Lessons from Travel 51:23 Youth Beyond Borders: A Foundation For Fostering Connection 01:02:47 Strange(r) Advice: How To Focus On The Positives Of Connection?

February 27, 202650 min

From the Path of a Future Actuary to Pistes in the Alps – Paweł Zieliński

In this episode, I sat down with (after a long day of skiing) Paweł, my friend/boss from the Polish school who is currently on the path to become an actuary. Wasn't expecting for this to be such a good way to wind down with a beer as cold as the Alps and discover things about him I hadn't thought of asking before - probably because at work, there's only so much time to talk between classes (we got some banging crèpes afterwards). So what did I find out? How he found running the school shop, his journey as a maths teacher (which reflect quite well my life), college through COVID, his work as a future actuary at RedClick and his views on Polonia Camp and the Polish diaspora. If you're interested in becoming one, here's Paweł's LinkedIn and if you want to see him carving it down Devil's Asscrack (totally real name of a black piste in Les Deux Alpes), then watch that intro with obnoxious après-ski music I made (+ a photo of me falling down, but hey, I'm quite good at parallel skiing now). Some cheeky links like I linked those turns on Devil's Asscrack;) : Paweł in the Youth Polonia Council (involved with the Polish Senate) UCD Formula Student

January 5, 202659 min

From Worldwide Creative Director To Multidisciplinary Artist - Witold Riedel

If you'd like to read more of Witold's work, here's his great Substack: https://witoldriedel.substack.com/subscribe Here's his website: https://www.witoldriedel.com/ And if you're in need of a global communications consultant, here's his agency, Tea & Water: https://www.teaandwater.co/ In a surprise conversation during a family trip to Lisbon, I met up with Witold Reidel, an artist I met through Substack last year. We discussed his multifaceted journey through art, what exhibitions look like, the importance of human connection, and the balance between digital and physical experiences. What was great to hear was his advice and lessons on how to become a full-time Artist, how he has evolved through exploringboth verbal and visual mediums and how creativity and storytelling has shifted in our culture. We also spoke about being authentic, receiving feedback and supporting the arts, all while I saw how being a father has influenced Witold, as well as convincing me to move to France despite my fears of change. Takeaways Art can be a fulfilling career without sacrificing financial security. Exhibitions can take many forms, from traditional galleries to pop-up events. Digital experiences can sometimes lack the depth of physical interactions. Authenticity in art is crucial for true expression. Personal experiences shape artistic identity and expression. Community support is vital for artists to thrive. Parenting can profoundly influence an artist's perspective and work. Art serves as a mirror reflecting the artist's inner self. The journey of creativity is often nonlinear and requires persistence. Supporting other artists fosters a collaborative and enriching environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Witold Riedel and His Artistic Journey 01:11 Exploring the Nature of Art Exhibitions 03:56 The Impact of Digital and Physical Experiences 06:06 The Evolution of Artistic Identity and Craft 07:43 The Journey of Artistic Creation and Self-Discovery 12:00 The Influence of Life Stages on Artistic Expression 14:50 Authenticity in Art and Writing 16:18 The Role of Language in Creative Expression 19:50 Navigating Cultural Shifts and Personal Growth 20:47 How Do You Move Countries When You're Scared Of Change? 22:57 The Importance of Human Connection in Art 25:31 The Interplay of Individuality and Community in Creativity 28:21 Ceramics as a Medium of Connection and Expression 30:00 Challenges and Rewards in Creative Collaboration 33:49 The Art of Storytelling in Marketing 35:37 Parenting and Personal Growth 40:00 The Nature of Artistic Expression 41:44 The Gotland Series: A Journey Through Photography 47:27 Creating Meaningful Art 51:28 Advice for Aspiring Artists 54:30 Finding Purpose and Connection 56:55 Strange(r) Advice: How To Get More People To Find My Work Credits: Thumbnail photo by ⁠Daniel Ax⁠ Other images by Witold Riedel and from Tea & Water Ltd.

