Shows
The Career AdjunctWriting Dreams and Academic Realities: Laura’s JourneyIn this episode of the Career Adjunct podcast, Iliana speaks with Laura Hartmann-Villalta. She shares how she pursued a PhD to lend credibility to her dream of writing a meaningful book, hoping it would also lead to a full-time academic position. Instead, she navigated adjunct life, juggling part-time roles until she landed a rare full-time "unicorn role."In this episode, Laura shares lessons from her journey, the resilience it required, and how she stayed true to her goals despite the challenges. A must-listen for anyone balancing big dreams with the realities of adjunct work.ADJUNCT...2024-12-131h 10The Career AdjunctTwo Decades on the Adjunct Highway: Carol DeFranco’s JourneyIn this episode Iliana sits down with Carol DeFranco, who shares her remarkable journey spanning over two decades as an adjunct professor. Carol's story is one of resilience and adaptability, having taught at multiple universities across different states, often juggling roles as a freeway flyer. She offers insight into the mindset that sustained her—embracing the realities of adjunct life without harboring expectations for a full-time position. Listeners will hear Carol's candid reflections on the highs and lows of adjunct work, the flexibility it offered, and the challenges it posed. Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and inspiring discussion ab...2024-11-1535 minThe Career AdjunctPacking Up and Speaking Out: Trish Jolly's Fight Against Academic InjusticesIn this deeply moving and insightful episode, I sit down with Trish Jolly the day after she packed up her office for the last time. Trish is a dedicated and award-winning former adjunct professor with an unparalleled passion for working with college students. Her remarkable journey took an unexpected turn when her position was cut due to university budget constraints, forcing her to leave the job and campus she loved. Trish joins us to share her story, filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and a fierce determination to fight against the injustices of the adjunct system. This episode promises to...2024-05-301h 06The Career AdjunctUPDATE: I'm Back! Plus an Adjunct StoryIn this special update episode, Iliana shares what led to an unplanned hiatus and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward. Additionally, Iliana features a listener story written by an adjunct, offering a firsthand account of their experiences. ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at thecareeradjunct@gmail.com and put "Adjunct Story" in the title. (I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!) 2024-05-1409 minThe Career AdjunctThe Adjunct Problem: A Conversation with Angela CollierGet ready for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Angela Collier, the witty and insightful host of a very popular physics YouTube channel. Join us as Angela shares her unique perspective on the adjunct problem within academia, drawing from her own experience as a brief stint as an adjunct before leaving academia. With her trademark humor and wit, Angela delves into the systemic issues plaguing adjuncts and offers insightful reflections on how the system could be reformed. This episode promises to be both entertaining and enlightening, offering valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities for change within academia. ...2024-03-1940 minThe Career AdjunctShedding Light on Adjunct Realities: Cheyenne's Candid ReflectionsPrepare for a raw and insightful conversation as Iliana sits down with Cheyenne Rudolph as she bravely shares her journey through academia's trenches. Despite warnings received in grad school, Cheyenne found herself immersed in the world of adjuncting, facing low pay, instability, and unexpected emotional connections to childhood trauma. Join us as Cheyenne delves into the complexities of her experience, intertwining the struggles of adjuncting with deeply personal narratives. This episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by adjunct educators, exploring the intersection of academia, personal boundaries, and resilience.ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me...2024-03-0742 minThe Career AdjunctGina Hanson's Fight Against Adjunct De-ProfessionalizationJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Gina Hanson, an adjunct professor in the Cal State system, as she shares her unwavering passion for advocating for adjuncts' recognition and value within academia. Gina delves into her dissertation topic, exploring the concerning issue of adjuncts' de-professionalization and its implications for higher education. With firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by adjuncts, Gina sheds light on the need for systemic change to ensure adjuncts are respected and valued for their contributions. Tune in for a compelling discussion that confronts the realities of adjuncting and advocates for meaningful...2024-02-2048 minThe Career AdjunctAdvocating for ESL: Deany Goode's 15-Year Adjunct JourneyIn this episode, Iliana sits down with the passionate and resilient Deany Goode, who has dedicated 15 years of her career to adjuncting, primarily teaching English as a second language for academic purposes. Join us as Deany shares her unwavering commitment to the unique population she teaches and the challenges faced by both her students and herself within the higher education system. With a keen eye on social justice, Deany doesn't shy away from discussing the exploitation that all academics endure while working in higher ed institutions. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the heart of adjunct...2024-02-0536 minThe Career AdjunctFrayed Edges: Mike Hilbig's Tale of Loss, Stress, and Exiting Adjunct LifeTune in for a deeply moving episode as Iliana sits down with Mike Hilbig, a former adjunct who bravely shares his heart-wrenching journey. Mike opens up about enduring significant personal losses while navigating the challenging world of adjuncting, attempting to cobble together a living wage. In this candid conversation, he sheds light on the relentless stress, low wages, and the pervasive sense of disrespect that ultimately led him to make the difficult decision to step away from adjuncting. This episode explores the sacrifices made by adjuncts and the toll it takes on both their professional and personal lives. 2024-01-2343 minThe Career AdjunctBreaking Barriers: A First-Gen Odyssey through Adjunct StrugglesIn this poignant episode, I sit down with an anonymous guest who defied the odds as the first in her family to attend college. Her journey unfolds into the stark realities of academia, where despite warnings about the slim chances of securing a full-time position, she found herself juggling adjunct roles at three different schools just to make ends meet. Join us as our guest courageously sheds light on the complexities of navigating the dream of higher education while grappling with the harsh economic realities. It's a raw and honest conversation that unveils the resilience and determination required to...2024-01-1640 minThe Career AdjunctPurging the Past: Molly Schenck's Journey to Somatic FreedomTune in for a transformative journey in this latest episode as I sit down with Molly Schenck, a former adjunct turned somatic movement therapist. Join us as she candidly shares her rollercoaster experience in academia, navigating the demanding life of an adjunct dance instructor with its highs and lows. In this heartfelt conversation, Molly takes us through the emotional purging process that led her to bid farewell to academia, choosing instead to fully invest in her freelance career as a somatic movement therapist. Get ready for an inspiring narrative of self-discovery, resilience, and the empowering pursuit of a career...2024-01-0851 minThe Career AdjunctUnveiling Adjunct Realities: Christen Embry's StoryGet ready for a candid and eye-opening conversation with the incredible Christen Embry, as she shares her journey as an adjunct professor. In this episode, Christen delves into the challenges of the adjunct life, discussing the hurdles she's faced and the heart-wrenching pursuit of a full-time position that has remained elusive. Her story is both relatable and inspiring, shedding light on the often-difficult path many adjuncts navigate in the world of academia. Tune in for a personal and thought-provoking exploration of Christen's experiences, offering a glimpse into the realities of the adjunct struggle and the resilience it takes to...2023-12-2037 minThe Career AdjunctWe're PINOs: Professionals In Name OnlyGet ready to laugh, cry, and nod in solidarity as our anonymous guest spills the beans on life as an adjunct professor in this riveting episode! With humor that could rival stand-up comedy, our interviewee shares the highs and lows of their journey through academia. Brace yourself for anecdotes that'll have you chuckling, all while shedding light on the heart-wrenching working conditions many adjuncts face. It's a rollercoaster of emotions as we navigate the hilarious and heartbreaking realities of being an adjunct professor. Tune in for an unfiltered and engaging ride through the halls of academia! ADJUNCT S...2023-12-1255 minThe Career AdjunctTeaching on Borrowed Time: Laurence Schwartz's StoryIn this episode I sit down with Laurence Schwartz, a seasoned educator who stumbled into teaching and has spent the past 34 years navigating the world of adjuncting. In