Shows
The PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Hero[ine]'s Journey and the PhD with Allan JohnsonAllan Johnson is Associate Professor in English Literature & Associate Dean (Doctoral College), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Alongside this work he is also a mindfulness teacher and co-facilitator of The PhD Circle with Emma Brodzinski. In this episode Allan shares his own “fork in the road” experience that led hime into his research topic. Allan highlights the different phases within the doctorate and why some moments might feel more difficult than others. He discusses how Campbell’s model of the Hero(ine)’s journey might help with managin...
2023-12-1033 min
Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhDSupporting and Inspiring Graduate Students with Emma BrodzinskiWelcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD!This week, I'm bringing you an inspiring conversation with someone who runs another great podcast for graduate students - Emma Brodzinski from the PhD Life Raft podcast – to share he passion for supporting and inspiring graduate students in their academic journey.
Dr Emma Brodzinski is the host of The PhD Life Raft Podcast. She is Research Associate in the Department of Drama, Theatre and Dance at Royal Holloway, University of London and practices as a therapist registered with HCPC. She is an experienced PhD Supervisor and Examiner and has al...
2023-11-0247 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe PhD and the Process of Becoming an Expert with Steven SegalWelcome to Season Eight of The PhD Life Raft Podcast!! We are kicking off with a fabulous interview that gives a wonderful overview of the PhD journey. Steven Segal is a psychologist and academic who also practices as a philosophical counsellor. His PhD was in the philosophy of Education and his work as Associate Dean of Higher Degrees Research, as well as his own supervision of doctoral candidates, led him to develop a framework of understanding around the transition from novice to expert through the PhD. In this episode Steven reflects on...
2023-05-0128 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastProofreading and the PhD with Lucy NevittWelcome to the final episode of Season Eight of The PhD Life Raft Podcast! In this interview I am talking with Lucy Nevitt, a freelance professional proofreader who specialises in working with academic texts and doctoral theses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences fields. Lucy did her PhD in Drama at Royal Holloway, then spent a decade working as a full-time academic at UWE Bristol. For several years she ran editorial administration and submissions support for Research in Drama Education: the Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance. Having re-trained as a proofreader, she set up her...
2023-03-2724 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastOrganising Yourself for the PhD with Lisa WoodruffLisa Woodruff is the founder & CEO of Organize 365®. She shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life. Lisa is the author of four books including, How ADHD Affects Home Organization and The Paper Solution and has recently started a PhD in psychology. In this episode Lisa shares how she has employed her organizing tactics to her PhD journey. She talks about scheduling; strategies for reading and managing life around the doctorate. Lisa also attends to the challenges and possibil...
2023-03-2025 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastTraining courses for PhD Researchers with Anna ClemensAnna Clemens is an academic writing coach with a background in Chemistry and a experience as a science journalist. In this episode we talk about undertaking training to support your PhD journey. We talk about the unexpected learning that is part of the doctorate and how to identify your priorities. Anna advises on how to find courses that can support your professional development - from checking with your university to professional associations - as well as how to potentially find funding to support accessing external courses. ...
2023-03-1335 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWhat to do if you feel like you don't belong in academia with Jen HarrisonJen Harrison earned her PhD from the University of Wales, and has since worked in academia as a lecturer and researcher at a number of institutions worldwide. As well as publishing books and articles in her own field (children’s literature), she has served as an editor and reviewer for a number of peer-reviewed publications, as well as freelancing as an academic editor. In this episode we talk about the feeling that you don’t belong in academia. Jen highlights the fact that learning at undergraduate and even Masters level does not pre...
2023-03-0623 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe PhD and the Menopause with Rebecca SuartRebecca Suart has been a Social Researcher in the Civil Service since graduating from her PhD in Education at the University of Nottingham in 2022. She started her academic journey and onto a PhD in her 40s after taking a career break from Further Education. Alongside her PhD, Rebecca worked in a number of universities as a lecturer and researcher in the field of Vocational Education and Training. In this episode, Rebecca shares how the menopause crept up on her during her academic studies, and how she hadn’t realised that some of her early symptoms were in fa...
2023-02-2735 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to Publish Your PhD with Catherine PopeCatherine Pope was awarded her PhD in the field of Victorian Literature by the University of Sussex in 2014. She then went on to publish that material as a monograph. In this episode Catherine draws on her experience as an author, publisher and coach to share advice on the options for publishing your work- either as a book, a chapter in an edited collection or journal articles. Catherine emphasizes the importance of gaining clarity on why you want to publish as well as being realistic about whether you have the time to undert...
2023-02-1929 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPositive Approaches to Stress and the PhD with Elizabeth PritchardElizabeth Pritchard is the Co-founder and Director of WALT Institute typically working with institutes, health services and universities. Elizabeth is also a research fellow in Public Health at Monash University. This episode recognises stress as a common experience on the PhD journey. Elizabeth differentiates between the different types of stress - eustress and distress - and posits that stress can be a useful motivator and performance enhancer. We talk about how to stop stress from overwhelming you and ways to keep moving forward. We en...
2023-02-1325 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastTurning your PhD into a Business with Natasha Richards-CrispNatasha is a researcher, facilitator, and theatre-maker. Her PhD research, specializing in applied theatre approaches to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. In this episode we discuss how Natasha has turned her research into a business. Natasha shares her journey into the PhD and how she drew on her practical experience with a Theatre Company to shape the scope of her project. We talk about how her work developed - even in the shadow of the pandemic - and how i...
2023-02-0624 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPhD and Parenting (Part 2!) with Graham GreenGraham Green is currently working towards his Ph.D. at the University of Southern Queensland. He has a background in the education, management and aviation sectors and holds a Masters Degree in Aviation Management from the University of New South Wales. He is an active member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators as well as a member of the Australian Society of Air Safety Investigators. He is also dad to 3 year old Luke! In this episode we talk about scheduling work around a little person. Graham talks about the change...
2023-01-3019 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPreparing for Your Viva with Nathan RyderNathan Ryder runs skills training for PhD students with a signature course entitled ‘Viva Survivor’ and daily blog of viva prep help. In this episode Nathan talks about his new book ‘Keep Going ’which is full of advice for the PhD journey and we focus in particularly on preparing for the PhD viva. Nathan shares thoughts on how to fit in viva preparation around the many other things that you might be doing in the period between submission and examination. We discuss the benefits of rehearsing before the day of your...
