The PhD Life Raft Podcast

Natasha Joyce is a historian, researcher, and PhD candidate at La Trobe University in Bendigo. Her research focuses on accidental childhood fatalities during Victoria's gold rush era. Known as the 'Victorian Historian', she enjoys sharing her expertise with the public through storytelling and expert commentary. Natasha has appeared on national television shows, such as Who Do You Think You Are. With 25 years of experience in labour relations and capacity building, she integrates her historical knowledge with a dedication to public advocacy and volunteers for several local community groups.   In this episode we reflect on the question that many people struggle with -  “when is it the right time to start a PhD?”   Tash reflects on her own journey into the PhD.  She talks about balancing doctoral studies with other life responsibilities.  She also identifies the benefits of being a mature PhD candidate.   Tash shares advice about managing academic challenges and personal health issues.   We explore the importance of having the right support system - including tea and biscuits!   We conclude with considering the real life benefits of the PhD.   You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

In this episode we explore the value of being brave and passionate in research.    Cilla shares her own journey into research leadership and identifies the most important research skills to develop.     We consider strategies for building research collaborations and Cilla shares advice on how to maintain authenticity while navigating the ideas of others.   You can find out more about Cilla's work here:   NIHR ARC South London Applied Research Leadership Academy | ARC South London   https://arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk/events-training/events-training/nihr-arc-south-london-applied-research-leadership-academy-0   Kingston University launches academy to support academics and PhD students to become research leaders - News - Kingston University London https://www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/2647/18-mar-2022-kingston-university-launches-academy-to-support-academics-and-phd-students-to-become-research-leaders/   Researcher Development Concordat – Platform of Practice (vitae.ac.uk) You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Cynthia Fasola is doctoral candidate at the University of Greenwich with a background as a research manager.  Her Phd explores feedback practices and the barriers that people from ethnic minority backgrounds face within academia.   In this episode we talk about building confidence and strong foundations in the PhD process.   Cynthia shares advice on navigating the PhD application process.     She reflects on the significance of the supervisory relationship and the importance of finding the right person for you!   Cynthia also touches on the importance on reflecting on your own motivations and challenges in order that you can put the right support in place. You can connect with Cynthia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-fasola You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com    If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Kay Danes is an award-winning author, human rights advocate and humanitarian.    In this episode Kay shares the transformative experience of reshaping her PhD research and provides insights for other PhD candidates facing similar obstacles.   Kay posits the importance of recognising challenges as part of the academic process.     She reflects on her own major shift of both subject and department within her doctoral study.     Kay also offers a useful perspective on how to approach feedback and stay focused on your research goals. You can find out more about Kay here: https://www.kaydanes.com/ You can read the transcript of this episode here: thephdliferaft.com       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Louise LePage was in her 30s when she did her MA in Drama and Performance (University College Dublin) and fell in love with academia and performance. Immediately afterwards she undertook a PhD at Royal Holloway, University of London, where she was also a Teaching Fellow.  She has since held positions at University of Reading and University of York.                                                                                                                                                           In this episode we explore the challenges of navigating academia whilst managing a chronic illness like ME/CFS. Louise reflects honestly on her own lived experiences and offers tips on  self-advocacy,  managing expectations, and taking an active role in shaping your PhD   She explains how finding a supportive supervisor can be a game changer and talks about the role of community and acceptance.   Louise also offers golden advice for managing deadlines. Louise's YouTube channel is: https://www.youtube.com/@FiftyShadesofTired1971   Louise recommends Facebook groups relating to the work of Dr Sarah Myhill and the  Long Covid & ME/CFS healing through Creativity group.     You can read the transcript of this episode here: thephdliferaft.com       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

