Best Career Paths For PhDs Podcasts (2025)

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Getting Tenure with Candace Receno, Ph.D. (Ithaca College) 41:45

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6h ago41:45

41:45

We have talked about how to get the coveted tenure-track job on Gradcast, but we've never really discussed what it's actually like to get tenure! I was so glad that Candace Receno, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Graduate Program Chair, Exercise Science and Athletic Training at Ithaca College, newly-tenured, could join me in a great conversation abo…

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Drug Discovery in Biopharma with Matt Harlow, PhD 23:54

2h ago23:54

23:54

Dr. Matt Harlow, PhD, Senior Scientist at TRIANA Biomedicines, shares his path since Vanderbilt and his daily work life in drug discovery.By Vanderbilt University

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AI's place in the job search with Maren Wood, Ph.D. 34:44

4h ago34:44

34:44

"In a world of robots, be a human," says Maren Wood, Ph.D., CEO and director of the Center for Graduate Career Success, home of Beyond the Professoriate, an invaluable career exploration platform brought to you by the Graduate School. But what does that mean in the context of job searching? How and in what ways should we use AI in our job search, h…

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Competitive Intelligence Consulting with Laura Geben, PhD 37:45

6h ago37:45

37:45

Dr. Geben shares about her role as a consultant with Anchor Point Consulting, specifically in competitive intelligence. She also shares about her time working abroad, being 100% remote, and the opportunities she purused in grad school to land her current role.By Vanderbilt University

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Private High School Teaching with a PhD 24:40

10h ago24:40

24:40

I've known Allison Alberts, Ph.D. (English Literature, Fordham University) since our days in grad school together--I owe her a ton for all the reviewing and constructive conversation about my work to this day! I was delighted, then, to have her on the podcast talking about her career as a private high school English teacher, since many people are i…

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Bioinformatics in Industry with Tim Shaver, PhD 24:38

7d ago24:38

24:38

Dr. Shaver shares about his role at Natera as their Associate Director of Bioinformatics.By Vanderbilt University

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Personal Finances for PhDs - Emily Roberts, Ph.D. 20:03

25d ago20:03

20:03

Emily Roberts (Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Duke University) made a big pivot from her research to her current role as founder of Personal Finance for Ph.D.s https://pfforphds.com/, helping fellow Ph.D. students and degree holders navigate the world of budgeting while getting a Ph.D. I'm happy to announce that Dr. Roberts will be joining us on Fr…

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Nonprofit Program Administration with Roslin Thoppil, PhD 30:09

14d ago30:09

30:09

Dr. Roslin Thoppil, PhD, shares about her role with the American Association for Cancer Research where she leads the development and execution of national and international scientific conferences and educational initiatives. Her role involves close collaboration with top cancer scientists and clinicians from across the globe, ensuring the delivery …

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Competitive Intelligence Consulting with Gabriela Santos, PhD 20:59

27d ago20:59

20:59

Dr. Santos tells us about her role as a consulting with a firm that focuses on competitive intelligence. She shares about her post-PhD path in industry while maintaining her love for science.By Vanderbilt University

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123. Be Right Back! 5:33

2M ago5:33

5:33

ANNOUNCEMENT: We're on break! Tune into the episode to find out why! While I'm on break, be sure to tune into the archives - I'm sure there's an episode there with your name on it! Make sure you also subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss when my next new episode drops! You can also sign up here to receive periodical check-ins from me by email …

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122. Before You Quit... 34:17

2M ago34:17

34:17

Thinking about quitting your PhD? You’re not alone—I've been there. But before you make that call, this episode walks you through 7 powerful questions and mindset shifts that could change everything... What if there’s still a way forward that honours both your ambition and your motherhood? In this episode, I’m sharing what I wish someone had told m…

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121. "I Met Myself": How PhD Motherhood Became a Path to Self-Discovery with Dr Nonhlanhla Dube a.k.a. Dr Noni 1:43:29

2M ago1:43:29

1:43:29

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by an incredible guest: a Zimbabwean-born academic, content creator, and mother - Dr Nonhlanhla Dube (a.k.a. Dr Noni) - whose path to a PhD took her across continents, through two undergrad degrees, a prestigious scholarship, and finally, a research post in the Netherlands. We talk about: How rejection redirecte…

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120. 10 Powerful Affirmations for Scholarly Mamas® 31:38

2M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode, I’m sharing (and discussing) 10 powerful affirmations specifically for Scholarly Mamas®—words to ground you when the workload is heavy, the juggle-struggle gets tricky, the guilt creeps in, or the doubt gets loud. Whether you’re deep in PhD mode while juggling little ones, or just trying to hold it all together, these affirmations …

