Shows
PhDamnEpisode 30: Damn, I have to teach?!Teaching is an important job that acts as a vehicle to a knowledgable, well-skilled society. So what happens when you're a tired, underpaid, overworked PGR who just gets thrown into a teaching position? In this episode, the PhDamn divas talk all things teaching in academia - from prep, to pay and to our own philosophies.Abbreviations:PGR - Postgraduate ResearcherGTA - Graduate Teaching Assistant/Associate
2025-06-271h 22PhDamnEpisode 29: Damn, I don't believe my own findings?!It's been a minute, but we're back! This week, the Damned Divas talk about the ups and downs of analysing data and writing thesis chapters. From analysis during fieldwork, to mish-mash methods - we laugh, we vent and we sigh.What's your analysis and writing process? Let us know in the comments!
2025-04-251h 23PhDamnEpisode 28: Damn, are PhD students financial 'Loss Leaders'? (featuring Charlotte)WARNING: This episode contains moderate rage.
Things get spicy as we continue our deep dive into babyfication - aka infantilisation - in academia. This time, we’re joined by our fabulous friend Charlotte, who brings her unique insight as a local authority practice-based PhD researcher.
Together, we unpack what it means to be "babyfied" in academic spaces in the UK, from the way PhDs are conceptualised by universities and how we're dubbed by senior staff as "[financial] loss leaders".
Some of the keywords and ab...
2024-12-241h 33PhDamnEpisode 27: Damn, am I a student, an employee or just a BABY?!Have you ever felt like you're treated as "lesser than" in your PhD experience? Well have we got the episode for you! This month, our Damned Divas talk about our experiences with infantilisation (or babification) in academia.With an ever so slight deviation on the saga that was Lakshmi Balakrishnan's masters degree, this is likely our longest rant!Comment your experiences of infantilisation wherever you're hearing this podcast. :)Chapters:43 - Examples of how we're infantilised04 - You're not supposed to be here15 - F*** y...
2024-12-131h 35PhDamnEpisode 26: Damn, am I a red flag?! - The Flag Game episode
In this episode, we dive into some hypothetical PhD scenarios and label them with red, yellow, or green flags. From dodgy supervisor behaviour to panicking over harsh feedback, nothing is off-limits. And of course we like to tussle, so be prepared for heated discussion! Whether you're navigating the smooth or stormy seas of your PhD journey, we hope you laugh, relate, and maybe even rethink your own academic red flags!
Comment your red or green flags below!
2024-10-251h 11PhDamnEpisode 25: Damn, we're in our third year?!What does a year of fieldwork do to a person? In this episode the damned divas explore just that through our favourite method of conversation; object elicitation! We reflect on the ups and downs of the past year while speculating about the future of our PhDs.
2024-10-111h 22PhDamnEpisode 24: Damn, are we... disabled?!Ever wondered what it's like to do a PhD while have a neurological disability? This episode, the PhDamn ladies speak about our relationships with disability, from the way we define it to our experiences with our university's disability support services. Listen in!
Useful tools that we referred to in the episode that you can use (whether you're disabled or not):
Talk Type - dictation software that is sensitive to niche terminology and has dyslexia-friendly features (https://talk-type.com/dictation-software/)
MindView - mindmapping software that integrates with multiple other apps and organises citations (https://www.matchware.com...
2024-08-231h 36PhDamnEpisode 23: Damn, dissemination isn't procreation?Have you thought about the various ways in which you can disseminate your research? This week the damned divas explore the sexy etymology behind the word 'dissemination' and speak about the ways we would carry it out in our own PhD research.
2024-07-191h 19
PhDamnEpisode 22: Damn, is this fieldwork or busywork?!After a bit of a break, we're back! Why did we leave, you may ask? Because once again, our PhDs have gotten the best of us. In this episode, we talk about the progress (or lack thereof) of our fieldwork and our stance on the university protests about Palestine.
2024-05-171h 22
PhDamnEpisode 21: Damn, we actually have to DO research?!So you spent the whole of your first year talking about the research you're going to do... but what happens when you actually have to do it? This week we have the first of many episodes about fieldwork. The ups, downs, smiles and frowns that come with practicing what you've preached.
2024-04-261h 36PhDamnEpisode 20: Damn, a whole year of burnout?!Burned out PhD student? Have you ever toyed with the concept of leave? This week the damned divas talk about resting, taking leave and enjoying the Christmas period.
We also celebrate turning one! We reflect on one year of podcasting, create aspirations for the next year and most importantly, get updates on India!
2024-04-261h 17PhDamnEpisode 19: Damn, I'm in my second year?!Constant confusion, fatigue and burnout. Literature reviews, ethics and confirmation reviews. It's (almost) all behind us - we've finally gotten through first year! This week the Damned Divas talk about our reflections of the past year and tips to pass down to first years.
2024-04-2655 minPhDamnEpisode 18: Damn, we have to go to conferences?!Wondering what academic conferences are and why we have to go to them as academics? Well guess what, so do we! This week we talk everything conferences; why we like them, dislike them as well as our general experiences with them.
This is also Pragya's last episode with us in the flesh! We will miss her but are happy to continue the podcast virtually.
2023-12-0144 minPhDamnEpisode 17: Damn, am I really in a relationship with my PhD?!This week we get (somewhat) uncomfortable delving into the way our PhDs affect the way we approach love and relationships. We also speak about our disdain for the word 'c***'. Enjoy!
