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 Atabey & Co. Network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.

  1. 354: Tracking Progress on Long-Term Projects When Motivation Is Low

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 350: Analog Tools to Boost Learning, Productivity, and Joy in a Digital and AI World

    12/12/2025

    350: Analog Tools to Boost Learning, Productivity, and Joy in a Digital and AI World

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the growing trend among educators to revert back to analog tools in the classroom as a response to the rise of AI and digital tools. I explore why analog methods facilitate better learning environments. Additionally, I provide practical recommendations for incorporating more analog tools into your work and life to boost your learning, productivity, and joy. I also emphasize the importance of integrating these tools alongside digital resources to create a hybrid, personalized approach that supports diverse learning needs. Get on the waitlist for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, here. If you liked what you heard, check out episode 339 with Naseem Kapdi on ways to cultivate more curiosity and care in your career and episode and episode 182 on the pros and cons of using AI as a tool in grad school.  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.

    33 min
  6. 349: How to Stay Motivated in Higher Education Without Burning Out with Dr. Janice Castro

    12/05/2025

    349: How to Stay Motivated in Higher Education Without Burning Out with Dr. Janice Castro

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janice Castro, a bilingual, licensed psychologist specializing in Latine mental health and adult ADHD. Dr. Castro shares her personal and professional journey growing up as the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, dealing with trauma, and navigating the challenges of being a first gen college grad. We delve into the topic of motivation without burnout, discussing the importance of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, recognizing one's self-worth beyond your career, and adopting practical strategies. Listen in to gain insights on managing motivation and preventing burnout. Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat here. If you liked what you heard, check out episode 155 on how to cope with and overcome burnout, episode 193 on pacing techniques to prevent burnout, and episode 341 on masking, overcompensating, and burnout. 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. Janice Castro via her Linktree. 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.

    42 min
  7. 348: The Most Overlooked Forms of Rest Among First-Gen Students

    11/28/2025

    348: The Most Overlooked Forms of Rest Among First-Gen Students

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I tackle the common misconception that rest only counts if you're asleep, napping, or doing nothing. Inspired by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith's book, titled Sacred Rest, I introduce several often-overlooked types of rest and offer practical examples of how you can start practicing them. Join me as I explore how different forms of rest can restore your mind, emotions, relationships, and more, especially for first-gen students, including college and grad students. Stick around till the end for reflective questions that can help you identify the type of rest you need most right now. Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat here. Get on the waitlist for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, here. If you liked what you heard, check out episode 184 on how to foster joy in grad school. 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.

    25 min
  8. 347: How to Organize Your Own Gentle Writing Retreat at Home for First-Gen Students and Professionals

    11/21/2025

    347: How to Organize Your Own Gentle Writing Retreat at Home for First-Gen Students and Professionals

    In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the emotionally charged nature of writing and the systemic barriers that often hinder consistent writing progress. I share my experiences with overcoming these obstacles during my time in grad school and introduce the concept of a “gentle writing retreat.” With a focus on compassion and realistic goal-setting, I outline how to structure a supportive and effective writing retreat, whether solo at home or with a group virtually or in-person. You'll learn about how to set realistic goals, preparing materials in advance, and the importance of community and accountability. I also announce my upcoming two-day virtual retreat aimed at helping first-gen students and professionals make significant progress on long-term projects in a supportive environment. If you liked what you heard, check out my writing related podcast episodes here.  Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat 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 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 Atabey & Co. Network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.

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