The Softer Side of Academia

A belated introduction to us and our podcast!

On this episode we tell you why we decided to start this podcast, what to expect, and our origin stories. Where did this idea come from? Why is the podcast called the softer side of academia? What experiences lead to us being where we are now? At last we answer all of your questions!

The mentoring relationship

Mentorships are the base model for knowledge transference in  the academic ladder.  The mentor-mentee relationship has a very unique and complex nature which can sometimes be topped-up by tensions created by our modern academic environment. Money? Results? Expectations? How to handle it all? In this episode we talk about what does it mean to be a good mentor and a good mentee.

Mental Health and Academia

More people are suffering from mental illnesses than ever before, mental health is the concern of a generation but especially for those who work in academia. Depression and anxiety rates are higher than average in graduate students. We talk to Dr. Yasha Hartberg from Texas A & M about our own struggles, problems at the institutional level, and what we can be doing to help.

Episode 2 - Academia: Your Grand Adventure

Some of us see academia as stable and predictable; others see academia as a chance for adventure. This episode we speak with Dr Katarzyna Sila-Nowicka about how she made her academic career into a grand adventure from one country to the next. We discuss job searching, negotiating, international issues, and tips to growing at your job. 

Episode 1 - No such thing as one right path

Feeling lost? No idea of what to do after your postdoctoral experience? On this episode Dr Juliana Lancaster shares her career pathway with us. We learned that it is possible to test-drive an industry job, take time to care for your family and still be a success in academia. We also talk a little bit about the administrative career pathway in academia.