Nicole Patrie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies at MacEwan University, and a PhD student in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, specializing in Adult Education. Nicole has been involved in prison education at all levels: as a teacher, administrator, and now researcher, for over 15 years. Her research focus is on the role of education and learning in the criminal justice system. 

In this episode Nicole shares her own journey as a first generation PhD scholar.

We talk about a range of challenges from practical resources to self-confidence.  

We discuss hidden support systems and the importance of accessing the help you need.  Nicole encourages us all to ‘pay it forward’.

Nicole ends with an encouraging mantra that every PhD researcher needs to remember!

Contact details: website, email, social media

https://nicolepatrie.weebly.com/

patrien2@macewan.ca

@nicolepatrie.bsky.social 

@patrie_nicole (twitter)

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Vicky Laina is a learning scientist with a focus on educational technologies in mathematics teaching and learning. She designs and studies learning experiences where the use of technology can support epistemic transparency and collaborative thinking amongst youth, with the goal of helping students reimagine what doing mathematics can look and feel like. Vicky has lived, worked and studied in 5 different countries and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria.  

In this episode we explore the challenges and benefits of being an international PhD student.

Vicky shares tips about the application process and funding options.

She also opens up about the logistical problems of international study and how she navigated them.

We reflect on the cultural differences that may impact on your work but also on how the experience of studying abroad can enrich your journey.

You can make contact with Vicky here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasilikilaina/

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Elizabeth Yardley graduated from Aston Business School in 2007 with a PhD exploring young parent’s experiences of stigma. She has worked in UK universities since then, teaching and researching a range of social science subjects including sociology, social policy and criminology. In 2021, she set up Degree Doctor to help overwhelmed PhD students experiencing a range of issues including perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Her resources not only help students with the how-to elements of a PhD but support them as they navigate the messy and magical emotions of the doctoral journey.  

In this episode we discuss the challenges of procrastination during a PhD journey - including fear of failure and criticism.  We consider how procrastination can turn small tasks into massive ones, creating a vicious cycle of delay and emotional distress.

Elizabeth offers some practical strategies for dealing with procrastination as well as highlighting the underlying issues that may be at play.

She also emphasizes the importance of self compassion and leaves us with a game-changing top tip to help you keep your momentum going.

You can find out more about Elizabeth’s work here: 

Degree Doctor YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeDoctor 

Degree Doctor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedegreedoctor/ 

Degree Doctor Website https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/  

Direct link to Procrastination First Aid Worksheet https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/procrastination-first-aid-opt-in 

Etsy Shop - PhD Planners and Study Guides https://theplanningprofessor.etsy.com (Use code PHDLIFERAFT33 for 33% off anything in the shop) 

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

This week I talk to Professor Vernon Trafford about what a PhD examiner is looking for in your thesis.

Vernon Trafford is Professor Emeritus at Anglia Ruskin University, UK and Research Associate at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He has held visiting professorships in India, Scandinavia, Singapore, South Africa and consultancies for the British Council, OECD, UNICEF and the World Bank. His publications, conference presentations and workshops relate to the nature of doctorateness. 

In this conversation Vernon talks about his own unconventional route into academia.

We then dive into the issue of examiner expectations of a thesis.  Vernon outlines 4 different stances which your examiner might take - they may be attending to the philosophical underpinnings of the entire piece of work; they may be looking at evidence of scholarship; they may be seeing to identify post-doctoral capability as a supervisor or researcher; and/or they may be looking for  maturity of understanding by candidates of what they've done. 

We talk about the role of independent chairs within the Viva and why you shouldn’t listen to the viva horror stories!

Vernon outlines features that mean your thesis is more likely to pass and the importance of explaining what your research was about and what your “contribution to knowledge” is.

He also talks about the importance of smiling and if working towards making the viva as pleasurable activity as it can be.

You can find out more about Vernon’s work here: http://vernontrafford.com/

You can find his book Stepping Stones to Achieving Your Doctorate here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stepping-Stones-Achieving-your-Doctorate/dp/0335225438/ref=la_B0034PPLCA_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365518855&sr=1-1

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Do you want to Detox Your PhD?  Find out more about The PhD Life Raft course here:  https://emmab.kartra.com/page/detoxyourphd

This week’s episode picks up on some of the themes from last week in terms of negotiating caring responsibilities alongside completing research work but it also explores the importance of supporting diversity and inclusion in academia.

Jen Leigh is a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education and Academic Practice within the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Kent and, amongst many other things, the Vice-Chair (People) of WISC (Women in Supramolecular Chemistry).

In this episode Jen talks about her journey through two very different PhD experiences and what she learnt about the importance of choosing a good supervisor and of having a supportive community around you.

Jen outlines the work of WISC and explores the equality, diversity and inclusion issues that the association addresses through activities such as mentoring schemes and skills workshops and we discuss this as a model with the potential to be rolled out into other disciplines - bring on the revolution!!

Here are some helpful links:

WISC's website www.womeninsuprachem.com

The essay in Angewandte Chemie https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.202015297

WISC tweets as @suprachem with a dedicated public engagement account @labXX 

Let’s connect!

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Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This week’s episode focuses on the PhD and motherhood as Anna Woolf shares her insights and experiences.   

Anna is a Ph.D. candidate at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Her research examines socially engaged arts, health and applied theatre in relation to teenagers with the complex autoimmune disease juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  

In this interview Anna reflects on her personal connection to her PhD topic.  She also talks about how her life situation has meant that she has needed to work at her own pace through the project.

In this episode Anna identifies the ways in which caring responsibilities force you to focus.  

She talks about ‘slow academia’ and allowing ideas the time to percolate.  Anna talks about the ‘garden of research’ and how it is important to take time to tend to what you are trying to grow as well as allowing for cross pollination.  

Anna emphasizes the importance of a supportive community and of what she calls her “lady-gang”

Here is a link to Anna’s blog post on returning to study after having a baby:  https://motherofalllists.com/2018/08/03/going-back-to-study-after-a-baby-why/

Here is the link to The Slow Academic:  https://theslowacademic.com/

Here is the link to Kim Solga’s blog: https://theactivistclassroom.wordpress.com/

Here is a link to the work of Sue Mayo: http://www.suemayo.co.uk/

Here is a link to PhD and Early Career Researcher Parents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/776957585681408

You can contact Anna: 

anna.woolf.net

IG @socialmediamum

TW @annabosworth

Connect with the PhD Life Raft:

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This week we are exploring how to enjoy writing your PhD.

Our guest Dee Reynolds is a proofreader and copy editor, and an academic writing mentor.  She is a Professor Emerita (French Studies, University of Manchester) with a long career in research and publishing on topics ranging from French poetry to contemporary dance and neuroscience. 

