PhDemystified

William Ankomah & Julianne Burgess

Our goal is to bring some clarity to the mystifying aspects of the academic world. We'll talk about the "hidden literacies"; those unwritten rules you need to know that don't often get discussed. And we'll offer some guidance to make your journey through your doctoral studies more enjoyable!

Episodes

  1. Defending Your Dissertation

    02/05/2025

    Defending Your Dissertation

    It may be down the road, or it may be just around the corner. The viva voce – the oral defence – the mention of it strikes fear into the hearts of most doctoral candidates. Can you really prepare for the oral defence? We can help! We have good advice and field-tested resources based on our experiences.

    31 min
  2. Struggling In Your PhD Program

    01/22/2025

    Struggling In Your PhD Program

    It's not easy to complete a doctoral degree. The number of folks who actually get to the finish line may surprise you. As you already know, the work is relentless and, at times, overwhelming. Most people struggle. What should you do, and who should you talk to, if you are struggling and maybe thinking of dropping out?

    25 min
  3. Switching Supervisors

    01/19/2025

    Switching Supervisors

    Your PhD Handbook will tell you that switching to a new supervisor rarely happens. Based on our experience, that's not entirely true. We discuss the challenging situations in which you might consider switching, options, and outcomes.

    26 min
  4. Publish or Perish. Yes, but how and where to begin?

    01/19/2025

    Publish or Perish. Yes, but how and where to begin?

    In this episode, we'll talk about writing and publishing your first paper. It seems like an overwhelming task, but you may find you're already part-way there. This episode will offer ideas for writing and publishing your first paper, and maybe your second, too.

    23 min
  5. Your Supervisory Committee

    01/19/2025

    Your Supervisory Committee

    What do these folks do? What are their responsibilities, when do you need them, and how do you find them? We have the answers.

    22 min
  6. The Daily Grind: Engaging Successfully With Coursework

    01/19/2025

    The Daily Grind: Engaging Successfully With Coursework

    We discuss challenges of completing your coursework. We offer some thoughts on how to read texts with a critical eye.

    22 min
  7. Power Dynamics

    01/19/2025

    Power Dynamics

    This is a topic that is rarely discussed but students need to be aware of hierarchies, gatekeepers, the ways in which power circulates in the academic world, who has it, and who doesn't. Knowledge about power is power!

    28 min
  8. Start Your Job Search Now!

    01/19/2025

    Start Your Job Search Now!

    Depending on your field, you may find tenure-track positions are a rarity. But if a job in academia is your goal, you should start preparing now.

    30 min
  9. Building a Community

    01/19/2025

    Building a Community

    It takes a village to raise a scholar. Having a support network will be invaluable to you throughout your doctoral studies. Creating a community of peers – a special interest group, a writing group, or a circle of friends – is, in our opinion, an absolute necessity. You will find your community enriching to your academic life and probably your social life too.

    30 min
  10. Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Began My PhD

    01/19/2025

    Things I Wish I Had Known Before I Began My PhD

    "Oh, if I had only known, I would have done things differently!" In this episode, we talk about some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for your doctoral journey, especially if you have been out of school for a while. Our suggestions are also timely if you've already started your program.

    24 min
  11. Putting Your PhD Application Together

    01/19/2025

    Putting Your PhD Application Together

    We tell you what the selection committee is looking for in a strong application, and suggest some homework and offer some thoughts for making your application successful.

    17 min
  12. Should You Do a PhD?

    01/19/2025

    Should You Do a PhD?

    Are you considering applying to a PhD program? How will you know if it's right for you? We have some questions and answers to help with your decision.

    17 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Our goal is to bring some clarity to the mystifying aspects of the academic world. We'll talk about the "hidden literacies"; those unwritten rules you need to know that don't often get discussed. And we'll offer some guidance to make your journey through your doctoral studies more enjoyable!

Information

  • Creator
    William Ankomah & Julianne Burgess
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    PhDemystified