this candid conversation, Laurence shares insights from his memoir, offering a firsthand account of the highs, lows, and unexpected turns in a career that wasn't initially planned. Tune in to hear the stories that shaped his journey, the evolution of adjuncting over the years, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Don't miss this fascinating episode that serves as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and enduring spirit of adjunct...2023-11-2636 minThe Career AdjunctA Former Adjunct's Mission for Student-Centered Education: Christine Tudor's StoryIn this revealing conversation, I sat down with Christine Tudor, who transitioned from the challenging world of adjuncting to high school teaching with a clear mission – putting students first. Join me as Christine candidly shares the difficulties she faced as an adjunct, highlighting the obstacles that often hinder a truly student-centric focus in higher education. This episode delves into the harsh realities of adjuncting, exploring how these challenges fueled Christine's passion for creating a more inclusive and impactful learning environment. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that not only exposes the struggles of adjuncting but also advocates for a tr...2023-11-1935 minThe Career AdjunctBreaking Free: Jenn Zuko's StoryIn this compelling episode of The Career Adjunct we hear from Jenn Zuko, a seasoned theater department adjunct with two decades of experience. Jenn shares the raw and unvarnished truth about the challenges she's faced throughout her career. In a candid and eye-opening conversation, she details the hurdles, disappointments, and moments of despair that come with the territory. Join us as she shares a pivotal moment when she walked away from one of her adjunct roles during a department meeting, and draws a poignant parallel between the life of a career adjunct and an abusive relationship. In this intimate...2023-11-0945 minThe Career AdjunctBreaking Free: Jenn Zuko's StoryIn this compelling episode, our guest is Jenn Zuko, a seasoned theatre department adjunct with two decades of experience. She shares the raw and unvarnished truth about the challenges she's faced throughout her career. In a candid and eye-opening conversation, she details the hurdles, disappointments, and moments of despair that come with the territory. Join us as she shares a pivotal moment when she walked away from her adjunct position in a department meeting, drawing a poignant parallel between the life of a career adjunct and an abusive relationship. In this intimate and thought-provoking discussion, we explore the emotional...2023-11-0945 minThe Career AdjunctFrom Turkey to Canada: Evren Altinkas' StoryIn this episode of The Career Adjunct, we're joined by Evren Altinkas, a remarkable academic who began his career in Turkey, speaking out against the government's policies, which ultimately led him to seek refuge in Canada through the Scholars at Risk program. Evren sheds light on the daily struggles of contingent faculty members, providing a poignant narrative that showcases the enduring spirit of academia and the relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst adversity. Join us for a captivating journey from Turkey to Canada, as Evren Altinkas inspires with his unwavering commitment to his craft and his advocacy for academic freedom...2023-10-2540 minThe Career AdjunctFinding My Way into the World of AdjunctingIn this inaugural episode of The Career Adjunct, your host, Iliana De Larkin, takes you on a personal journey through her unique path into the world of adjunct teaching.As a podcast dedicated to exploring the world of adjunct teaching, The Career Adjunct offers a fresh perspective on what it means to navigate the ever-changing landscape of higher education. Iliana discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with being an adjunct, shedding light on the often under-appreciated and misunderstood role in academia.Tune in to The Career Adjunct and explore the stories and wisdom of...2023-10-2012 minThe Career AdjunctTrailer: The Career Adjunct PodcastThe Career Adjunct will uncover the untold stories of academia's underclass. The show will explore the daily grind of adjuncting, hear inspiring journeys of those who left, and discover the resilience that defines career adjuncts. Each weekly half hour episode takes you on a thought-provoking journey through the multifaceted realm of adjuncting. The host, Iliana De Larkin, a seasoned educator and advocate for adjunct rights, will guide you through deep dives into various aspects of adjunct life.ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at thecareeradjunct@gmail.com and put "Adjunct Story" in the title. 2023-09-2901 min