Graduate Students' Den

John Acquaful

The Graduate Students Den podcast explores the highs, lows, and everything in between regarding grad school. Whether you’re navigating coursework, research, funding, or just trying to survive, we’re here to keep it real. Each week, we bring candid conversations, personal experiences, and insights to help you make the most of your grad school journey. So grab your coffee, take a break from that never-ending reading list, and join us as we dive into today’s topic.

  1. S3E9: Does age matter in graduate school? The short answer is: yes — but maybe not in the ways you think.

    3D AGO

    S3E9: Does age matter in graduate school? The short answer is: yes — but maybe not in the ways you think.

    In this episode, we sit down to talk about the age gaps that exist inside graduate programs — the 22-year-olds who feel like impostors among experienced cohort-mates, the 35-year-olds who've been told they're starting too late, and the institutional structures that quietly assume every student arrived straight from undergrad with no mortgage, no kids, and infinite time. We read two Reddit posts from real graduate students navigating exactly this, and react in real time. We talk about imposter syndrome, supervisor dynamics, financial pressures, and what a more age-inclusive grad school might actually look like. Whether you're thinking about applying, currently in a program, or just graduate-school-curious — this one is for you.

    55 min
  2. S3E8: International PhD Life, Research, and Reinvention | ft Dr. Debipreeta Rahut

    MAR 24

    S3E8: International PhD Life, Research, and Reinvention | ft Dr. Debipreeta Rahut

    In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Debipreeta Rahut, whose journey spans journalism, academia, and continents. From Kolkata, India, to earning her PhD in Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, and now teaching at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Rahut shares what it really takes to navigate graduate school as an international student while building a meaningful academic career. We explore her experiences balancing teaching and research, building community in a new environment, and navigating the cultural and professional transitions that come with studying abroad. Dr. Rahut also walks us through her research at the intersection of gender, media, and technology, including her work on digital activism during COVID-19 and her critique of how knowledge from the Global South is often treated in academia. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective — touching on identity, resilience, and what it means to find your place in academia across borders. If you’re an international student, aspiring academic, or simply curious about the realities of graduate school beyond the classroom, this conversation is for you.

    1h 35m
  3. S3E7: Midsemester Check-In: Proposals, TEDx Talks, and Teaching Challenges

    MAR 19

    S3E7: Midsemester Check-In: Proposals, TEDx Talks, and Teaching Challenges

    We’re halfway through the semester, so it’s time for a real check-in. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we take a step back to share what we’re currently navigating in our graduate journeys. Halima walks us through what happens after defending a dissertation proposal and what that transition really feels like. Kelsey talks about preparing for her upcoming TEDxBGSU talk while also navigating PhD applications. And John reflects on the challenges of teaching a new course and what he’s learning along the way. This episode is honest, reflective, and very much in real time — the wins, the uncertainty, and everything in between. If you’re in the middle of a semester and trying to figure things out as you go, this one will feel familiar.

    36 min
  4. S3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through Communication

    MAR 11

    S3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through Communication

    Public speaking is one of the most common fears people have — but is it something you’re born good at, or something anyone can learn? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Jaclyn Marsh, Assistant Teaching Professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Marsh oversees the university’s public speaking program, helping hundreds of students each year develop the skills and confidence to communicate effectively. We talk about what makes a speech memorable, how instructors support students who are terrified of speaking in front of others, and what it takes to coordinate a large team of teaching assistants across multiple sections of the course. We also explore how communication is changing in the digital age and discuss Dr. Marsh’s exciting new project using virtual reality technology to help students practice and improve their public speaking skills in immersive environments. Whether you’re giving class presentations, teaching public speaking, or simply trying to communicate your ideas more clearly, this episode offers insights into how anyone can become a more confident speaker.

    1h 14m
  5. S3E5: Money, Mindset, and Identity: A Conversation with Sashette McPherson

    FEB 25

    S3E5: Money, Mindset, and Identity: A Conversation with Sashette McPherson

    In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we welcome Sashette McPherson — Financial Analyst at Bowling Green State University, CEO of Power Moves Global, and host of the Power Moves podcast. A proud BGSU alum with a master’s in Financial Economics, Sashette joins us to reflect on her graduate school journey, the lessons she learned along the way, and how she transitioned from student to financial leader and entrepreneur. n this conversation, we explore: What graduate school taught her about leadership and discipline How financial identity shapes decision-making The mindset shifts students need to build wealth and confidence Practical advice for grad students navigating finances, ambition, and purpose Whether you’re managing a stipend, building a side business, or trying to redefine your relationship with money, this episode offers clarity, motivation, and real strategy.

    1h 12m
  6. S3E4: Community, Career Pivots, and Learning to Fail Well | ft. Dr. Shannon Orr

    FEB 18

    S3E4: Community, Career Pivots, and Learning to Fail Well | ft. Dr. Shannon Orr

    Welcome back to Graduate Students’ Den with John, Kelsey, and Halima. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Orr, faculty member at Bowling Green State University and Director of the Falcon Food Pantry. Dr. Orr leads one of the university’s most important community initiatives, supporting students, faculty, and staff through accessible food and essential resources — including many graduate students who quietly rely on these services. We talk about how the pantry supports the campus community, how graduate students can access resources without stigma, and how community engagement can meaningfully intersect with research and academic life. Dr. Orr also shares her journey from professor to leading the pantry, offering insight into career pivots in academia and what it means to follow purpose over a traditional path. And in a powerful final segment, we discuss something every graduate student experiences but rarely talks about openly: failure and rejection — why they’re normal, necessary, and often transformative. If you’ve ever struggled in grad school, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that community matters, this conversation is for you.

    1h 4m
  7. S3E3: Life Skills Grad School Doesn’t Teach (But You Have to Learn Anyway)

    FEB 11

    S3E3: Life Skills Grad School Doesn’t Teach (But You Have to Learn Anyway)

    Grad school teaches theory, research, and critical thinking. It does not teach you how to file taxes on a stipend, understand health insurance, negotiate a lease, or survive university bureaucracy. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we unpack the life skills no one prepares you for but every graduate student has to figure out. From confusing paperwork and unexpected expenses to budgeting, self-advocacy, and adulting under pressure, we share the lessons we learned the hard way and the advice we wish we had sooner. If you’ve ever thought, “Why did nobody tell me this?” this episode is for you.

    1h 4m
  8. S3E2: Balancing Love, Life, and Grad School: What Changes and What Has to Give

    FEB 3

    S3E2: Balancing Love, Life, and Grad School: What Changes and What Has to Give

    This episode of Graduate Students’ Den dives into the often-unspoken realities of maintaining relationships during graduate school. From friendships that slowly fade, to romantic partnerships under pressure, to navigating family expectations and guilt, we unpack how grad school reshapes personal life. Through personal stories, honest reflection, and practical strategies, we explore how graduate students can protect meaningful connections without burning out or feeling like they’re failing in one area or another.

    1h 18m
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About

The Graduate Students Den podcast explores the highs, lows, and everything in between regarding grad school. Whether you’re navigating coursework, research, funding, or just trying to survive, we’re here to keep it real. Each week, we bring candid conversations, personal experiences, and insights to help you make the most of your grad school journey. So grab your coffee, take a break from that never-ending reading list, and join us as we dive into today’s topic.

Information

  • Creator
    John Acquaful
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Acquaful
  • Show Website
    Graduate Students' Den