PhDamn

Turns out ethics applications, supervision meetings, and imposter syndrome are not the only things you can carry during a PhD. Who knew?! In this episode, the damned divas unpack a major life change. We discuss the realities of navigating academia while your body is doing something completely different, and whether there is ever actually a “right time” for anything.

Teaching is an important job that acts as a vehicle to a knowledgable, well-skilled society. So what happens when you're a tired, underpaid, overworked PGR who just gets thrown into a teaching position? In this episode, the PhDamn divas talk all things teaching in academia - from prep, to pay and to our own philosophies. Abbreviations: PGR - Postgraduate Researcher GTA - Graduate Teaching Assi...

It's been a minute, but we're back! This week, the Damned Divas talk about the ups and downs of analysing data and writing thesis chapters. From analysis during fieldwork, to mish-mash methods - we laugh, we vent and we sigh. What's your analysis and writing process? Let us know in the comments!

WARNING : This episode contains moderate rage. Things get spicy as we continue our deep dive into babyfication - aka infantilisation - in academia. This time, we’re joined by our fabulous friend Charlotte, who brings her unique insight as a local authority practice-based PhD researcher. Together, we unpack what it means to be "babyfied" in academic spaces in the UK, from the way PhDs are conceptua...

Have you ever felt like you're treated as "lesser than" in your PhD experience? Well have we got the episode for you! This month, our Damned Divas talk about our experiences with infantilisation (or babification ) in academia. With an ever so slight deviation on the saga that was Lakshmi Balakrishnan's masters degree, this is likely our longest rant! Comment your experiences of infantilisation whe...

In this episode, we dive into some hypothetical PhD scenarios and label them with red, yellow, or green flags. From dodgy supervisor behaviour to panicking over harsh feedback, nothing is off-limits. And of course we like to tussle, so be prepared for heated discussion! Whether you're navigating the smooth or stormy seas of your PhD journey, we hope you laugh, relate, and maybe even rethink your o...

What does a year of fieldwork do to a person? In this episode the damned divas explore just that through our favourite method of conversation; object elicitation! We reflect on the ups and downs of the past year while speculating about the future of our PhDs.

Ever wondered what it's like to do a PhD while have a neurological disability? This episode, the PhDamn ladies speak about our relationships with disability, from the way we define it to our experiences with our university's disability support services. Listen in! Useful tools that we referred to in the episode that you can use (whether you're disabled or not): Talk Type - dictation so...

Have you thought about the various ways in which you can disseminate your research? This week the damned divas explore the sexy etymology behind the word 'dissemination' and speak about the ways we would carry it out in our own PhD research.

After a bit of a break, we're back! Why did we leave, you may ask? Because once again, our PhDs have gotten the best of us. In this episode, we talk about the progress (or lack thereof) of our fieldwork and our stance on the university protests about Palestine.

So you spent the whole of your first year talking about the research you're going to do... but what happens when you actually have to do it? This week we have the first of many episodes about fieldwork. The ups, downs, smiles and frowns that come with practicing what you've preached.

Burned out PhD student? Have you ever toyed with the concept of leave? This week the damned divas talk about resting, taking leave and enjoying the Christmas period. We also celebrate turning one! We reflect on one year of podcasting, create aspirations for the next year and most importantly, get updates on India!

Constant confusion, fatigue and burnout. Literature reviews, ethics and confirmation reviews. It's (almost) all behind us - we've finally gotten through first year! This week the Damned Divas talk about our reflections of the past year and tips to pass down to first years.

Wondering what academic conferences are and why we have to go to them as academics? Well guess what, so do we! This week we talk everything conferences; why we like them, dislike them as well as our general experiences with them. This is also Pragya's last episode with us in the flesh! We will miss her but are happy to continue the podcast virtually.

This week we get (somewhat) uncomfortable delving into the way our PhDs affect the way we approach love and relationships. We also speak about our disdain for the word 'c***'. Enjoy!

What do you get when you throw three tired PhD babes into a room with nothing but a mic and free time? A weird impromptu conversation about food! So that's this week folks. Do with that what you will.

Confirmation reviews up the wazoo. Low wages have plagued the nation. Strikers have enveloped the university buildings. Everything is anarchy. Sometimes we just need to shout.

Hey Damn Fam! It's been months since we've recorded so this week we give you a major life update. Hear the story of Lara's wedding, Pragya's European escapades and Merissa's bowel movements.

We're back and better than ever! This week we talk about the impact our PhDs have on our mental health. Join us as we delve into our current state of mind and share the tried-and-true coping mechanisms that (somewhat) keep us sane. CW: sexual language

Ready to catch a wild academic wave? In this LONG AWAITED episode of PhDamn, your hosts embark on an adventure like no other! Join the damned divas as they shake things up with a fresh injection of STEM perspective. But wait, there's more! They're joined by Bel, an engineer making a splash in the world of academia with her project on water treatments.

The UK is currently going through a cost of living crisis and it's whooping everybody's a**, including the PhDamn ladies! Join us where we talk about all things finances; from scholarships to cucumber prices and mouldy apartments!

As a PhD student, do you break out into sweats when you hear the word "ethics"? You're not alone, baby! In this episode, we discuss the limitations of procedural ethics and the importance of considering broader ethical implications in our work. We also share our personal experiences of navigating ethical dilemmas and highlight some of the unique challenges faced by researchers from m...

In this episode of the PhDamn podcast, the hosts discuss the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with a surprise guest who offers their insights on the topic. They examine the potential and pitfalls of AI and its impact on society, providing critical analysis and diverse perspectives. With their guest's unique insights and expertise, this promises to be an engaging conversation about the future...

Have you ever read your horoscope? Done a Myers-Briggs test? Even checked your genealogy on 23&Me? This week, the ladies talk about all things pseudoscience including our own astrologies and personality tests but also how these beliefs can conflict (or support) our research.

What happens when you finally finish your PhD? This week, the PhDamn divas speak to DOCTOR Frane Babarovic on completing the doctorate, reflections of the last three years and... the Eurovision song contest?! Follow Frane @FBabarovic on Twitter!