Dee talks about the pleasure she found in her own PhD journey and the importance of following your gut-instinct and about collaborating with people along the way.  

Dee offers the metaphor of choreography for the process of writing your thesis and discusses how to create flow within your work; the importance of embodied learning; and the elements of a good literature review.

She also stresses the importance of seeking out positive feedback during doctoral study and suggests where you might find it.

You can contact Dee here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-dee-reynolds/ https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=zlEK2pQAAAAJ&hl=en http://www.watchingdance.org/ http://www.aestheticnetwork.manchester.ac.uk/

For more information you can sign up to our newsletter www.thephdliferaft.com

Let’s connect!

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Twitter: @thephdliferaft

We are back for Season Three!!

I do hope that you found some time over Easter to rest and feel ready for the new term?  As if we ever feel ready for the new term?!!

This week’s guest is Jeff Weingarten who is a Professor of Language and Liberal Studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada.

Jeff reflects on his own difficult journey through the PhD and how he came to reflect on the narrative he had created for himself.  

He talks about the process towards finding meaning in his work and how he managed his anxiety.

Jeff also talks about negotiating the job market and the importance of acknowledging the range of skills that you bring as a postgraduate scholar.  He also stresses the importance of not being afraid to change direction and “tell yourself a different story”.

Here is a link to Jeff’s article: https://accute.ca/2018/06/11/tell-yourself-a-different-story-an-essay-on-surviving-the-job-market/

Here is a link to the book by David Epstein that Jeff references: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Range-Key-Success-Performance-Education/dp/1509843523/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3L41POJYKS9YL&dchild=1&keywords=david+epstein&qid=1619433854&sprefix=david+eps%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1

You can contact Jeff on twitter: @JAWeingarten

Or via email: jweingarten@fanshawec.ca

Don’t forget to sign up to the newsletter - www.thephdliferaft.com

It’s the last episode of Season Two!

Allan Kilner-Johnson shares his own journey through his PhD and into his mindfulness practice.  Allan is a mindfulness meditation teacher alongside his work as a Senior Lecturer in English Literature and Associate Dean of Postgraduate Research at the University of Surrey.

Allan proposes Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness as “the awareness of the present moment without judgment”.  

He offers a practical ‘anchoring’ exercise to help ground yourself in the present moment.

Allan encourages PhD students to embrace a contemplative perspective and think about what type of person they want to become through the process of undertaking a PhD.  He also prompts us to remember that, at its best, researching is an embodied practice that engages the full self.

The apps Allan mentions in the episode are:

Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/

Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/

You can connect to Allan here:

www.allankilnerjohnson.com

https://www.instagram.com/allankilnerjohnson/

https://www.facebook.com/allankilnerjohnson

https://twitter.com/thisisallan

Don’t forget about the upcoming ‘Life Raft’ events

The ‘Productive Habits for PhD Students’ session on 25th March has now sold out but there are still a few tickets left for 4th May.  You can book in here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/dr-emma-brodzinski-32701842647

You are very welcome to join us for our live Q&A on 30th March - just book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/dr-emma-brodzinski-32701842647

And there are still some spaces for the PhD Life Raft ‘Retreat in a Box’: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/phd-life-raft-retreat-in-a-box-tickets-146340812309?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Looking forward to seeing you!

This week’s guest is Nicole Brown - Director of Social Research & Practice and Education Ltd. and Lecturer in Education at the UCL Institute of Education.  Nicole was awarded her PhD in Sociology at the University of Kent for her thesis “The ‘I’ in fibromyalgia: the construction of academic identity under the influence of fibromyalgia”. 

Nicole begins by talking about her own journey through the PhD as a part-time, mature student.

We then talk about what to do with all the ideas that come to you but don’t belong in your current project.

We also explore how a reflective journal can be a powerful tool on your PhD journey - as a means to process material and as a way of documenting your own thoughts and feelings around a subject area.

Nicole outlines the range of forms that a reflective journal might take and offers some ideas for practice.

She also reminds us of the importance of experimentation and why failure is just a mode of learning.

You can find out more about Nicole’s work here: https://www.nicole-brown.co.uk/

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!  

Do you struggle with motivation and productivity?

I know from my own experience how much a habit tracker can help.

You can now download a PhD Life Raft Podcast Habit Tracker for free!

Just sign up here: https://emmab.kartra.com/page/phdhabit

And, if you would like to go into more depth you can join Dr Emma Brodzinski for a special session on ‘Productive Habits for PhD Students’.  You can find out more here:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/dr-emma-brodzinski-32701842647

Keep in touch: www.thephdliferaft.com

This week’s episode is all about getting to the finish line of your PhD!

Rowena Murray runs writing retreats for writers - with a particular specialism in working with academics and doctoral students.  Her publications include How to Write a Thesis, Writing for Academic Journals and How to Survive Your Viva.

In this episode we talk about what Rowena calls the ‘endgame’ of the thesis.  This is the moment when you are looking to draw together your work into a coherent document.

Rowena explores the shift in focus from your supervisor(s) to your examiners and how make sure you address the criterion for the doctorate.

She then talks about the potential support to be found in writing with other people and the benefits of focus and accountability it can bring.

Finally Rowena suggests writing a 750 word summary of your thesis that highlights the macro-argument of your work as a tool for reflection and development.

You can find out more about Rowena’s work here:

www.Anchorage-education.co.uk

www.facebook.com/groups/rmwriting/

As always, let us know your thoughts and things that you have found useful on your PhD journey at: phdliferaft@yahoo.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This week’s episode explores creativity, mental health and the PhD process.

Theo Stickley trained in mental health nursing and then did an MA in Counselling and qualified as a counsellor and worked as a nurse. In 2000 he began teaching at the University of Nottingham where he worked until 2019 when he retired. His PhD was in the arts and mental health. He supervised 11 PhD students and has externally examined 15 theses. He has 140 publications and now volunteers with a charity befriending asylum-seekers and refugees.

Theo talks about the PhD as a creative process and points to the importance of keeping a reflexive journal that documents the discoveries that you are making as part of your research “adventure” as he calls it!

He also talks about how tapping into your own creative intuition can help you if you are feeling stuck on your PhD journey.

We also talk about choosing a supervisor with a view to seeing if you can develop a good relationship with that person and not relying solely on academic credentials for your choice of examiner.

Finally Theo explains why there is no need to worry about your viva!

You find out more about Theo here:

Work website:     https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/healthsciences/people/theo.stickley1

Personal website:  https://theostickley.co.uk/

Click here for Theo’s Top Ten Tips

Let us know what you think of this episode at: phdliferaft@yahoo.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This episode deals with the financial impact of undertaking a PhD.

