Shows
Graduate Students' DenS3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through CommunicationPublic speaking is one of the most common fears people have — but is it something you’re born good at, or something anyone can learn?In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Jaclyn Marsh, Assistant Teaching Professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University.Dr. Marsh oversees the university’s public speaking program, helping hundreds of students each year develop the skills and confidence to communicate effectively. We talk about what makes a speech memorable, how instructors support students who are terrified o...
2026-03-111h 14
Graduate Students' DenS3E5: Money, Mindset, and Identity: A Conversation with Sashette McPhersonIn this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we welcome Sashette McPherson — Financial Analyst at Bowling Green State University, CEO of Power Moves Global, and host of the Power Moves podcast.A proud BGSU alum with a master’s in Financial Economics, Sashette joins us to reflect on her graduate school journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she transitioned from student to financial leader and entrepreneur.n this conversation, we explore:What graduate school taught her about leadership and disciplineHow financial identity shapes decision-makingThe mindset s...
2026-02-251h 11
Graduate Students' DenS3E4: Community, Career Pivots, and Learning to Fail Well | ft. Dr. Shannon OrrWelcome back to Graduate Students’ Den with John, Kelsey, and Halima.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Orr, faculty member at Bowling Green State University and Director of the Falcon Food Pantry. Dr. Orr leads one of the university’s most important community initiatives, supporting students, faculty, and staff through accessible food and essential resources — including many graduate students who quietly rely on these services.We talk about how the pantry supports the campus community, how graduate students can access resources without stigma, and how community engagement can meaningfully intersect with research and acad...
2026-02-181h 04
Graduate Students' DenS3E3: Life Skills Grad School Doesn’t Teach (But You Have to Learn Anyway)Grad school teaches theory, research, and critical thinking. It does not teach you how to file taxes on a stipend, understand health insurance, negotiate a lease, or survive university bureaucracy.In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we unpack the life skills no one prepares you for but every graduate student has to figure out. From confusing paperwork and unexpected expenses to budgeting, self-advocacy, and adulting under pressure, we share the lessons we learned the hard way and the advice we wish we had sooner.If you’ve ever thought, “Why did nobody tell me this?”...
2026-02-111h 04
Graduate Students' DenS3E2: Balancing Love, Life, and Grad School: What Changes and What Has to GiveThis episode of Graduate Students’ Den dives into the often-unspoken realities of maintaining relationships during graduate school. From friendships that slowly fade, to romantic partnerships under pressure, to navigating family expectations and guilt, we unpack how grad school reshapes personal life. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and practical strategies, we explore how graduate students can protect meaningful connections without burning out or feeling like they’re failing in one area or another.
2026-02-031h 18
Graduate Students' DenWinter Break Reflections and Real Talk on Grad SchoolSeason 3 of Graduate Students’ Den kicks off with a relaxed and honest conversation featuring John and Kelsey. In this opening episode, the panel reflects on winter break, the realities of grad life, and what it really takes to apply to and survive graduate school. We also talk about resetting for a new semester, managing expectations, and finding your rhythm as the academic year unfolds. Whether you’re considering grad school, newly admitted, or already deep in the journey, this episode sets the tone for a thoughtful and supportive season ahead.
2026-01-2852 min
Graduate Students' DenS2E10: Leading by Example: Dr. Cheryl Bracken at SMC, BGSULeadership, identity, vision. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we talk with the director of BGSU’s School of Media & Communications - Dr. Cheryl Bracken - about her journey, the challenges and rewards of leading in academia, and what it takes to build an inclusive, forward-looking media school. Whether you’re a current student, aspiring leader, or future faculty — this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and real talk about what leadership truly means.
2025-12-041h 03Graduate Students' DenS2E9: Research, Mentorship & Success: A Conversation with Dr. Louisa HaWhat does effective graduate research look like, and how do you find a mentor who guides you to success? In this episode of Graduate Students Den, Halima, Kelsey, and John welcome Professor Louisa Ha from BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey as a scholar focusing on social media influencers, online audiences, and global media communication. She reveals how she mentors graduate students to publish, collaborate, and carve their own path. Whether you are just starting your graduate journey or you are deep in research mode, this episode gives you practical advice, mentorship insights, and ins...