November 24, 20251 hr 20 min

Art In The Era Of AI i.e. How To Create And Connect As A Human - Jason McBride

In this episode of The Business Student Podcast, Karol Koszorz interviews Jason McBride, a former lawyer turned poet-cartoonist, copywriter, content writer - okay, it's easier to just say Artist. They discuss Jason's transition from law to art, the challenges of pursuing a creative career, and the importance of authenticity and human connection in both art, marketing (and real life, shocker!). Jason shares insights on making poetry accessible, the role of haiku in mindfulness, and the impact of AI on the creative industry (like for example, these show notes being generated by AI, this is what SEO has done to me, I'm sorry if you're reading this, I have to make comprosises somewhere). The conversation also touches on personal growth, the value of small moments of joy, and the significance of maintaining one's identity in professional settings. Takeaways Jason McBride transitioned from law to a creative career as a poet-cartoonist. Authenticity and human connection are crucial in both art and marketing. Making poetry accessible can enhance its appreciation and impact. Haiku serves as a tool for mindfulness and emotional regulation. AI's impact on the creative industry is a topic of concern and discussion. Personal growth involves embracing small moments of joy and learning from challenges. Maintaining one's identity is important in professional settings. The conversation highlights the importance of being true to oneself. Art can be a means of connecting with others and expressing individuality. The episode encourages listeners to pursue their passions despite challenges. Sound bites "Authenticity is key in art and marketing." "Poetry can be a tool for mindfulness." "AI's impact on creativity is concerning." "Embrace small moments of joy." "Stay true to your identity in all settings." "Art connects us and expresses individuality." "Pursue passions despite challenges." "Haiku offers mindfulness and emotional regulation." "Human connection is crucial in creativity." "Explore the power of poetry and art." Jason's Substack The Weirdo Poetry Shop Chapters 00:00 Hooking You In 00:33 Introduction: Quitting Law to Pursue Writing? 08:56 Poetry as a Deeply Human Art 14:21 Marketing with the Soul of a Poet 16:42 The Reason AI Art Will Fail 19:46 Do Young People Have It Harder Nowadays? 22:58 The Role of Identity in Artistic Expression 26:18 Chasing Creativity vs. Financial Goals 29:23 The Mindfulness of Poetry 33:06 Innovative Ideas for Artistic Collaboration 36:20 Embracing Change in Creative Work 40:53 Understanding Neurodiversity and Creativity 44:30 The Art of Haiku: Structure and Mindfulness 46:55 Creating Community Through Physical Mail 49:49 Loneliness in the Digital Age 55:02 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments 58:37 Cultural Connections: Bridging the Divide 01:03:02 Navigating Political Turmoil Through Poetry 01:07:40 Coping with Negative Emotions 01:10:00 Defining Success as an Artist 01:16:39 Strange(r) Advice: Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity 01:19:08 Admiration and Mentorship in Poetry

November 10, 202530 min

Intern Vs Entrepreneur: How To Make The Most Of Your Business Degree - Simon Standa

In this episode of the Business Student Podcast, Karol Koszorz interviews Simon Standa, a final-year student in Computing for Business at DCU and entrepreneur. They discuss Simon's journey from being a student at Karol's Polish School to running his own agency, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the cultural differences in work ethic. Simon shares insights from his internship at Regeneron, the importance of networking, and how exercise contributes to his productivity. The conversation emphasises personal growth, the balance between work and life, and the significance of self-criticism in achieving success. Simon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonstanda/ Takeaways Simon runs his own agency and is always looking for a niche, which has helped him succeed. Overcoming doubts is essential for personal growth. Cultural backgrounds influence work ethics and perspectives. The Polish school experience shaped Simon's identity and career. Internships provide invaluable real-world experience. Networking is crucial for future opportunities. Exercise helps maintain focus and productivity. Self-criticism can lead to continuous improvement. Finding balance in life is key to success. Competing with oneself can foster personal development. Sound Bites "I always look for a niche." "LinkedIn is your superpower." "Balance is very important." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Simon Standa 02:38 Entrepreneurial Journey and Agency Insights 04:16 Navigating Age and Experience in Business 05:37 Starting A Business Solo Vs. With Others 06:22 Mindset Differences and the Impact of Polish Culture 07:53 The Impact of Polish School Experience 09:48 Internship Experience at Regeneron 12:58 Networking and Building Relationships 19:35 Personal Branding on LinkedIn 21:53 Balancing Exercise and Work 24:51 Self-Criticism and Growth 28:11 Strange(r) Advice on Contentment and Competition

October 27, 202532 min

Running A Marathon For Those Who Can't: Raising Money For The Irish Cancer Society While Enjoying His 20s - David Persse

In this episode of The Business Student Podcast, I have in a heartfelt conversation with David, who is preparing for the Gap of Dunloe Marathon to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. We discuss the personal impact of cancer, the importance of community support, and the challenges of balancing life in your 20s while pursuing meaningful goals. The conversation emphasises the significance of living life to the fullest, supporting charitable causes, and the power of shared experiences in overcoming adversity. The link to David's fundraiser is here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/DavidPersse (come on, you know you want to donate) Takeaways Running the marathon is a way to honour those affected by cancer, who might not be physically able to run. Personal experiences with cancer can deeply impact one's perspective on life. Community support is crucial in times of personal struggle. Finding purpose in challenges can motivate you to push through (duhh!). It's important to raise awareness about cancer and available resources. Living in the moment and enjoying life is essential. Balancing enjoyment and responsibility is key in your 20s. You can find joy in experiences that don't require spending money. Building connections through sports can provide a strong support network. Being yourself can inspire others to embrace their true selves. Chapters 00:00 Running for a Cause: The Marathon Journey 02:21 Facing Cancer: Personal Stories and Awareness 05:39 Staying Motivated by Remembering Your Why/Purpose 13:13 The Power of Community and Support (in Sport and Beyond) 19:02 Getting over the Fear of Other People Judging You 21:08 Inspiring Authenticity with Poetry and Being Active 29:38 Strange(r) Advice: How Do I Balance Enjoying My Youth While Saving Up for the Future?