Emily Roberts is a personal finance educator specializing in early-career PhDs based in the U.S.  Emily draws on her own experience as a graduate student to support others to make the most of their money.

In this conversation we talk about the ‘opportunity cost’ of doctoral study and the potential stress of financial pressures.  

We also talk about recognising - and challenging! - the scarcity mindset of academia.

Emily also offers some useful tips for managing your financial situation.

You can find out more about Emily’s work here: http://www.PFforPhDs.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

Victoria has more than 10 years experience as a consultant medical herbalist and functional medicine practitioner and is also a trained wellness coach.

In this episode Victoria reflects on her journey through her PhD and into her career as a research scientist where she struggled to manage a chronic health condition that left her in pain on a daily basis.  She shares the changes she made that enabled her to improve her long term health and become pain free.

We focus on the Solstice and seasonal practices that can promote well-being and provide rest and revitalization.

Get ready for an episode that will ignite your journey!

You can connect to Victoria here: 

Email:victoria@thelivingherb.com

Web: www.naturalmenopausesolution.co.uk

https://calendly.com/naturalmenopausesolution

www.linkedin.com/victoria-wright-phd

www.facebook.com/thelivingherb

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

This week’s episode takes an honest look at the realities of the PhD journey.

Nick Rowe describes himself as a “trans-disciplinary educationalist”, with interests in scientific communication and academic/professional development. He is a fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy and the Society for Education and Training and worked as a lecturer in the UK but is now based in Finland.

Nick’s latest book is The Realities of Completing a PhD: How to Plan for Success and it draws on international data to explore key issues such as wellbeing, work-life balance and employment prospects for PhD students.

In this conversation we talk about the sense of disorientation that new PhD students might feel and what may be behind it.  We also talk about the challenges of the supervisor-student relationship and the wider systemic elements that may impact on your journey through the PhD.

Nick emphasizes the importance of independent learning and encourages doctoral students to see themselves as experts in their own field from the very beginning.

Here is the link to Nick’s book: https://www.routledge.com/The-Realities-of-Completing-a-PhD-How-to-Plan-for-Success/Rowe/p/book/9780367677626

And a link to more information on his work: 

https://www.thephdlab.com/phd-in-finland/

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This week’s episode deals with an issue that many of us are grappling with - stress.

Jenny Mercer is Reader in Qualitative Approaches to Applied Psychology at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her research interests focus on experiential enquiries of student experience and the impact of green care and outdoor activities on health and wellbeing. She is the Graduate Studies Co-ordinator for doctoral candidates in Health Sciences, and leads the Doctoral Wellbeing Initiative within the university. As a supervisor, chair of vivas and examiner of doctoral theses, much of her working week focuses on doctoral education in some shape or form so she has a lot of wisdom to share!

In this episode we talk about conducting experiential research and the development of Jenny’s own work in this field.

We also explore the potential sources of stress for PhD students as well as strategies for coping with it.

We also touch upon the importance of recognising you are not on your own and of sharing information and resources.

Here is the link to Jenny’s research and contact information: https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/health/staff/Pages/Dr-Jenny-Mercer.aspx

Here is the link to the material on the Eisenhower Matrix that Jenny discusses in the episode: https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/

Don’t forget that you can sign up for The Phd Life Raft Podcast newsletter via the website: www.thephdliferaft.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

In this episode the fabulous Kat Low shares her experience of practice-based research - particularly her fieldwork in South Africa.

Kat is a research-practitioner in the field of applied theatre and sexual health with a commitment to feminist-led research.  Her practice lies in creating participatory-led theatre and creative arts-based practice with local communities to explore and gain greater understanding of the key sexual health concerns they face.  She has published articles on theatre and health in a number of journals and co-edited Applied Theatre: Performing Health & Wellbeing (2017) with Dr Veronica Baxter for Methuen Bloomsbury. Kat’s monograph,  Applied Theatre and Sexual Health Communication: Apertures of Possibility for Palgrave Macmillan is about to be published. 

During our discussion Kat stresses the importance of working in collaboration with all the stakeholders as co-researchers. She talks about the centrality of creating safe spaces for people to work in and how honesty is key.  

Kat also talks about self-care as a researcher and the importance of acknowledging that the work is just part of your wider life experience.  

Kat reflects on the challenges of researching during the pandemic and how social media and technology can open up possibilities for creative connections.

You can make contact with Kat via email: Katharine.Low@cssd.ac.uk or via twitter: @katlow17

Don’t forget that you can sign up for The Phd Life Raft Podcast newsletter via the website: www.thephdliferaft.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

This week’s podcast tackles the problems and possibilities of being a part-time PhD student.

Katie Hall is currently a creative practice PhD student, with project Queer as Friends. As a creative writing practitioner, Katie is editing her debut novel and freelancing as a journalist for LGBTQ lifestyle press. She has recently been longlisted for the second Primadonna Writing Prize, and will be included in the upcoming Arachne Press 'Tymes goe by turnes' anthology. In 2019, Katie was shortlisted for the Lichfield Cathedral The Word poetry prize. Katie is the creator and screenwriter of the first London LBQ web series, the award winning 'She's in London'.

In this episode Katie shares how her experience of cancer led to her take-up the opportunity of voluntary redundancy as a means to follow her passion for creative writing and research.  

Katie talks about the PhD as a personal development process and shares some of the practical considerations of coming back into the academy and how to balance study with other interests and responsibilities.  

She also talks about her innovative research project and her own creative process.  You can find out more about Katie’s work here: http://www.katiemhall.com/

The book Katie mentions is ‘Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World’ by Cal Newport.

Let us know if you have any recommendations for books/websites/other resources and don’t forget that you can sign up for The Phd Life Raft Podcast newsletter via the website: www.thephdliferaft.com

Let’s connect!

Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

Twitter: @thephdliferaft

In this episode Libby Bennett shares her experience of negotiating both physical and mental health conditions during her PhD journey.

Libby talks about OCD - what it is and what it isn’t - and identifies the potential benefits of the deep self-knowledge that comes through reflecting on your own mental health.

She identifies the importance of recognising your own warning signs and talks about the importance of accessing professional services and how supervisors and students can support others.

Libby also addresses the toxic culture within academia where mental distress is normalised and calls for a recognition of the benefits of diversity within the academy.

