Shows
educated but confusedacademia on fireIs science even real anymore? What is real? And do people still believe in science? Just when we thought grad school couldn’t get more chaotic, the NIH funding landscape threw us a curveball.This week, Avery and Yassine dive into the messy realities of pursuing science in uncertain times, from funding struggles to the bigger question of how we connect research to real-world impact. We also check in on our PhD journeys... and yes, we have updates on Avery’s dating life too.🧠 -As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Co...
2025-08-171h 16
educated but confusedFourth Year Confessions: Grants, Goals, and the Glorious NeeDoh GumdropIt's Year 4 for the Educated But Confused podcast! Join Yassine and Avery for personal and professional updates, a deep dive into the challenges of transitioning after grant work or big deadlines, and the inside scoop on fourth year. Plus, we're spilling the tea and de-stressing with NeeDoh Gumdrops. As always, stay educated and seek confusion!Get connected with us:Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.comSupport us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused
2025-03-1959 min
educated but confusedMentorship & Legacy with Dr. Daniel Tranel: A Standing OvationHello, listeners—It is with the deepest honor, respect, and gratitude that we, Avery and Yassine, bring you this truly special episode. Our guest is none other than Dr. Daniel Tranel—Professor of Neurology, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Senior Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, and Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Iowa. These titles barely scratch the surface of his contributions to science and mentorship, for which we owe him immense gratitude.Join us in this meaningful conversation as we celebrate Dr. Tranel’s impact...
2025-03-131h 24
educated but confusedgritty but beratedIn today’s episode, Yassine and Avery wrap up their third year of grad school, reflecting on key lessons learned and setting intentions for the year ahead. Join us as we look back, plan forward, and embrace the chaos and clarity of academic life.—As always, stay educated and seek confusion!💡 Get in touch: 📩 Email us at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com 🎙️ Support the show: Join our Patreon at patreon.com/educatedbutconfused
2025-03-051h 09
educated but confused"The Guts and the Will" with Val SotoIn this episode, Avery and Yassine catch up with Val, one of the original hosts of educated but confused who co-founded the show with them before leaving last year after completing his Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa. Val is now teaching at Southern Oregon University, and we dive into his journey and all the new directions he’s taken in life and work since stepping away from academia.We start off strong with Yassine's thought-provoking question: What are Val’s views on the gut microbiome, and how does it impact brain function, free will...
2024-11-1332 min
educated but confusedA Day in a life of Neuroscience Graduate Students: Forming Routines and Habits Hello ebc crew-Routines, repetitive behaviors, habits, good juju, whatever you want to call it, let’s unpack what exactly we do on our day-to-days as graduate students.In this episode, Avery and Yassine take a deep dive into evaluating their current routines, open up about adapting to changes in behaviors due to seasonal shifts, emotional states, and environmental influences, the importance of sticking with non-negotiables, implementing positive habits, and so much more.We also bring back the drinks of choice, so we hope you have your favorite beverage in hand, and invite yo...
2024-11-061h 43
educated but confusedTaking care of plants in grad school: a symbol for building confidence and finding balanceHello, EBC crew!Avery and Yassine are back at it again with the green plan(t)z (bad meme reference, but stay with us). In this episode, recorded on a warm July evening in our favorite plant-filled bar, we catch up on our research and personal journeys. We dive into healthy ways to approach imposter syndrome, share our tips for creating an inspo repo and carving out time for intentional reflection, give updates on our research progress, and explore what it takes to be a good plant parent and a social magnet. Welcome to the melting pot—a...
2024-10-3059 mineducated but confusedEmotional Intelligence in Academia: Goals, Gratitude, and GrowthIn this episode, Avery and Yassine reflect on the journey of launching the EBC podcast and share the personal significance this project holds for them. They then dive into updates on their current research endeavors, including Avery’s Prospectus preparation and Yassine’s dissertation project planning. As they explore these topics, they discuss the value of pausing amidst stress to evaluate emotions, emphasizing the need to recognize the challenges of transitioning between the highs and lows of the grad school marathon. So, sit back, grab your favorite drink, and join the conversation!-As always, stay educated and seek...
