PhD Lounge

Luis Maia de Freitas

Late-night podcast where I speak with PhDs about their research subjects, their decision on studying it and its importance throughout academic life. A podcast of entertainment and education, whose aim is to approach students and graduates who want to go through their future careers inside or outside of academia with a PhD and for those who are on a moment of uncertainty in continuing their studies further, as if we are having a drink and talk about PhD culture at a lounge on a late-night summer. Website: https://www.phdlounge.co.uk Business email: luisphdlounge@gmail.com

  1. Solo Session: Do Employers care about your PhD?

    4 FEB

    Solo Session: Do Employers care about your PhD?

    Students and Graduates! Ever been told, “I don’t care that you have a PhD,” and felt the wind leave your sails? I take that line apart and rebuild it into a roadmap for landing industry roles where your research mindset becomes a competitive advantage. Across this candid session, I unpack ​Decoding the industry value system and outcomes​Mapping thesis work to product thinking​Addressing assumptions about lack of experience​Turning research stories into time-boxed deliveries​Responding to stereotypes with clear proof​Practical steps to build networks and internshipsDid you enjoy this late-night solo session? Say your thoughts below. Thank you all for tuning in, it has been a pleasure! Support the show Website: https://www.phdlounge.co.ukDonation tab - https://www.phdlounge.co.uk/donateBuzzsprout subscription - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1808542/supportInstagram: @phdlmfLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luismaia94/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/phdloungepodcast Bibliography: TurningScience. (2018, January 20). Why won’t industry managers hire PhDs? [Video]. Phdcareersholly. (2021, December 13). What industries really value… and how to leverage this in your post-PhD job hunt. PostGradual: The PhD Careers Blog. Chen, L., Mewburn, I., et al. (2025). PhD employability beyond academia: an analysis of industry skills emphasis through a cultural capital lens. Higher Education Research & Development, 45(1), 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2515212

    5 min
  2. 7 JAN

    Solo Session: The Rule of Three in PhD

    A doctorate can feel like juggling knives in a windstorm—until you simplify your approach. We break down a practical rule of three that keeps your research clear, effective, and memorable: strategy, management, and communication. Rather than drowning in to‑dos, you’ll learn how to design a flexible plan, turn that plan into steady weekly progress, and share your work so real people understand why it matters.We start with strategy as the anchor for your PhD. You’ll hear how to focus your question, align aims with your supervisor’s interests, and set milestones that adapt to new data and unexpected detours. Then we move to management, where we prioritise high‑impact tasks, schedule deep work when energy is highest, and build simple systems—weekly sprints, daily next steps, and realistic buffers around supervision meetings—that reduce stress and create momentum. Finally, we explore communication beyond conferences: using plain language, relatable examples, and honest stories about setbacks to connect with undergraduates, colleagues outside your field, and the wider public.Across the conversation, we highlight small habits with outsized returns: treating research as a pipeline, tracking lead indicators you control, and pressure‑testing ideas by explaining them over coffee. You’ll leave with a lean toolkit for navigating uncertainty, focusing on what matters, and turning complex ideas into messages that stick. If you’re a current PhD, a prospective applicant, or a supervisor looking to guide your students, this is a clear, human framework you can use right away.Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who needs a simpler way to steer their PhD. Support the show Website: https://www.phdlounge.co.ukDonation tab - https://www.phdlounge.co.uk/donateBuzzsprout subscription - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1808542/supportInstagram: @phdlmfLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luismaia94/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/phdloungepodcast

    4 min

About

Late-night podcast where I speak with PhDs about their research subjects, their decision on studying it and its importance throughout academic life. A podcast of entertainment and education, whose aim is to approach students and graduates who want to go through their future careers inside or outside of academia with a PhD and for those who are on a moment of uncertainty in continuing their studies further, as if we are having a drink and talk about PhD culture at a lounge on a late-night summer. Website: https://www.phdlounge.co.uk Business email: luisphdlounge@gmail.com