Libby’s contact details:

Email - elizabeth.bennett@essex.ac.uk

Twitter - @DrLizzieBennett

Some useful resources:

Link to Student Minds - Student Mental Health Charity

https://www.studentminds.org.uk/

Link to Mind - Mental Health Charity

https://www.mind.org.uk/

Link to Mental Health Mates/Bryony Gordon

https://www.mentalhealthmates.co.uk/bryony-gordon/

Link to Bryony Gordon’s book Mad Girl: A Happy Life with a Mixed-up Mind

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mad-Girl-Bryony-Gordon/dp/1472232097/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=bryony+gordon&qid=1610976893&sr=8-3

Link to Pure by Rose Cartwright which gives an account of her journey with OCD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pure-Rose-Bret%C3%A9cher/dp/1783527366/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Pure+OCD&qid=1610976944&sr=8-6

This week’s episode focuses on how to look after your mental health and maintain balance and a sense of your own well-being when faced with a life-crisis during the PhD.

My guest Lauren Graffin shares her experiences of negotiating her father’s serious illness and the death of her much-loved supervisor while undertaking her doctoral study.  

Lauren completed her Master’s in Applied Drama at the University of Exeter, and her PhD at Ulster University. She worked extensively as a community performance facilitator, and her PhD research focused on site and community-based performance practice in post-conflict Northern Ireland.  She is now a full time Professor at Sheridan College, Wyoming.

Lauren talks about the importance of giving time and space to your feelings and to recognise that, even if you can’t control the situation, you can control how you respond to it.

We talk about journalling as a supportive practice and Lauren also suggests a couple of useful references:

Susan David Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and Life (London: Penguin, 2017)

And the work of Gabby Bernstein - you can find out more here: https://gabbybernstein.com/

The performance company that Lauren mentions is Wrights and Sites: http://mis-guide.com/

Lauren has also suggested some supplementary material which you might find useful:

• For when you need inspiration to keep going: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
• For those who prefer to think technically and visually about managing their life:Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
• For when you need advice on working effectively and joyfully:https://www.marieforleo.com
• For those who want to focus on developing healthy habits or consciously creating a happier life: Better than Before and The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin

You can contact Lauren via twitter: @LGraffin

Let us know if you have any recommendations for books/websites/other resources and don’t forget that you can sign up for The Phd Life Raft Podcast newsletter via the website: www.thephdliferaft.com

We are also starting to share extra resources on pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/

The PhD Life Raft podcast is now up on YouTube!  You can find us here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

You can also follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

and Twitter: @thephdliferaft

You can subscribe to us on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-phd-life-raft-podcast/id1537420258

I look forward to connecting with you!

Welcome back to the first episode of Season Two!

We are starting off with thinking about reciprocity and building a supportive and encouraging academic community.

Dr Dave Maslach is an Associate Professor in Innovation Strategy and Entrepreneurship at Florida State University.  In this episode we talk about his own journey through an undergrad in Chemical Engineering and Sociology into his doctoral programme in Business Administration.

Dave identifies the importance of believing in yourself and not giving up - particularly as the first generation to go to university.

As part of his desire to promote encouragement Dave has created the r3ciprocity programme https://www.r3ciprocity.com/ - a peer-support proofreading and editing platform.  He also broadcasts on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5spxk7bNDMGPSHjW_8ndZA

This episode is full of positive words and advice - including the top tip of taking a walk to help shift your mood.  There is lots of evidence about the benefits of walking.  Here is a link to a summary article: https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/wellness/can-walking-help-mental-wellbeing-a4244901.html

Let us know what words of encouragement you would share with other PhD students! Contact us at: phdliferaft@yahoo.com

The PhD Life Raft podcast is now up on YouTube!  You can find us here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg

You can also follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/

and Twitter: @thephdliferaft

You can subscribe to us on apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-phd-life-raft-podcast/id1537420258

Let’s get connected!

It’s the last episode of Season One and our Christmas special and we are celebrating with two guests!

Chloé Bradwell is a Drama practitioner and SWW DTP funded PhD candidate at the University of Exeter and Aberystwyth University. Chloé has held the positions of Activity Manager and Research Associate in care homes and continues working as a freelance Drama Practitioner in dementia care while undertaking her PhD part-time.

Rachel Hopkin is a first year, full-time, TECHNE funded PhD in the Media Arts department at Royal Holloway.  Her project explores the representation of love between humans and robots.  Like Chloé she has returned to study after experience in industry and has worked with two of the largest theatrical agencies in the UK.   

In this seasonal episode we think about how to handle the holidays as a PhD student....

We talk about guilt; we talk about exhaustion; but we also talk about how to make the most of what this period may offer. 

Rachel is looking forward to a change in pace after a pressurised first term and Chloe’s plans for the holidays are built around spending time with her daughter.

We talk about how rest can be a productive activity - for more information listen to episode 3 with Alex Soojung-Kim Pang on this issue: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rest-why-you-get-more-done-when-you-work-less-alex/id1537420258?i=1000496719040

Rachel also shares some tips on how to build a support network - even if you are an introvert!

The podcast will be back with Season 2  on 5th January 2021.  Until then wishing you a peaceful Christmas and a very happy and healthy New Year! 

Feeling lonely is one of the most common difficulties for PhD students - particularly those studying overseas.

This week’s podcast talks to Georgina Binnie who founded the ‘Writing Back’ project in 2014; the award-winning scheme matches home-based and international University of Leed students as pen pals with older correspondents recruited via engagement with 26 local charities.  

You can find out more about the project here:  https://www.writingback.co.uk/

In our interview Georgina talks about the scope of the project.  She also shares how her work on the project opened up a whole new career trajectory for her.  

Georgina talks about the importance of the quality of connection rather than the quantity of people you are in communication with.  

Georgina recommends volunteering or setting up your own project as an excellent way to mitigate the loneliness of PhD research.

You can contact Georgina here: 

https://twitter.com/GeorginaBinnie

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1579-075X

Lynette Goddard is Professor of Black Theatre and Performance at Royal Holloway, University of London. Their research and teaching is focused in the area of the politics of contemporary Black British theatre and performance, including work on new writing by Black playwrights and contemporary Black productions of canonical plays.

In this episode of the podcast Lynette reflects on the experience of undertaking a PhD whilst also working and how the pattern of writing that was developed during that period has proved productive throughout the progression of their career.

We then talk about the Phenomenal Women project which Lynette was part of.  This was commissioned by Dr Nicola Rollock and grew out of her research work into the experience of black female academics.  You can find out more here: https://nicolarollock.com/black-female-profs.  The exhibition is documented here: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/phenomenal-women

We talk about finding mentors within the academy and Lynette references authors that have been inspirational.  These include:

bell hooks

Audre Lourde

Patricia Hill Collins

Andrea Davis

Lynette encourages PhD students not to be afraid to look outside their discipline - and even outside the academy - to find a community that will support their work.

Lynette also emphasizes the importance of finding your “why” and using your sense of the legacy you will leave as a motivational force within the PhD process.

