The PhD Life Raft Podcast

Lynn Koworera has a background in Adult Nursing BSc and Physician Associate MSc. She has a post registration qualification in advanced non medical prescribing and she has practical experience working in the NHS tertiary centres and large NHS trusts in specialities such as care of the elderly, dermatology and clinical research. Lynn has spent her most recent clinical career in general practice. In this interview Lynn talks about how the desire to do a PhD has been with her since childhood. Lynn describes how she discovered the professional doctorate (DProf) as a route that would enable her to continue working as well as conducting research into an area of clinical interest. We discuss the importance of steering your own ship and remaining in control of the direction of your thesis. We also explore the importance of practices such as time-blocking and journaling to support your PhD journey. There is a great little video on time-blocking with google calendar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL9W57USXPg Or, if you love a printable (and who doesn't?!) then this is a great resource: https://heydonna.com/2015/12/time-blocking-101-plus-free-printable-worksheet/ Lynn talks about being part of the supportive community of PhD students on instagram. You can find her at: @researchwithlynn You can find out more about her mentorship work here: https://researchwithlynn.co.uk/ You can find the PhD Life Raft on instagram too: @phdliferaft 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 guest is the amazing Gilly McKeown AKA @neurodivergent_researcher. We begin by talking through the twists and turns of Gilly's own story; and her spirit of curiosity will be an inspiration to anyone who is still trying to find their 'thing'. We then talk about her own late diagnosis of Autism and self-diagnosis of ADHD and the possibilities and challenges she faces as a neurodivergent scholar. Gilly shares some of the strategies that she has found useful and promotes finding community as a way of accessing information and support. Here are some of the references Gilly recommends: Twitter - @drmbotha @autisticscienceperson @jacdenhouting @katybenson20 @desirjones @kaydenstockwell Instagram - @actually_aspling @notesfromthephysicslab @sara_theadhdacademic Facebook Groups - Neurodivergent Graduate Students Autistic Researchers Researching Autism You can contact Gilly here: Instagram is neurodivergent_researcher Facebook is that too Twitter is gemckeown1 Website is neurodivergentresearcher.com You can sign up for 'Notes from the Life Raft' - a useful weekly email to support your PhD journey here: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

This week's episode is all about the importance of friends on the PhD journey! Milensu Shanyinde is a PhD candidate at University College London. Her research examines the complication of managing HIV in relation to Hepatitis C in persons seen for routine clinical care in Italy. She also works part time as a clinical trial statistician at Oxford University and was one of the team working on a nationwide study to find COVID-19 treatments. Milensu talks about how her friends helped her in her decision to undertake a PhD. She describes how connecting with people from a similar African background provided her with a strong support system to face the challenges of a PhD. She talks about how, as a black woman, imposter syndrome has a particular cultural currency - particularly with the lack of black role models in academia. Milensu shares how she has sought out a range of role models as part of her journey. She also recommends connecting with a PhD buddy so that you have someone who you know is there for you through the ups and downs of the process. The YouTuber Milensu references is Jennifer Kempson: https://www.youtube.com/c/MamaFurFur She also mentions The 5am Club by Robin Sharma: https://www.amazon.co.uk/5-AM-Club-Robin-Sharma/dp/0008312834/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1633275596&sr=8-1 You can connect with MIlensu here: Email: [email protected] IG @milensu_k 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

We are kicking off the new season with the fabulous Devon Price! Devon is a social psychologist, writer, activist, and professor at Loyola University of Chicago's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Devon has published widely including their book Laziness Does Not Exist which came out in 2020. In this episode we reflect on Devon's own experiences of graduate school and how the reality of that experience did not match expectations. We then dive into what Devon calls "the laziness lie" - and how that relates to a culture of workaholism. Devon unpacks the social construction of what is considered 'productive' and we consider how that relates to the experiences of PhD researchers and the problems it can cause. We then explore some strategies for pushing back and how to orientate yourself in a way that minimises burnout. You can find Devon's book here: https://amzn.to/3umiq1X You can connect with Devon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdevonprice 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

It's the final episode of Season 3! It's gone so quickly and I am so grateful to the wonderful guests who have made it so awesome! And, talking of awesome guests, who better to create a big finish for this series than Melanie Smith?! Dr Melanie Smith is Reader Emerita at Cardiff University School of Law and Politics and an independent expert and research consultant in the broad field of European constitutional and administrative law, with a specific focus on enforcement of EU law across a broad policy spectrum. Melanie has provided expert advice as an independent consultant to the European Parliament (JURI, LIBE and IMCO Committees) over the last 10 years on a variety of topics from centralised Commission enforcement of EU law, to the desirability of the Administrative Procedures Act, the effectiveness of member state enforcement activities and recently on the future Digital Services Act. She is also founder of Academic Coach, which is a coaching service that offers courses and 1-1 coaching for PhD students and faculty, and workshops for Universities on all aspects of the writing process. In this episode Melanie talks about her journey out of banking and into academia and then out of academia and into consultancy and coaching! Melanie describes how she worked with the European Commission and the European Parliament as part of her PhD research and how that contact developed into the role of expert advisor. Melanie encourages PhD students to remember the value of your expertise outside of academia and the impact it can have in the 'real world. She also talks about her work as an academic coach and how important it is to receive good quality mentoring as part of your PhD journey. Here are Melanie's contact details: Websites /Social Media: www.academiccoach.info www.drmelaniesmith.org Twitter: @Drmelsmith & @AcademicCoach5 Facebook : @coachacademic Keep in touch with all the info on special events at by signing up to 'Notes from the Life Raft' here

