Learning on the Job

James K. Harris and Nic Flores

Join two recent(ish) queer Ph.D.s of color as we navigate the world of higher education. One is an English professor at a community college and the other teaching Latina/o/x Studies at a four-year public university. We present our unique perspectives on the shifting landscape of college in America and share our behind-the-scenes thoughts on everything – from the tenure track to conference etiquette to figuring out how not to get fired. Call it a learning experience. Email us: lotjpod@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

  1. 04/18/2024

    It's Never Too Early for Self Care

    Today, we delve into the often discussed but less frequently practiced theme of self-care. Nic and James share personal anecdotes and tips on incorporating culinary creativity into your self-care routine. Plus, we explore the importance of financial literacy in academia, especially for those of us who don't come from wealth, offering some insightful tips on managing finances to support your well-being. Pro tip: Moving your body is (almost always) free! And don’t miss out on our reading recommendations to nourish your mind, soul, and body. We still want to hear from you! Let us know what topics or themes you’d like to hear more about by sending your questions to ⁠lotjpod@gmail.com

  2. 04/07/2024

    The Stupid Question is the One You Don't Ask

    Send your questions to lotjpod@gmail.com Alrighty, here goes! We're back and trying our hand at giving ADVICE! Got a question about higher ed, lower learning, making it, faking it, or anything in between? We're your queers! We're kicking things off with a bit of advice to our younger selves. But we want to hear from you!

  3. 03/08/2024

    Lesson #50: The New Needs Friends

    We're 50 lessons deep, y'all! The time has come for us to lip sync for our.....wait, wrong show! Although it goes without question about who would slay who in a lip sync battle, Nic and James have decided that the time has indeed come for reflection. Reflection on this podcast, its content, and where we imagine it going. To be crystal clear, we aren't going anywhere but we are moving in another direction. Think "Dear Abby" meets the real housequeers of the university meets podcasting. Or, something along those lines. We want to hear from you, listeners, about the questions, comments, and observations you have being in higher education and provide a space for us to talk frankly and collectively. Reach us at lotjpod@gmail.com and let's chat!

  4. 02/22/2024

    Lesson #49: D.E.I Isn't Real, D.E.I. Can't Hurt You.

    Because we can't just have nice things, this week yet again James and Nic are tasked with sifting through the wreckage that is higher education in the age of anti-intellectualism. This week the duo gets to spend a sweet moment basking in the glow of a successful educator's strike (Shoutout CSU!) before being immediately reminded of the how hard it is out here in these streets. We pour one out for the Florida governor/baby man who just really wants y'all to chill with all these book bans and try to read the tea leave or what exactly the state of Oklahoma thinks diversity is. It's...not great. But we've got each other, great book recs, and a country Beyonce album to look forward to if that's your thing. Silver lining? Further Reading: California State Union Approves Tentative Deal, Despite Dissent (Inside Higher Ed) DeSantis denies Florida book ban claims, backs limiting 'bad-faith' objections (ABC 6 South Florida) The Rise and Fall of DEI at the University of Oklahoma (Chronicle of Higher Education) The Met Aims to Get Harlem Right, the Second Time Around (New York Times) What We're Reading: Emma Pérez, Testimony of a Shifter Zora Neale Hurston, I Love Myself When I'm Laughing, and then Again When I'm Looking Mean and Impressive

  5. 01/26/2024

    Lesson #48: Lead with Gratitude

    The queers are back, baby! Nic and James shake the cobwebs off the microphones and jump back into The Academic Discourse. Speaking of, we see you Cal State. They share what’s been going on in their lives and discuss where they hope to go. It’s been too long and we’ve missed you. Join us on this journey! Further reading:  “US university faculty celebrate ‘victory’ after deal reached in one-day strike”, The Guardian “Cal State System Strike Begins, Ends in 1 Day”, Inside Higher Education

  6. 03/20/2023

    Taking a Long Pause

    We're taking a long break. This isn't a goodbye. Far from it. We are re-grouping, re-assessing, and resting. Thank you to all those dear listeners out there! We'll be back in the near future. Remember: A "no" to others is also a "yes" to you.

  7. 03/10/2023

    Lesson #47: The Pause

    Because living in this moment can be unendingly exhausting, this week we're trying something different: a little much needed rest and commiseration. Where in the place of segments, we do a different kind of learning and leaning and loving. And you know what, it feels so good. What We're Reading: ~100 emails a day (and dammit we deserve credit for that too!)

  8. 02/21/2023

    Lesson #46: You Have to Yell Into a Pillow Sometimes

    The recent(ish) queer PhDs of color are back to discuss all the moving parts of the world around them. So many things to keep track of these days! The world(s) of higher education remains held together by the thinnest and most fragile string possible. We're here, though. And we're glad you're here, too. Further Reading: “After a Tragedy, Michigan State Will Resume In-Person Classes. Some Students Say They Aren’t Ready,” The Chronicle of Higher Education “Temple grad students will continue picketing despite 'union-busting tactics,’” Philly Voice What We're Reading: Gilberto Rosas, Unsettling: The El Paso Massacre, Resurgent White Nationalism, and the US-Mexico Border (Pre-order) Evren Savci, Queer in Translation: Sexual Politics under Neoliberal Islam Rana Jaleel, The Work of Rape

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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Join two recent(ish) queer Ph.D.s of color as we navigate the world of higher education. One is an English professor at a community college and the other teaching Latina/o/x Studies at a four-year public university. We present our unique perspectives on the shifting landscape of college in America and share our behind-the-scenes thoughts on everything – from the tenure track to conference etiquette to figuring out how not to get fired. Call it a learning experience. Email us: lotjpod@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

Information

  • Creator
    James K. Harris and Nic Flores
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © James K. Harris and Nic Flores
  • Show Website
    Learning on the Job