A ‘top tip’ book from Lynette is to work ‘bird by bird’ as outlined in the book Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont. The advice is to set time aside to write and trust that the creativity will be there and your work will develop.  Lynette also advises not to judge your work but just to commit to the writing.

Allan Johnson is Associate Professor in English Literature & Associate Dean (Doctoral College), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.  Alongside this work he is also a mindfulness teacher and co-facilitator of The PhD Circle with Emma Brodzinski.

In this episode Allan shares his own “fork in the road” experience that led hime into his research topic.

Allan highlights the different phases within the doctorate and why some moments might feel more difficult than others.

He discusses how Campbell’s model of the Hero(ine)’s journey might help with managing challenges and maintaining motivation on the transformative journey of undertaking a PhD.

He finishes with a top tip that Star Wars fans will love!

You can connect to Allan here:

www.allankilnerjohnson.com

https://www.instagram.com/allankilnerjohnson/

https://www.facebook.com/allankilnerjohnson

https://twitter.com/thisisallan

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

According to a study by The Council of Graduate Schools, 44% of doctoral students lose their motivation and do not complete their degree within 10 years.  Maintaining your passion and motivation for your PhD is a real challenge - especially in the times that we find ourselves in where just keeping going is a struggle.

Ciara Feely is a 2nd year PhD student with ML Labs in University College Dublin. In the second semester of her PhD program Ciara started the PhD and Productivity YouTube channel  to improve her public speaking.  On the channel she talks about being productive during a PhD, working from home, and maintaining work-life balance.

Ciara’s keen interest in productivity, led to the development of a startup with a fellow PhD student. They placed third in NovaUCD’s student enterprise competition this June and are continuing to develop Daysier, with the aim to provide personalised productivity solutions.

In this episode we dive into the challenges of productivity - from realistic goal setting to keeping focused.

Ciara shares lots of useful resources that can help you plan your work schedule and make effective use of your time.

You can find out more about the pomodoro technique here: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique

The two books Ciara references are:

Newport, Cal Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, London: Piatkus, 2016.

Koch, Richard The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More with Less, London: Nicholas Brearly Publishing, 2017.

You can connect with Ciara in the following ways:

Ciara's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/PhDandProductivity

Ciara's Instagram and Twitter: @ciaraxfeely

Link to daysier: https://www.daysier.co/

Daysier's Instagram @daysier.co

From her extensive work in the field Valerie Young guesses that approximately 90% of PhD students experience imposter syndrome!  In this episode she offers some reflections on why academic culture may feed that anxiety of being found out as a fraud; as well as offering some advice on how to shift your perspective.

Dr Valerie Young is the author of the award-winning book The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer from the Impostor Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It.  In addition to speaking at such diverse organizations as Google, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Facebook, Merck and NASA, Valerie has also spoken to students and faculty at over 100 universities in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the UK including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Oxford.  Her work has been cited in dozens of popular and business outlets around the world including BBC, Newsweek, Time, Science, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.  

Valerie begins by reflecting on her own experience of graduate school - which included her discovering Clance and Imes’ work on The Imposter Phenomenon.  You can find out more about that research here: https://www.paulineroseclance.com/impostor_phenomenon.html

In working with imposter syndrome, Valerie emphasizes the importance of identifying unconscious patterns that may lead to feelings of self-doubt.  She explores how academic culture may feed those feelings - and tells a very funny story about smurfs while she is at it!

She reminds us that failure is part of everybody’s CV.  The link to the Princeton Professor’s Failure CV is here: https://www.princeton.edu/~joha/Johannes_Haushofer_CV_of_Failures.pdf

(I love how he notes that so many more people have been interested in this document than in the one that details his successes!)

The interview ends with a wonderful reminder that our work is not just for us.  That there are people out there waiting to benefit from our research and it is an act of service to share it with them.

You can find out more about Valerie’s work at https://impostorsyndrome.com/

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more information and support.

A very important element of your PhD journey is your relationship with your supervisor.  

In this episode I talk to Dr Chris Megson, Reader in Drama and Theatre and Director of Postgraduate Research Education, in the School of Performing and Digital Arts at Royal Holloway, University of London.  Chris has supervised many doctoral students and been awarded the inaugural Researcher Supervisor of the Year prize at Royal Holloway as well as being shortlisted for the national Times Higher Award (2018) in this very competitive category.  

Chris begins by talking about his own experience of the PhD and the challenges of combining study with full-time work.  

Throughout the interview Chris stresses the importance of good communication between the student and supervisor.  If you are finding communication a challenge this resource might help you: 

https://www.phdstudies.com/article/How-to-Develop-a-Good-Relationship-with-your-PhD-Supervisor/

Chris talks about how he finds working with doctoral students one of the most rewarding aspects of being an academic.  He gives the reminder that your PhD application was accepted because it looked interesting and exciting and the supervisor(s) wanted to work on the project with you!  

He says supervision “it's not a kind of cross that we have to bear or a burden on our backs. It's one of the main reasons we're in the job”.

Chris discusses the importance of having a collaborative mindset not only when developing the professional partnership with your supervisor where, for example, you need to establish timelines that accommodate the demands on both parties.  But also of collaborating with peers and other academic colleagues as you enter into the community of the academy.

The interview finishes with a reminder to avoid “ostrich syndrome” - keep your head out of the sand and keep in dialogue with your supervisory team.

You can contact Chris chris.megson@rhul.ac.uk or find him on Twitter @chris_megson

As an extra, here is a link to a playful piece but you might want to take a look and consider what sort of relationship do you have with your supervisor: https://theconversation.com/ten-types-of-phd-supervisor-relationships-which-is-yours-52967

Did you find this episode useful?  Let us know at phdliferaft@yahoo.com

Alex Soojung-Kim Pang’s book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less is a book that I regularly recommend to PhD students.

Alex is a visiting scholar in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at Stanford University.  He is also the founder of Strategy and Rest, a consultancy advising companies on how to implement 4-day weeks.  In this interview he shares his own journey negotiating the academic job market and his experience of undertaking scholarly work outside of the academy.

We then get into discussion of Alex’s research into the importance of rest.  We discuss the relationship between rest and creative thinking - particularly the way in which napping can serve memory consolidation!

Alex addresses the culture of busy-ness in academia and how this is more likely to lead to stress and burnout than productivity.

We finish with Alex’s top tips around developing clear boundaries that protect your down-time.

I am delighted to share this conversation with Mays Imad.

Mays serves as a Professor of Genetics, Biotechnology, and Bioethics at Pima Community College and is the founding coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Center.  Her current research focuses on stress, self-awareness, advocacy, and classroom community.   Through her teaching and research, Mays seeks to provide students with transformative opportunities which are grounded in the aesthetics of learning, truth-seeking, and self-realization.