2023-01-2328 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastJuggling Life and the PhD with Kate MukunguDr Kate Mukungu is Chief Executive of Riverside Community Health Project in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. In September 2022 Kate completed her part time doctorate at Northumbria University researching women’s human rights activism relations in post conflict contexts. As well as being the source of great richness to Kate, the dual interest of working in the voluntary and community sector and conducting research carries some frustration, due to difficulty of pursuing both fully at the same time. For five years during her doctorate Kate crossed over into academia and became a full time academic, lecturing in Social Sciences before ret...
2023-01-1628 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastManaging the Festive Season as a PhD Researcher with Milly MulcaheyMilly Mulcahey is a second-year PhD student in the Center for Indigenous and Settler Colonial Studies at the University of Kent. Milly has worked actively with Indigenous educators since her undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology at the LSE and through a Master’s by Research at Durham University. She is a neurodivergent researcher passionate about improving accessibility within academia and is seeking that elusive work-life balance. In this episode we talk about managing the festive season as a PhD researcher. We talk about taking breaks and setting up systems to support your...
2022-12-0531 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastKeeping Your PhD on Track with Iain JacksonIain Jackson is an architect and historian at the Liverpool School of Architecture. His research is mainly focused on 20thC architecture in ‘the tropics’. Iain is currently PI on a Leverhulme Trust funded project to research the buildings of the United Africa Company. He supervises 8 PhD students and has examined PhDs in Europe, Asia, and Australia. In this episode we talk about the importance of project management for the PhD. Iain suggests ways of breaking down the project into manageable chunks and for developing the ‘narrative arc’ of the thesis. H...
2022-11-2824 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastUndertaking a Distance Doctoral Programme with Katrina McChesneyKatrina McChesney is a senior lecturer in education at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Her research focuses on adult education, including doctoral education and supervision. She is currently co-leading the #DistanceDoctorates project which seeks to support, raise awareness of, and advocate for candidates who undertake doctoral research off-campus. In this episode we talk about Katrina’s own experience of undertaking distanced doctoral study - whilst working, having a baby and moving house 11 times! Katrina then shares the research she has been conducting in the area and the key issues around dista...
2022-11-2130 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe PhD and Parenting with Leanne SobelLeanne Sobel is a Strategic Design Consultant and Researcher. She has a background in communication design and strategy and is passionate about the opportunities for design in business. Leanne is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Technology Sydney, investigating the role of design in strategy. Leanne brings a wealth of experience to her practice, having worked on public and private sector projects in roles spanning design, strategy, management, research, and education. In this episode we talk about Leanne’s route into study and her transition from work into the PhD. Lea...
2022-11-1538 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastEmpowering Yourself on the PhD Journey with LaNysha AdamsDr LaNysha Adams draws on her background in research to support others to empower themselves. In this episode she shares reflections on her educational journey - including why she didn’t become an architect! We talk about the experience of her difficult PhD defense and what she did to support herself afterwards. LaNysha also outlines her idea of ‘Me Power’ - touching on the importance of community; identifying your strengths; expressing yourself and taking time to reflect. She also takes time to remind us that yo...
2022-10-3133 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastRelationships and the PhD with Jo NadinJo Nadin is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Bristol University. She is also an award winning author with a background as a political speechwriter. In this episode Jo shares her experience of the PhD process - both the journey into it and the the challenges within it - from balancing working with researching to managing relationships. We talk about taking circuitous routes into academia. We talk about how undertaking a PhD may affect your relationship with your partner. And we reflect on ho...
2022-10-2428 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastNegotiating Challenges on The PhD Journey with Nicole HoltDr Nicole Holt is a Lecturer in Public Health and Wellbeing for the School of Allied and Public Health Professions within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care at Canterbury Christ Church University. She is currently involved in several research projects around spirituality and wellbeing. In this episode we discuss Nicole’s experience of her PhD which explored the reported relationship between Spirituality and Public Health in those who identify as Spiritual but not Religious. Nicole talks about her experience as a first generation HE student and the challenges of findi...
2022-10-1722 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastLearnings from the PhD and Beyond with Brian LobelProfessor Brian Lobel is a performer, teacher and curator. He has shown work internationally in a range of contexts, from Harvard Medical School to the Sydney Opera House. Brian has received commissions and grants from Jerwood, UMS (Ann Arbor), the British Council and Arts Council England, among others. He is a Wellcome Trust Public Engagement Fellow and the co-founder of The Sick of the Fringe. I met Brian as his PhD examiner and, in this episode, we talk about Brian’s experience as an accidental PhD student and his reflections on the process. Brian...
2022-10-1030 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPerfectionism and the PhD with Jenny MakDr. Jenny Mak is a writer and educator. Her work has been published in Entropy magazine, Read Me Anthology, and shortlisted in the 2012 InkTears Short Story Competition. Her PhD, from the University of Warwick, focused on embodied experiences of globalisation in contemporary world literature. She has taught English Literature and Creative Writing at LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Technological University, and University of Warwick. In this episode we touch on a range of issues - from how PhD research can fuel creative work to learning to write within the PhD process - but we fo...
2022-10-0325 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastChanging the Narrative on the PhD Journey with Tonya VetterAfter her experience in graduate school Tonya Vetter set up The Dissertation Doctors to help others through. In this episode Tonya outlines what she calls “pursuing your PhD from the inside” - thinking about what you care about and who you want to serve with the work. We also talk about overcoming fear and shame within the doctorate and re-writing the story. We finish with a top tip for motivating yourself to keep moving forward. You can find out more about Tonya’s work here...
2022-09-2625 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWhat I learnt from martial arts as a PhD researcher with Jenn McClearenJenn McClearen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radio, Television and Film at the University of Texas at Austin. In this episode she talks about how she has drawn on her martial arts practice to enrich her work as a researcher. Jenn reflects on her own feelings of failure in graduate school and how she worked to become less fearful about writing. She talks about how she applied her experience of training in martial arts to her PhD process and opened up to a different way of learning.
2022-09-1929 min
Finding FertilityConnecting Your Soul With Your Future Family | Dr. Emma Brodzinski“A large majority of people are waking up and saying ‘this doesn’t feel right anymore’”.