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119. Is PhD Motherhood An Art or A Science? 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

Ever wondered if there was a perfect formula or set of steps for navigating your PhD journey well as a Mama? If you’ve tried all the time management hacks and productivity tools but still feel like something’s missing… you are not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking a big question: Is scholarly motherhood an art or a science? Spoiler — it’s not…

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118. Secrets to Running Your Own PhD Race (Even As A Mama) with Dr Blessing Adeniyi 54:21

3M ago54:21

54:21

What happens when a sustainability policy analyst decides to pursue a PhD (while juggling family life)? Most people would call it impossible. Dr Blessing Adeniyi called it her PhD Race. Fresh off completing her PhD in Sustainability Management, Dr Blessing joins us for an honest conversation about doing her PhD as a Mama. Through The PhD Race, she'…

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117. Does Success Require An 'Unhealthy Obsession'? 34:57

3M ago34:57

34:57

What does it really take to achieve success— and is it worth the cost? In this episode, I reflect on a recent video I saw on YouTube, by a former doctor turned entrepreneur who suggested that financial success requires an “unhealthy obsession” and intense personal sacrifice. Join me as I unpack his perspective and why it may not apply to other type…

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116. The Resilient Rise: From Juggling a PhD, Parenthood and a Pandemic To Landing a Leadership Role in Academia with Dr Milensu Shanyinde 48:53

4M ago48:53

48:53

What does it really take to pursue a PhD while raising two children, juggling work life, and living through a global pandemic? In this special guest episode, I sit down with Dr Milensu Shanyinde from the Work Academic Mum blog, a Zambian-born, now UK-based Lead Medical Statistician whose journey through academia has been anything but conventional. …

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115. The Freedom of Yes 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

What if we've been conditioned to say 'no' by defalut, and this the thing that's holding us back? In this revolutionary episode, we explore the unexpected power of a well-placed yes—not the kind that drains you, but the kind that expands you. For Scholarly Mamas® navigating academia, parenting, and ambition, this conversation reimagines what’s poss…

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Medical Director in Industry with Keely Gilroy, PhD 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

Dr. Keely Solomon Gilroy, PhD, shares her path from Medical Science Liaison to Science Communication to now a Medical Director in Industry.By Vanderbilt University

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114. Reflective Replay of "What To Do When Your Best Doesn't Feel Good Enough" 22:01

4M ago22:01

22:01

Reflective Replay: Ever held back the tears after receiving a rejection letter, email or phone call so your kids wouldn't see you cry? In this raw and real episode, we're tackling the gut-punch moments of academic life as a Mama – from grant rejections to viva struggles. Whether you're questioning your place in academia or wondering how to pick you…

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Medical Writing with Emily Turner, PhD 18:03

4M ago18:03

18:03

Dr. Emily Turner shares her career projection on the road to medical writing.By Vanderbilt University

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113. Editing the Script and Leaving Academia: How Dr Paulina Cossette Redefined Success 1:02:17

4M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

What happens when the academic dream and motherhood collide? In this eye-opening episode, former political science academic Dr Paulina Cossette reveals her journey from working seven exhausting days a week as a tenure track professor to becoming an entrepreneur with a thriving six-figure business that allows her the freedom and joy she needed. Tune…

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Scientific Publishing with Tony Chen, PhD 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

We kick off Season 8 with Vanderbilt alumnus Dr. Tony Chen, PhD, who will share about his role in publishing at Springer Nature.By Vanderbilt University

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112. Becoming More of You in Scholarly Motherhood 27:06

4M ago27:06

27:06

What if the version of success you’ve been chasing isn’t actually yours? In this episode, we crack open the myth of the “ideal Scholarly Mama®” and ask a bold question: What does real freedom look like for Mamas juggling PhD life, careers, and family life in 2025? If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing instead of living, this conversation will …

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111. Rediscovering Self: Who Were You Before The World Gave You Labels? 29:46

5M ago29:46

29:46

Who are you beyond “Mum,” “Dr,” “Wife,” "Daughter", or “Manager”? In this soul-stirring episode, we explore what happens when we strip away the titles, roles, and responsibilities we carry—and come face-to-face with the essence of who we truly are. If you’ve ever felt lost beneath your labels or longed to reconnect with the woman within, this conve…

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110. When The Plan Falls Apart... 16:07

5M ago16:07

16:07

When life throws you a curveball — a sick child with work commitments, looming deadlines, a mountain of shifting responsibilities — how do you keep going without losing yourself? This week, I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how everything in my carefully planned schedule unravelled when our youngest came down with chickenpox... and the powerf…

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109. Purpose in the Pause: An Easter Reflection 29:24

