The Effort Report

Very insightful discussion about the in and out of academia. Two hosts are researchers in the health sector, but the podcast topics are quite universal across all disciplines.

As a Hopkins grad and tenured associate professor, I find their advice to be right on target for junior faculty and those looking to transition to a tenure track position. I’ve told all of my advisees to subscribe.

Good info occasionally, but you have to sit through a lot to get to it. Definitely fails to take into account cultural barriers in academia. There were also a few instances where a quote was brought in, ironically by a person or culture of color, and the response was “I don’t know who originally said it.” For example, in episode 105, the quote “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” is a well known African proverb and an easy google search before coming on air.

There are some gems especially the specific aims podcast. Overall a nice glimpse into people who have had success at grants and writing. Agree with others some episodes seem long and could be edited. Also wish the topic of the podcast was covered first before they diverge on follow ups. Personal anecdotes of successes, failures, challenges are nice- it normalizes the experience that I’ve had as junior faculty.