In this episode Gordon shares his reflections on his PhD experience - particularly the times when he wanted to give up!   Gordon discusses the challenges of balancing full-time work and the PhD.   He shares the strategies that he used to stay motivated and managing time - in particular the pomodoro method.   We explore how to deal with doubts, overwhelm and exhaustion and the importance of the right kind of support.   Gordon also offers some insights from his own experience of the viva and gives some valuable top tips.   You can find out more about the pomodoro technique here: https://thephdliferaft.com/the-pomodoro-technique-and-phd-research/     You can find out more about Nathan Ryder and Viva Survivor here: http://viva-survivors.com/about/         If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Charlotte Haines Lyon has a background in Youth and Community work.  She worked in a variety of youth and community settings and moved on to Adult Education including working with Age Concern.  She gained a Masters in Philosophy and Religion at Heythrop College (UCL) and a PhD at York St John University.  She worked as a freelance writer for a variety of charities and more recently has been developing Democratic Methodologies in Educational Research.     In this episode we look to demystify the annual review process.   Charlotte shares her own difficult experience and what she learnt from it.   We explore the key difference between annual reviews and upgrade meetings that most PhD researchers don't know.   Charlotte outlines the simple shift in perspective that can transform these high stakes moments from dread to opportunity.   She also shares the one thing that she always encourages her supervisees to do after intense review meetings. For a transcript of this episode go to: thephdliferaft.com   If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Alex Chapman is an AuDHD Music Psychologist based between the Royal Northern College of Music and Drake Music Scotland, funded through a Collaborative Doctoral Award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK Research & Innovation). They focus on neurodivergent musicians and audiences' experiences and challenges in live music settings, specifically auditory processing. They are well-versed in accessibility and reasonable adjustments, and are part of various networks relating to neurodiversity, music, and accessibility research and practice; these promote accessibility in music training, performance, and industry. Alex values community, openness, and honesty throughout education and employment, allowing for experimentation and transparency within the learning process.   In this episode we explore what reasonable adjustments are and how to figure out what is right for you. Alex shares examples of what they have found useful and offers tips for navigating the process.   We attend to particular challenges; communicating with the institution and the difference that the right adjustments can make!   If you would like to contact Alex about this episode, please direct message them on Instagram via @neurospicy_bean.     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Anne Wilson is an award-winning scriptwriter, journalist and careers counsellor. After doing an MSc and a PhD in social psychology at the LSE, and publishing a book on children's identity, she became a freelance journalist, writing for publications such as Just Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, the New York Times, Good Housekeeping and the Guardian. Anne moved on to writing for screen media and has won numerous awards for her films in the corporate sector. She has also published two crime novels, featuring Sara Kingsley, a single-mother detective — Truth or Dare and Governing Body — both published by the Women's Press.   Anne is committed to teaching and mentoring and in 2010 she started offering private careers counselling to new graduates as well as advising university applicants on their personal statements. She became a Royal Literary Fellow and, most recently, has been supporting students at Brunel University.   In this episode we tackle the mystique surrounding academic writing - what it actually is and why academics are vague about what 'good' looks like in their discipline.   Anne explains how writing is dynamic and how it changes from the starting out phase to writing up; and why your literature is not a fixed entity that won't change.   We also discuss the challenges of academic writing for neurodivergent scholars.   In closing, Anne offers a wealth of top tips including how to find your academic voice and how to ask for the feedback that you need. Connect with Anne:   @anigone.bsky.social   https://rlfconsultants.com/consultants/anne-wilson    https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/three-ways-refresh-your-academic-writing   https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/using-literature-reviews-strengthen-research-tips-phds-and-supervisors       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Nicole Patrie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies at MacEwan University, and a PhD student in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, specializing in Adult Education. Nicole has been involved in prison education at all levels: as a teacher, administrator, and now researcher, for over 15 years. Her research focus is on the role of education and learning in the criminal justice system.    In this episode Nicole shares her own journey as a first generation PhD scholar.   We talk about a range of challenges from practical resources to self-confidence.     We discuss hidden support systems and the importance of accessing the help you need.  Nicole encourages us all to ‘pay it forward'.   Nicole ends with an encouraging mantra that every PhD researcher needs to remember!   Contact details: website, email, social media https://nicolepatrie.weebly.com/ patrien2@macewan.ca @nicolepatrie.bsky.social  @patrie_nicole (twitter)   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Vicky Laina is a learning scientist with a focus on educational technologies in mathematics teaching and learning. She designs and studies learning experiences where the use of technology can support epistemic transparency and collaborative thinking amongst youth, with the goal of helping students reimagine what doing mathematics can look and feel like. Vicky has lived, worked and studied in 5 different countries and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria.     In this episode we explore the challenges and benefits of being an international PhD student.   Vicky shares tips about the application process and funding options.   She also opens up about the logistical problems of international study and how she navigated them.   We reflect on the cultural differences that may impact on your work but also on how the experience of studying abroad can enrich your journey.   You can make contact with Vicky here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasilikilaina/   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Gina Holmes has worked both in industry and academia - with over two decades of experience in Higher Education.  As well as her own research experience  she has worked with dozens of doctoral candidates and hundreds (maybe more) of Master's students, supporting them to complete theses they are proud of and which enable them to move on in their career.     In this episode we discuss the relationship between the PhD researcher and the supervisor/supervisory team.   We explore the issues that may arise and how you might navigate them in a way that supports both your research process and your own mental health.   Gina shares advice about managing supervision meetings as well as inviting reflection on how the relationship between researcher and supervisor may evolve during the PhD journey.   You can find out more about Gina and her work at www.drginaholmes.com Follow Gina on facebook or LinkedIn:  www.facebook.com/drginaholmes  and www.linkedin.com/in/drginaholmes       For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Wafaa Aldhfairi is a PhD candidate at UNMC, specializing in pharmaceutical sciences with a master's degree in the field. She's also the creator of the "Pharma Weekly Digest," a newsletter that shares the latest pharmaceutical news, making industry updates accessible to all.    In this episode we discuss the PhD journey, research and how substack can contribute!   Wafaa shares her experiences of how she has used substack both to inform and disseminate her PhD research.   We talk about the challenges of curating a newsletter alongside the PhD as well as the benefits of regular writing deadlines!   We open up into a consideration of how to contribute to the wider research conversation.   You can find Wafaa's substack here:  https://pharmaweeklydigest.substack.com/   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

  Naomi finished her PhD in 2006, worked part-time and then full-time in commercial research and then re-entered academia as a Research Fellow at University College Cork, Ireland. She gained permanency in 2010 at the University of Plymouth, UK, but then decided to leave academia (again!) and started her entrepreneurial journey in 2019. She now runs Research Your Way Ltd, which provides bespoke research, evaluation and impact services to social purpose organisations.    In this episode we explore ‘alt ac' career paths for PhDs.   Naomi encourages PhD holders to consider their skills and experience beyond academia, and suggests why their value may be higher in other sectors.   She shares her personal journey and highlights some options for researchers who want to continue researching but work outside of a university setting.   We end with a top tip on career planning.   You can make contact with Naomi here:   naomityrrell@researchyourway.com Career Development Newsletter (subscribepage.io) https://www.facebook.com/groups/altaccareersuk/   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Amal Abuzeinab, PhD is an architect, advisor, and academic at De Montfort University (DMU), School of Art, Design, and Architecture (ADA). Prior to joining academia, Amal practiced both in Sudan and UK.Amal is the Institute Head of Research Students – Institute of Architecture. Her leadership is guided and informed by the principles and practices of flourishing human from Positive Psychology. Amal supervises and examines Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) since 2016 focusing on Architecture, Built Environment, and related disciplines. She served as the Co-Faculty Head of Research Students (FHRS) for the Faculty of Arts, Design, and Humanities between 2017-2020.    In this episode Amal shares advice about disseminating your PhD findings.   She offers a ‘laddered' process which will help you to build your confidence in discussing your research.   We also discuss how being strategic about your dissemination can help you to prepare for a successful viva.   Amal finishes with a top tip from her perspective as a PhD examiner on how you can assure your examiners about the quality of your thesis.       Amal has created a range of toolkits to enhance competence of both PGRs and supervisors - here are the links to two of them:    Links to open toolkits:   7 principles for PhD completion.pdf (edgehill.ac.uk) Checklist to write for publications.pdf (edgehill.ac.uk) For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com   If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

If you are feeling paralysed by anxiety as to what your supervisor might think of your latest chapter or just doubting whether you are even capable of finishing the PhD at all then this is the episode for you!   Mandy Lehto is a reknowned executive coach.  After her doctorate she worked in investment banking and has also been a columnist for ‘Psychologies' magazine as well as contributing to a number of other publications including ‘The Huffington Post and The Times.  She now hosts “Enough the Podcast” alongside her private practice.     In this episode Mandy draws on her research and shares her insights into the concept of ‘enoughness' and how it can help avoid self-sabotage and stuckness.   She emphasizes the importance of questioning negative self-talk and suggests practices to reduce emotional reactivity.     In the episode we explore the fear and uncertainty of the doctoral process and how embracing the ‘boring basics' can help to ground us.   You can find Mandy here: WWW.MANDYLEHTO.COM Linked In - @mandylehto Instagram - Mandy Lehto Enough, the Podcast on Spotify & Apple   Here are the details for The Curiosity Chronicle Sahil Bloom which Mandy mentions: https://sahilbloom.substack.com/   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Piangfan Naksukpaiboon is currently an Early Stage Researcher and doctoral candidate in Medicine focusing on cancer genomics at the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen's University Belfast on the SPaRK program which is a Horizon2020 funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral training programme. Her move to Norway was when she discovered that she has Asperger's Syndrome. However, she never let it define who she is.   In this episode Piangfun discusses her experiences as a neurodivergent scholar, including facing skepticism about her abilities.   She discusses negotiating ableism in academia and her process of self-advocacy.   Piangfun also shares how facing illness led to her passion for archery and how interests outside the PhD have helped her on the journey.   We finish with a top tip about being honest with yourself and others.   You can find Piangfan Naksukpaiboon here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piangfannaksukpaiboon/   You can find a transcript of this episode at thephdliferaft.com   If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Krysten Blackstone is a Lecturer in International and Military History at the University of Salford, where she has been since 2022. She is a social and military historian of Early America and her current work examines the morale of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783.  As a PhD student she worked on and was chair of the blog Pubs and Publications: The PhD Experience where she wrote a number of blog posts on similar topics. She also works on the book reviews team for the Journal of American Studies.   In this episode Krysten shares her strategies for networking at academic conferences.   We talk about feelings of anxiety and how you can ‘break the ice' when meeting new people.   We also discuss how to manage those awkward coffee breaks!   Throughout our chat Krysten emphasizes the importance of approaching networking with a spirit of curiosity and generosity and how this can lead to meaningful connections and successful relationships.   You can contact Krysten here: k.e.blackstone@salford.ac.uk  @KEBlackstone on twitter krystenblackstone.com      You can access the transcript for this episode here: thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Arun Ulahannan is an Assistant Professor at Coventry University, where he leads a range of user research and UX projects on transport accessibility, future transport, and gender inclusivity. He is passionate about creating and sharing knowledge that can inform and inspire policy, practice, and education in the transport sector and beyond. He also co-hosts the How to PhD podcast, a show that helps PhD candidates with the practical and essential skills they need for their academic journey.   In this episode we discuss the challenge of comparing yourself to other PhD researchers.   Arun discusses his own feelings of inadequacy and self doubt during his doctoral study.   We explore how to cope when imposter syndrome strikes and why uncertainty might be a sign that you are a good researcher!   Arun leaves us with a top tip about creating effective working relationships.   You can find out more about Arun here:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruntu/   And can get more information about his podcast ‘How to PhD' here: https://www.howtophd.show/ For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft      

Dr Elizabeth Yardley graduated from Aston Business School in 2007 with a PhD exploring young parent's experiences of stigma. She has worked in UK universities since then, teaching and researching a range of social science subjects including sociology, social policy and criminology. In 2021, she set up Degree Doctor to help overwhelmed PhD students experiencing a range of issues including perfectionism and imposter syndrome. Her resources not only help students with the how-to elements of a PhD but support them as they navigate the messy and magical emotions of the doctoral journey.     In this episode we discuss the challenges of procrastination during a PhD journey - including fear of failure and criticism.  We consider how procrastination can turn small tasks into massive ones, creating a vicious cycle of delay and emotional distress.   Elizabeth offers some practical strategies for dealing with procrastination as well as highlighting the underlying issues that may be at play.   She also emphasizes the importance of self compassion and leaves us with a game-changing top tip to help you keep your momentum going. You can find out more about Elizabeth's work here:    Degree Doctor YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeDoctor  Degree Doctor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thedegreedoctor/  Degree Doctor Website https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/   Direct link to Procrastination First Aid Worksheet https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/procrastination-first-aid-opt-in  Etsy Shop - PhD Planners and Study Guides https://theplanningprofessor.etsy.com (Use code PHDLIFERAFT33 for 33% off anything in the shop)      For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft          

