When is the right time to do a PhD? with Tash Joyce
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
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Develop Research Leadership within Your PhD with Cilla Harries
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
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Making PhD Dreams a Reality with Cynthia Fasola
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
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Managing big changes in your PhD with confidence with Kay Danes
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
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"None of this is your fault": Managing the PhD with a Chronic Health Condition with Louise LePage
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
This is the podcast for you if you are currently doing a PhD; are working with PhD students; or just living with someone who is on a PhD journey.
The PhD Life Raft will focus on sharing insights and experiences around some common issues like anxiety, procrastination, precariousness, imposter syndrome, and work-life balance. We will talk to students, supervisors and experts in the field of wellbeing and mental health and share actionable tips and additional resources.
Doing a PhD is tough. The PhD Life Raft is here to help you get through.
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