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.

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

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 354: Tracking Progress on Long-Term Projects When Motivation Is Low

    JAN 9

    354: Tracking Progress on Long-Term Projects When Motivation Is Low

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share various strategies to track progress on long-term projects like dissertations, publications, and other manuscripts, emphasizing the importance of accountability and externalizing progress. From time-based tracking and task checklists to visual cues and planners, I offer methods you can personalize to help you maintain momentum when motivation is low, feel accomplished no matter your pace, and celebrate any wins. Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12. 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 and sponsor a coaching scholarship 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 Atabey & Co. 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.

    32 min
  6. 353: Achieve Your Annual Goals with 10 Monthly Reflection Questions (Replay)

    JAN 2

    353: Achieve Your Annual Goals with 10 Monthly Reflection Questions (Replay)

    In this replay episode, I share 10 monthly reflection questions designed to help you track and achieve your goals effectively. You’ll learn how and why I developed these questions to promote personal and professional development, combat imposter syndrome, and reinforce a growth mindset. You’ll also gain tips for consistent practice and strategies to make the exercise enjoyable and rewarding. Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12. If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 146 and 221 on resources to plan the year ahead and journaling questions to dream again. 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 Atabey & Co. 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.

    27 min
  7. 352: Spoonie Productivity During the Holidays: Honoring Your Body, Culture, and Legacy with Intention (Replay)

    12/26/2025

    352: Spoonie Productivity During the Holidays: Honoring Your Body, Culture, and Legacy with Intention (Replay)

    This replay episode on spoonie productivity discusses strategies for managing the holiday season when you are a spoonie and have limited energy. Addressing chronically ill and disabled individuals, I share personal experiences and practical tips on honoring your culture and legacy without sacrificing your wellbeing. The episode highlights the importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and adapting traditions to fit your capacity. I also encourage you to identify nonnegotiables and prioritize self-care to ensure you work towards having a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season. Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12. If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 44 and 166 on reducing overwhelm before the holiday break and navigating grad school during the holidays. 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 Atabey & Co. 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.

    40 min
  8. 351: How to Measure Your Impact in Higher Education: A Case Study from my 2025 Impact Report

    12/19/2025

    351: How to Measure Your Impact in Higher Education: A Case Study from my 2025 Impact Report

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share my personal experience of how my business was impacted by higher education funding cuts and how I adapted by making micro pivots, focusing on nurturing relationships and creating a meaningful impact. Using my 2025 impact report as a case study, I discuss what an impact report is, share metrics from my own work, and provide actionable steps for you to quantify your own impact. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating your work, especially in challenging times, and offer practical advice for your personal and professional development. Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12. 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 Atabey & Co. 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.

    27 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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