This week, we had a virtual catch up with the wonderful, Luke Birch - all the way from LA! We chat about many topics; Luke's experiences in the television industry, long-distance relationships, YouTube and tonnes more. Not to mention he's recently smashed university and graduated like many of our listeners - massive congrats! 

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Despite only finishing university this year, Luke has achieved so much and can speak for the graduate community on so many levels. Beginning his Youtube channel back in 2013, he has gone on to amass over 250,000 subscribers. He was acknowledged by YouTube and Google as the UK's number 1 'Content Creator on the Rise' and has featured in the Telegraph, Gay Times Magazine and in The Sunday Times as one of the UK's leading Study YouTubers. Alongside his hugely successful YouTube career, Luke has also worked for the BBC as a digital content creator and consultant, producing three viral videos for BBC 3. And just when you thought that was enough... Luke also spent a summer interning at 20th Century Fox in LA, during which time he aided the screenings, focus groups and QC's for films such as 'Love Simon', 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and 'The Hate You Give'.

As well as studying for a degree in Film & Television Studies at the University of Lincoln, Luke was committed to building a platform of creative comedy and helping to empower students and promote great resources for learning. He's also a vocal spokesperson and activist for the LGBTQ+ community and talks openly about coming out and the important of being unapologetically yourself. 

Luke is one of the most open and compassionate people we've ever had the pleasure to interview and his zest for life shines through... if only you could hear our laughs behind those mute buttons! We spoke about relationships, positive mindsets and prioritising goals, such as toning down his presence on YouTube to focus on his career. This episode is sprinkled with some great tips on internships, work experience and following your dreams - no one personifies chasing goals quite like Luke. 

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Grad Life by the Horns is a podcast covering every element of graduate life. From the existential dread that accompanies the last few months of university, to entering the post-education world jobless and £30,000 in debt, this fortnightly show is dedicated to helping and celebrating those navigating the 'graduate wasteland'. 

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Social Media:

Co-host: Becki Hills @beckihills

Co-host: Sophie Scully @sophsculz

Instagram: @gradlifebythehorns

Twitter: @gradlifebth

Guest: Luke Birch @lukebirch_

Artwork: Livi Arnold @livcreatively_

Producer: Pulama Kaufman @pulam.a

Music composer: Julian Schoming @brotherjuju

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