The Auckland International Campus is excited to launch What’s Up AIC, a brand-new student-led podcast where we dive into the study and work experiences of students, lecturers, and graduates.
In each episode, we talk with our people about their journeys, challenges, and advice to help students gain fresh perspectives on studying in New Zealand, building careers, and life at our Auckland campus.
Guests share wisdom that can help students navigate life in a new country, understand the academic culture here, and feel less alone in their journey. This podcast is all about community, inspiration, and celebrating the people who walk the halls with us every day.
Meet the podcast team
Sangya Sapkota
What’s Up AIC is hosted by Master of Applied Management student Sangya Sapkota.
Her role as Host includes:
- Bring forward the voices and stories that make our campus community so unique.
- Prepare the conversations, research our guests, design the flow of each episode, and guide the kōrero in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and relatable for students.
- Work closely with the team during production to shape each episode from concept, guest coordination, scripting, and interviewing, right through to final delivery.
People and their stories fascinate me
Sangya says she’s always been a curious person. People and their stories fascinate her more than anything.
“Every episode feels like opening a new window into someone’s life - full of resilience, culture, humour, and lived experience,” says Sangya.
“As the host, I get to step into their shoes and experience their world, even if just for a moment. The fact that people trust me with their stories and invite me into their world so openly is one of my absolute favourite parts of this journey.”
A collaborative process
Sangya says she loves how collaborative the whole process has been. Watching the team’s shared ideas come alive on screen has been nothing short of magical.
“This entire experience reminds me why I dreamt of doing something like this: to connect, to listen, and to celebrate the people who make our campus feel like home.”
A podcast for students
She says students should tune in because this podcast is for them and about them.
“It captures real stories from real people on campus - stories of transition, challenge, belonging, growth, and success. Whether someone needs motivation, guidance, practical tips, or just wants to feel connected, each episode carries something valuable,” she says.
“Just like myself, many students have a sense of curiosity lingering in their minds, wondering about the people they see every day, their journeys, and what brought them here. What’s Up AIC might just be the space where some of those answers begin to unfold.”
Reign Beato
The podcast is produced by Bachelor of Information Technology student Reign Beato, who also works part-time on the IT Helpdesk at AIC.
Her role as Producer includes:
- Ensure that the filming and audio are properly set up and operated during each recording session.
- Managing the recording and editing process to make sure the final episode runs smoothly and maintains good quality.
- Coordinating the upload of episodes, designing promotional posters, and creating social media posts such as Instagram stories and other social updates to promote each episode.
Everyone has a story to tell
Reign says her favourite parts of the podcast so far have been being able to listen to the stories of each guest.
“Each and every one of them has a story to tell the world and I believe through our podcast, we help them not only encourage others but those with similar stories, to be heard and to be known,” says Reign.
“Whenever I’m in the post-production phase, I’m able to reminisce on the story. Like I’m watching an episode of their life all over again.”
The stories are relatable and real
Reign says students should tune in because the stories shared on our podcast are “relatable and real”.
“They show that no one has to feel alone in their experiences, and that it’s possible to be seen, heard, and understood.”
Reign says listening to these stories can inspire, encourage, and remind students that their own experiences matter and can connect with others in meaningful ways.
Sonny Teio
AIC ICT Manager Sonny Teio helped to initiate the student-led the podcast and provides ongoing staff support.
The origins of What’s up AIC
Sonny says he completed his Certificate in Digital Marketing a couple of years ago and saw podcasters at other campuses generating a lot of engagement on social media.
“For many cultures, wisdom and knowledge was passed down from generation to generation verbally and podcasting is a simple but effective way to connect with our audience and build brand authority online,” says Sonny.
“The staff and students on our campus are a goldmine of knowledge, insights and stories that will inspire and encourage others - we just needed a channel to share the life and mana of AIC.”
The authenticity is refreshing
Sonny has been impressed by the efforts of the podcast team and the authenticity of guests.
“Sangya with her professional approach and natural communication as a host is inspirational. Reign with her unwavering commitment and expertise in recording and post-production of each episode or event is admirable,” says Sonny.
“The authenticity of our guests sharing their life experiences and tools they developed to keep them on track is so refreshing and organic.”
Check out the podcast on YouTube or listen on Spotify
Hear from one of our Applied Management lecturers
In our very first episode of What’s Up AIC, we sat down with Applied Management Lecturer Varun Bhardwaj to explore how curiosity, compassion, and creativity shape learning and life.
- Episode 1: From Research to Mindfulness: The Journey of Varun Bhardwaj (YouTube)
- Episode 1: From Research to Mindfulness: The Journey of Varun Bhardwaj (Spotify)
Sit down with an American student in New Zealand
In Episode 2 we met Jennifer Black Hannah, an American student at AIC who’s embraced a bold new chapter in New Zealand. Starting fresh in Aotearoa, Jennifer shares her journey of courage, resilience, and rediscovery.
