How to PhD - your academic survival guide

Asking for help sounds simple, but why do so many PhD students find it so difficult?

Whether it's struggling with statistical methods, getting stuck on a research problem, or feeling like you should already know the answer, it's easy to spend days or even weeks trying to figure everything out alone. But what if knowing when and how to ask for help is actually a sign of a good researcher?

In this episode of How to PhD, Arun and Julia explore the psychology behind asking for help and share a practical three-step approach to getting the support you need:

Recognise when you need help: Understand why asking questions can feel like admitting weakness, and how to overcome that mindset.

Find the right person: Discover why your supervisor isn't always the best person to ask, and how to identify people with the expertise you need.

Make an effective request: Learn how to ask clear, specific questions that help you develop your own skills rather than simply getting someone else to solve the problem.

Drawing on research into psychological safety, self-regulated learning and adaptive help-seeking, we explore how to make asking for help a strength rather than a source of anxiety.

Ever downloaded a paper, highlighted half of it, then forgotten why you saved it?

In this episode of How to PhD, Arun and Julia share practical ways to read critically, organise your literature and make your reading useful when it’s time to write. We explore how to question a paper’s methods and conclusions, recognise its limitations and identify what it contributes to your own research.

From reading papers in three passes to writing meaningful notes and creating a simple tagging system, we discuss techniques to help you understand, remember and find what matters. We also explain how connecting papers can help you spot disagreements, emerging themes and potential research gaps.

Whether you’re starting your PhD or already facing an overflowing PDF collection, this episode will help you take control of your literature.

How do you know when you’ve done enough for your PhD?

Research rarely feels truly finished- every answer seems to uncover another question. In this episode, we explore how to recognise when your thesis contains enough evidence, makes a clear contribution and tells a coherent story.

We’ll share three practical tests for judging whether your research is complete, explain how to agree a realistic finish line with your supervisors, and help you separate what is essential before submission from what can wait for future research. We also tackle the perfection trap and why doing more work does not always produce a stronger thesis.

If you’re struggling to stop researching, start writing or finally submit, this episode will help you decide when enough really is enough.

Is it possible to thrive, not just survive, as a PhD parent? Julia speaks with Phil Gordon about balancing doctoral research, professional work and teaching while becoming a dad. Phil shares honest reflections on how life changed when his son arrived, the pressures he encountered and the support that made a difference. Packed with practical tips on managing time, sharing responsibilities, adjusting expectations and protecting your energy, this episode is for anyone starting, or considering starting, a family during their PhD.

Ever wondered how groundbreaking research grabs headlines? If you think it’s all about luck or fame, think again! This episode dives into the strategic side of getting your PhD research out of academic journals and into the wider world. With practical insights and tips, we’ll guide you through the process of working with the media to amplify your work’s impact.

First, we discuss the growing importance of media engagement for academics, especially with the increasing emphasis on reach and societal impact. From understanding what makes a compelling press release to crafting one that catches a journalist’s eye, we break down the essentials. We’ll share why press releases are your gateway to media attention, how to structure them effectively, and the key phrases that make your findings stand out—all while avoiding overblown claims.

And once the media bites? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a live interview, radio spot, or a TV appearance, we’ll walk you through how to prepare, handle questions, and keep your nerves in check. Tune in for actionable advice that ensures you’re ready to shine when your research meets the spotlight.