Victoria has more than 10 years experience as a consultant medical herbalist and functional medicine practitioner and is also a trained wellness coach.   In this episode Victoria reflects on her journey through her PhD and into her career as a research scientist where she struggled to manage a chronic health condition that left her in pain on a daily basis.  She shares the changes she made that enabled her to improve her long term health and become pain free.   We focus on the Solstice and seasonal practices that can promote well-being and provide rest and revitalization.   Get ready for an episode that will ignite your journey!   You can connect to Victoria here:    Email:victoria@thelivingherb.com Web: www.naturalmenopausesolution.co.uk https://calendly.com/naturalmenopausesolution   www.linkedin.com/victoria-wright-phd www.facebook.com/thelivingherb For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Allan Johnson is Associate Professor in English Literature & Associate Dean (Doctoral College), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.  Alongside this work he is also a mindfulness teacher and co-facilitator of The PhD Circle with Emma Brodzinski.   In this episode Allan shares his own “fork in the road” experience that led hime into his research topic.   Allan highlights the different phases within the doctorate and why some moments might feel more difficult than others.   He discusses how Campbell's model of the Hero(ine)'s journey might help with managing challenges and maintaining motivation on the transformative journey of undertaking a PhD.   He finishes with a top tip that Star Wars fans will love!   You can connect to Allan here:   www.allankilnerjohnson.com https://www.instagram.com/allankilnerjohnson/ https://www.facebook.com/allankilnerjohnson https://twitter.com/thisisallan     For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Kathleen Vacek is an academic writing coach who researches lived experiences of doctoral writing and scholarly publishing. During the course of her PhD, she became a mother and left her full-time academic staff position. She was supported on this rocky journey by a doctoral writing group she formed with members of her program cohort.   In this episode Kate shares how her group was formed and maintained and reflects on her experience of what worked and what was not so useful.   She also offers some alternative models for doctoral writing groups and advice for those who would like to try this way of working.   Here is the info on the Sarah Haas chapter Kate mentions in the chapter and the article she wrote with her colleagues on their experience   Haas, Sarah. "Pick-N-Mix: A Typology of Writers' Groups in Use." In Writing Groups for Doctoral Education and Beyond: Innovations in Practice and Theory, edited by Claire Aitchison and Cally Guerin, 30-48. London: Routledge, 2014.   Kathleen Vacek, William J. Donohue, Amanda Gates, Alice Shu-Ju Lee & Shelah Simpson (2021) Seeking balance within personal writing ecologies: a collaborative autoethnography of a doctoral student writing group, Studies in Continuing Education, 43:1, 104-118, DOI: 10.1080/0158037X.2019.1703670     You can contact Kate here: kate@yourphdcompass.com yourphdcompass.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-academic-coaching/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091276196636 https://www.instagram.com/yourphdcompass/     For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com