Topics Discussed:
Changing the way we approach nutrition and well being.
The awakening that is happening in regards to modern medicine.
The breaking down of institutions.
How to be your own advocate.
Tuning into yourself. Do we do that enough? We sometimes boil infertility downt to processes and procedures, and this test, and that diet, rather than tuning into ourselves. Our emotions, our spiritual tendencies all have a major role to play in this journey. If we ignore that aspect we lose...
2022-09-1632 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWorking Full-time While Studying for your Doctorate with Brittney JohnsonBrittney Johnson is an Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy Doctoral Student. She also works full-time as a teacher. In this episode we talk about managing energy and identifying priorities on the PhD journey. Brittney talks about the necessity of working in order to fund her doctoral studies and the challenges but also benefits of that situation. She reflects on the moment she realized that she was letting her work consume her too much and how she looked to redress the balance. Brittney speaks about the importance of her support system - particularly her mum...
2022-09-1233 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Magic of New Beginnings with Allan Kilner-JohnsonWelcome to Season Seven!!! We will be back into the usual swing next week but we are starting out with a bit of a special edition on the theme of ‘new beginnings’ in conversation with my friend and colleague Allan Kilner-Johnson. In this episode we talk about how to maximise the possibilities of a fresh start at the beginning of the academic year. For those going into a new phase of their PhD study Allan offers some advice on how to rekindle the flame of your research. ...
2022-09-0524 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastExploring Messiness in the PhD with Jamie PeiIt’s the last episode of the season! And it’s about to get messy!! Jamie Pei obtained her PhD in Women’s Studies from the University of York in 2021 and is now a PhD & life coach. She has a particular interest in helping PhD students to work with the ‘messiness’ of research, addressing both the unpredictability and uncertainties of research itself, and also the surrounding factors, challenges and wellbeing issues within the doctoral experience. For this reason, she calls herself The Messy Coach, and believes that there is always magic to be found in the mess! In th...
2022-07-1129 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastEmbracing being a PhD Student with Katy PeplinDr. Katy Peplin turned her difficulties in graduate school into a coaching business built around the idea that you can be a scholar and a human at the same time. In this episode Katy talks about the processes that she put in place to support herself and manage her anxiety on her PhD journey. We discuss uncovering the unwritten codes of academia - particularly as a first generation postgrad. We identify the challenges of negotiating being both a professional and a student in the department. Katy posits the...
2022-07-0424 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastAcademic Emotions with Katie BarclayKatie Barclay is Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in the History of Emotions, and Head of Historical and Classical Studies, University of Adelaide. She writes widely in the area of gender, family life and the history of emotions. In this episode we discuss her recently published book Academic Emotions: Feeling the Institution. We talk about the heightened emotional register of academia and Katie explores the central place of passion. We also talk about the socialisation process that happens as part of the PhD and how you should expect it...
2022-06-2727 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWriting for Publication with Anna ClemensAnna Clemens is an academic writing coach with a background in Chemistry and a experience as a science journalist. In this episode we talk about developing your work for publication. We talk about Anna’s own difficult PhD experience which led to her requesting a change of supervisor. We also talk about her love of writing which was developed through her doctoral journey. Anna shares advice on how to edit your work so that it is suitable for a journal. We also discuss the proce...
2022-06-2035 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastDealing with Perfectionism as PhD Student with Isabeau IqbalIsabeau Iqbal focuses on working with “ambitious perfectionists” and in this week’s episode she helps us unpick perfectionism and understand the elements which may be at play. We talk about ‘analysis paralysis’ and the experience of stuckness. Iabeau points out the positive elements of the perfectionist mindset and suggests ways to identify and build on your strengths. Finally, Isabeau shares a top tip about priorities and orientating yourself. Following-up the episode, Isabeau has suggested 4 assessments for knowing your strengths: VI...
2022-06-1028 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastDyslexia and the PhD with Selina BusbySelina Busby is a Principal Lecturer in Applied Theatre at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her research and practice focus on theatre that invites the possibility of change, both in contemporary plays and in participatory performance. She has published widely in the field and is a co-editor of Research in Drama Education: The Journal of Applied Theatre. In this episode we talk about Selina’s experience of conducting research and writing up a thesis as a person with dyslexia. We talk about the aspects of neurodiversity that Selina sees as mak...
2022-06-0326 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastMindful Writing for PhD Researchers with Ana PinedaAna Pineda is a scientist and a certified yoga instructor. Those two passions are combined in her mindful approach to academic life; developed with more than 15 years of research experience at top European Institutions, such as Wageningen University and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. In today’s episode, Ana shares how she started applying her learning around calming the mind that she gained in her yoga training to the challenges of writing research papers. She has continued to explore a mindful approach to academic life with an emphasis on bringing awareness to the...
2022-05-2726 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWork Smarter as a PhD Researcher with Alex Soojung-Kim PangAlex Soojung-Kim Pang was one of my first guests on the podcast. His book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less is one that I regularly recommend to PhD researchers. Alex is a visiting scholar in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at Stanford University. He is also the founder of Strategy and Rest, a consultancy advising companies on how to implement 4-day weeks. It’s this consultancy work that is the focus of our conversation. In this episode we talk about the possibilities for working outside the ac...
2022-05-2036 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastSurviving Your PhD with Usman SikanderUsman Sikander is originally from Pakistan and moved to the UK to do a PhD in Advanced Composites (aerospace engineering) at the University of Bristol. He is currently writing up his thesis and working as a Teaching Assistant (TA) and a Chief Resident (C/SR) within the university. In this episode Usman shares his top tips for surviving your PhD - particularly as an international student but the information is certainly applicable to lots of home students too! Usman talks about his experience of culture shock and how this relates to the...
2022-05-1326 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBullying in Academia with Petra BoyntonDr Petra Boynton is an Agony Aunt and Social Psychologist. She specialises in International Health Research from a Critical Perspective. Her books include The Research Companion and Being Well in Academia.In this episode Petra begins by reflecting on her journey through her self-funded PhD. We then address the issue of bullying in academia. We talk about Petra’s own experience of witnessing bullying in academia, as well as being bullied. We explore what to do if you are being bullied and Petra also shares advice...
