Summary In this episode of Off the Tangent, host Zak Bream interviews Ioan Whomsley, an engineering master's student at Oxford University. They discuss Ioan's upbringing, his transition from state to private school, and the competitive nature of education. Ioan shares insights about his current project involving EEG technology aimed at detecting epilepsy, and they explore the future of brain-computer interfaces, including the implications of Elon Musk's Neuralink. The conversation also touches on Ioan's experience with rowing at Oxford, highlighting the teamwork and challenges involved. In this conversation, Ioan Whomsley and Zak Bream discuss the challenges and experiences of rowing training, the competitive nature of rowing events, and the importance of maintaining a balance between academics and extracurricular activities at Oxford. They delve into the culture of networking at the university, the existence of exclusive societies, and the impact of faith on personal beliefs. The discussion also touches on the intersection of science and religion, concluding with Ioan's future aspirations in electrical engineering and his desire to work abroad. Keywords engineering, education, competition, EEG technology, brain-computer interfaces, Oxford University, personal journey, private school, innovation, rowing, rowing, Oxford, university life, networking, faith, science, religion, extracurricular activities, mental health, career aspirations takeaways Ioan's upbringing in Belgium and the UK shaped his perspective. Transitioning to a private school brought new pressures and competition. The competitive environment at Oxford can be daunting for new students. Ioan's project focuses on using EEG technology to detect epilepsy. The future of brain-computer interfaces is both exciting and concerning. Rowing at Oxford has been a rewarding experience for Ioan. Education can vary greatly between state and private institutions. Competition in engineering drives students to improve their skills. The importance of collaboration in learning environments. Technological advancements in brain-computer interfaces could change lives. Rowing training is intense and requires teamwork. Maintaining rhythm is crucial in rowing to avoid unbalance. Extracurricular activities help balance the competitive academic environment. Networking is a significant aspect of university life at Oxford. There are exclusive societies at Oxford that some students participate in. Faith can evolve and strengthen during university years. Engaging in discussions about faith can build confidence. Science and religion can coexist, but they often raise complex questions. Personal experiences can shape one's beliefs and values. Future aspirations can include working abroad and exploring different cultures. titles Navigating Life's Challenges: Ioan Whomsley's Journey From State to Private School: A Student's Perspective The Competitive Edge: Education and Engineering Innovating Health: EEG Technology and Epilepsy Detection The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Insights and Implications Rowing at Oxford: Teamwork and Personal Growth Sound Bites "It's interesting you talk about competition." "I was just like, oh, okay, well, great." "I want to hear about your projects." "That is mad. Yeah, that is so cool." "It's all about timing." "It's quite an intense race." "I think it's good to get excited." "It's so easy to just lock yourself away." "You get a real mix of people." "I think it needs that." "I'm looking forward to it." "I want to work abroad at some point." Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Ioan Whomsley 01:05 - Early Life and Background 05:36 - Transitioning to Private School 13:01 - Experiencing Competition in Education 18:14 - Innovative EEG Technology Project 25:39 - The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces 28:32 - Rowing at Oxford University 30:44 - The Intensity of Rowing Training 32:50 - The Competitive Nature of Rowing Events 34:18 - The Importance of Physical Fitness in University Life 36:03 - Balancing Academics and Extracurricular Activities 39:07 - The Role of Networking at Oxford 41:21 - Understanding Exclusive Societies at Oxford 45:30 - Exploring Faith and Personal Beliefs 50:08 - The Intersection of Science and Religion 57:53 - Future Aspirations and Career Goals