5M ago29:24

29:24

What if the season you’re in — the slow, silent, in-between of this journey — is not a detour or hindrance to your success, but part of navigating Scholarly Motherhood by design? In this special Easter-themed episode, we step away from the hustle and into a moment of reflection. Drawing gentle inspiration from the life, death, and resurrection of J…

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108. Reframing Breaks: How to Rest Without Guilt 25:28

5M ago25:28

25:28

In this episode, we explore why rest is essential—not optional—for Scholarly Mamas®. Academic culture often glorifies constant productivity, leaving Mamas on doctoral journeys caught between scholarly demands and family responsibilities. We discuss how intentional breaks enhance your academic work, strategies for incorporating rest without guilt, a…

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107. Two Years of Podcasting: Looking Back & Moving Forward 22:22

5M ago22:22

22:22

In this special reflective episode, I celebrate two years of the Mrs Mummy PhD® podcast by sharing the journey from recording my first episode to building a community of Scholarly Mamas®. Join me as I reflect on how we can blend academic excellence with present motherhood and share my vision for the next chapter of our growing movement of Scholarly…

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106. Are You Fishing for Success or Cultivating Growth? 28:22

6M ago28:22

28:22

Are you fishing for big, quick wins, or are you farming for lasting growth? In this episode, we dive into a powerful shift in mindset: the difference between chasing immediate results (fishing) and patiently nurturing long-term success (farming). The initial spark for this conversation came from a casual chat with my friend Dra Yvette from Grad Sch…

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105. Running on Empty? Do This First If You Want to Lead Well... 33:24

6M ago33:24

33:24

Are you feeling stretched thin between your PhD, your family, and everything in between? In this episode, we’re diving into why filling your own cup first is essential—not just for your well-being, but for your success as a Scholarly Mama® leader. We’ll talk about: Why filling your cup first isn’t selfish—it’s leadership How imposter syndrome and g…

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104. Expectation without Expectations: How to Thrive As a Scholarly Mama 29:28

6M ago29:28

29:28

Are you constantly feeling weighed down by others' expectations while trying to blend motherhood and doctoral study? In this powerful episode, we explore how to let go of what's holding you back in your Scholarly Mama® journey. We address the paradox of having hope and expectation without being constrained by unrealistic expectations of others, wit…

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103. Thinking Beyond the PhD 16:42

6M ago16:42

16:42

Who are you becoming on your PhD journey? Although a PhD journey can feel all-consuming, it's worth pausing now and again and giving some thought to life beyond the PhD and the impact you can and will create once you have finished your PhD. This episode is a timely reminder of why the 'becoming' matters so much and how you can begin to think beyond…

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102. Reflective Replay of "I've Submitted My PhD Thesis: Raw Reflections On The Remarkable Moment" 36:45

7M ago36:45

36:45

It's so interesting to reflect now and again! Today I'm reflecting on the episode where I recorded my raw emotional response to submitting my PhD thesis after 8 years and what that felt like back in May 2023! I hope re-listening to this reflective replay will be helpful for you in visualising your own 'successful submission moment' when it comes. I…

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101. "Coming to the Page..." How to Love the Writer Within & Write With Joy with Natalya Androsova, PhD 1:03:41

7M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Want to transform your writing from a source of stress to a source of joy? In this episode, we sit down with Natalya Androsova PhD, an award-winning writing coach who has helped many writers complete their PhD theses, dissertations, books, and articles over her career thus far. But what makes Natalya's approach unique is her deep understanding of h…

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Ashley Watson, Ph.D. 27:11

7M ago27:11

27:11

In this episode, Ashley Watson, Assistant Professor of Communication at SUNY Geneseo, discusses the research behind her recently completed dissertation, “Born Unveiled: The Process, Protest, and Product of Racialization among International Black African Collegians in U.S. Graduate Education” (University of Minnesota, 2024).…

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100. Celebrating 100 Episodes & Permission to Think Differently 19:46

7M ago19:46

19:46

Mama, we've made it to 100 episodes! Can you believe it? This is indeed a milestone worthy of celebration! Come, tune in and join in the celebrations :-) In addition to that, we go deep in this episode too! It's truly how we roll around here... Because sometimes as a Scholarly Mama® it can feel like this whole real life juggling act feels 'peripher…

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Interstride--a Career Platform for International Students 13:37

7M ago13:37

13:37

Syracuse is now home to a fantastic resource for international students!Interstride is an interactive portal supporting international students in their job search, immigration journey, and community building. If you've ever been unsure of where to look for jobs with employers who are willing to sponsor, this is the place. If you've had questions ab…