2022-05-0637 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBurnout and the PhD with Nicole JanzA 2021 survey by The Chronicle of Higher Education found that almost 70% of US faculty members were experiencing a level of burnout. Stress and burnout are certainly very common in the academy and the pandemic has only made that worse. In this episode Nicole Janz, writer, scholar and coach, discusses her own experience of burnout within the university and what she learnt from it. We talk about symptoms and how to identify burnout. We talk about making space to check-in with yourself - and the importance of putting it in your calendar.
2022-05-0223 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastYoga for the PhD with Annie FrenchAfter a life changing event with breast cancer, Annie French enrolled onto an Art foundation course and has never looked back. She discovered a passion for creativity and a love of research that is leading her into a PhD. Parallel to this, Annie’s yoga practice has sustained her and help her deal with the stresses and challenges that has come her way.In this episode we talk about the particular benefits of yoga for PhD researchers. We discuss self-care; noticing patterns of behaviour and Annie offers a very simple ‘re-set’ practic...
2022-04-1629 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastMy PhD Story with Emma BrodzinskiThis week’s episode is a little bit different… As I look forward to welcoming you to The PhD Life Raft Summit (25th-29th April) I wanted to share a little bit about my story and why I do what I do… I talk about the passion to explore my subject which brought me back into academia and the challenges to my mental health that I experienced through my 5 years as a PhD student. I also stress the importance of community and the message that you are not alone...
2022-04-0815 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Wounded Researcher with Robert RomanyshynIt’s the final episode of the season!! This episode focuses on Robert Romanyshyn’s book The Wounded Researcher: Research with Soul in Mind. This text looks at the subconscious processes at play in the research process - from how research is a vocation to dreams as a route to revelation. It opens up an alternative approach to the PhD journey and offers a range of strategies for engaging with research material. Robert Romanyshyn was the first non-analyst elected as an Affiliate Member of The Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts based upon his scholarly contributions to Jungia...
2022-03-1833 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPTSD and Research with Jessamy GleesonJessamy Gleeson currently works as a Senior Lecturer within the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute at Deakin University. She has also worked at Monash University within the Art, Design, and Architecture department, and at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. Her PhD, from Swinburne University, was focused on contemporary forms of feminist activism within social media. Jessamy’s article Troubling/trouble in the academy: posttraumatic stress disorder and sexual abuse research. High Educ (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-021-00764-x is an autoethnographic exploration of the impact that research can have on the researcher. In thi...
2022-03-1125 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBeing "smart enough" for the PhD with Kaylie ZapantaI know that many people can relate to thinking “I’m not smart enough to finish this PhD”. This inner critical voice can, in itself, be paralysing and feed into a downward spiral where lack of progress feeds self-doubt which leads to lack of progress which feeds self doubt and so on and so painful… This week’s episode is a positivity pep-talk from Kaylie Zapanta a current doctoral candidate at the University of Southern California. Kaylie has a background as an exercise coach and trainer and she is employing the motivational skills she uses with clients...
2022-03-0424 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastTaking Charge of Your PhD with Ires GhielenIres Ghelien is a health care psychologist from Holland who draws on her own experience as a PhD researcher to help others navigate the PhD journey. In this episode we dive into her story of burnout and what she discovered through recovery about doing the PhD her own way! Ires talks about the importance of mindset and of approaching things as an experiment. She also shares some thoughts about how to communicate effectively with your supervisor. Ires emphasizes the importance of looking after yourself and encourages you to s...
2022-02-2824 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastYou Tube and the PhD with Kaelyn Grace AppleKaelyn Grace Apple is a second year combined PhD student in the Department of History and African American Studies at Yale. One of her passions is demystifying academia and providing access routes to higher education and, as part of this work, she launched her own You Tube channel TheRedHeadAcademic. In this episode we Kaelyn shares her story - from not wanting to go to college at all to wanting to get on to a PhD programme! She talks about how she found support on You Tube that helped her develop the ski...
2022-02-2024 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastDealing with the Inner Critic on the PhD Journey with Amy BoydWe all have that inner critical voice and this week’s guest is going to help us deal with it! Amy Boyd was a K-12 educational leader who wrote her dissertation part-time while working. The challenges she experienced on her own journey led to her working to support other women in their doctoral studies. In this episode we talk about perfectionist tendencies and how to overcome them. We explore how the PhD journey can transform the person you are. We also think about how tap...
2022-02-1520 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastManaging Anxiety on the PhD Journey with Sajni HariaSajni Haria is a research fellow scientist and entrepreneurial lead in a Chemistry research group at the University of Birmingham. She recently completed her PhD, where she designed and developed luminescent materials beneficial for targeted cancer therapy and enhanced diagnosis. Taking on multiple workstreams, with the added pressures of a PhD she found herself experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions throughout her PhD journey. In this episode we particularly focus on what she learnt about managing anxiety. We talk about the importance of taking a break and how rest can help you to keep perspective.
2022-02-0722 min
The PhD Life Raft PodcastPreparing for the PhD with Rachel MarshDr Rachel Marsh has a PhD in satire and teaches in the Humanities with the Open University. She is also the lead academic for the Online Pre-PhD Programme with Oxford International. Rachel has previously worked at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee, and the University of St Andrews, helping international students at all levels develop critical skill sets. In this episode we discuss coming to the PhD later as part of a lifetime learning process and Rachel’s own experience of a ‘starter’ PhD. We then talk about Rachel’s work on creati...
2022-01-2827 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastLoneliness, Solitude and the PhD with David VincentThis week’s guest is David Vincent, Emeritus Professor of Social History at the Open University where he was Pro Vice Chancellor from 2003 to 2010. He obtained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics from the University of York, and a PhD from Cambridge University. In this episode we talk about David’s experience of the PhD and his decision to fire his original PhD supervisor! David has published widely on modern British and European history, including studies of working-class autobiography, literacy and popular culture and we focus on his recent book on solitude as a springboard to consid...
2022-01-2422 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastManaging Self Care on the PhD Journey with Catherine PopeThis week’s episode is both inspirational and a cautionary tale. Catherine Pope was awarded her PhD by the University of Sussex in 2014. She talks about her own PhD experience both in terms of how she utilised her professional project-management skills within her doctoral journey but also how her own health was compromised as she undertook studying alongside full-time work. Catherine went straight into a Master’s programme having not been to university before. She then went on to complete her PhD working weekends. We talk about the challenges of that way of working and how to l...