Precarity is, unfortunately, a familiar experience for many PhD students - particularly in the strange times that we find ourselves in. This week's episode touches on both the precarity brought about by the pandemic but also the on-going precarious nature of employment within the Higher Education sector. Bee talks about their own experience of the PhD process and the importance of assembling a team that support the work you are doing. We explore researching during the pandemic and the challenges of undertaking a viva via MS Teams! We also discuss Bee's frustration with the precarity of working as a sessional lecturer which led them to their work with the union. Bee outlines some of UCU's current campaigns and how the union can support you if you are working within HE. Here are links to further information: UCU membership FAQs: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/10509/Future-of-the-profession-free-membership-FAQs UCU pages on casualisation, including links to employment law commentary and campaigning resources: https://www.ucu.org.uk/socc_memberinfo UCU Report Second Class Academic Citizens: The dehumanising effects of casualisation in higher education (Megoran & Mason, 2020) https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/10681/second_class_academic_citizens/pdf/secondclassacademiccitizens UCU Guidance on requesting permanent contract: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/3567/Fixed-term-regulations-requesting-confirmation-of-permanence UCU Anti-Casualisation mailing list sign up (for members only): https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/5364/Login?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucu.org.uk%2Felists PGRs as staff, not studets: https://fundthefuture.org.uk/event/pgrs-as-staff-not-students/ #CoronaContract: https://coronacontract.org/ UCU Solidarity Movement: https://www.ucusolidaritymovement.org/ Pandemic PGRs Report: https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/11396/Falling-Short-report-Pandemic-PGRs?list=7268 Here are Bee's contact details: Website: www.beehughes.co.uk Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeeHughes_ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beehughes_art/ And here is the link to the association for Art History that we mention in the episode: https://forarthistory.org.uk/ You can sign up to Note from the Life Raft a weeklyish email with lots of information to inspire and support you on your PhD journey - just click here: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

This week is all about how to survive your viva! Nathan Ryder runs skills training for PhD students with a signature course entitled 'Viva Survivor' and daily blog of viva prep help. In this episode Nathan talks about his own experience of a PhD in Mathematics at the University of Liverpool and the importance of the support his supervisor gave him. We then talk about his move into supporting PGRs as an independent researcher-developer. Nathan has lots of encouraging thoughts to share - such as the reminder that, by the time you get to submission, you will be very skilled at facing difficult challenges. He offers an hourly calculation which demonstrates how the odds are on your side to succeed! He emphasises the importance of mindset and how being nervous is a positive sign of anticipation! You can find Nathan on Twitter as @DrRyder and @VivaSurvivors. His website is http://viva-survivors.com/ The author Nathan mentions in the episode is Seth Godin - he is fabulous and his own great daily blog - you can subscribe here: https://www.sethgodin.com/ While you are signing up to things you could treat yourself to 'Notes from the Life Raft' which comes out weekly-ish. You can join us here: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

This week's episode focuses on the experience of Sam Belfrage a full time PhD student at the University of Winchester, in the Faculty of Health and Well-being. Sam identifies as a working class academic and first generation university student. Her research is exploring community based interventions to improve health literacy, with a focus on parents of pre-school children. Sam talks about the experience of coming from a family that didn't really value education and how that impacted on her journey through A Levels and her degree. Sam shares the message that failing at any point in your academic journey doesn't mean you're not cut out for it. Sam's story illustrates how work-based experience provided the foundation for her PhD project. We talk about the importance of role models and Sam encourages others to reach out for help and seek a support network. Sam has found the Association of Working Class Academics @AWCAcademics a really helpful resource. Sam's twitter handle is: @slhibberd Would you like more? Each week we send out 'Notes from the Life Raft' - you can sign up here and have a really useful email to support and inspire you on your PhD journey delivered right to your in-box:https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Productivity is an issue that PhD students often struggle with and this week's episode offers lots of practical advice to help you through! Dr Kate Litterer is a Productivity Coach, independent scholar, and author who lives outside Boston, Massachusetts in the U.S. Kate received her MFA degree in Creative Writing and her Master's degree and Doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In this episode we talk about Kate's journey through an MFA; into a PhD; and then on to developing her own coaching business. Kate reflects on her work with "dissertators" (love that word!) and particularly focuses on how she helps people with goal setting. She talks abouts how goals need to be both actionable and achievable and she outlines her own "Goldilocks" method for goal setting! Kate emphasizes the importance of checking-in with yourself - especially your body - in terms of how you are feeling about the work you are doing and the magic of setting intentions. We discuss productivity as a political issue and the importance of challenging work-a-holism culture. We finish with Kate's top tip of working with a 'must do' list rather than a 'to do' list. You can contact Kate here: Website: thetendingyear.com Instagram: @thetendingyear You can get your hands on her book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tend-Holistic-Guide-Intentional-Productivity/dp/1735802204 Don't forget that you can sign up to receive "Notes from the Life Raft" a really useful email to support and inspire you on your PhD journey. Just click here: https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Elisa Webb describes herself as a student, teacher, writer - her debut novel Darkling Park was published with Patrician Press. In this week's episode she shares her journey through building a successful career; through burnout and depression; and on into a Practice-based Southern Gothic Imaginative Writing PhD. We talk about the experience of crisis/crossroads and how Elisa decided to make returning to study for a PhD a positive step forward. We talk about being a first generation student going to university. Elisa discusses the advantages and disadvantages of being a mature student and juggling caring responsibilities with researching. She also shares some top tips to help with focus and clarifying your thinking. You can find out more about Elisa's work here: https://contactanauthor.co.uk/author/869/elisa-webb ---------------------------------- 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 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 ---------------------------------- 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! Sign up to our newsletter here: https://emmab.kartra.com/page/newsletter 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 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! Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/phdliferaft/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVVWxhoL1DFiXHiJSI4J9Kg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdliferaft/ 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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

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: [email protected] 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 - [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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!