2024-08-2347 min
educated but confusedRunning on the Academic Treadmill and Living in the Valley of Despair Hello ebc crew!Step into the comforting ambiance of our favorite coffee haunt ~The Java House~ where the aroma of freshly brewed beans mingles with the warmth of candid conversation. With noses sniffly but spirits high, we embark on an enriching journey through the complexities of grant writing, the delicate dance of work-life balance, and the intriguing concept of "Conquering Mount Stupid." From navigating the intricacies of grant applications to sharing hard-won insights on maintaining equilibrium in our hectic lives, we brew up a stimulating blend of practical advice and introspective musings. So, pull up a chair...
2024-07-2434 min
educated but confusedEBC Beyond the Lab: A Graduate Student's Survival Guide to Exploring LifeHello EBC Crew! Welcome to another episode where we embark on a journey, from the West to the East and back to the Midwest, exploring life beyond the laboratory. 🌍 Whether it's for better or worse, we're diving into the experiences awaiting us outside those lab walls. In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, from the intricacies of the NIH’s F31 to the art of writing, maintaining focus, staying organized, and practicing mindfulness. 🧠✍️ We might even touch on some unexpected subjects, like... bad haircuts? 💇♀️💇♂️So sit back, relax, and join us on this adventure! We hope you enjoy the ride!As a...
2024-07-101h 32
educated but confusedFinding life balance and prioritizing tasks in grad schoolChristmas is in the air this June, Yassine and Avery share how things went in November and plans for the winter break over some delicious boba tea (the sippage is crazy for you ASMR lovers :)). Yassine talks about F31 application prep, balanced with seeing family and attending conferences- as well as what makes a successful person. Avery discusses an emotional poster preparation, goals for the break and upcoming travel plans. Get connected: Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :) Support us by joining...
2024-06-2737 min
educated but confusedThe Great EBC ComebackLook at us. Hey. Look at us. Look at us. Huh. Who would’ve thought? Not me.EBC CREW WE ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER WE HOPE YOU ARE AS EXCITED AS WE ARE!!Drumroll please! Now announcing the theme of season 3: cut the BS (lol get it), now reporting grad school unhinged. This season we bring you along our individual grad school journeys. In all honesty, the theme of this season is vulnerability and authenticity. We have found so much inspiration in connecting with others and their st...
2024-06-1434 mineducated but confusedThe Great EBC InterludeIt's time for a hiatus. Join hosts Val, Avery, & Yassine in a discussion about transitions. There are big changes on the horizon for each, so tune-in to hear this roundtable chat and navigate this transition with us!Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future). Thanks for listening, and as always, stay educated and seek confusion!
2023-07-0256 mineducated but confusedThe Great EBC InterludeIt's time for a hiatus. Join Val, Avery, and Yassine as we talk about transitions and what's coming up for us as the hosts of educated but confused. Avery and Yassine are prepping for comps, but tune-in to hear what Val has on the horizon! We will reconvene in November once the dust settles from these transitions. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening, and as always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).
2023-07-0156 mineducated but confusedThe Great EBC InterludeIt's time for a hiatus. Join Val, Avery, and Yassine as we talk about transitions and what's coming up for the hosts of educated but confused.Avery and Yassine are prepping for comps!Tune-in to hear what Val has on the horizon!We will reconvene in November once everything calms down. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening. As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).
2023-07-0157 mineducated but confusedDiscussing mentorship with Don Robin and Noah Waller Season 2 - we are interviewing people who inspire us. In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Don Robin. Avery and second guest, Noah Waller, talk with Don about our experiences with mentorship. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).FACT CHECK!At some point we said that all science holds a materialist view. This is not necessarily true. There are other views such as dualism that are held, however materialism...
2023-06-011h 13educated but confusedA conversation about data science with Teon Brooks! Season 2 - we are interviewing people who inspire us. In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Teon Brooks! We discuss Teon’s educational journey and experience as a data scientist. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Join our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future).FACT CHECK!Did we solve physics?Nothing is wrong with physics to our knowledge, but it's fun to pretend we solved it!Are there le...