2022-01-1723 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastChanging Your PhD Topic with Shanika RanasingheWelcome to Season Five!! What better way to start than with ABBA?! This week’s guest Shanika Ranasinghe is a fourth-year part-time ethnomusicology PhD student in the Department of Music – Royal Holloway, University of London. Her thesis constitutes an ethnographic study of twenty-first century ABBA fandom. In this episode we discuss how ABBA’s recent reform led Shanika to re-think her PhD topic and how she managed that shift. We also talk about the media interest that Shanika’s work has attracted - she has recently...
2022-01-1022 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to Handle the Holidays - take 2 - with Chloe Bradwell and Rachel HopkinIn the great tradition of British TV we are re-running our Christmas special! This episode has not one, but two guests! Chloé Bradwell is a Drama practitioner and SWW DTP funded PhD candidate at the University of Exeter and Aberystwyth University and Rachel Hopkin is a full-time, TECHNE funded PhD in the Media Arts department at Royal Holloway. Like Chloé she has returned to study after experience in industry and has worked with two of the largest theatrical agencies in the UK. In this seasonal episode we think about how to handle the holidays as a PhD st...
2021-12-1328 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe importance of reflection in the PhD process with Allan Kilner-JohnsonThis week we are welcoming back the marvellous Allan Kilner-Johnson! Allan is mindfulness meditation teacher alongside his work as a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Associate Dean of Postgraduate Research at the University of Surrey. Allan talks us through the importance of the process of review within his own academic life. We talk about how academia can be very forward-focused and how a lot can be gained from taking stock of the previous work and experience. Allan draws on Kolb’s experiential learning model to illustrate how review sits within a productive work cycle. ...
2021-12-0620 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastFinding Your Voice with Rebecca McCutcheonThis week’s episode focuses on ‘finding your voice’ - both in terms of having confidence to speak about your work but also the process of discovering a way of writing about your research ideas. Our guest is Rebecca McCutcheon, a director and practice-led researcher, working across site-based practice, feminist performance and feminist theatre history. Becs talks about her own journey into the PhD through her creative practice and the experience of being pregnant whilst undertaking her doctoral research. She discusses the importance of the team of people who su...
2021-11-2928 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastProductive PhD Research Processes with Alison MillerThis week’s guest is Alison Miller AKA The Dissertation Coach. Alison created ‘The Academic Writers’ Space’ to provide structure and support doctoral students and academics and then, in 2000, she developed this work through The Dissertation Coach which provides programmes and specialist coaching for researchers. In this episode Alison talks about her own experience of imposter syndrome during her doctoral studies and how she developed structures to support her own mental well-being. Alison talks about her ‘project management’ approach to the PhD and how she built an infrastructure for engaged and meaningful produc...
2021-11-2229 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastAvoiding fear and shame when writing your PhD with Lisa MunroThis week we are talking to Lisa Munro who specialises in helping academic writers through writing retreats, workshops, coaching, and editing. Lisa talks about her journey into and through her PhD. She also discusses how this led to her current work and business. We discuss how to avoid the shame and fear that writing can bring up and to look to cultivate joyful writing practices instead. Lisa talks about the power of writing with others and about her ‘shut up and write’ sessions. She also reflects on the import...
2021-11-1522 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastProcrastination and the PhD with Tara BrabazonThis week’s guest is the fabulous Tara Brabazon. Tara is the dean of graduate research and professor of cultural studies at Flinders University, Australia; a fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and director of the Popular Culture Collective. Tara has a fabulous YouTube channel with a wealth of advice for postgraduate researchers covering a whole range of topics (https://www.youtube.com/user/TaraBrabazon) In this episode we talk about procrastination. Tara talks about her own experience of poor supervision as a grad...
2021-11-0821 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastSurviving the PhD with Sarita RobinsonDr Sarita Robinson (aka Dr Survival®) has spent the last 20 years researching how people respond to life-threatening situations. Using a psychobiological approach, Sarita has explored human behaviour in relation to preparedness, cognitive and physiological responses during stressful events, and recovery from trauma. In this episode Sarita applies what she has learnt from her survival research to help navigate the stresses of the PhD. We talk about how a near fatal experience was the catalyst for Sarita’s own PhD journey. We talk about the stressful nature of the PhD...
2021-11-0121 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWorking in a Research Group with Juliane BorchertThis week’s guest is Dr Juliane Borchert, an experimental physicist, occasional poet, and gardening enthusiast! She studied in Berlin, Halle (Saale), Groningen, and Oxford. She was awarded a DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Oxford and is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge and AMOLF institute in Amsterdam. Her research focuses on novel materials for use in solar cells and LEDs. She is active in several initiatives to make physics more inclusive and equitable, including 'TIGERS - The Inclusion Group for Equity in Research in STEMM‘. Juliane shares her e...
2021-10-2523 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastUndertaking a Professional Doctorate with Lynn KowoeraLynn Koworera has a background in Adult Nursing BSc and Physician Associate MSc. She has a post registration qualification in advanced non medical prescribing and she has practical experience working in the NHS tertiary centres and large NHS trusts in specialities such as care of the elderly, dermatology and clinical research. Lynn has spent her most recent clinical career in general practice. In this interview Lynn talks about how the desire to do a PhD has been with her since childhood. Lynn describes how she discovered the professional doctorate (DProf) as a route that...
2021-10-1826 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBeing a Neurodivergent Scholar with Gilly MckeownThis week’s guest is the amazing Gilly McKeown AKA @neurodivergent_researcher. We begin by talking through the twists and turns of Gilly’s own story; and her spirit of curiosity will be an inspiration to anyone who is still trying to find their ‘thing’. We then talk about her own late diagnosis of Autism and self-diagnosis of ADHD and the possibilities and challenges she faces as a neurodivergent scholar. Gilly shares some of the strategies that she has found useful and promotes finding community as a way of accessi...
2021-10-1027 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Importance of Peer Support for the PhD with Milensu ShanyindeThis week’s episode is all about the importance of friends on the PhD journey! Milensu Shanyinde is a PhD candidate at University College London. Her research examines the complication of managing HIV in relation to Hepatitis C in persons seen for routine clinical care in Italy. She also works part time as a clinical trial statistician at Oxford University and was one of the team working on a nationwide study to find COVID-19 treatments. Milensu talks about how her friends helped her in her decision to undertake a PhD. She descri...
2021-10-0419 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastLaziness Does Not Exist with Devon PriceWe are kicking off the new season with the fabulous Devon Price! Devon is a social psychologist, writer, activist, and professor at Loyola University of Chicago's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Devon has published widely including their book Laziness Does Not Exist which came out in 2020. In this episode we reflect on Devon’s own experiences of graduate school and how the reality of that experience did not match expectations. We then dive into what Devon calls “the laziness lie” - and how that relates to a culture...
2021-09-2724 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastUsing Your PhD Outside Academia with Melanie SmithIt’s the final episode of Season 3! It’s gone so quickly and I am so grateful to the wonderful guests who have made it so awesome! And, talking of awesome guests, who better to create a big finish for this series than Melanie Smith?! Dr Melanie Smith is Reader Emerita at Cardiff University School of Law and Politics and an independent expert and research consultant in the broad field of European constitutional and administrative law, with a specific focus on enforcement of EU law across a broad policy spectrum. Melanie has pro...
2021-07-1922 minFinding FertilityHow infertility help me deal & heal from my childhood sexual abuse trauma with Emma Brodzinski💚 On Tuesdays, I'm bringing back some of the first podcast I recorded. They are raw and not newly edited, so you will hear the podcast being called Infertile Diagnosis. But don't worry, you're still getting top quality content and the support you need 💚
How infertility help me deal & heal from my childhood sexual abuse trauma with Emma Brodzinski
HELLO BEAUTIFUL
Today we have on the beautiful Emma who bravely and unselfishly shares her past childhood traumas of sexual and mental abuse.
Emma shares with us how her infertility shined a big spotli...
2021-07-1353 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastPrecarity and PhD StudentsPrecarity is, unfortunately, a familiar experience for many PhD students - particularly in the strange times that we find ourselves in. This week’s episode touches on both the precarity brought about by the pandemic but also the on-going precarious nature of employment within the Higher Education sector. Bee talks about their own experience of the PhD process and the importance of assembling a team that support the work you are doing. We explore researching during the pandemic and the challenges of undertaking a viva via MS Teams! We also...
2021-07-1229 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastSurviving Your Viva with Nathan RyderThis week is all about how to survive your viva! Nathan Ryder runs skills training for PhD students with a signature course entitled ‘Viva Survivor’ and daily blog of viva prep help. In this episode Nathan talks about his own experience of a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Liverpool and the importance of the support his supervisor gave him. We then talk about his move into supporting PGRs as an independent researcher-developer. Nathan has lots of encouraging thoughts to share - such as the reminder that, by the...
2021-07-0523 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBeing a Working Class PhD Student with Sam BelfrageThis week’s episode focuses on the experience of Sam Belfrage a full time PhD student at the University of Winchester, in the Faculty of Health and Well-being. Sam identifies as a working class academic and first generation university student. Her research is exploring community based interventions to improve health literacy, with a focus on parents of pre-school children. Sam talks about the experience of coming from a family that didn’t really value education and how that impacted on her journey through A Levels and her degree. Sam shares the message that...
2021-06-2834 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastGoal Setting for PhD Students with Kate LittererProductivity is an issue that PhD students often struggle with and this week’s episode offers lots of practical advice to help you through! Dr Kate Litterer is a Productivity Coach, independent scholar, and author who lives outside Boston, Massachusetts in the U.S. Kate received her MFA degree in Creative Writing and her Master's degree and Doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In this episode we talk about Kate’s journey through an MFA; into a PhD; and then on to developing her own coaching b...
2021-06-2120 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Challenges and Possibilities of Being a Mature PhD Student with Elisa WebbElisa Webb describes herself as a student, teacher, writer - her debut novel Darkling Park was published with Patrician Press. In this week’s episode she shares her journey through building a successful career; through burnout and depression; and on into a Practice-based Southern Gothic Imaginative Writing PhD. We talk about the experience of crisis/crossroads and how Elisa decided to make returning to study for a PhD a positive step forward. We talk about being a first generation student going to university. Elisa discusses the advantages and disad...
2021-06-1429 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastWhat does a PhD Examiner Look for in a Thesis? with Vernon TraffordThis week I talk to Professor Vernon Trafford about what a PhD examiner is looking for in your thesis. Vernon Trafford is Professor Emeritus at Anglia Ruskin University, UK and Research Associate at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He has held visiting professorships in India, Scandinavia, Singapore, South Africa and consultancies for the British Council, OECD, UNICEF and the World Bank. His publications, conference presentations and workshops relate to the nature of doctorateness. In this conversation Vernon talks about his own unconventional route into academia. We then dive into...
2021-06-0527 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastFinding Community as a PhD Student with Jen LeighThis week’s episode picks up on some of the themes from last week in terms of negotiating caring responsibilities alongside completing research work but it also explores the importance of supporting diversity and inclusion in academia. Jen Leigh is a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education and Academic Practice within the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Kent and, amongst many other things, the Vice-Chair (People) of WISC (Women in Supramolecular Chemistry). In this episode Jen talks about her journey through two very different PhD experiences and...
2021-05-3122 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe PhD and Motherhood with Anna WoolfThis week’s episode focuses on the PhD and motherhood as Anna Woolf shares her insights and experiences. Anna is a Ph.D. candidate at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her research examines socially engaged arts, health and applied theatre in relation to teenagers with the complex autoimmune disease juvenile idiopathic arthritis. In this interview Anna reflects on her personal connection to her PhD topic. She also talks about how her life situation has meant that she has needed to work at her own pace through the project.
2021-05-2423 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to Enjoy Writing Your PhD with Dee ReynoldsThis week we are exploring how to enjoy writing your PhD. Our guest Dee Reynolds is a proofreader and copy editor, and an academic writing mentor. She is a Professor Emerita (French Studies, University of Manchester) with a long career in research and publishing on topics ranging from French poetry to contemporary dance and neuroscience. Dee talks about the pleasure she found in her own PhD journey and the importance of following your gut-instinct and about collaborating with people along the way. Dee offers the metaphor of choreography for the process of writing your...