2025-11-1356 minGraduate Students' DenS2E8: Surviving Prelims and Proposal Defense: What Every Grad Student Should KnowPrelims and proposal defenses are two of the most nerve-wracking milestones in any graduate student’s journey. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima are joined by GCA President Madison Clatt to unpack their real experiences navigating these major academic hurdles.Whether you’re just starting to think about your prelims or gearing up for your proposal defense, this episode offers honest advice, a few laughs, and plenty of encouragement to help you push through with confidence.🎓 Tune in to hear what really happens behind the scenes — and how to come out str...
2025-11-061h 04Graduate Students' DenS2E7: The First-Year PhD Experience: Reflections with Aisha TahirStarting a PhD can be both exciting and a little intimidating. In this episode of Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Aisha Tahir, a first-year PhD student in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU, to talk about what the first semester of doctoral life really feels like.Aisha opens up about finding balance between research and life, adjusting to new expectations, and navigating the highs and lows of the PhD journey. Whether you’re just applying or already in grad school, this conversation offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a comforti...
2025-10-3053 minGraduate Students' DenS2E6: Life After Grad School: Thriving in Academia with Dr. Lisa HanasonoWhat does life after graduate school really look like in academia? This week on The Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Dr. Lisa Hanasono, professor in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU and Academic Director of Training at the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). She shares practical advice on building a sustainable academic career, navigating the job market, finding work-life balance, and redefining success beyond publications and tenure.Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about how to not just survive but thrive in academia.📧 Contac...
2025-10-231h 06Graduate Students' DenS2E5: Inside the Admissions Room: How Graduate Applications Are Really ReviewedWhat really happens after you hit submit on your graduate school application? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Halima, and Kelsey sit down with Dr. Radhika Gajjala and Dr. Yanqin Lu from BGSU’s Graduate Programs Committee to uncover the truth about how applications are reviewed.We discuss the entire process, from start to finish, what makes a strong application stand out, and the common mistakes that can hold applicants back. Our guests share insider advice on crafting powerful personal statements, the weight given to GPAs, what faculty look for beyond GPAs, and the qualities that tr...
2025-10-021h 22Graduate Students' DenS2E4: Teaching While Learning: The Grad Student Balancing ActWhat is it really like to stand at the front of a classroom while still sitting in one yourself? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Kelsey, and Halima get honest about the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of being both graduate students and instructors.From juggling lesson plans with classroom deadlines to those small “teaching wins” that make it all worthwhile, this conversation explores the balancing act that defines graduate school life. Whether you are already teaching, about to start, or just curious what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers honest insights, a few laughs...
2025-09-251h 10Graduate Students' DenS2E3: Inside Grad Admissions: Tips from BGSU’s Graduate CollegeApplying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Eliza Dickey from BGSU’s Graduate College to talk about everything prospective students need to know — from writing a strong personal statement and building a standout CV, to understanding standardized tests, funding opportunities, fee waivers, and even the impact of recent policies like Ohio’s SB1.Whether you’re considering BGSU or any other program, this conversation will help you navigate the graduate admissions process with clarity and confidence.
2025-09-121h 27
Graduate Students' DenS2E2: New Beginnings in Academia: A Conversation with Dr. Divya SIn this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Dr. Divya S, a new Assistant Professor in BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey from graduate student to faculty member, what it’s been like starting in academia, and her advice for graduate students considering similar paths. Join us for an honest conversation about challenges, lessons learned, and the excitement of building a career in higher education.
2025-09-0455 min
Graduate Students' DenS2E1: Welcome Back: Graduate Students Den Season 2The Graduate Students Den is back for Season 2! In this first episode, we catch up on what we did over the summer—work, rest, travel, and everything in between—and share what we’re looking forward to (and maybe dreading) this semester. Join us for a fun and honest conversation about graduate school life, balancing work with personal growth, and the goals we’re setting for the Fall.Whether you’re a returning listener or new to the Den, this is the perfect way to start the semester with us.
