The Contour Podcast

by Contour Education

Contour is more than just a tutoring company—it’s our vision to reshape education, one student at a time. So far, we’ve helped over 3,500 students excel in their studies, by providing them an ecosystem of resources, tutoring, and support. We’ve also built an amazing team of 120+ people, who are all passionate about our mission, and focused on ultimately empowering students to achieve their true potential.

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Podcast episodes

  • No Mentors and No Plan B — He Was Told to “Pick an Easier Career” - Samrath Tiwari | Medical Student Interviews #8

    No Mentors and No Plan B — He Was Told to “Pick an Easier Career” - Samrath Tiwari | Medical Student Interviews #8

    How do you navigate the path to medicine when you're the first from your school to do it? How do you succeed in a competitive field without guidance? How do you balance ambition with well-being in the demanding world of medical education? In the eighth episode of the Medical Student Interviews Series, we sit down with Samrath, a fourth-year Monash University medical student, to explore his inspiring journey into medical school. From growing up in Bendigo, being the only one from his school to pursue medicine, to thriving in his clinical rotations, Samrath shares the strategies, lessons, and mindset shifts that helped him succeed. His reflections offer practical guidance and applicable insights for students aspiring to achieve their goals. Samrath dives into: • his experience as a rural student navigating the medical school application process on his own; • the unexpected joy of his surgical rotation after initially dreading it; • his approach to clinical placements and building relationships with healthcare teams; • how reflection and consistency became cornerstones of his success; • balancing professional development with personal well-being and interests; • the challenges and inequities in regional healthcare systems; • his work as Head of Sales at Contour MedPrep; • and much more! Samrath's story highlights the importance of self-starting, reflection, and balance in achieving both academic and personal success. Whether you're preparing for medical school applications, transitioning to clinical years, or interested in rural healthcare, this episode provides valuable strategies and inspiration to help you navigate your own journey with confidence. Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we're all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see what makes Contour stand out firsthand! Sign up at https://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment/ ⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲ Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲ Website Instagram Facebook ⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲ Host: James Blanch Special Guest: Samrath Tiwari Editor: SaoDigital AV Technician: Will Alexander Music by Projectify Spotify Youtube

  • The Pathway No One Talks About: From Melbourne to Regional Queensland - Sithuli Mendis | Medical Student Interviews #7

    The Pathway No One Talks About: From Melbourne to Regional Queensland - Sithuli Mendis | Medical Student Interviews #7

    What’s it like to make the leap from a big city to a regional town for university? What are the challenges and opportunities unique to studying medicine in a regional setting? How can you embrace big changes and thrive in a new environment? In this episode of the Medical Student Interviews series, we’re joined by Sithuli, a first-year medical student pursuing the regional medical pathway in Queensland. Having moved from Melbourne to Bundaberg, Sithuli shares her inspiring journey into medicine and reflects on her experience transitioning into regional life. She discusses the benefits of regional medicine, including greater hands-on experience, exposure to diverse cases, and the personal growth that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone. Sithuli dives into - adjusting to life in Bundaberg after growing up in Melbourne; the distinctive opportunities in regional medicine, such as earlier patient contact and diverse medical exposure; the importance of resilience and adaptability in a new environment; strategies for excelling in medical school applications, from UCAT preparation to interviews; balancing academic pressures with mental well-being and self-care; building closer connections with mentors and peers; and so much more! Sithuli reflects on the importance of taking opportunities, learning from challenges, and staying focused on long-term goals. Whether you’re considering regional medicine, preparing for the UCAT, or looking for inspiration to navigate your own medical journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to guide and motivate you. Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see what makes Contour stand out firsthand! Sign up at https://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment/ ⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲ Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲ Website Instagram Facebook ⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲ Host: James Blanch Special Guest: Sithuli Mendis Editor: SaoDigital AV Technician: Will Alexander Music by Projectify Spotify Youtube

  • Rethinking Success and Getting the Most Out of Medical School - Eoghan Kuiper | Medical Student Interviews #6

    Rethinking Success and Getting the Most Out of Medical School - Eoghan Kuiper | Medical Student Interviews #6