2021-04-3034 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastSurviving the Job Market with Jeff WeingartenWe are back for Season Three!! I do hope that you found some time over Easter to rest and feel ready for the new term? As if we ever feel ready for the new term?!! This week’s guest is Jeff Weingarten who is a Professor of Language and Liberal Studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada. Jeff reflects on his own difficult journey through the PhD and how he came to reflect on the narrative he had created for himself. He talks abo...
2021-04-2624 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastMindfulness and the PhD Process with Allan Kilner-JohnsonIt’s the last episode of Season Two! Allan Kilner-Johnson shares his own journey through his PhD and into his mindfulness practice. Allan is a mindfulness meditation teacher alongside his work as a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Associate Dean of Postgraduate Research at the University of Surrey. Allan proposes Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness as “the awareness of the present moment without judgment”. He offers a practical ‘anchoring’ exercise to help ground yourself in the present moment. Allan encourages PhD students to embrace...
2021-03-2226 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastReflective journalling for the PhD Process with Nicole BrownThis week’s guest is Nicole Brown - Director of Social Research & Practice and Education Ltd. and Lecturer in Education at the UCL Institute of Education. Nicole was awarded her PhD in Sociology at the University of Kent for her thesis “The ‘I’ in fibromyalgia: the construction of academic identity under the influence of fibromyalgia”. Nicole begins by talking about her own journey through the PhD as a part-time, mature student. We then talk about what to do with all the ideas that come to you but don’t belong in your current pro...
2021-03-1522 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to Finish Your Thesis with Rowena MurrayThis week’s episode is all about getting to the finish line of your PhD! Rowena Murray runs writing retreats for writers - with a particular specialism in working with academics and doctoral students. Her publications include How to Write a Thesis, Writing for Academic Journals and How to Survive Your Viva. In this episode we talk about what Rowena calls the ‘endgame’ of the thesis. This is the moment when you are looking to draw together your work into a coherent document. Rowena explores the shift in focus fr...
2021-03-0824 min
Miracles Happen Fertility CenterMHFP 101: Calling in The Magic – Fertility Shamanism with Dr. Emma BrodzinskiHey, there! Today is yet another SUPER interesting episode. I sat down with Dr. Emma Brodzinski, who is a therapist working from a shamanic perspective. I just love her energy. I love the empowering things that she has to say. And the fact that you can journey in this way and calling the magic of your baby on your fertility journey is just astounding and gorgeous to me.It was so good to have you here today, listening to my conversation with Emma. And I am, as always, wishing you wellness. I'm wishing you the ability and the...
2021-03-0557 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastCreativity and Mental Health as a PhD StudentThis week’s episode explores creativity, mental health and the PhD process. Theo Stickley trained in mental health nursing and then did an MA in Counselling and qualified as a counsellor and worked as a nurse. In 2000 he began teaching at the University of Nottingham where he worked until 2019 when he retired. His PhD was in the arts and mental health. He supervised 11 PhD students and has externally examined 15 theses. He has 140 publications and now volunteers with a charity befriending asylum-seekers and refugees. Theo talks about the PhD as a creative proc...
2021-02-2733 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastFinancial Considerations for PhD Students with Emily RobertsThis episode deals with the financial impact of undertaking a PhD. Emily Roberts is a personal finance educator specializing in early-career PhDs based in the U.S. Emily draws on her own experience as a graduate student to support others to make the most of their money. In this conversation we talk about the ‘opportunity cost’ of doctoral study and the potential stress of financial pressures. We also talk about recognising - and challenging! - the scarcity mindset of academia. Emily also offers some useful...
2021-02-2231 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Realities of the PhD Process with Nick RoweThis week’s episode takes an honest look at the realities of the PhD journey. Nick Rowe describes himself as a “trans-disciplinary educationalist”, with interests in scientific communication and academic/professional development. He is a fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and the Society for Education and Training and worked as a lecturer in the UK but is now based in Finland. Nick’s latest book is The Realities of Completing a PhD: How to Plan for Success and it draws on international data to explore key issues such as wellbeing...
2021-02-1527 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastCoping with Stress in the PhD Process with Jenny MercerThis week’s episode deals with an issue that many of us are grappling with - stress. Jenny Mercer is Reader in Qualitative Approaches to Applied Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her research interests focus on experiential enquiries of student experience and the impact of green care and outdoor activities on health and wellbeing. She is the Graduate Studies Co-ordinator for doctoral candidates in Health Sciences, and leads the Doctoral Wellbeing Initiative within the university. As a supervisor, chair of vivas and examiner of doctoral theses, much of her working week focuses on doctoral education in...
2021-02-0826 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastThe Problems and Pleasures of Practice-based Research with Kat LowIn this episode the fabulous Kat Low shares her experience of practice-based research - particularly her fieldwork in South Africa. Kat is a research-practitioner in the field of applied theatre and sexual health with a commitment to feminist-led research. Her practice lies in creating participatory-led theatre and creative arts-based practice with local communities to explore and gain greater understanding of the key sexual health concerns they face. She has published articles on theatre and health in a number of journals and co-edited Applied Theatre: Performing Health & Wellbeing (2017) with Dr Veronica Baxter for Methuen Bloomsbury. Kat’s monograph, Appli...
2021-02-0130 minThe PhD Life Raft Podcast'Being a Part-time PhD Student' with Katie HallThis week’s podcast tackles the problems and possibilities of being a part-time PhD student. Katie Hall is currently a creative practice PhD student, with project Queer as Friends. As a creative writing practitioner, Katie is editing her debut novel and freelancing as a journalist for LGBTQ lifestyle press. She has recently been longlisted for the second Primadonna Writing Prize, and will be included in the upcoming Arachne Press 'Tymes goe by turnes' anthology. In 2019, Katie was shortlisted for the Lichfield Cathedral The Word poetry prize. Katie is the creator and screenwriter of the first Lon...
2021-01-2434 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastUndertaking a PhD with a Diagnosed Mental Health Condition with Libby BennettIn this episode Libby Bennett shares her experience of negotiating both physical and mental health conditions during her PhD journey. Libby talks about OCD - what it is and what it isn’t - and identifies the potential benefits of the deep self-knowledge that comes through reflecting on your own mental health. She identifies the importance of recognising your own warning signs and talks about the importance of accessing professional services and how supervisors and students can support others. Libby also addresses the toxic culture within academia where...