Amy Bonsall has completed her PhD at Leeds University. Her thesis was recognised as demonstrating exemplary research in the field of practice-led research in intercultural Shakespeare theatre performance. She is also the associate artistic director of Bilimankhwe arts and continues to direct professional, commercial theatre productions. Amy founded the Women in Academia Support Network #WIASN a group of 10,000 women academics from around the world.   In this episode Amy shares the challenges that she faced during her PhD journey from caring for small children to physical ill health.   She reflects on her feelings of overwhelm and her struggles with writer's block.   Amy discusses her decision to take a six-month break from her PhD and how she managed her time.   Support from her ‘team' was central to Amy's successful completion and she talks about the organisation Women in Academia Support Network (WIASN) which she co-founded.   You can find out more about WIASN here: https://www.wiasn.org/   You can connect with Amy on Twitter/X - @AmyBonsallPhD   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Denise Venturi is Ph.D. Candidate in International Law at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium.  Her research focuses on the concept of vulnerability with reference to LGBTIQ+ asylum-seekers and refugees. At present, she is a Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology (Halle-Saale, Germany). She has worked for UNHCR in various protection roles, with a focus on refugee status determination, capacity building, and law and policy analysis. She has been Asylum Liaison Officer with the UNHCR Liaison Office to the EU Asylum Agency and focal point on claims based on sexual orientation and gender identity with UNHCR Italy. With UNHCR, she has also worked on protection monitoring and reporting, as well as on advocacy and strategic litigation.    In this episode we discuss the challenges that Denise has faced in engaging with her PhD while working full-time.   She shares how her professional work led her into her PhD study and how the process of the PhD has served to develop her career.   Denise outlines the difficulty of juggling full-time work with the UN and her PhD studies, leading to challenges in productivity.  She talks about her experience of overwhelm and her decision to take some time out of the PhD in order to focus on her job and then taking a sabbatical from work to focus on her PhD!   Denise's top tip for others is around finding both practical and emotional support. For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Nicholas Dirks is President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences, one of the oldest scientific organizations in the United States. Previously, Nick served as Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley and Executive VP and Dean of the Faculty for Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. He is the author of eight books, including the forthcoming book, City of Intellect: The Uses and Abuses of the University.   In this episode shares his own experience of the PhD and starting out on an academic career.     Nicholas offers his perspective on the changing culture of academia and the particular challenges and opportunities that are in play.   He then explores the idea of graduate education and alternative forms of knowledge production and dissemination.   Nicholas emphasizes the importance of connecting graduate programs with pressing global issues, such as AI, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, in order to prepare doctoral candidates for meaningful contributions to the world beyond academia.   We finish the episode with a top tip around writing and inspiration.    You can connect with Nicholas here:  Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickdirksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-dirks-84a1ab149/Website: https://www.nicholasbdirks.com/   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Jen Polk did her PhD in History from the University of Toronto and went on to launch from Ph.D. to Life, a career coaching and speaking business.  She specialises in graduate education and careers for doctoral degree holders. She's also a guest speaker on university campuses and academic and professional conferences throughout North America and beyond.    In this episode we focus on life after completing a PhD and the transition from academia to the professional world.   Jen emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and offers some key questions to complete before embarking on a job search.   We acknowledge the challenges of the current job market and Jen offers ideas to help navigate them.     Jen highlights the importance of informational interviews and provides practical tips for setting them up.   You can find out more about Jen's work here: https://fromphdtolife.com/ For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr. Kate Massey-Chase is an academic, facilitator, activist, performer and writer. She's a Lecturer at Plymouth Marjon University, where she's leading a new MA in Arts, Health and Wellbeing. As a creative arts practitioner, she has worked across a range of educational and community settings, including delivering theatre-based and creative writing projects with young migrants, recovering addicts, prisoners and mental health service users. In this episode Kate shares her remarkable journey through the challenges of navigating a PhD while trying to start a family.   CONTENT WARNING - This episode touches on issues including miscarriage and failed IVF cycles. Kate discusses how ‘firsts' on the PhD and fertility journey happened simultaneously.      She reflects on the struggles of managing the "messy middle" of the PhD journey while dealing with personal loss and fertility treatments but also shares how the PhD served as a creative outlet.   Kate emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and being adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges and the significance of rest and self-care.   The episode finishes with a top tip to help people keep moving forward.   You can contact Kate here: email : kmassey-chase@marjon.ac.uk  Socials: @KateMasseyChase  This is the MA that Kate mentions in the episode:   https://www.marjon.ac.uk/courses/arts-health-wellbeing-masters/  For more information about IVF: https://www.hfea.gov.uk/treatments/explore-all-treatments/in-vitro-fertilisation-ivf/   For support for the fertility journey:  https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/ https://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/   Instagram also has a fabulous fertility community #fertilityjourney #IVF #TTC For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Samir Morsli is a postdoctoral research associate in the Munoz-Espin lab at The University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the early stages of lung cancer initiation and progression, primarily involving zombie-like senescent cells. During his PhD Samir carried out an Internship and worked as part of the Public Engagement team at The Babraham Institute.   In this episode Samir shares his experience of how he arranged and completed a mandatory internship during their PhD.   He reflects on the valuable skills he gained from the internship and highlights the way in which the experience enabled him to gain a broader perspective on his research journey.   Samir highlights the importance of timing for an internship and offers some advice on how to maximise the potential of the experience.   You can contact Samir via email here: sjm312@cam.ac.uk Websites: https://www.munoz-espinlab.com/samir-morsli Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-morsli-6184ba119/ / https://twitter.com/Smorsli   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Laura Revilla is a PhD candidate in Heritage Studies at Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus, Germany. Her research focuses on understanding diverse forms of heritage and security in Mexican communities through bottom-up practices and decolonial thinking. Through her journey, she aims to discover the uses and relevance of heritage in our everyday lives.    In this episode Laura shares her PhD journey and how it has been shaped by her cat Chobi. Laura explains how Chobi has been both an emotional support and a source of motivation.  She describes how Toby's presence and routines influenced her lifestyle, including taking breaks and napping when necessary.  Laura gives a top tip for the PhD from a cat lover and encourages other researchers to maintain a curious and learning mindset throughout their journey.  Here is the link to Chobi's instagram account where you can find a dose of humor and academic insights from a feline perspective. https://www.instagram.com/the_phdcat/ Here is the link to the episode with Devon Price that we mention in the episode: https://thephdliferaft.libsyn.com/2021/09 For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Kaisa Pankakoski is a writer, researcher, translator, and multilingualism consultant. For her PhD at Cardiff University she looked at multilingual families' language ideologies, strategies, and experiences in Finland and Wales. During the course of her PhD, she gained grants from eleven different funding bodies in her two home countries to complete the thesis. In this episode Kaisa reflects on the turning point when she decided to return to academia and focus on researching multilingual families.  She discusses her research journey over eight years and the range of activities she took part in over that time.   In the discussion of caregiving alongside the PhD Kaisa emphasizes the emotional and mental toll of special needs parenting, including the constant worry and caregiving responsibilities. She  emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, avoiding overworking, and prioritizing self-care.  Kaisa mentions the value of attending retreats to create a space for relaxation and creativity. Kaisa offers some top tips and a range of resources including:   Blog posts Self-care during PhD https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/10-self-care-tips-for-the-phd/  Writing retreat https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/should-you-go-on-a-writing-retreat/?preview=true  Words of wisdom, two blog posts, altogether 40 top tips! https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/words-of-wisdom-for-new-postgraduate-researchers-part-one-2/  https://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/doctoral-academy-blog/words-of-wisdom-for-new-postgraduate-research-students-part-two/    Facebook groups:  Bridging the Gap Community Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/410364763121879  PhD and Early Career Researcher Parents  https://www.facebook.com/groups/776957585681408    Apps: Forest App: https://www.forestapp.cc/   We also mention the Rowena Murray podcast episode:  https://thephdliferaft.libsyn.com/rowena-murray   You can contact Kaisa here:  https://twitter.com/kaisapan https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaisapankakoski/ For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Rachel Campbell completed her PhD in visual culture, celebrity studies, and musicology. Her thesis, 'The image of musical celebrity in the Nineteenth Century' considers the way visual representations of musicians influenced how they were seen as celebrities through analysis of oil portraits, busts, prints and other ephemera. She also holds a Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours) and is a professional musician and has been a music teacher for nearly 20 years. She has three children who play 8 musical instruments between them, and so in her spare time you can find her playing D&D (her current character is a Paladin called Florence Lightbringer) to try to escape the noise. In this episode Rachel shares her unique journey into academia, having started her university education later in life after having children.  Rachel discusses the initial motivations for pursuing a doctorate and how she navigated through the tough times and challenges during her PhD journey. Rachel opens up about significant life events that occurred during her PhD, including her mother's battle with breast cancer and the end of her marriage.  She talks about the importance of recognizing when you need a break and taking that time to prioritize personal well-being.  Rachel emphasizes the need for self-compassion and modeling positive behaviors, especially for children, while pursuing a PhD. Rachel shares her ‘happy ending' and the fulfillment she finds in her current role and encourages other PhD researchers to “back themselves” as their undertake their doctoral journey.   For a transcript of this episode go to www.thephdliferaft.com If you would like to receive a useful weekly email from the PhD Life Raft you can sign up here for ‘Notes from the Life Raft': https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Professor Laurajane Smith completed her PhD part-time between 1990 and 1996 while working as a full time teaching and research academic at both Charles Sturt University and the University of New South Wales. She is currently Director of the Centre of Heritage and Museum Studies, Research School of Humanities and the Arts, the Australian National University. She is also a fellow of the Society for the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia. In 2010-12, she worked to establish the Association of Critical Heritage Studies; she is editor of the International Journal of Heritage Studies and is co-general editor with Dr Gönül Bozoğlu of Routledge's Key Issues in Cultural Heritage. Her books include Uses of Heritage (2006) and Emotional Heritage (2021), and she has edited numerous collections most notably Intangible Heritage (2009) and Safeguarding Intangible Heritage (2019), both with Natsuko Akagawa, and Emotion, Affective Practices, and the Past in the Present (2018, with Margret Wetherell and Gary Campbell) and Heritage, Labour and the Working Class (2011, with Paul A. Shackel and Gary Campbell).   In this podcast episode, recorded at the South West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership Summer Festival, we discuss the challenges of pursuing a PhD when there are differences in approach and perspectives between the student and the supervisor.    Laurajane shares her personal journey into the PhD and the tensions she faced in the 1980s while exploring indigenous and archaeological relationships.   We explore the importance of engaging in critical debate, developing supportive peer networks, and believing in one's own research.    We also reflect on the significance of self-reflection and being open to constructive criticism.    Short Coda from Laurajane:   “In 1996 my PhD was finally turned into a book (after having 2 children in between times):  Smith, L. (2004). Archaeological theory and the politics of cultural heritage with Routledge. The text was well received and currently has over 770 citations…so yes, when I was being told and yelled at by senior male academics that I had it ‘wrong' in the end it was because I did have something to say.”           If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Chrissi McCarthy is the founder and Managing Director of Constructing Equality. Over the past decade and a half, she has formulated and implemented research-based methodologies to bolster equality within diverse organisations. Her client portfolio spans prestigious institutions including the National Health Service and Bristol City Council.  Chrissi's PhD explored equality, fairness and inclusion and fed directly into her work with Constructing Equality.   In this episode Chrissi shares a very honest account of her PhD journey and the challenges she faced along the way.   Chrissi comes from a non-traditional academic background and she acknowledges how important the support of mentors has been for her studies.   Chrissi explains the mindset shift that she underwent - realizing that the PhD is about learning rather than having all the answers - and the possibilities that opened up for her.   We discuss taking an interruption of studies and Chrissi talks about her own experience - including feeling like a failure - and the way in which the break allowed her to return to the PhD in full force!   We finish with reflecting on the importance of acknowledging vulnerability on the Phd journey.   You can find out more about Chrissi's work here:  https://www.constructingequality.co.uk/ If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Dr Rose Aslan was a tenured Professor of Religious Studies who found herself burnt out and, on a sabbatical in Istanbul, decided to step away from academia. From her current perspective, Rose explores what she would do differently if she were to do her PhD again. Rose acknowledges that, although there were some good moments, she didn't really enjoy her PhD experience and, with the benefit of hindsight, she can identify where an approach with prioritized well-being would have greatly improved that experience.   Rose reflects on what she calls her past “people-pleasing” tendencies and how she has learned to prioritize her own needs and say no to situations and relationships that don't serve her.  Rose offers the idea of  “compassionate boundaries” and the positive impact they can have on energy levels and personal fulfillment.   Rose also encourages PhD researchers to seek out resources and support systems in order to help their PhD journey. It is OK to seek help!   We end with a top tip around grounding in order to assuage anxiety.   You can find out more about Rose's work here: https://compassionflow.com/     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft        

