Grad School Confidential

Suman Varghese, Robert B. Desjardins

5.0 (17)
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Pulling back the curtain on grad student life.

2024-05-27

Why Is Thesis-Writing So Damned Hard?

You sit down at the keyboard, ready to write up your research. But the harder you try, the worse you seem to feel. This episode asks: why is thesis-writing so mentally and emotionally taxing? We talk to two writers about their struggles with self-doubt, anxiety and loneliness and look for new ways to think about academic writing.

18 min
2023-10-04

The Mother of All Episodes: On Parenting in Grad School

Navigating a graduate program is tough at the best of times. But doing so as a parent presents a whole new set of challenges. In this episode, two students share stories to help us all understand the plight of graduate student parents a little bit better. And for all the parents out there, we hope it helps you realize you're not alone in finding this hard.

17 min
2023-04-14

The Goldilocks Zone: On Balance in Grad School

People are always telling you to find work-life balance. It’s easy to say, but why is it so hard to do? In this episode, current and former grad students talk about the guilt of saying no, the anxiety of proving they belong and the mistakes they made along the way. They tell us that finding the perfect balance – and staying there, in the Goldilocks Zone – may be an impossible dream.

20 min
2022-07-11

In the Shadow of Trauma

Grad school is challenging at the best of times. But students who have experienced past trauma may find it especially hard to cope. In this episode of Grad School Confidential, we speak with two students who embarked on PhD studies while nursing personal wounds. Note: Contains content some listeners may find disturbing.

25 min
2021-09-20

“Like an Empty Shell”: Living with Depression in Grad School

Graduate students are more likely than most people to experience depression — a disorder that can have devastating effects on our thoughts and behaviour. In this episode, a recent PhD student explains what depression felt like, and how she reached out for help. Note: Contains discussions of suicidal thoughts and other troubling subjects.

23 min
2021-05-03

That Sinking Feeling: On Dealing with Criticism

Feeling discouraged — and a bit stunned — by some tough academic criticism? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore those painful moments in the face of criticism, why it hurts so much and how to respond. Two PhD graduates share their stories, and we hear from author Kevin D. Haggerty.

22 min
2021-02-17

Hitting the Wall: On Burnout in Grad School

Feeling spent and exhausted? You're not alone. In this episode, three grad students tell stories about burnout at various points in their programs. They also share strategies for coping with the physical and emotional toll those experiences take.

17 min
2020-12-14

Scholars in a Dangerous Time: Loneliness, Isolation and COVID-19

Finding this pandemic year hard to navigate? You’re not alone. In this episode we chat with two grad students who have struggled to deal with the loneliness and isolation brought on by COVID-19. They have plenty of wisdom to share.

20 min
2020-11-05

"Who Am I to Talk About Impostor Syndrome?"

Impostor syndrome is one of the most common, and least talked-about, struggles in graduate student life. In our inaugural episode, we ask why grad students are so vulnerable to these feelings and share some strategies for addressing them.

20 min

9 Episodes

5

out of 5

17 Ratings

So nice to hear similar stories to my experience

2021-04-25

Hil from 1204

Would love to see an episode about the issue of grad students getting taken advantage of. Whether it’s doing research for free or trying and failing to succeed against unrealistic expectations set by colleagues or advisors. It’s an unwritten rule that you should be working 16 hour days and on the weekend. Why do those that came before us feel the need to put us through the ringer as well?
Any new episodes?

2021-04-04

ErfanT

Awesome podcast! So insightful Any plans for new episodes?
So Encouraging!

2021-02-24

P. Dahlseide

Thank you for this podcast! The content is so relevant and the hosts relay a deep sense of empathy and positive encouragement. Much appreciated in this virtual, Covid campus reality!
Thank you, University of Alberta!!

2020-11-11

enne_ds

Very proud to be a grad student at this institution, as well as have been awarded my undergrad from the U of A!

Pulling back the curtain on grad student life.

Creator

Suman Varghese, Robert B. Desjardins
Years Active

2020 - 2024
Episodes

9
Rating

Clean
Show Website

Grad School Confidential

Grad School Confidential

Episodes

Why Is Thesis-Writing So Damned Hard?

The Mother of All Episodes: On Parenting in Grad School

The Goldilocks Zone: On Balance in Grad School

In the Shadow of Trauma

“Like an Empty Shell”: Living with Depression in Grad School

That Sinking Feeling: On Dealing with Criticism

Hitting the Wall: On Burnout in Grad School

Scholars in a Dangerous Time: Loneliness, Isolation and COVID-19

"Who Am I to Talk About Impostor Syndrome?"

Ratings & Reviews

So nice to hear similar stories to my experience

Any new episodes?

So Encouraging!

Thank you, University of Alberta!!

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