2025-08-2846 minGraduate Students' DenEpisode 8: The Hidden Curriculum: What Grad School Doesn’t Teach You (But You Need to Know)Grad school is more than coursework and research; it’s also about mastering the unspoken rules that set successful students apart. In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate education. From how to navigate office hours effectively, to the unexpected power of leadership roles, and the importance of reading beyond the syllabu,s we explore the subtle skills that no one formally teaches but everyone is expected to know.
2025-05-051h 05Graduate Students' DenEpisode 7: What Next After Graduate School? ft Dr. Jia, Erin & ToriIn this episode, we’re joined by three amazing guests—Dr. Xiaofeng Jia, Erin Main, and Victoria Main—to unpack what life really looks like after grad school. From landing a tenure-track job to juggling adjunct gigs and starting a PhD after years in the service industry, our guests share honest insights, hard truths, and a little hope for the road ahead. Whether you're nearing the finish line or just getting started, this one's for you.
2025-04-251h 15Graduate Students' DenEpisode 6: Advisor Relationships & Department Politics (How to navigate academic relationships)This week on Graduate Students Den, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook get real about the ups and downs of advisor relationships and the sometimes messy world of department politics. We’re talking awkward emails, navigating power dynamics, finding supportive mentors, and knowing when to speak up (or stay quiet). If you’ve ever wondered how other grad students are surviving the academic maze, this one’s for you!
2025-04-181h 00Graduate Students' DenEpisode 5: Episode 5: Funding, Fellowships, & Money Management in Grad SchoolGrad school is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s not always financially glamorous. In this Graduate Students’ Den episode, we break down the essentials of surviving and thriving on a grad school budget. Our panel dives into funding basics—from stipends to TA/RA positions. We get real about the search for funding and student loans. Whether you're a fully funded student or figuring it out as you go, this episode is packed with tips to help you secure the bag and stay sane.
2025-04-1058 minGraduate Students' DenEpisode 4: Impostor Syndrome Unmasked: Do I Really Belong in Grad School?In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we tackle the all-too-familiar struggle of impostor syndrome—those nagging feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that many grad students experience. Our panelists, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, and Anaclate, open up about their own battles with feeling like they do not belong, the academic and social pressures that trigger these thoughts, and the mental toll they can take. We also discuss practical strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome, from mindset shifts to building a strong support system. If you have ever questioned whether you deserve to be in grad scho...
2025-03-271h 04Graduate Students' DenEpisode 3: Managing Mental Health & Burnout in Grad SchoolGrad school can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real struggle for many students. In this episode, our panelists—John, Halima, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Anaclate, and Osama—dive into the challenges of balancing academic demands, personal well-being, and social life. We discuss the stigma around mental health in academia, share personal experiences with burnout, and explore strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We also examine the role universities play in supporting student mental health and discuss practical resources available for grad students. Tune in for an insightful and relatable conversation on prioritizing well...
2025-03-211h 22
Graduate Students' DenEpisode 2: Grad School: Expectation vs. Reality – What We Wish We Knew!In this episode of Graduate Students Den, our panelists—John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook—break down grad school's harsh truths and surprises. From managing coursework, research, and deadlines to juggling finances, mental health, and social life, we dive deep into what we thought grad school would be like versus what it is. Is work-life balance even possible? Are stipends ever enough? Would we still choose grad school knowing what we know now? Tune in for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the grad school experience! 🎧🔥
2025-03-141h 19Graduate Students' DenPodcast Intro: Why We Chose Grad SchoolIn this first episode of Graduate Students Den, we (John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, Anaclate, and Osama) introduce ourselves and dive into the big question—why did we choose grad school? We share our backgrounds, what led us to pursue an advanced degree, and whether we’d make the same choice again. Is grad school worth it? Would we recommend it to others? We get real about the highs, the struggles, and what this podcast is all about. Tune in for an honest and unfiltered conversation about the grad school experience!
2025-02-281h 02