2023-11-171h 01PhDamnEpisode 16: Damn, why are we so hungry?!What do you get when you throw three tired PhD babes into a room with nothing but a mic and free time? A weird impromptu conversation about food! So that's this week folks. Do with that what you will.
2023-10-2256 minPhDamnEpisode 15: Damn, can I get some confirmation?! (The Confirmation Review episode)Confirmation reviews up the wazoo. Low wages have plagued the nation. Strikers have enveloped the university buildings. Everything is anarchy. Sometimes we just need to shout.
2023-10-061h 17PhDamnEpisode 14: Damn, I'm a Mrs, not a Dr?!Hey Damn Fam! It's been months since we've recorded so this week we give you a major life update. Hear the story of Lara's wedding, Pragya's European escapades and Merissa's bowel movements.
2023-09-221h 10PhDamnEpisode 13: Damn, are we okay?! (Mental health episode)We're back and better than ever! This week we talk about the impact our PhDs have on our mental health. Join us as we delve into our current state of mind and share the tried-and-true coping mechanisms that (somewhat) keep us sane.
CW: sexual language
2023-09-081h 14PhDamnEpisode 12: Damn, we're splashing in STEM? (feat Bel)Ready to catch a wild academic wave? In this LONG AWAITED episode of PhDamn, your hosts embark on an adventure like no other! Join the damned divas as they shake things up with a fresh injection of STEM perspective. But wait, there's more! They're joined by Bel, an engineer making a splash in the world of academia with her project on water treatments.
2023-05-261h 10PhDamnEpisode 11: Damn, how do we survive? (The scary F-word: FINANCES)The UK is currently going through a cost of living crisis and it's whooping everybody's a**, including the PhDamn ladies! Join us where we talk about all things finances; from scholarships to cucumber prices and mouldy apartments!
2023-05-191h 07PhDamnEpisode 10: Damn, are we ethical enough?As a PhD student, do you break out into sweats when you hear the word "ethics"? You're not alone, baby! In this episode, we discuss the limitations of procedural ethics and the importance of considering broader ethical implications in our work. We also share our personal experiences of navigating ethical dilemmas and highlight some of the unique challenges faced by researchers from marginalised communities. Join us for a lively discussion that will challenge your thinking and leave you feeling inspired!
2023-05-051h 12PhDamnEpisode 9: Damn, what's the ChatGPTea?? (ft. Patty)In this episode of the PhDamn podcast, the hosts discuss the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with a surprise guest who offers their insights on the topic. They examine the potential and pitfalls of AI and its impact on society, providing critical analysis and diverse perspectives. With their guest's unique insights and expertise, this promises to be an engaging conversation about the future of AI.
Book reference: Ruha Benjamin (2019), Race After Technology: Abolitionist Tools for the New Jim Code
2023-04-141h 08PhDamnEpisode 8: Damn, I believe in this s***? - The Pseudoscience EpisodeHave you ever read your horoscope? Done a Myers-Briggs test? Even checked your genealogy on 23&Me? This week, the ladies talk about all things pseudoscience including our own astrologies and personality tests but also how these beliefs can conflict (or support) our research.
2023-03-311h 23PhDamnEpisode 7: Damn, I'm a doctor? (ft. Dr Frane Babarovic)What happens when you finally finish your PhD? This week, the PhDamn divas speak to DOCTOR Frane Babarovic on completing the doctorate, reflections of the last three years and... the Eurovision song contest?!
Follow Frane @FBabarovic on Twitter!
2023-03-171h 37PhDamnEpisode 6: Damn, I need to be supervised?!Love them or hate them, supervisors are an essential part of any PhD journey. In this week's episode, we dive deep into what it's like to work with a supervisor. From initial introductions to our evolving relationships (cough-cough), we discuss the dynamics, power hierarchies, and negotiation of expectations between supervisors and PhD students.
2023-02-241h 13PhDamnEpisode 5: Damn, why are we striking? (ft. Nick Burke)This month the UK had its biggest day of strikes in history. Amongst the teachers, nurses, rail and bus strikers were university workers. The PhDamn ladies talk about our feelings on these strikes along with our special guest, Nick!
2023-02-1049 minPhDamnEpisode 4: Damn, am I gay enough? (ft. Mateus Lira)How does being Brazilian, gay, an architect and an activist (*gasps for air*) shape your doctoral research? This week we invite our friend, Mateus to talk about the ups and downs of his PhD experience.
2023-01-271h 05PhDamnEpisode 3: Damn, why are we HERE? - The Migration EpisodeHow does migration affect your PhD and identity? The PhDamn divas discuss just that using object elicitation. Explore our pride and cognitive dissonances through our objects that remind us of migration.
2023-01-131h 06PhDamnEpisode 2: Damn, dare we aspire?When asked 'why are you doing a PhD?', finding an answer can be super difficult. In light of the New Year (whoop whoop), the PhDamn ladies talk about their reasons for doing a PhD as well as their short and long term aspirations.
2022-12-3059 minPhDamnEpisode 1: Damn, what are we doing?In the very first episode of PhDamn, Lara, Merissa and Pragya (somewhat chaotically) describe what our PhD projects are about, our humble beginnings and the things that are currently driving us up the wall.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @phdamnpod
2022-12-161h 08PhDamnPhDamn: Official TrailerJoin Lara, Merissa and Pragya in the podcast for damned PhD students. We talk all things studying, sex and social justice while trying to not drive ourselves up the wall for the next three years!
2022-12-1300 min