Stupid Genius PhD Podcast

PhDoireann joins Stupid Genius to dive into the ever-important topic of finding balance during a PhD. Doireann, a PhD student and advocate for work-life balance, shares her insights on self-care, overcoming guilt, and making time for life outside academia. Tune in for lots of laughs as they discuss why balance matters and how to achieve it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Stupid Genius, Emily talks all about accountability—specifically, how it helps writers, like you, stay on track. Whether you're writing a PhD thesis, a novel, or just trying to get that blog post done, accountability can make a huge difference. Emily talks about how to set up systems that keep you motivated, how to bounce back when you've fallen behind, and why accountability isn't about pressure—it's about progress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie tackle a popular academic competition that sounds simple but can be deceptively challenging: the Three Minute Thesis, or 3MT. Mollie shares her experience as she won her faculty heats /(twice!) and went on to compete at the university level. They also break it down into what the 3MT is and where it comes from, how to write a great 3MT, and how to perform it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The incredible Kenkie Brenna @kenziebrenna joins Emily and Mollie to chat about her less-than-perfect experience with an education system not designed for her, her inspiring untraditional route into academia and how she now, in her thirties, finds herself a student all over again and loving every aspect of that crazy, beautiful learning journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie are diving into a juicy, cathartic topic that I think every grad student and academic will appreciate: Am I the Asshole? PhD Edition. They're reacting to posts from Reddit where people spill their academic grievances and try to figure out who's really at fault. Are you ready for some drama? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie welcome the very first PhD advice session. This is a series on Stupid Genius where you send in your current dilemmas or anything that you want advice on (via Instagram), and Emily and Mollie give you their unprofessional advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie are tackling one of the most soul-crushing aspects of academic life: publishing fails. If you've ever faced a desk rejection, felt gutted by peer-review comments, or wondered if anyone else struggles with endless cycles of rejection—you're not alone. You have Mollie. Today Emily interviews Mollie about her experiences navigating the turbulent world of academic publishing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie discuss whether or not new resolutions are a good thing. They talk about what theirs were for 2024, whether they achieved them, and they share an exciting announcement for 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie talk about taking a break, and they play some fun festive games to get everyone in the mood for a break. This will be the last episode of 2024, and you won't want to miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to unwrap the truth behind our festive fun? In this thought-provoking episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie delve into the world of consumerism at Christmas. From its humble origins to the present day, they explore the grip consumerism holds on Christmas. The Stupid Geniuses discuss the impact of the rise of commerce and consumerism at Christmas on society and the environment. They also give some ideas on how to embrace a more conscious Christmas without sacrificing the holiday spirit. But what do they know? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie are diving into something Emily has been experimenting with for the past two weeks—reducing her screen time. Spoiler: it's been a rollercoaster. Emily has been testing a bunch of strategies to spend less time on her phone and Mollie has question - about her process, what worked, and what didn't. Join them as they explore how this two-week detox went. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie discuss whether AI should be used in academia and PhD research (spoiler alert: they are more than a little sceptical!). They dive into the dark side of AI from ethical concerns and bias issues to the massive environmental impact using AI has on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie talk about one of the key parts of a PhD—attending conferences. Conferences are great for networking, presenting your work, and staying up-to-date in your field. But the big question is: how do you even find them? They break it down into four strategies, with tips, tricks, and even some potential pitfalls to avoid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie discuss their red flags when it comes to PhD students. From overworking and burnout to struggling to celebrate others' successes. Join them as they chat about the warning signs that can make or break your PhD journey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week of Stupid Genius, Emily chatted with Martina, a second-year veterinary student in her 30s, who made the bold decision to leave her PhD after realising it wasn't the right path for her. She shares her journey from completing a master's in forensic science and anthropology, navigating the challenges of self-doubt, and ultimately pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a vet. Tune in to hear how she transitioned from academia to veterinary school and how quitting her PhD became the best decision she ever made. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Halloween special of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie explore the scariest PhD horror stories from real students, featuring advisor nightmares, ghosting supervisors, and experimental disasters. Tune in for a chilling episode full of shocking tales from academia and tips on surviving your PhD nightmares. Happy Halloween! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Emily's partner - Vincent explore the key differences between motivation and dedication, and why dedication is the real driver of academic success. They share practical tips on how to build discipline, maintain progress, and stay consistent, even when motivation is low. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Mollie shares her top 12 VIVA tips one year after successfully passing hers. Emily and Mollie discuss key questions like whether you need to dress to impress, how to choose your examiners, and how best to prepare mentally and physically. Tune in for practical advice and reflections on Mollie's VIVA experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: this episode contains unpopular opinions PhD students might find offensive. Is a PhD *actually* hard? Are some PhDs harder than others? Does having money make your PhD easier? Tune in as Emily and Mollie share and discuss some unpopular PhD opinions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this catch-up episode, Mollie shares baby updates and discusses life as a new mum, while Emily catches you up on her summer adventures as a fourth-year PhD student. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie dive into the world of Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) with Dr Amanda Bates. They discuss how PPI is changing research by putting the voices and needs of patients and the public at the forefront of scientific inquiry, highlighting Amanda's personal experiences and insights from the field. Tune in to discover the impact of PPI on both researchers and communities and learn practical tips for including meaningful public engagement into your own work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie explore the increasingly popular sober curious movement and its potential benefits for PhD students. They delve into the history and rise of the movement, and they discuss how reducing or eliminating alcohol can lead to many potential benefits for PhD students. Sharing their personal experiences, Emily and Mollie provide practical tips for embracing a sober curious lifestyle that doesn't compromise fun. Whether you're considering sobriety or simply curious about cutting back, this episode offers valuable insights into how curbing alcohol can enhance your academic journey and overall well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie are back sharing their top recommendations for items they don't regret buying as PhD students. They discuss the benefits of loafers, interview transcription services, and a hairbrush...yes a hairbrush. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to making smart, impactful purchases during your PhD journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this highly requested episode, Emily and Mollie delve into the often daunting world of academic publishing. They are joined by a special guest, Professor Claire Hannibal, an award-winning researcher with extensive publishing experience. Professor Hannibal shares invaluable insights and answers listener questions on various aspects of the publish or peril culture in academia.Tune in to learn about the best time to start writing for publication, tapproaching potential co-authors, and how to choose the right journals. Claire also provides advice on balancing thesis writing with publishing, finding opportunities beyond journals, effectively communicating with supervisors about publishing goals and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie tackle the art of having difficult conversations in academia and the importance of nurturing positive relationships throughout your PhD journey. Emily and Mollie explore practical strategies for approaching tough discussions, like the COIN model, and emphasise the importance of active listening and mutual understanding to resolve conflicts. Tune in to discover how mastering these communication skills can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for personal growth and stronger academic collaborations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie share the three most important skills you need to develop and demonstrate throughout your PhD to make you the ideal job candidate. They chat about how your PhD is a perfect environment to showcase these important skills to future employers, and they give some ideas of how you can work on improving them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie tackle the practical and often overlooked topic of Gantt charts for project management of the PhD. They explain the history, structure, and benefits of using Gantt charts, especially in organising a PhD timeline. They provide a step-by-step guide on creating and effectively utilising Gantt charts, discussing everything from listing tasks to setting realistic deadlines and managing workload. They also share personal experiences and insights into how Gantt charts can keep you accountable and help you communicate with supervisors. Whether you're a PhD student or managing other projects, this episode offers valuable tips to master your project planning with Gantt charts. Tune in to learn how to streamline your research and achieve your academic goals! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and Mollie on this episode of Stupid Genius as they unravel the validation myth that holds many professionals back. Discover the steps to overcome the need for approval from others and build a genuine sense of self-worth in the workplace. Learn how to navigate your career confidently and authentically, free from the pressure of seeking validation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a hero? Well, maybe it's time you should. In this episode, Emily and Mollie discuss the hero's journey, and how understanding where you are on yours might just be what you need to push your PhD to the next level. Join the stupid geniuses as they chat about answering your call, overcoming challenges, being on the brink of a breakthrough, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of "Stupid Genius," Emily and Mollie share their top recommendations for items they don't regret buying as PhD students. They discuss the benefits of overhead headphones for focused studying, the comfort of linen trousers, and the practicality of a good rucksack. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to making smart, impactful purchases during your PhD journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Writing is an essential part of being a PhD student and academic. Yet, many of us suffer from writer's block and a lack of motivation when it comes to putting pen to paper or words to screen. We may also find we are distracted easily and struggle with writing anxiety. In this episode, Emily and Mollie discuss some useful techniques to help you overcome these challenges and help you get those creative, writing juices flowing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie delve into the essential skill of saying no effectively in professional and academic settings. They discuss the importance of recognising when to decline opportunities to avoid burnout and ensure optimal productivity. They provide practical advice on how to say no effectively, manage the emotional aspects of say no, and offer real-life examples to help listeners maintain their well-being while preserving positive work relationships. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

University of Oxford DPhil student and online content creator, Katie Hutchinson aka @phdwithkatie, shares her secrets on how to successfully self-fund your PhD - and enjoy it! Katie discusses the biggest challenges self-funding can bring along with her greatest moments, and she gives some fantastic tips on how to effectively and efficiently manage the self-funding process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie discuss the common issue of overthinking during a PhD, exploring its psychological roots and sharing practical strategies to manage it effectively. Listeners will gain insights into breaking the cycle of overthinking and learn techniques to stay focused and productive in their academic journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie tackle the ultimate PhD question: is doing a PhD worth your time? If you're considering a PhD or you're in the midst of studying for one already then this is the episode for you. Tune in to rediscover your motivation, learn more about what a PhD can bring to you both personally and professionally and understand why doing a PhD is worth your time… probably. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Emily and Mollie delve into the science and strategies behind charismatic behaviour, exploring how it can significantly enhance influence and collaboration in both personal and professional settings. Learn how traits like authenticity and trust can be cultivated to boost your charisma and inspire those around you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie delve into the unique experiences of parenting while pursuing a PhD. They discuss the challenges and joys of balancing parenthood and academic pursuits, and are joined by two incredible guests, Bridgette Glover and Dr. Michelle Gibbs, who share their personal experiences and insights. Together, they explore the support available for parenting PhD students, the role of institutions in better supporting them, and offer valuable advice for those navigating, or thinking about embarking on, this unique journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of parenting and academia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Emily and Mollie explore the importance of research logs and reflexivity in the academic journey, highlighting how keeping a detailed research journal can enhance productivity and self-awareness. They share personal experiences and practical tips on maintaining these logs to track progress, manage stress, and support overall well-being during a PhD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emily and Mollie discuss whether collaboration is important for researchers or whether it's ok to go it alone. They chat about the potential drawbacks of choosing to work in a research team before addressing the value that can be gained from collaborating. They give some tips and tricks on how you can repsond to the potential challenges that might arise when working with others on research projects, to ensure you are getting the most out of your collaborative projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Mollie explore playfulness during the PhD. They discuss how incorporating playfulness into academic and professional settings can enhance creativity, reduce stress, and foster collaboration. They highlight the benefits of maintaining a positive mindset, infusing humour into interactions, and gamifying tasks, and they chat through some of the common misconceptions and challenges associated with playfulness in the workplace. Tune in to learn how you can reap the benefits of infusing playfulness with your PhD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is toxic resilience and why is it rife in academia, especially for PhD students? Join Emily and Mollie as they discuss the workplace trend that we could all do without. On this episode, they share their own and their listeners' experiences of dealing with toxic resilience and they discuss ways we might work towards combatting toxic resiliience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and Mollie in this episode of Stupid Genius where they explore the realities of PhD funding, from understanding timeframes to the challenges of not finishing on time and how that can affect you personally and professionally. They share stories from those facing funding constraints and they offer some insights on practical solutions.Emily and Mollie chat critically about the different options that might be available when funding ends and how to navigate the complexities of completing a PhD when time has run out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this eye-opening episode, Emily and Mollie dive deep into the unspoken challenges of conceiving and navigating pregnancy while pursuing a PhD. From the startling lack of resources and support to the societal taboos that surround this topic, Mollie shares her journey with raw honesty and vulnerability. Join Stupid Genius as they shed light on an overlooked aspect of academia and advocate for a more open dialogue around pregnancy and fertility during doctoral studies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Emily and her partner, Vincent for an intimate conversation as they explore the intricacies of maintaining a long-distance relationship while one partner pursues a PhD. In this episode, they delve into the joys and challenges of navigating differences in academic and non-academic lifestyles, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way. From scheduling conflicts to emotional connection, they candidly discuss the strategies they have employed to nurture the relationship despite the distance. Whether you're a fellow PhD student or the partner of one, tune in for heartfelt reflections, valuable advice, and a deeper understanding of love across distances. But what do they know? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stupid Geniuses are back! Join them for life updates, lots of stupidity and a side order of genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The stupid geniuses are joined by the incredible Dr Bee Hughes to discuss the topic of gender inclusivity. Dr Hughes shares their own experiences as a nonbinary person and insights from their research on embodied experiences and the feminist tradition of self-examination. Learn about fostering inclusive spaces and the impact of small daily practices in promoting gender inclusivity and visibility. Don't miss out on how you can become a better ally and get involved in LGBTQ+ activism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Stupid Genius, Emily and Mollie explore the history and evolution of the PhD. From its ancient origins in Greece to its modern-day significance, they delve into the first official award of the PhD, tracing its development across Europe and beyond. They celebrate notable milestones, such as the emergence of the research-focused PhD in 19th century Germany and its adoption by universities worldwide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Emily and Mollie discuss the peer-review process including what it is, what to do, what not to do, and everything in between. As researchers, engaging in peer-reviewing is a key part of our role and yet, it can be tricky to know how to start and it can also ignite that pesky imposter syndrome as we question if we are good enough to review someone else's work. But Stupid Genius has got your back as they outline what a typical review should focus on, and they provide a handy list of things to do and things to avoid whilst engaging as a reviewer. But what do they know? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join the Stupid Geniuses as they discuss gender equality in academia and the importance of allyship. With International Women's Day approaching, they explore some of the issues facing women in the academic sphere and they share some statistics that might surprise you! They share some inspiring stories of amazing women who are breaking barriers in this often challenging environment. They also hear from men on how they can contribute to promoting gender equality in academia. Don't miss out on this insightful episode, tune in now and be part of the conversation! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you want to know more about the strike action that took place throughout universities across the UK? Well, Emily and Mollie are joined by the amazing Dr Bee Hughes, who, as a longstanding University College Union member and activist, has answers to all of our union-related questions! In this episode, they discuss who University College Union are and what their mission is, what the key issues are in academia that have led to industrial action, and how we as academics and PhD students can get more involved in this incredibly important cause. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.