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99. How to Consistently Show Up For Your Dreams 33:56

7M ago33:56

33:56

Ready to know how you can consistently show up for your Scholarly Mama® dreams? In this episode, we're diving into the powerful mindset shifts that can help you achieve your PhD goals while embracing the joy of Motherhood. Discover why your unique path as a Scholarly Mama® isn't just valid – it might be your secret superpower. We explore key game-c…

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Telling Your Research Story, Mallory Fix-Lopez 16:50

8M ago16:50

16:50

Mallory Fix-Lopez discusses her consultancy Language ConnectED, which provides research communication and professional development trainings for academics. Fix-Lopez will visit Syracuse on February 28, 2025, to deliver a 4-hour workshop for international grad students on “Telling Your Research Story.”…

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98. The 5 Hidden Traps Scholarly Mamas Fall Into and How to Spot Them 40:35

8M ago40:35

40:35

In this insightful episode, we explore why purpose matters more than perfection when navigating your PhD journey as a Mama. We dive deep into five hidden traps that often sabotage progress toward your goals as a Scholarly Mama®. Learn practical strategies for managing these common challenges and discover why focusing on consistent, purposeful progr…

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Where Are We with Career Paths for PhDs? 29:43

8M ago29:43

29:43

Ten years after the Report of the MLA Task Force on the Future of Doctoral Education in Modern Language and Literature, task force chair Russell Berman (German and Comparative Literature, Stanford) reflects on which of the report’s recommendations have had traction over the past decade, which goals have been elusive, and where we stand now with eff…

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97. From Overwhelmed to Award-Winning: How I Finished My PhD Well 13:16

8M ago13:16

13:16

In this episode, I discuss some of the challenges of navigating PhD life as a Mama and the emotional toll this can take on us all. I also take you back to one of the pivotal moments in my journey when I was deep in the throes of the juggle-struggle and how I was able to reconnect with my vision for academic success. Not only did I finish my PhD as …

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Suzanne Ortega, Council of Graduate Schools 26:44

8M ago26:44

26:44

As president of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), Suzanne Ortega, Ph.D. advocates for graduate issues, leads research projects, and fosters best practices in graduate education. In this episode, Ortega discusses CGS’s mission, her role with the organization, and what institutions can do to improve graduate experiences and outcomes. If you've e…

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96. Why Scholarly Mamas Don't Need More Productivity Hacks (+ What They Need Instead) 28:04

8M ago28:04

28:04

In this episode, I challenge the common belief that more productivity hacks are the answer to succeeding in your PhD journey as a Mama. Drawing from lived experiences, I explain why traditional productivity approaches often fall short for Scholarly Mamas®. I share what Scholarly Mamas® actually need instead of more productivity hacks! Remember Mama…

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95. From Stuck and Stressed To Submitted: How I Finished My PhD Thesis As a Mama of 3 28:43

8M ago28:43

28:43

In this deeply personal episode, I'm taking you back to January 2022 when I was returning from maternity leave with our third son and facing what felt like an impossible task - completing my 100k-worded PhD thesis in 16 months on part-time hours. I share how I went from nearly quitting to creating "Operation PhD Thesis," the strategic approach that…

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94. Making Space for Progress: The Amazing Power of Focused Effort 16:01

9M ago16:01

16:01

Happy New Year 2025! Let's start 2025 strong with practical strategies for creating focused, intentional progress in both your PhD journey and family life. Learn how to create sacred spaces for your academic work, maximise "micro-progress" moments, and develop family-friendly boundaries that honour both your studies and your loved ones. Key Takeawa…

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93. 7 Surprising Things That Made My Year in 2024 27:56

9M ago27:56

27:56

In this timely, year-end episode, I reflect on the year 2024 and share 7 surprising things that made my year. This wasn't a year of obvious HUGE wins but when I gave it some thought I realised that the things that made my year were indeed quite significant because perspective is everything... I can't wait to share them with you in this reflective e…

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92. All I Want For Christmas Is... 17:02

9M ago17:02

17:02

In this heartfelt episode, I challenge the conventional academic mindset that prioritises publications, citations, and grants above all else. Partly inspired by a thought-provoking Instagram reel, by testimonies and lived experiences, I explore why pursuing external measures of academic success at the expense of what truly matters can lead to burno…

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91. Caught Up In The Holiday Chaos? This Stopped Me In My Tracks! 16:58

9M ago16:58

16:58

In this powerful episode, I share a transformative moment witnessed in a crowded festive shopping scene – where a Mama shopper's unexpected blackout reveals the raw, vulnerable truth about what really matters during the Christmas holiday season. *Warning: Some listeners may find the details shared in this episode upsetting, please look after your m…