Explore every episode of the podcast The Grad Coach Podcast

If you're working a literature review or just going down the academic reading rabbit hole, this one is for you. Today, we're discussing how to work smarter, not harder, to speed up reading academic papers. We'll dive into key strategies like categorizing and prioritizing your reading list, skimming, scanning, and focusing on your research questions. Plus, we'll talk about why sometimes there's no substitute for putting in the hard work. 

OVERVIEW:

00:00 Introduction
01:30 Categorizing and Prioritizing
01:55 Understanding Research Methods
02:32 Reading with Intention and Critical Thinking
09:03 Skimming and Scanning
17:59 Balancing Hard Work and Smart Strategies
26:04 Practical Tips and University Guidelines
28:08 Final Thoughts

KEY RESOURCES:

📝 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
🎓 1-ON-1 PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
📚 RESEARCH BOOTCAMPS: https://gradcoach.com/online-courses/
🖋️ GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

If you've ever considered paying someone (or some AI tool) to write your dissertation or thesis for you, you need to watch this. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Amy Murdoch discuss the pitfalls of getting someone else to write for you - and why it's far worse than you might think.

OVERVIEW: DISSERTATION WRITING SERVICES

00:00 Introduction 
01:08 The Dangers of Academic Misconduct
02:18 The Role of AI in Academia
04:36 Scammers and the Risks of Outsourcing
06:24 Authenticity
15:23 Ethics and Morality in Academia
24:06 Final Thoughts

KEY RESOURCES:

📝 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
🎓 1-ON-1 PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
📚 RESEARCH BOOTCAMPS: https://gradcoach.com/online-courses/
🖋️ GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Hit a sticking point in your dissertation? That's okay. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Dr. Ethar and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into how to get unstuck during the dissertation process, especially if you've taken a long break and are struggling to get back on track. Don't forget to check out our free templates and other resources to fast-track your dissertation journey - https://gradcoach.com/templates/

OVERVIEW:

00:00 Introduction
00:57 Getting Unstuck in the Dissertation Process
02:03 Rediscovering Your WHY
06:12 Be The Squeaky Wheel
18:42 Break Down the Pieces of the Puzzle
29:32 Recap + FREE Resources

KEY RESOURCES:

📄 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
📚 ONE-ON-ONE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
📝 THE GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Podcast catalogue at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcb33xNTVUnxw2tzMpRsyT0C7pErHxFa

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode, Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of academic research. In it, we discuss the lack of transparency in academia, the myth that universities are always right, and the importance of self-reliance. Don't forget to grab our free dissertation template and consider signing up for a coach to guide you along the way. 

OVERVIEW:

00:00 Introduction
01:06 Deeper, Darker Truth #1: Universities Aren't Always Right
02:27 Taking Ownership and Being Proactive
06:44 Deeper, Darker Truth #2: Fear of Failure
09:31 Practical Steps to Overcome Challenges
12:22 Deeper, Darker Truth #3: No Shortcuts in Academia
17:29 Planning for Excellence and Time Management
21:29 Final Thoughts

KEY RESOURCES:

📄 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
📚 ONE-ON-ONE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
📝 THE GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Podcast catalogue at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcb33xNTVUnxw2tzMpRsyT0C7pErHxFa

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

If you've got a viva voce, thesis defense or dissertation defense coming up, this one is for YOU! In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar share three essential tips to help you prepare and present confidently. 

00:00 Introduction
00:31 Disclaimer
01:51 Understanding Your Study and Department's Approach
11:44 Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses
23:44 Investing in Your Presentation
31:47 Final Thoughts 
35:55 Get Help with Your Viva Voce

KEY RESOURCES:

Questions You Need To Prepare For - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JHBpj1H9LA
Companion Post - https://gradcoach.com/viva-voce-defense/
Get 1:1 Help With Your Defense - https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-defense-viva-voce/
Free Templates & Resources - https://gradcoach.com/blog/

If you need help preparing for your viva voce or thesis defense, check out our flagship Private Coaching service - https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-defense-viva-voce/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Struggling with writer’s block while crafting your dissertation, thesis or research project? In this episode of the Grad Coach podcast, Derek and Ethar dive into the challenges of writer's block, especially for dissertation or thesis writers. 

Don't forget to grab our free dissertation template @ https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-thesis-template/

00:00 Introduction 
01:00 What Lies Beneath
01:40 Action Point 1: Stop Idealizing Perfection
09:15 Action Point 2: Use Note-Taking as a Writing Strategy
23:27 Action Point 3: Create the Right Environment
29:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

KEY RESOURCES:

FREE TEMPLATES & TOOLS: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
WORK WITH GRAD COACH: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Is perfectionism holding you back from getting your research project done? In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethan unpack what exactly perfectionism is (it’s not what you think) and how to beat it with three practical strategies. Join us as we dive into these techniques to help you move forward with your projects and goals.

00:00 Intro
00:51 Why Perfectionism is a Monster
02:55 Practice 1: Let Perfection Be Your Muse, Not Your Master
09:36 Practice 2: Get Comfortable Killing Your Babies
18:34 Practice 3: Redefine Perfectionism as Consistent Practice
24:20 The Journey Towards Perfection

KEY RESOURCES:

📄 FREE DISSERTATION & THESIS TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
🎓 FREE WEBINARS: https://gradcoach.com/free-webinars/
📚 BEST-SELLING COURSES: https://gradcoach.com/online-courses/
👩‍🏫 PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/

To learn more, visit the Grad Coach Blog at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Stuck in "All But Dissertation" status? In this episode of the Grad Coach podcast, Derek and Dr Ethar dive into the challenges of ABD (All But Dissertation) status and how to navigate it effectively. If you're toiling in ABD status or just want to take proactive action to avoid getting stuck, this is a must-watch!

OVERVIEW: ALL BUT DISSERTATION (ABD) STATUS

00:00 Intro
00:19 What exactly is "All But Dissertation"?
01:00 Defining ABD: Anxiety, Bad Faith, and Delusion
03:40 Strategies to Get Unstuck from ABD Status
12:27 The Power of Action Over Anxiety
21:11 Building Relationships and Avoiding Isolation
30:32 Wrapping Up + free dissertation template

FREE DISSERTATION TEMPLATE: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-thesis-template/
WORK WITH GRAD COACH: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/
GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode, we're diving into a slightly more spicy topic than usual: Why your dissertation or thesis isn't as epically important as you might think—and why that's a good thing! This episode is all about giving you some perspective so that you can craft a strong dissertation without losing your sanity along the way. PS - Don't forget to grab our free dissertation template and other resources over on the Grad Coach blog. Enjoy!

00:00 Welcome
00:53 Why Your Dissertation Isn't Everything
02:01 The Real Value of Your Dissertation
05:53 Navigating Academic Expectations
11:47 The True Impact of Your Dissertation on Your Career
19:28 The Real Prize
29:58 Wrapping Up and Resources

KEY RESOURCES:

FREE DISSERTATION TEMPLATE: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-thesis-template/
POWERFUL APPS TO HELP YOU: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-apps/
PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Learn about the insider secrets to academic success. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar delve into the unwritten laws of academia, exploring three simple but powerful practices that you can implement to optimise your academic journey.

00:00 Welcome
00:37 Unveiling the Unwritten Laws of Academia
00:42 Quality Over Quantity: Rethinking "Hard Work"
03:17 Engagement and Application: The Keys to Academic Excellence
09:40 Beyond the Gatekeepers: Building Relationships with Professors
18:16 Balance is BS
32:58 Final Thoughts and Resources

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode, we delve into the three essential habits that define highly successful students. Whether you're completely new to the academic world or you're stuck in the lonely depths of a PhD dissertation, this podcast offers rich insights into developing a sustainable framework for success.

00:00 Welcome
00:27 Critical Thinking
02:57 Premises and Conclusions
11:14 Consistent Reading
11:40 The Impact Of Reading
23:11 Forget About Motivation
25:21 The Philosophy of Mastery
27:31 Discipline Over Motivation
30:31 Goals and Action Plans
38:07 Prioritization and Focused Actions
41:59 Building Real Confidence Through Mastery
45:55 Concluding Thoughts

For more helpful information, be sure to visit the Grad Coach Blog at https://gradcoach.com/blog/.

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Writing a dissertation, thesis or any sort of formal academic research paper comes with a lot of challenges. Some are technical. Others are more psychological and emotional. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek Jansen (MBA) and Ethar Al-Saraf (PhD) unpack three of the most common struggles students face when undertaking academic research - and how to manage them.

OVERVIEW:

00:00 Welcome
00:42 Tackling the Challenge of Difficult Advisors
13:15 The Lonely Journey of Research and How to Navigate It
26:12 Mastering Focus with the Pomodoro Technique
28:30 Embracing the Struggle: The Journey of Research
30:28 Confronting Imposter Syndrome: Strategies and Insights
36:13 Harnessing Imposter Syndrome for Growth
43:18 Walking Your Unique Path: A Conclusion

KEY RESOURCES:

FREE Dissertation/Thesis Template: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-thesis-template/
Other Templates & Tools: https://gradcoach.com/templates/
The Grad Coach Blog: https://gradcoach.com/blog/
Private Coaching: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek is joined by Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf to discuss crucial insights for those embarking on or considering a PhD journey. If you're thinking about doing a PhD or if you're in the early stages of a doctoral program, you'll definitely want to catch this one!

00:00 Introduction
00:42 It's Not Just Intellectual Curiosity
08:25 Expectations vs. Reality
19:29 The Supervisor's Role in Your Success
38:10 Concluding Thoughts and FREE Resources

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode of the Grad Coach podcast, Derek is joined by Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf to discuss four cheat codes that can fast-track the process of crafting a convincing research proposal. If you're currently working on a proposal for a dissertation, thesis or any other academic research project, you won't want to miss this!

Key Resources: 

FREE PROPOSAL TEMPLATE: https://gradcoach.com/research-proposal-template/
FREE WEBINAR: https://gradcoach.com/webinar-research-proposal/
PROPOSAL BOOTCAMP: https://gradcoach.com/proposal-course/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode of the Grad Coach podcast, Derek is joined by Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf to discuss four cheat codes that can help you conquer the almighty methodology chapter. If you're feeling a little intimidated by research methodology, this one is for you!

Key Resources: 

FREE  TEMPLATE: https://gradcoach.com/methodology-template/
FREE WEBINAR: https://gradcoach.com/webinar-research-methodology/
METHODOLOGY BOOTCAMP: https://gradcoach.com/methodology-course/

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

In this episode of the Grad Coach podcast, Derek is joined by Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf to discuss four cheat codes that can fast-track the process of conducting a literature review. These include aligning the literature search with research aims and questions, planning a structure before writing, striving for analytical writing over descriptive writing, and using quote sandwiches. 

Key Resources: 

FREE LITERATURE REVIEW TEMPLATE: https://gradcoach.com/literature-review-template/
FREE WEBINAR: https://gradcoach.com/webinar-literature-review/
LITERATURE REVIEW BOOTCAMP: https://gradcoach.com/literature-review-course/
GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/
EXPLAINER VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeGIBS6XEJA

For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/