Dr Eve Grubin is the author of Morning Prayer (Sheep Meadow Press), The House of Our First Loving (Rack Press) and Grief Dialogue (Rack Press). She is a lecturer at NYU in London and a tutor at the Poetry School. Eve received an AHRC / TECHNE  scholarship to write her PhD thesis (Kingston University): ‘Boat of Letters and the Poetics of Reticence: A Creative and Critical Thesis'.    In this episode Eve reflects on how, as a professional poet, she came to mastering academic writing within her PhD.  She talks about how, even though she was confident as a writer, she experienced challenges to developing her voice within her doctorate and shares some advice for those facing similar struggles.   Eve shares how understanding of the work of the thesis as contributing to a wider conversation within the scholarly community helped her to shift her perspective.   We also discuss the elegance of a well-crafted footnote!   The episode finishes with a top tip about the importance of identity.   You can find out more about Eve's work here:  https://evegrubin.com/ If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Dr Inès Amami holds a PhD from Sorbonne Nouvelle University in French literature and civilization.  Her research is about the representation of the West and the Muslim world in the Encyclopédie de Diderot (18th century).   Ines is also a political activist in the field of women's rights and fights against all kinds of violence.  She is a single mother of an 11 year old daughter.     In this episode we talk about the challenges that Ines has faced over the course of her PhD journey which started in 2004 - including periods of illness and a toxic boss.     We focus on Ines' experience of being a single parent on the PhD journey and the discoveries she has made along the way.   Ines shares the tools that helped her stay on track during her doctorate.   We discuss mum guilt and how lowering your standards can be the key to success!   Ines stresses the importance of self care as a foundation for single parenthood.   We finish with a top tip around asking for help.   You can contact Ines on twitter here: @inesParisFr If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

It's the 100th episode of The PhD Life Raft Podcast! Fleur Farish-Edwards - a gorgeous member of the PhD Life Raft community - is leading the celebrations with a reflection on the way in which the podcast has been party of her PhD journey. Fleur is an experienced counsellor and supervisor, and along with her wife, facilitates creative workshops as “Two Birds Therapy”. Fleur is also a university lecturer in counselling and is currently working on a professional doctorate, researching the life-long impact of adoption on adult adoptees.  In this episode we talk about the emotional process of the PhD journey.  Fleur also shares the story of her interruption from PhD studies. We talk about feeling like you belong in academia and the podcast as a means to join in the conversation. Fleur also shares her PhD Life Raft Bingo practice!! We finish with a top tip about when to say “yes” and when to say “no”. You can find out more about Fleur's work here: https://www.facebook.com/twobirdstherapy https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-farish-edwards-171650235     The PhD 12 Week Sprint programme that Fleur mentions will be running again in September 2023.  If you would like more information you can email me: emmabrodzinski@gmail.com   Don't forget you are very welcome to join us for the ‘Month of Mondays' which is running throughout June 2023.  You can find out more here:  https://emmab.kartra.com/page/monthofmondays  