2021-01-1821 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastLife Crisis and Dealing with Loss During the PhD with Lauren GraffinThis week’s episode focuses on how to look after your mental health and maintain balance and a sense of your own well-being when faced with a life-crisis during the PhD. My guest Lauren Graffin shares her experiences of negotiating her father’s serious illness and the death of her much-loved supervisor while undertaking her doctoral study. Lauren completed her Master’s in Applied Drama at the University of Exeter, and her PhD at Ulster University. She worked extensively as a community performance facilitator, and her PhD research focused on site and community-based performance practice in post...
2021-01-1129 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastReciprocity and Scholarly Community with Dave MaslachWelcome back to the first episode of Season Two! We are starting off with thinking about reciprocity and building a supportive and encouraging academic community. Dr Dave Maslach is an Associate Professor in Innovation Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. In this episode we talk about his own journey through an undergrad in Chemical Engineering and Sociology into his doctoral programme in Business Administration. Dave identifies the importance of believing in yourself and not giving up - particularly as the first generation to go to university.
2021-01-0422 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to Handle the Holidays with Chloe Bradwell and Rachel HopkinIt’s the last episode of Season One and our Christmas special and we are celebrating with two guests! Chloé Bradwell is a Drama practitioner and SWW DTP funded PhD candidate at the University of Exeter and Aberystwyth University. Chloé has held the positions of Activity Manager and Research Associate in care homes and continues working as a freelance Drama Practitioner in dementia care while undertaking her PhD part-time. Rachel Hopkin is a first year, full-time, TECHNE funded PhD in the Media Arts department at Royal Holloway. Her project explores the represe...
2020-12-1527 minThe PhD Life Raft Podcast'Loneliness and the PhD' with Georgina BinnieFeeling lonely is one of the most common difficulties for PhD students - particularly those studying overseas. This week’s podcast talks to Georgina Binnie who founded the ‘Writing Back’ project in 2014; the award-winning scheme matches home-based and international University of Leed students as pen pals with older correspondents recruited via engagement with 26 local charities. You can find out more about the project here: https://www.writingback.co.uk/ In our interview Georgina talks about the scope of the project. She also shares how her work on the project o...
2020-12-0623 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastBlack Womxn in the Academy with Lynette GoddardLynette Goddard is Professor of Black Theatre and Performance at Royal Holloway, University of London. Their research and teaching is focused in the area of the politics of contemporary Black British theatre and performance, including work on new writing by Black playwrights and contemporary Black productions of canonical plays. In this episode of the podcast Lynette reflects on the experience of undertaking a PhD whilst also working and how the pattern of writing that was developed during that period has proved productive throughout the progression of their career. We then talk ab...
2020-11-3028 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastHow to keep motivated and productive as a PhD student with Ciara FeelyAccording to a study by The Council of Graduate Schools, 44% of doctoral students lose their motivation and do not complete their degree within 10 years. Maintaining your passion and motivation for your PhD is a real challenge - especially in the times that we find ourselves in where just keeping going is a struggle. Ciara Feely is a 2nd year PhD student with ML Labs in University College Dublin. In the second semester of her PhD program Ciara started the PhD and Productivity YouTube channel to improve her public speaking. On the channel she talks about bein...
2020-11-2324 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastOvercoming the Imposter Syndrome with Valerie YoungFrom her extensive work in the field Valerie Young guesses that approximately 90% of PhD students experience imposter syndrome! In this episode she offers some reflections on why academic culture may feed that anxiety of being found out as a fraud; as well as offering some advice on how to shift your perspective. Dr Valerie Young is the author of the award-winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It. In addition to speaking at such diverse organizations as Google, IBM, Pro...
2020-11-1633 minThe PhD Life Raft Podcast"What your supervisor wants you to know..." with Chris MegsonA very important element of your PhD journey is your relationship with your supervisor. In this episode I talk to Dr Chris Megson, Reader in Drama and Theatre and Director of Postgraduate Research Education, in the School of Performing and Digital Arts at Royal Holloway, University of London. Chris has supervised many doctoral students and been awarded the inaugural Researcher Supervisor of the Year prize at Royal Holloway as well as being shortlisted for the national Times Higher Award (2018) in this very competitive category. Chris begins by talking about his own experie...
2020-11-0626 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastRest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less with Alex Soojung-Kim PangAlex Soojung-Kim Pang’s book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less is a book that I regularly recommend to PhD students. Alex is a visiting scholar in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at Stanford University. He is also the founder of Strategy and Rest, a consultancy advising companies on how to implement 4-day weeks. In this interview he shares his own journey negotiating the academic job market and his experience of undertaking scholarly work outside of the academy. We then get into discussion of Alex’s resear...
2020-10-3129 minThe PhD Life Raft PodcastCoping with COVID as a PhD Student with Mays ImadI am delighted to share this conversation with Mays Imad. Mays serves as a Professor of Genetics, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Pima Community College and is the founding coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Center. Her current research focuses on stress, self-awareness, advocacy, and classroom community. Through her teaching and research, Mays seeks to provide students with transformative opportunities which are grounded in the aesthetics of learning, truth-seeking, and self-realization. In this interview Mays talks about her own journey from a humanities undergraduate to a STEM postgraduate and how her research deve...
2020-10-3033 min
The PhD Life Raft Podcast"What I wish I'd known when starting my PhD" with Chloe LeeMy fabulous first guest is Chloe Lee a 3rd year History student undertaking a practice-as-research PhD. Chloe talks about three key things that she wishes she had known more about when she was starting her PhD. Shares how she structures her time and creates a manageable rhythm for working. She talks about her own experience of part-time work as a helpful aspect in shaping her week and we touch on the importance of transition moments in the day and how to make them work for you. She shar...
2020-10-1629 min
2020-10-1602 min
For Trying Out Loud: The Infertility YearsFertility Support with Dr Emma BrodzinskiWe're back! Thanks for re-joining us. It's lovely to have you here. In this weeks episode Romana chats to Dr Emma Brodzinski (www.emmabrodzinski.com) Dr Emma is a therapist and Fertility Coach. As well as sharing her own story she also talks moonlight rituals, thyroid and her new launched Pineapple Book Club (https://www.facebook.com/pineapplebkclub) You can connect with Emma on Instagram @dremmabrodzinski and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/emmabrodzinski Her IVF group can be found here https://www.facebook.com/groups/ivfgotthis The book that Emma...
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