    What does life beyond the structured routine of medical school look like? How can you balance work, military commitments, and a social life alongside rigorous tertiary studies? How can you get the most out of your years in university? In the sixth episode of the Medical Student Interview Series, we sit down with Eoghan, a third-year medical student, to delve into key topics such as navigating medical school applications, admissions, and embracing the full university experience. Drawing from his own journey, Eoghan reflects on the highs and lows of high school, extracurriculars, and leadership roles, while highlighting the wide array of opportunities awaiting determined university students. Eoghan shares practical advice and personal insights on tackling a demanding Year 12, moving interstate for medical school, overcoming UCAT challenges, study tips, and maintaining balance as a tertiary student. With a rich experience in academic, musical, creative and leadership pursuits, Eoghan shares with us his insights into – making the most out of Year 11 and 12; pursuing success beyond academics; managing School Captaincy and the responsibility of leadership; preparing for medical school applications locally and interstate; his role in Medical Admissions at Contour balancing aspirations for medicine and the military Eoghan’s experiences speak to the importance of seizing opportunities, persevering through challenges, and using life lessons to inspire and guide future students. Tune in to this episode for invaluable insights, regardless of where you are in your school, study, or career journey. Few embody determination, resilience, and the courage to embrace every opportunity better than Eoghan! Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see for yourself what makes Contour stand out! Sign up here. ⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲ Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲ Website Instagram Facebook ⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲ Host: James Blanch Special Guest: Eoghan Kuiper Editor: SaoDigital AV Technician: Will Alexander Music by Projectify Spotify Youtube

  • Navigating a Gap Year to Pursue Monash Medicine - Pranav Praveen | Medical Student Interviews #5

    Navigating a Gap Year to Pursue Monash Medicine - Pranav Praveen | Medical Student Interviews #5

    How do you build confidence and thrive in high-pressure environments like VCE and UCAT preparation? How do you stay motivated when things don’t go as planned? How do you bounce back from setbacks and use them as stepping stones to success? In the fifth episode of the Medical Student Interviews Series, we sit down with Pranav, a first-year Monash University medical student, to explore his inspiring journey into medical school. From navigating the challenges of VCE and underperforming in his first UCAT attempt, to excelling after a transformative gap year, Pranav shares the strategies, lessons, and mindset shifts that helped him succeed. His reflections offer practical guidance and applicable insights for students aspiring to achieve their goals. Pranav dives into: managing the demands of VCE studies while maintaining a social life and extracurricular commitments; developing confidence and resilience after setbacks; rethinking his UCAT preparation after his first attempt and crafting a winning strategy; how his gap year reshaped his approach to studying, mindset, and self-care; the challenges and growth that came from living independently during university; the importance of consistency, a strong support network, and a balanced approach; and much more! Pranav’s story highlights the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and self-awareness in achieving both academic and personal success. Whether you’re preparing for VCE, UCAT, or transitioning to university life, this episode provides valuable strategies and inspiration to help you navigate your own journey with confidence. Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see what makes Contour stand out firsthand! Sign up at http://www.contoureducation.com.au/enrolment ⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲ Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲ Website Instagram Facebook ⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲ Host: James Blanch Special Guest: Pranav Praveen Editor: Wazif Deen AV Technician: Will Alexander Music by Projectify Spotify Youtube

  • Moving to Australia to Pursue Medicine at Monash Uni - Jonty Cook | Medical Student Interviews #4

    Moving to Australia to Pursue Medicine at Monash Uni - Jonty Cook | Medical Student Interviews #4

    What’s it like to move to a new country for university? How do you manage the transition from high school to university life? How do you prepare for the UCAT, navigate the medical school application process, and excel in interviews? In the fourth episode of the Medical Student Interviews Series, we chat with Jonty, a second-year Monash University medical student from New Zealand. He highlights his experience with moving countries for university, detailing the differences in school systems, the transition from high school to university, and the challenges he faced in when living away from home. He offers insights into preparing for medical entry, including maintaining a healthy study-life balance, effective study tips, applying for Australian and UK medical schools, and UCAT preparation strategies. From navigating applications to competitive programs, to managing major life transitions, Jonty talks about his experiences with — adjusting to life in Australia and settling into university in a new country; comparing the New Zealand and Australian high school systems, and his choice to pursue Cambridge A Levels balancing academics, sports, and volunteering during high school developing effective study habits and prioritising self-care preparing for medical school applications for both the UK and Australia, including advice on the BMAT, UCAT, and interview strategies managing interview stress with practical tips for staying calm and focused his current role as a Medical Admissions Advisor at Contour; and so much more! From acing the UCAT and balancing extracurriculars, to adjusting to university life in a new country, Jonty’s journey is full of applicable insights and practical advice. His experiences highlight the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and self-care in achieving success. With real-world strategies for high school students, UCAT preparation advice, and a glimpse into the medical admissions process, this episode is a must-listen whether you’re considering a career in medicine or simply looking for inspiration to overcome challenges - there’s something for everyone! Interested in joining Contour, or just want to see what we’re all about? You can sign up for a free, no-strings-attached trial of our VCE or UCAT programs and see for yourself what makes Contour stand out! Sign up here. ⊳ LISTEN HERE ⊲ Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts ⊳ GET IN TOUCH ⊲ Website Instagram Facebook ⊳ SPECIAL THANKS TO ⊲ Host: James Blanch Special Guest: Jonty Cook Editor: Wazif Deen AV Technician: Will Alexander Music by Projectify Spotify Youtube