Yulia Karpova is undertaking her second PhD!  Yes, for her, once though the journey just wasn't enough!  In this week's episode we talk about how things are different the second time around.   Yulia is currently studying at the University of Southern Denmark. She also holds a PhD in History (2015) from Central European University. From 2016-18, she held a Maria Sklodowska Curie postdoc at Aarhus University and, from 2021–2022 she was a postdoc in the project ‘Exhibiting across the Iron Curtain' at the University of Copenhagen.    In this episode we talk about the influence of Yulia's mentors - including her Mother and her first PhD supervisor.   Yulia shares the story of her academic career so far and how looking for postdoctoral work led her to apply for a second doctorate.   She talks about the key things that she has learnt that she needs to put in place for successful PhD research.     We finish with a top tip particularly relevant to those who are thinking about undertaking their PhD overseas.   You can find out more about Yulia's work here: https://portal.findresearcher.sdu.dk/en/persons/yukar If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Kate Henry  is a productivity coach, independent scholar, and author who lives outside Boston, Massachusetts in the U.S.  Kate received her MFA degree in Creative Writing and her Master's degree and Doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.     In this episode, we focus on an upcoming event ‘A Month of Mondays' - which is designed to help PhD researchers plan for a productive Summer.   We talk about getting ready for the summer and Kate touches on many of the issues that come up for doctoral candidates over the season.  She addresses how to plan effectively, making the best use of your personal resources.  She talks about how you can make goals actionable and achievable and how to maintain motivation.   We also discuss the importance of rest and how to manage the rhythm of your work across the summer.     Kate leaves us with a top tip around identifying priorities.   You can find out more about Kate's work here: Website: thetendingyear.com Instagram: @thetendingyear     You can find my previous interview with Kate here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/goal-setting-for-phd-students-with-kate-litterer/id1537420258?i=1000526248880   You can save your seat for the ‘Month of Mondays' here for free:  https://emmab.kartra.com/page/monthofmondays        

David Mendes is the host of Papa PhD, a podcast that shares stories of post-PhD career journeys.  He is also the co-founder of a media agency dedicated to serving the research community.   In this episode David reflects on his own journey as, at the end of his PhD, he chose to look to for work beyond academia.     We also talk about why the world needs PhDs - and the valuable skills and experience that doctoral researchers can bring to the workplace and society at large.   David shares a wide range of examples of post-PhD careers - from Google to government - including a surprising route for a doctorate in Chemistry.    We finish with top tips for networking without the schmooze.   You can find out more about David here:   Twitter - @papaphdpodcast   Youtube.com/PapaPhDYT   Email - david@papaphd.com If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft     

Stella Duffy is completing a doctorate training in Existential Psychotherapy and her research is in the embodied experience of postmenopause.  Alongside her therapy work, Stella is an award-winning writer of seventeen novels, over seventy short stories and fifteen plays and worked in theatre for over thirty-five years as an actor, director, facilitator and improvisor. She has been active in equalities and inclusion work in the arts, LGBTQ+ and feminist communities for many decades, and was the co-founder and co-director of the UK-wide Fun Palaces campaign for cultural democracy. She is also a yoga teacher, leading regular workshops in yoga for writing and offers creative mentoring support.    Stella has been postmenopausal since chemotherapy for her first cancer in her mid-30s, and has a special interest in life after menopause – a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse.   In this episode we talk about Stella's journey to the PhD from a working-class background in South East London as the youngest of seven children.   Stella also talks about her experience of cancer and the therapeutic intervention that changed her perspective.   We reflect on the embodied nature of the PhD that Stella is engaged with both as a researcher and through her own lived experience of her body.   We finish with encouragement to check-in with your senses.   You can find out more about Stella's work here: stelladuffytherapy.co.uk If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft

Welcome to Season Eight of The PhD Life Raft Podcast!! We are kicking off with a fabulous interview that gives a wonderful overview of the PhD journey. Steven Segal is a psychologist and academic who also practices as a philosophical counsellor.  His PhD was in the philosophy of Education and his work as Associate Dean of Higher Degrees Research, as well as his own supervision of doctoral candidates, led him to develop a framework of understanding around the transition from novice to expert through the PhD.   In this episode Steven reflects on how doctoral training often focuses on the technical aspects of the PhD rather than attending to the experiential dimension to research which is a key aspect of the process.   Steven shares his own experience of feeling lost during his PhD and the wise words that his supervisor shared with him that continued to support him.   Steven reflects on the “existential risk” of becoming a researcher and the potential impact of the resulting anxiety.  He offers thoughts on how to manage that experience and remain open to opportunity.   We talk about the development process of the PhD and finish with the importance of tuning in to your intuition.   You can find out more about Steven's work here: https://www.drstevensegal.com.au If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Welcome to the final episode of Season Eight of The PhD Life Raft Podcast! In this interview I am talking with Lucy Nevitt, a freelance professional proofreader who specialises in working with academic texts and doctoral theses in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences fields. Lucy did her PhD in Drama at Royal Holloway, then spent a decade working as a full-time academic at UWE Bristol. For several years she ran editorial administration and submissions support for Research in Drama Education: the Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance. Having re-trained as a proofreader, she set up her current business, Proofs Detective, in 2022. We start by clarifying what proofreading actually is and how it differs from more general editing. Lucy outlines what a proofreader will be able to help you with and how to ensure that your thesis remains all your own work. As part of the interview Lucy offers valuable advice on how to approach working with a proofreader as well as top tips for proofreading your own work. Lucy references two English Usage Guides: Fowler's ('Fowler's Dictionary of Modern English Usage', ed. Jeremy Butterfield, Oxford University Press, 2015)  Swan (Michael Swan, 'Practical English Usage', fully revised 4th edition, Oxford University Press, 2016).   You can contact Lucy here: Email: lucy@proofsdetective.com Website: https://proofsdetective.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proofsdetective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/proofsdetective     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft      

