A Postdoc's Journal

Simit Patel
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A Postdoc's Journal

A Postdoc’s Journal is a personal and reflective podcast offering a candid look at the emotional journey I went through navigating life as a postdoctoral research scientist. Hosted by me (Simit Patel, PhD - www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab), a former academic who spent years journalling through the highs and lows of my postdoc. Each episode delves into real journal entries from that time in my life, followed by reflections on mental health, academia, and life beyond the lab. Whether you’re a current postdoc, an aspiring academic, or someone recovering from the rigors of academic life, this podcast offers relatable stories, emotional support, and insights from someone who has been there. Join me for honest conversations about impostor syndrome, burnout, and the challenges that come with academic research, all aimed at reminding you that you are not alone in this journey.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

    EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED In this episode of "A Postdocs Journal," we jump to the middle of October 2012, about two weeks after EPISODE 6. I discuss the challenges of changing research directions, my struggles with standing up to my boss, and the impact of past experiences (bullying, in particular) can have on professional life. Join me as I attempt to breakaway from the past by developing self-awareness and reframing past experiences. [00:00] Welcome to a Postdocs Journal [01:27] Reflecting on October 2012 [02:26] Journal Entry: 18th October 2012 [06:25] Analyzing the Journal Entry [09:45] Connecting Past Experiences [16:00] Was It Really Bullying? [18:50] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections [19:26] Looking Ahead to December 2012 [20:16] Closing Remarks and How to Support For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky Next: EPISODE 8: YEAR IN REVIEW

    21 min

  2. JAN 5

    EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

    EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH In this episode, we jump to October 2012—about nine months into my postdoc. In this journal entry, I am reviewing my year so far and I'm judging my progress (or lack of progress) quite harshly. It feels pretty sad to relive moments like this, but I do manage to find some words of wisdom in the end. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[03:00] - Reading[05:13] - Discussion[20:17] - Outro Key issues discussed: The pressure to publish in academiaThe pressure to write grant applications in academiaProcrastination, fear, and perfectionismFeeling antisocial and lonely For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky Next: EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

    22 min

  3. 12/15/2024

    EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE

    EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE In this episode, we jump to May 2012—about three to four months into the postdoc. At this point things still weren't going well in the lab, but I seem to be doing OK with building a life outside of work. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[02:56] - Reading[05:55] - Discussion[07:03] - Outro Key issues discussed: Introversion - is it a good thing or not?Should there be a better culture around sharing failure at work?Insecurity - is it bad or functional?The relationship between work, life, and happiness For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me & message me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky Next: EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

    19 min

  4. 11/28/2024

    EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

    EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM Firstly, a MASSIVE thank you to my listeners for your support so far. I reflect a little bit about what I've learned so far from all of you. In this episode, we jump to the end of March 2012—about two months into my postdoc. At this point, things still aren't going well in the lab, but I learn the value of opening up to my boss about my problems. It's a very short entry this week, but we touch on some really important points. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[08:14] - Reading[09:48] - Discussion[16:54] - Outro Key issues discussed:  The importance of the employee-boss relationshipThe value of opening up about your feelings For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky Next: EPISODE 5: WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE

    19 min

  5. 11/21/2024

    EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

    EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF In this episode, we jump to the middle of March 2012—about six weeks into my 'new' postdoc. At this point, I had started working more in the lab. Nothing was working, and I thought it was all my fault. I started burning myself out and experiencing depressive symptoms. I had no energy left for building a social life, but I tried anywhere. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[02:22] - Reading[07:55] - Discussion[22:29] - Outro Key issues discussed: DepressionNegative biasWider problems in academiaAnger For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky Next: EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

    25 min

  6. 11/14/2024

    EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

    EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS In this episode, we jump February 2012—about two weeks into my new postdoc. In this entry, I'm agonizing over whether to go to a conference or not, and I try to figure out my place in my new research group...and in Germany. Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[02:53] - Reading[07:04] - Discussion[14:05] - Outro Key issues discussed: Anxiety when joining a new groupInsecurity For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn Next episode: EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

    16 min

  7. 11/07/2024

    EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

    EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH In this episode, we jump a cold, grey December day in 2011. This is the day after my postdoc job interview. Despite being offered the job on the spot, my confidence is not running high., Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[02:47] - Reading[06:17] - Discussion[12:39] - Outro Key issues discussed: Negative internal narrativeImpostor syndromeMy identity as a scientistContending with failure For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Follow/message me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn Next: EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

    14 min

  8. 10/27/2024

    EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION

    EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION In this episode, I will introduce explain what the podcast is, why I'm doing it, and who it is for. I will also introduce myself! Timestamps: [00:00] - Intro[01:00] - What is a Postdoc's Journal? [02:47] - Why am I doing this podcast?[05:02] - Who is this podcast for?[07:00] - Who is Simit Patel, PhD?[09:02] - What you can expect in the upcoming episodes For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/ Intro music and sound effects taken from freesound.org. Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser Next up: EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

    10 min

  9. TRAILER

    Trailer: A Postdoc's Journal

    A trailer for my new podcast: A Postdoc's Journal. A podcast by Simit Patel, PhD. Each week, I will read out entries from my own personal journal from back when I was a postdoc. Then I reflect on it, analyze it, and try to make sense of it with the benefit of hindsight. Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast app, to catch the first episode dropping soon.

    1 min

Trailer

About

A Postdoc’s Journal is a personal and reflective podcast offering a candid look at the emotional journey I went through navigating life as a postdoctoral research scientist. Hosted by me (Simit Patel, PhD - www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab), a former academic who spent years journalling through the highs and lows of my postdoc. Each episode delves into real journal entries from that time in my life, followed by reflections on mental health, academia, and life beyond the lab. Whether you’re a current postdoc, an aspiring academic, or someone recovering from the rigors of academic life, this podcast offers relatable stories, emotional support, and insights from someone who has been there. Join me for honest conversations about impostor syndrome, burnout, and the challenges that come with academic research, all aimed at reminding you that you are not alone in this journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Simit Patel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Simit Patel
  • Show Website
    A Postdoc's Journal

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