Shows
The PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 11: The Art of PatienceIn Episode 11, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Ward take time to talk about how to cultivate patience in your life. They bring their personal experiences to the discussion as they reflect on situations and circumstances that tested their patience. This discussion is framed within a health and wellness perspective in helping others through health promotion goals. Each week, The PhD Journey Unplugged offers honest conversations about topics that impacted Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon as they pursued their doctorate degrees. These experiences apply to a wider audience in managing daily stress, achieving goals, and finding meaning and purpose in life...2025-07-2853 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 10: Change is EnlighteningIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss change from a growth mindset, recognizing that while change is inevitable, it can also be viewed as enlightening. Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon consider various aspects of change, ranging from the physiological changes in aging to external influences through the environment, understanding that changes can occur involuntarily or voluntarily. They also recognize the psychological and social-emotional impact change has on our lives and frame their discussions within a behavioral theoretical framework. Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon view change as multi-dimensional, dynamic, and highly individualized in how we all p...2025-07-211h 02The PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 9: The Gift of TimeIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss how focusing on the “gift of time” opens new perspectives on viewing time as a precious resource. Through their experiences as leaders in health promotion, they explore how living more intentionally can turn busynessinto purposeful living, enhancing meaningful productivity. They share an open and honest conversation about staying present in the moment and how this has influenced their lives with a growth mindset. The PhD Journey Unpluggedplatform aims to share real-life experiences within a health, wellness, and human performance framework. All information and opinions expressed in this podcast are...2025-07-1450 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 8: Building Meaningful ConnectionsIn Episode 8, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon welcome their first guest, Dr. Ezequiel Benavides, to their show. Dr. Benavides is a recent doctoral graduate of Concordia University Chicago and a cohort colleague of both Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon. As the founder of Dr. Benavides Physical Education Services and a lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Benavides combines real-world coaching experience with academic insights to support underserved schools and communities through movement-based programs. His quote, "Movement is more than just motion, it’s connection, growth, and purpose,” illustrates his forward-thinking approach to helping youn...2025-07-0746 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 7: The Power of LearningIn Episode 7, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss "The Power of Learning" based on their experiences as doctoral students. In their reflections on the PhD journey, they discuss the power of overcoming fear in learning and the impact of having a growth mindset on learning. The information and opinions presented in this podcast are for general information only and should not be taken as professional advice.2025-06-3043 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 6: Thriving Beyond SurvivingIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss what it means to thrive. They take time to share their experiences to help others make small changes that lead to lasting transformation of one's life from the inside out. Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon talk about the importance of changing your mindset to find enjoyment and joy through passion and purpose. The information and opinions presented in this podcast are for general information only and should not be taken as professional advice. 2025-06-2353 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 5: Overcoming ObstaclesIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon talk about overcoming obstacles and share stories of perseverance and breakthroughs. In their reflections as doctoral students, they share real-life experiences and wisdom about how obstacles often present growth opportunities.2025-06-1644 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 4: Finding BalanceIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss how finding balance helped them manage commitments as doctoral students. From their personal experiences, they discuss balancing work and life commitments while pursuing their PhDs. Dr. Ward and Dr. Gordon share strategies that helped them achieve a balance when managing multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and commitments.2025-06-0936 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 3: Physical StrugglesIn this episode, Dr. Marilyn Ward and Dr. Sarah Gordon discuss the physical toll burnout and stress took on their bodies during their PhD journeys. In this real conversation, they discuss the impact of long, sedentary work hours required by using a computer to complete assignments and how they integrated healthy behaviors into their lives to find balance in their health and well-being.2025-06-0239 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 2: The Mental TollIn this episode, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Ward talk about the mental toll of the PhD journey and the impact it had on their mental health. They explore their perspectives on how they managed stress, burnout, and anxiety. They also share coping mechanisms that helped them navigate the workload and expectations of the coursework. Based on their personal experiences, they share how they learned to set boundaries and stay focused, as well as the impact of sleep quality on burnout.2025-05-2638 minThe PhD Journey UnpluggedEpisode 1: The Dream vs. RealityIn this episode, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Ward talk about the trials and tribulations of the PhD journey and the mental and physical toll it can take. They explore their perspectives and reflections on why people pursue a PhD, the challenges that may arise from feelings of pressure, impostor syndrome, and adjusting to academic rigor, as well as personal reflections on navigating personal doubts and transitions. Dr. Gordon and Dr. Ward also discuss strategies they used in setting realistic expectations and embracing the learning curve. 2025-05-2038 min