Grad School Confidential Suman Varghese, Robert B. Desjardins
-
- Education
-
Pulling back the curtain on grad student life.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
“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.
-
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.
-
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.
Customer Reviews
So nice to hear similar stories to my experience
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?
Awesome podcast! So insightful
Any plans for new episodes?
So Encouraging!
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!