Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

A podcast on thriving in graduate school for first-generation BIPOC students, offering insights on academic success, career development, mental health, and navigating diversity and inclusion in higher education.
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The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals.  I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fourteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too. Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you’ll be listening in on inclusive grad school stories. You'll also learn more about grad school and academic success, career and professional development, personal development and mindset, productivity and time management, social justice and community building, wellbeing and mental health, money and financial literacy, first-gen student of color experiences, and more!  This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.

  1. 362: Client Spotlight: Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla on Finishing a Doctorate with Intention

    3D AGO

    362: Client Spotlight: Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla on Finishing a Doctorate with Intention

    In this client spotlight, I speak with Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla about her journey from completing her master’s degree to earning her doctorate while parenting, working full time in higher education, and navigating uncertainty along the way. She describes that season of life as a “kaleidoscope” and reflects on how coaching supported her in clarifying priorities, managing time and energy, building sustainable writing practices, setting boundaries, and staying connected to her why. Now a senior higher education leader with 26 years of experience and Senior Budget Manager for MBA Programs at USC Marshall, Dr. Villanueva Padilla shares how she pays it forward by mentoring peers and supporting students of color, and offers encouragement about patience, faith, and honoring your own timeline. You are invited to join the April cohort of the GECC, my group coaching program. You can learn more and get on the waitlist here.  If you liked this episode, check out our previous client spotlight episodes. Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can connect with Dr. Jeanette Villanueva Padilla on LinkedIn. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez. This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min
  2. 361: How to Secure Affordable Housing in Grad School

    FEB 27

    361: How to Secure Affordable Housing in Grad School

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I walk you through exactly how to secure affordable graduate school housing. I share when you should start searching and why it’s earlier than you may think. I also outline three main housing options to compare from and offer strategies like asking current grad students about options and searching for university-affiliated rental lists. I emphasize the importance of comparing your options and reviewing lease details closely to ensure you get the best housing option to meet your needs. You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here.  If you liked this episode, check out our previous episode 116 on housing and funding in master's programs.  Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 min
  3. 360: Building Self-Confidence as a First-Generation Professional

    FEB 20

    360: Building Self-Confidence as a First-Generation Professional

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk about confidence building for first-gen professionals. I share why confidence can sometimes feel harder for first-gen professionals. I then offer strategies to strengthen confidence over time. And I close with reflective prompts to remind you that confidence is a skill that fluctuates with changing conditions and that can be rebuilt over time with small steps. You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here. If you liked this episode, check out our previous episode on confidence building and designing career success.  Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audio and transcript edited by Yessi Sanchez.  This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    21 min
  4. 359: What Comes After the PhD? Career Design and Life Beyond Academia with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah

    FEB 13

    359: What Comes After the PhD? Career Design and Life Beyond Academia with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I talk with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah, founder of Bold PhD Consulting, about career design for PhDs and the challenges and opportunities for PhDs considering careers outside academia. Dr. Gertrude shares her own journey from academia to science communications and offers practical advice on career development, networking, and leveraging your PhD skills for non-academic roles. We emphasize the importance of intentional career planning, visibility, and creating multiple opportunities for yourself in an uncertain job market. You are invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat and can learn more here.  If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on career and professional development: https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/career-development/ Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can connect with Dr. Gertrude Nonterah and access her resources at the following links: Exiting Academia Series with 50 PhDs: https://www.publicationacademy.org/exiting-academia-interview-series/ Newsletter: https://theboldphd.com/newsletter/ Navigating the PIVOT book: https://theboldphd.com/navigate/ To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    52 min
  5. 358: How to Finish an Incomplete in Grad School While Still Managing Everything Else

    FEB 6

    358: How to Finish an Incomplete in Grad School While Still Managing Everything Else

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I guide you through how to manage and complete an incomplete in grad school. I explain what an incomplete means and discuss various circumstances that might lead to receiving one, such as health issues, family emergencies, or academic overload. I share strategies for overcoming the psychological toll of an incomplete, including reducing other obligations, seeking external accountability, and finding concentrated blocks of time to work. Additionally, I offer tips on clarifying requirements and deadlines with professors and adjusting expectations. You are also invited to join my upcoming Compassionate Accountability Retreat for extra support and can learn more here.  If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on finishing long-term projects and dissertation writing here. https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast_catergory/dissertation-and-writing-strategies/ Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  6. 357: Six Strategies for Managing Academic Writing Revisions Without Overwhelm

    JAN 30

    357: Six Strategies for Managing Academic Writing Revisions Without Overwhelm

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share insights for grad students, academics, and other writers feeling overwhelmed by manuscript revisions, whether you’re working on a dissertation, prospectus, or course paper. Drawing from recent coaching topics, I introduce six different strategies to set daily milestones and effectively manage revisions. I cover assessing available time and energy, differentiating essential tasks from nice-to-haves, and grouping revisions by their cognitive demand. I also suggest approaches like alternating heavy and light revision days and using section-by-section completion to maintain progress. I emphasize flexibility and self-compassion and encourage you to find a personalized method that works best for your specific circumstances and energy levels. If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on long-term projects and dissertation writing here.  Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
  7. 356: A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Funding for Master's Degrees (Replay)

    JAN 23

    356: A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Funding for Master's Degrees (Replay)

    In this replay episode, I share my personal experience of turning down my dream master's program due to funding issues and provide comprehensive guidance on securing funding for master's programs. From internal scholarships within your department to external fellowships and creative freelance opportunities, I cover various strategies to make your graduate education financially manageable. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of financial literacy and budgeting to ensure long-term financial stability. Tune in to learn how to proactively seek and secure funding for your master's program. If you liked what you heard, check out my blog post on 20+ ways to secure funding for master's programs and the following relevant episodes:  -4: Grad School Funding -58: Accepting an Offer With Little to No Funding -67: What You Need to Know About Student Loans -79: Financial Literacy in Grad School -132: Five Budget-Related Tasks to Complete Before Saying Yes to a Grad Program Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    30 min
  8. 355: How to Choose a Dissertation Advisor or Thesis Advisor

    JAN 16

    355: How to Choose a Dissertation Advisor or Thesis Advisor

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I address the crucial factors to consider when choosing a thesis or dissertation advisor for graduate school. Drawing from my experience coaching graduate students, I emphasize the importance of communication styles, respect, kindness, and support beyond just research alignment. I break down the topic into two scenarios: for those applying to grad school and those needing to change advisors mid-program. I provide actionable advice on gathering information and assessing advisor fit to ensure a positive grad school experience. Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 19. If you liked this episode, check out episode 57 on how to secure a faculty mentor, episode 188 on strategies for dealing with a toxic advisor, and episode 48 on establishing a good relationship with your advisor. Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a one-time or monthly donation. I am excited to share a trailer for The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. This 2x award-winning podcast, hosted by Heidy De La Cruz, features immigrants sharing their stories of migrating to the United States. Listen in as they share about their lives back home, culture shocks they first experienced, and what the American Dream means to them. You can listen wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube. New episodes are available every Tuesday. https://open.spotify.com/show/1cieU8Wg7IRJG33nn0cAzP?si=66892198be964c8c To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network.  *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
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5
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals.  I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fourteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too. Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you’ll be listening in on inclusive grad school stories. You'll also learn more about grad school and academic success, career and professional development, personal development and mindset, productivity and time management, social justice and community building, wellbeing and mental health, money and financial literacy, first-gen student of color experiences, and more!  This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.

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