In this interview Mays talks about her own journey from a humanities undergraduate to a STEM postgraduate and how her research developed through her deep love of teaching.

She talks about the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ stress and how, when it is overwhelmed, the brain can become hijacked by emotions which hinder the capacity to process information as the focus is on survival.

She identifies how the experience of the pandemic has caused many people to slow down cognitively and how it is important to attend to activating our natural ‘reward network’ in order to calm the nervous system and allow information to pass to the cortex. 

Mays references John O Donohue’s discussion of cultivating a landscape of interiority.  You can access a recording with him here: https://onbeing.org/programs/john-odonohue-the-inner-landscape-of-beauty-aug2017/

Mays closes with an invitation to cultivate a sense of wonder through engaging with creativity and beauty.

My fabulous first guest is Chloe Lee a 3rd year History student undertaking a practice-as-research PhD.

Chloe talks about three key things that she wishes she had known more about when she was starting her PhD.

Shares how she structures her time and creates a manageable rhythm for working.  She talks about her own experience of part-time work as a helpful aspect in shaping her week and we touch on the importance of transition moments in the day and how to make them work for you.

She shares her own methods for self care and personal development - if you would like to know more about the enneagram system that Chloe discusses The Ennegram Made Easy by Baron and Wagele gives a really clear and simple outline.

We discuss how a commitment to promoting well-being can help to shift the culture of the academy.  I mention the book Academic Tribes and Territories by Becher and Trowler that explores the process of enculturation into academic life and we note that the new generation of researchers have the opportunity to challenge established norms.

Chloe reflects on how she wished she had realised what a big challenge the PhD would be on many levels and shares her process of developing healthy boundaries and support structures.  

Hello and welcome to The PhD Life Raft Podcast!

Dr Kathleen Vacek is an academic writing coach who researches lived experiences of doctoral writing and scholarly publishing. During the course of her PhD, she became a mother and left her full-time academic staff position. She was supported on this rocky journey by a doctoral writing group she formed with members of her program cohort.

In this episode Kate shares how her group was formed and maintained and reflects on her experience of what worked and what was not so useful.

She also offers some alternative models for doctoral writing groups and advice for those who would like to try this way of working.

Here is the info on the Sarah Haas chapter Kate mentions in the chapter and the article she wrote with her colleagues on their experience

• Haas, Sarah. "Pick-N-Mix: A Typology of Writers’ Groups in Use." In Writing Groups for Doctoral Education and Beyond: Innovations in Practice and Theory, edited by Claire Aitchison and Cally Guerin, 30-48. London: Routledge, 2014.

• Kathleen Vacek, William J. Donohue, Amanda Gates, Alice Shu-Ju Lee & Shelah Simpson (2021) Seeking balance within personal writing ecologies: a collaborative autoethnography of a doctoral student writing group, Studies in Continuing Education, 43:1, 104-118, DOI: 10.1080/0158037X.2019.1703670

You can contact Kate here:

kate@yourphdcompass.com

yourphdcompass.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-academic-coaching/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091276196636

https://www.instagram.com/yourphdcompass/

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

Amy Bonsall has completed her PhD at Leeds University. Her thesis was recognised as demonstrating exemplary research in the field of practice-led research in intercultural Shakespeare theatre performance. She is also the associate artistic director of Bilimankhwe arts and continues to direct professional, commercial theatre productions. Amy founded the Women in Academia Support Network #WIASN a group of 10,000 women academics from around the world.

In this episode Amy shares the challenges that she faced during her PhD journey from caring for small children to physical ill health.

She reflects on her feelings of overwhelm and her struggles with writer’s block.

Amy discusses her decision to take a six-month break from her PhD and how she managed her time.

Support from her ‘team’ was central to Amy’s successful completion and she talks about the organisation Women in Academia Support Network (WIASN) which she co-founded.

You can find out more about WIASN here: https://www.wiasn.org/

You can connect with Amy on Twitter/X - @AmyBonsallPhD

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Denise Venturi is Ph.D. Candidate in International Law at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.  Her research focuses on the concept of vulnerability with reference to LGBTIQ+ asylum-seekers and refugees. At present, she is a Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology (Halle-Saale, Germany). She has worked for UNHCR in various protection roles, with a focus on refugee status determination, capacity building, and law and policy analysis. She has been Asylum Liaison Officer with the UNHCR Liaison Office to the EU Asylum Agency and focal point on claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity with UNHCR Italy. With UNHCR, she has also worked on protection monitoring and reporting, as well as on advocacy and strategic litigation. 

In this episode we discuss the challenges that Denise has faced in engaging with her PhD while working full-time.

She shares how her professional work led her into her PhD study and how the process of the PhD has served to develop her career.

Denise outlines the difficulty of juggling full-time work with the UN and her PhD studies, leading to challenges in productivity.  She talks about her experience of overwhelm and her decision to take some time out of the PhD in order to focus on her job and then taking a sabbatical from work to focus on her PhD!

Denise’s top tip for others is around finding both practical and emotional support.

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Nicholas Dirks is President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences, one of the oldest scientific organizations in the United States. Previously, Nick served as Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley and Executive VP and Dean of the Faculty for Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. He is the author of eight books, including the forthcoming book, City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University.

In this episode shares his own experience of the PhD and starting out on an academic career.  

Nicholas offers his perspective on the changing culture of academia and the particular challenges and opportunities that are in play.

He then explores the idea of graduate education and alternative forms of knowledge production and dissemination.   Nicholas emphasizes the importance of connecting graduate programs with pressing global issues, such as AI, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, in order to prepare doctoral candidates for meaningful contributions to the world beyond academia.

We finish the episode with a top tip around writing and inspiration.

 You can connect with Nicholas here: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickdirks
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-dirks-84a1ab149/
Website: https://www.nicholasbdirks.com/

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Jen Polk did her PhD in History from the University of Toronto and went on to launch from Ph.D. to Life, a career coaching and speaking business.  She specialises in graduate education and careers for doctoral degree holders. She’s also a guest speaker on university campuses and academic and professional conferences throughout North America and beyond. 

In this episode we focus on life after completing a PhD and the transition from academia to the professional world.

Jen emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and offers some key questions to complete before embarking on a job search.

We acknowledge the challenges of the current job market and Jen offers ideas to help navigate them.  

Jen highlights the importance of informational interviews and provides practical tips for setting them up.  