Lisa Woodruff is the founder & CEO of Organize 365®.  She shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life.    Lisa is the author of four books including, How ADHD Affects Home Organization  and The Paper Solution and has recently started a PhD in psychology.   In this episode Lisa shares how she has employed her organizing tactics to her PhD journey.  She talks about scheduling; strategies for reading and managing life around the doctorate.   Lisa also attends to the challenges and possibilities of being a researcher with ADHD.     We finish with a top tip of encouragement!  Here are the links to connect with Lisa further:   Organize 365 - https://organize365.com/ Organize 365 Podcast - https://organize365.com/category/365-podcast/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/Organize365/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/organize365/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/organize365 Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/organize365/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/organize365 If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Anna Clemens is an academic writing coach with a background in Chemistry and a experience as a science journalist.   In this episode we talk about undertaking training to support your PhD journey.   We talk about the unexpected learning that is part of the doctorate and how to identify your priorities.    Anna advises on how to find courses that can support your professional development - from checking with your university to professional associations - as well as how to potentially find funding to support accessing external courses.   We think about the potential benefits of courses and why the PhD is a great time to undertake professional development.   If you would like to sign-up for the free webinar Anna and I are co-hosting on 28th March 2023 you can sign up here: https://www.annaclemens.com/emma   If you would like to read Anna's blog post on funding you can find it here: https://www.annaclemens.com/blog/get-ask-academic-professional-development-funding   If you would like to listen to Anna's previous PhD Life Raft Podcast interview you can access it here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/writing-for-publication-with-anna-clemens/id1537420258?i=1000567136781  

Jen Harrison earned her PhD from the University of Wales, and has since worked in academia as a lecturer and researcher at a number of institutions worldwide.  As well as publishing books and articles in her own field (children's literature), she has served as an editor and reviewer for a number of peer-reviewed publications, as well as freelancing as an academic editor.   In this episode we talk about the feeling that you don't belong in academia.   Jen highlights the fact that learning at undergraduate and even Masters level does not prepare you for the level of work and type of work required for the PhD.   We talk about the gaps in provision that may leave PhD researchers feeling unsupported and the importance of asking for help in order to gain the tools you need.   Jen also talks about what she calls ‘affirmative behaviours' and we discuss why these might be so powerful. Here are Jen's contact details: Home page: www.readwriteperfect.com.  Email address: jen@readwriteperfect.com.  Twitter handle: @perfect_write. If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Rebecca Suart has been a Social Researcher in the Civil Service since graduating from her PhD in Education at the University of Nottingham in 2022. She started her academic journey and onto a PhD in her 40s after taking a career break from Further Education. Alongside her PhD, Rebecca worked in a number of universities as a lecturer and researcher in the field of Vocational Education and Training. In this episode, Rebecca shares how the menopause crept up on her during her academic studies, and how she hadn't realised that some of her early symptoms were in fact the perimenopause!  She acknowledges the difficulty of the mid-life PhD, not least of which that it often co-occurs with other stressful life events such as dealing with adolescent children and ageing parents, as well as the menopause.  Rebecca explores the practical steps she took to get help and how she invested in her well-being so that she could get to the end of her PhD.  Through her experience, Rebecca offers hope that, with support, friendship and a holistic approach, you can navigate this difficult period and achieve your PhD. The doctor we mention in the episode is Louise Newson aka the menopause doctor.  You can find her here:  https://www.instagram.com/menopause_doctor/?hl=en   If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Catherine Pope was awarded her PhD in the field of Victorian Literature  by the University of Sussex in 2014. She then went on to publish that material as a monograph.     In this episode Catherine draws on her experience as an author, publisher and coach to share advice on  the options for publishing your work- either as a book, a chapter in an edited collection or journal articles.   Catherine emphasizes the importance of gaining clarity on why you want to publish as well as being realistic about whether you have the time to undertake such a project.   She shares insights into what publishers are looking for and the elements of a successful book proposal.    We also talk about the technical aspects of book publication - from editing to indexing.   You can find out more about Catherine's book How to Publish Your PhD - which shares very practical and detailed advice to guide you through the publishing process - here: https://phdprogress.com/   If you would like to know more about Catherine's story and benefit from her wisdom on how to look after yourself on a bad PhD day you can listen to her previous PhD Life Raft Podcast interview here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/managing-self-care-on-the-phd-journey-with-catherine-pope/id1537420258?i=1000548140262 If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

Elizabeth Pritchard is the Co-founder and Director of WALT Institute typically working with institutes, health services and universities. Elizabeth is also a research fellow in Public Health at Monash University.    This episode recognises stress as a common experience on the PhD journey.   Elizabeth differentiates between the different types of stress - eustress and distress - and posits that stress can be a useful motivator and performance enhancer.   We talk about how to stop stress from overwhelming you and ways to keep moving forward.   We end with a top tip about attending to your own rhythms.   You can contact Elizabeth here: Email: elizabeth@waltinstitute.com Website: Waltinstitute.com WALT Institute LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethchristinewaltinstitute Elizabeth Pritchard LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elizabeth-pritchard Elizabeth Pritchard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElizabethP Elizabeth Pritchard Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrEKPritchard     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for ‘Notes from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Natasha is a researcher, facilitator, and theatre-maker.  Her PhD research, specializing in applied theatre approaches to Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.    In this episode we discuss how Natasha has turned her research into a business.   Natasha shares her journey into the PhD and how she drew on her practical experience with a Theatre Company to shape the scope of her project.   We talk about how her work developed - even in the shadow of the pandemic - and how it led to the delivery of workshops and performances which, in turn, has now become ‘Running at Walls' a company specializing in consent education through creative methodology.   Natasha touches on the challenges of learning about the mechanics of running a business alongside her research work but also shares how the business has helped her PhD and vice versa.   We finish with a top tip on how to use your research skills to start your own enterprise.   You can contact Natasha here: info@runningatwalls.com https://www.instagram.com/runningatwalls/ https://twitter.com/RunningAtWalls https://www.runningatwalls.com/     You can find out more about the School for Social Entrepreneurs that Natasha mentions here: https://www.the-sse.org/