2023-05-011h 17educated but confusedA conversation on free will with Justin SiplaJoin our email list to get notified when new episodes drop (and merch in the near future). In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Justin Sipla! We discuss Justin's neuroanatomy course and the concept of free will. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :); we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.FACT CHECK!Do we have volition over walking?Yes, we do have volition, or the ability to make conscious choices, over walking. Walking is an activity that is primarily controlled by our motor cortex and cerebellum...
2023-03-311h 12educated but confusedSeason 2 TrailerDid you miss us?? We are back with a new season where we focus on talking with people who inspire us! Sign up for our mailing list! Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at educatedbutconfused@gmail.com & follow us on twitter @theEBCpod :)
2023-03-3101 min
educated but confusedLex Gómez talks dissertation and postdoc life!In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Lex Gómez! We discuss Lex's experience finished her dissertation and starting as a postdoctoral position.Join our email list! Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!While Pennsylvania and Iowa are close in latitude, they are not the same. Pennsylvania is located on latitude 41 and Iowa is on latitude 42.SourceIt seems as though men’s pant sizing, generally across brands, follows a Waist/Length measurement, whe...
2023-02-0152 min
educated but confusedProspectus reflection with Bill Milanick!In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Bill Milanick! We discuss Bill's experience with his prospectus.Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!While in space, do bones lose density?Up to 2% of bone density per month is lost when astronauts spend prolonged periods of time in space.SourceDoes weightlifting increase bone density?During weight training, the added weight can stress bones, thus...
2022-12-311h 32
educated but confusedTaking comps with Gage Liddiard! In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Gage Liddiard! We discuss Gage's experience taking his comprehensive exam.Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!Does Yassine glow in the dark?Yassine does not in fact glow in the dark - trust us, we tried.Resveratrol health benefits?Resveratrol has been detected in more than 70 plant species, especially in grapes’ skin and seeds, and was found in discrete amounts in red wines and va...
2022-12-011h 15
educated but confusedTaking comps with Gage Liddiard! In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Gage Liddiard! We discuss Gage's experience taking his comprehensive exam.Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.Fact check!Yassine does not in fact glow in the dark - trust us, we tried. Resveratrol? Source Resveratrol has been detected in more than 70 plant species, especially in grapes’ skin and seeds, and was found in discrete amounts in red wines and various human foods. Resveratrol possesses a very hi...
2022-11-301h 15
educated but confusedGet ready for comps with Mekhla Singhania! In today's episode, our guest of honor is... Mekhla Singhania! We discuss Mekhla's experience preparing for her comprehensive exam. Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thanks for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion. Fact check!The term theory of mind was established in the 1978 paper by David Premack and Guy Woodruff. Theory of mind refers to the ability to understand and think about the mental states of other people.Approved by the FDA in 2010, botulinum toxin injections (Botox) may serve as a potential treatment for chronic...
2022-10-3159 mineducated but confusedStarting grad school with Kayla Howerton!Hello, and welcome to season 1. In today’s episode, our guest of honor is… Kayla Howerton! Follow us on twitter @theEBCpod; we appreciate the love. Thank you for listening :) As always, stay educated and seek confusion.-Val, Yassine, Avery.Fact Check:According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, bread and baked goods with mold should be discarded as they can be contaminated below the surface.Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, director of the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, conducted a study providing some evidence that people may have d...
2022-09-301h 22
educated but confusedpilotHello, and Welcome All! Today marks the inauguration of our Podcast, educated but confused! In today's episode; we introduce the team, give our professional backgrounds, and motivations behind creating this podcast, as well as set the groundwork for the general layout of the episodes to come! Thank you for listening :) Please follow our brand new Twitter @theebcpod, we would appreciate some love! As always, stay educated and seek confusion - Val, Yassine, Avery.Fact Check!In today’s episode, Yassine mentions that we should be eating 53 different types of fruits and vegetables a week for ou...
2022-09-0131 min