You can find out more about Jen’s work here: https://fromphdtolife.com/

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr. Kate Massey-Chase is an academic, facilitator, activist, performer and writer. She’s a Lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University, where she’s leading a new MA in Arts, Health and Wellbeing. As a creative arts practitioner, she has worked across a range of educational and community settings, including delivering theatre-based and creative writing projects with young migrants, recovering addicts, prisoners and mental health service users.

In this episode Kate shares her remarkable journey through the challenges of navigating a PhD while trying to start a family.

CONTENT WARNING - This episode touches on issues including miscarriage and failed IVF cycles.

Kate discusses how ‘firsts’ on the PhD and fertility journey happened simultaneously.   

She reflects on the struggles of managing the "messy middle" of the PhD journey while dealing with personal loss and fertility treatments but also shares how the PhD served as a creative outlet.

Kate emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and being adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges and the significance of rest and self-care.

The episode finishes with a top tip to help people keep moving forward.

You can contact Kate here:
email : kmassey-chase@marjon.ac.uk 

Socials: @KateMasseyChase 

This is the MA that Kate mentions in the episode:  

https://www.marjon.ac.uk/courses/arts-health-wellbeing-masters/ 

For more information about IVF:

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/

For support for the fertility journey: 

https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/

https://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/

Instagram also has a fabulous fertility community #fertilityjourney #IVF #TTC

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

You can contact Samir via email here: sjm312@cam.ac.uk

Websites: https://www.munoz-espinlab.com/samir-morsli

Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-morsli-6184ba119/ / https://twitter.com/Smorsli

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

Gina Holmes has worked both in industry and academia - with over two decades of experience in Higher Education.  As well as her own research experience  she has worked with dozens of doctoral candidates and hundreds (maybe more) of Master’s students, supporting them to complete theses they are proud of and which enable them to move on in their career.  

In this episode we discuss the relationship between the PhD researcher and the supervisor/supervisory team.

We explore the issues that may arise and how you might navigate them in a way that supports both your research process and your own mental health.

Gina shares advice about managing supervision meetings as well as inviting reflection on how the relationship between researcher and supervisor may evolve during the PhD journey.

You can find out more about Gina and her work at www.drginaholmes.com

Follow Gina on facebook or LinkedIn:  www.facebook.com/drginaholmes  and www.linkedin.com/in/drginaholmes    

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Laura Revilla is a PhD candidate in Heritage Studies at Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus, Germany. Her research focuses on understanding diverse forms of heritage and security in Mexican communities through bottom-up practices and decolonial thinking. Through her journey, she aims to discover the uses and relevance of heritage in our everyday lives. 

In this episode Laura shares her PhD journey and how it has been shaped by her cat Chobi.

Laura explains how Chobi has been both an emotional support and a source of motivation.  She describes how Toby's presence and routines influenced her lifestyle, including taking breaks and napping when necessary.

 Laura gives a top tip for the PhD from a cat lover and encourages other researchers to maintain a curious and learning mindset throughout their journey. 

Here is the link to Chobi’s instagram account where you can find a dose of humor and academic insights from a feline perspective.

https://www.instagram.com/the_phdcat/

Here is the link to the episode with Devon Price that we mention in the episode: https://thephdliferaft.libsyn.com/2021/09

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Kaisa Pankakoski is a writer, researcher, translator, and multilingualism consultant. For her PhD at Cardiff University she looked at multilingual families’ language ideologies, strategies, and experiences in Finland and Wales. During the course of her PhD, she gained grants from eleven different funding bodies in her two home countries to complete the thesis.

In this episode Kaisa reflects on the turning point when she decided to return to academia and focus on researching multilingual families.  She discusses her research journey over eight years and the range of activities she took part in over that time.  

In the discussion of caregiving alongside the PhD Kaisa emphasizes the emotional and mental toll of special needs parenting, including the constant worry and caregiving responsibilities. She  emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, avoiding overworking, and prioritizing self-care.  Kaisa mentions the value of attending retreats to create a space for relaxation and creativity.

Kaisa offers some top tips and a range of resources including:  

Self-care during PhD https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/10-self-care-tips-for-the-phd/ 

Writing retreat https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/should-you-go-on-a-writing-retreat/?preview=true 

Words of wisdom, two blog posts, altogether 40 top tips! https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/words-of-wisdom-for-new-postgraduate-researchers-part-one-2/ 

https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/words-of-wisdom-for-new-postgraduate-research-students-part-two/ 

Facebook groups: 

Bridging the Gap Community Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/410364763121879 

PhD and Early Career Researcher Parents 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/776957585681408 

Apps:

Forest App: https://www.forestapp.cc/

We also mention the Rowena Murray podcast episode:  https://thephdliferaft.libsyn.com/rowena-murray

You can contact Kaisa here: 

https://twitter.com/kaisapan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaisapankakoski/

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Rachel Campbell completed her PhD in visual culture, celebrity studies, and musicology. Her thesis, 'The image of musical celebrity in the Nineteenth Century' considers the way visual representations of musicians influenced how they were seen as celebrities through analysis of oil portraits, busts, prints and other ephemera. She also holds a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) and is a professional musician and has been a music teacher for nearly 20 years. She has three children who play 8 musical instruments between them, and so in her spare time you can find her playing D&D (her current character is a Paladin called Florence Lightbringer) to try to escape the noise.

In this episode Rachel shares her unique journey into academia, having started her university education later in life after having children.  Rachel discusses the initial motivations for pursuing a doctorate and how she navigated through the tough times and challenges during her PhD journey.

Rachel opens up about significant life events that occurred during her PhD, including her mother's battle with breast cancer and the end of her marriage.  She talks about the importance of recognizing when you need a break and taking that time to prioritize personal well-being.  Rachel emphasizes the need for self-compassion and modeling positive behaviors, especially for children, while pursuing a PhD.

Rachel shares her ‘happy ending’ and the fulfillment she finds in her current role and encourages other PhD researchers to “back themselves” as their undertake their doctoral journey.

For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Professor Laurajane Smith completed her PhD part-time between 1990 and 1996 while working as a full time teaching and research academic at both Charles Sturt University and the University of New South Wales. She is currently Director of the Centre of Heritage and Museum Studies, Research School of Humanities and the Arts, the Australian National University. She is also a fellow of the Society for the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. In 2010-12, she worked to establish the Association of Critical Heritage Studies; she is editor of the International Journal of Heritage Studies and is co-general editor with Dr Gönül Bozoğlu of Routledge’s Key Issues in Cultural Heritage. Her books include Uses of Heritage (2006) and Emotional Heritage (2021), and she has edited numerous collections most notably Intangible Heritage (2009) and Safeguarding Intangible Heritage (2019), both with Natsuko Akagawa, and Emotion, Affective Practices, and the Past in the Present (2018, with Margret Wetherell and Gary Campbell) and Heritage, Labour and the Working Class (2011, with Paul A. Shackel and Gary Campbell).

In this podcast episode, recorded at the South West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership Summer Festival, we discuss the challenges of pursuing a PhD when there are differences in approach and perspectives between the student and the supervisor. 

Laurajane shares her personal journey into the PhD and the tensions she faced in the 1980s while exploring indigenous and archaeological relationships.

We explore the importance of engaging in critical debate, developing supportive peer networks, and believing in one's own research. 

We also reflect on the significance of self-reflection and being open to constructive criticism. 

Short Coda from Laurajane:

“In 1996 my PhD was finally turned into a book (after having 2 children in between times):  Smith, L. (2004). Archaeological theory and the politics of cultural heritage with Routledge. The text was well received and currently has over 770 citations…so yes, when I was being told and yelled at by senior male academics that I had it ‘wrong’ in the end it was because I did have something to say.”

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Chrissi McCarthy is the founder and Managing Director of Constructing Equality. Over

the past decade and a half, she has formulated and implemented research-based

methodologies to bolster equality within diverse organisations. Her client portfolio spans prestigious institutions including the National Health Service and Bristol City Council.  Chrissi’s PhD explored equality, fairness and inclusion and fed directly into her work with Constructing Equality.

In this episode Chrissi shares a very honest account of her PhD journey and the challenges she faced along the way.

Chrissi comes from a non-traditional academic background and she acknowledges how important the support of mentors has been for her studies.

Chrissi explains the mindset shift that she underwent - realizing that the PhD is about learning rather than having all the answers - and the possibilities that opened up for her.

We discuss taking an interruption of studies and Chrissi talks about her own experience - including feeling like a failure - and the way in which the break allowed her to return to the PhD in full force!

We finish with reflecting on the importance of acknowledging vulnerability on the Phd journey.

You can find out more about Chrissi’s work here:  https://www.constructingequality.co.uk/

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Rose Aslan was a tenured Professor of Religious Studies who found herself burnt out and, on a sabbatical in Istanbul, decided to step away from academia. From her current perspective, Rose explores what she would do differently if she were to do her PhD again.

Rose acknowledges that, although there were some good moments, she didn’t really enjoy her PhD experience and, with the benefit of hindsight, she can identify where an approach with prioritized well-being would have greatly improved that experience.

Rose reflects on what she calls her past “people-pleasing” tendencies and how she has learned to prioritize her own needs and say no to situations and relationships that don't serve her.  Rose offers the idea of  “compassionate boundaries” and the positive impact they can have on energy levels and personal fulfillment.

Rose also encourages PhD researchers to seek out resources and support systems in order to help their PhD journey. It is OK to seek help!

We end with a top tip around grounding in order to assuage anxiety.

You can find out more about Rose’s work here:
https://compassionflow.com/

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Eve Grubin is the author of Morning Prayer (Sheep Meadow Press), The House of Our

First Loving (Rack Press) and Grief Dialogue (Rack Press). She is a lecturer at NYU in

London and a tutor at the Poetry School. Eve received an AHRC / TECHNE  scholarship to

write her PhD thesis (Kingston University): ‘Boat of Letters and the Poetics of Reticence: A

Creative and Critical Thesis’. 

In this episode Eve reflects on how, as a professional poet, she came to mastering academic writing within her PhD.  She talks about how, even though she was confident as a writer, she experienced challenges to developing her voice within her doctorate and shares some advice for those facing similar struggles.

Eve shares how understanding of the work of the thesis as contributing to a wider conversation within the scholarly community helped her to shift her perspective.

We also discuss the elegance of a well-crafted footnote!

The episode finishes with a top tip about the importance of identity.

You can find out more about Eve’s work here:  https://evegrubin.com/

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Inès Amami holds a PhD from Sorbonne Nouvelle University in French literature and civilization.  Her research is about the representation of the West and the Muslim world in the Encyclopédie de Diderot (18th century).   Ines is also a political activist in the field of women’s rights and fights against all kinds of violence.  She is a single mother of an 11 year old daughter.  

In this episode we talk about the challenges that Ines has faced over the course of her PhD journey which started in 2004 - including periods of illness and a toxic boss.  

We focus on Ines’ experience of being a single parent on the PhD journey and the discoveries she has made along the way.

Ines shares the tools that helped her stay on track during her doctorate.

We discuss mum guilt and how lowering your standards can be the key to success!

Ines stresses the importance of self care as a foundation for single parenthood.

We finish with a top tip around asking for help.

You can contact Ines on twitter here: @inesParisFr

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

It’s the 100th episode of The PhD Life Raft Podcast!

Fleur Farish-Edwards - a gorgeous member of the PhD Life Raft community - is leading the celebrations with a reflection on the way in which the podcast has been party of her PhD journey.

Fleur is an experienced counsellor and supervisor, and along with her wife, facilitates creative workshops as “Two Birds Therapy”. Fleur is also a university lecturer in counselling and is currently working on a professional doctorate, researching the life-long impact of adoption on adult adoptees. 

In this episode we talk about the emotional process of the PhD journey. 

Fleur also shares the story of her interruption from PhD studies.

We talk about feeling like you belong in academia and the podcast as a means to join in the conversation.

Fleur also shares her PhD Life Raft Bingo practice!!

We finish with a top tip about when to say “yes” and when to say “no”.


You can find out more about Fleur’s work here:

https://www.facebook.com/twobirdstherapy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-farish-edwards-171650235

The PhD 12 Week Sprint programme that Fleur mentions will be running again in September 2023.  If you would like more information you can email me: emmabrodzinski@gmail.com

Don’t forget you are very welcome to join us for the ‘Month of Mondays’ which is running throughout June 2023.  You can find out more here:  https://emmab.kartra.com/page/monthofmondays

Yulia Karpova is undertaking her second PhD!  Yes, for her, once though the journey just wasn’t enough!  In this week’s episode we talk about how things are different the second time around.

Yulia is currently studying at the University of Southern Denmark. She also holds a PhD in History (2015) from Central European University. From 2016-18, she held a Maria Sklodowska Curie postdoc at Aarhus University and, from 2021–2022 she was a postdoc in the project ‘Exhibiting across the Iron Curtain’ at the University of Copenhagen. 

In this episode we talk about the influence of Yulia’s mentors - including her Mother and her first PhD supervisor.

Yulia shares the story of her academic career so far and how looking for postdoctoral work led her to apply for a second doctorate.

She talks about the key things that she has learnt that she needs to put in place for successful PhD research.  

We finish with a top tip particularly relevant to those who are thinking about undertaking their PhD overseas.

You can find out more about Yulia’s work here: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/yukar

If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft’ here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft