A podcast on thriving in graduate school for first-generation BIPOC students, offering insights on academic success, career development, mental health, and navigating diversity and inclusion in higher education.
Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs
The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals. I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fifteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too. Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you...
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A podcast on thriving in graduate school for first-generation BIPOC students, offering insights on academic success, career development, mental health, and navigating diversity and inclusion in higher education.
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Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 10, 2026
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Episodes
30: Dealing with Post-Grad Blues 19.06.2020 20:45
This episode is for all the recent graduates out there who may be experiencing post-grad blues or depression at this time. This episode will share more about what it means to experience post-grad blues and will offer strategies to manage and overcome these feelings. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free...
29: #Blackintheivory and White Supremacy in Academia - Now What? 12.06.2020 21:10
In this episode, Dra. Yvette shares her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement, the #blackintheivory hashtag, and white supremacy in academia. She also encourages all of her listeners to do what they can within their capacity to take action and join the movement to support our Black brothers and sisters. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable product...
28: Time-Management, Focus, and Motivation in an Era of Online Work 29.05.2020 43:32
In this episode, Dra. Yvette tackles the issue of time-management, lack of focus, and lack of motivation that many students are experiencing now that we've transitioned to online instruction for an undetermined period of time. She provides 14 tips to help with this issue, which includes setting a routine, relying on a support system, and lowering your bar, among others. Tune in to learn more! Sig...
27: Postdocs and Job Hunting during a Pandemic 26.05.2020 20:53
In this episode, you'll hear more about some of the current issues that grad students, recent grads, and postdocs are facing while job hunting during a pandemic. Dra. Yvette discusses academic layoffs, furloughs, job freezes, and salary freezes as well as how these issues will impact the current academic job market. She offers suggestions for how to remain flexible and open yourself up to new oppo...
26: Starting Grad School During a Pandemic 26.05.2020 34:51
In this episode, Dra. Yvette shares advice to individuals who are preparing to start master's and PhD programs this fall amidst a global pandemic. She shares advice on key considerations, such as whether you should defer your offer, what are the financial implications of moving, how to secure housing, and how to plan amidst so much uncertainty about the fall. Sign up for my free email newsletter t...
25: Personal Update 27.03.2020 4:18
I’m this episode I share a personal update and how I plan to take a break from episode recordings to focus on my health and well-being. I’m grateful for the support if my listeners and look forward to returning with new content during the end of May. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad Sch...
24: Surviving Finals Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic 14.03.2020 19:19
This episode is for my quarter system listeners— those of you who may be freaking out because you still have finals to finish all the while trying to figure out what this pandemic will really mean for you, your friends, and family. In this episode, I share some tips to help you survive finals despite the high stress and anxiety we are all experiencing. I am here to remind you that you are not alon...
23: Moving Away From Home for Grad School With Jessennya Hernandez 13.03.2020 47:44
In this episode we feature a special guest, Jessennya Hernández, who shares her experience moving away from home and moving out of state for graduate school. She shares the pros and cons of moving away and provides invaluable advice to other individuals who are considering embarking on a similar grad school journey. Jessennya Hernandez is a Brown Xicana PhD candidate from Southern California (IE),...
22: Postbacs, Master's and PhD Programs 06.03.2020 22:54
Are you wanting to learn more about graduate programs and how to find out which to apply for? In this episode, you'll learn about post-baccalaureate, master's, and PhD programs. I go over what they are, who should apply to each, and the benefits of these programs. If you're uncertain as to what type of program to apply for after completing your bachelor's degree then please tune in. Sign up for m...
21: Negotiating a PhD Funding Offer 28.02.2020 22:07
Have you been admitted to a PhD program? Perhaps more than one program? Are you wondering if and how to negotiate your funding offer(s)? If so, please listen. Long story short, no matter what offer you receive you can always ask for more. I understand that in many cases we may feel so grateful and humble to have received an offer that it feels selfish to ask for more. Sometimes students worry that...
20: Applying to Summer Research Programs 21.02.2020 29:32
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu talks about summer research programs. She answers the following questions: What are these programs? Who are they for? What are the components of a summer program application? And what are the benefits of applying? If you are a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college, this episode is for you! Check it out. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about...
19: Navigating UC Berkeley as a Low-Income, First-Gen, Pregnant Student of Color with Cecilia Caballero 14.02.2020 47:24
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu has a special guest, Cecilia Caballero, who shares her journey navigating UC Berkeley as a low-income, first-gen, pregnant student of color. Cecilia Caballero is a Afro-Chicana single mother-scholar-poet. She is the mother of a ten year old boy, Alonzo, who was born during her time as an undergraduate student. She is a Ph. D. Candidate in the Department of America...
18: ABCs of Grad School - Part 2 09.02.2020 36:06
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu continues sharing grad school terms. This is the first episode where I share a listener review and give a shout out. Listener reviewers featured on my podcast get a special prize. Tune in to learn more! Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring...
17: ABCs of Grad School - Part 1 02.02.2020 30:25
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu shares and defines common terms related to grad school. She shares them in hopes that you can feel more comfortable, aware, and informed in academic settings. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Po...
16: Thriving as a Low-Income, First-Gen, or Underrepresented Student in Grad School 26.01.2020 23:15
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu answers a series of discussion questions to teach you how to thrive graduate school. Key terms mentioned include imposter syndrome, microaggressions, and family achievement guilt. Tune in to learn more. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtorin...
15: Self-Care and Stress Management in Academia 19.01.2020 24:49
Dra. Martinez-Vu shares her advice for implementing self-care and stress-management practices to take care of your mind, body, and soul while also managing your academic work. This episode is for you if you're an undergrad, grad student, or early career academic who feels overwhelmed, burned out, and stuck. If you take care of yourself, you can experience more joy and thrive in all areas of your l...
14: The Grad School Open House or Campus Visit 12.01.2020 10:15
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu shares what to do if you've been invited to a grad school open house. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or...
13: Preparing for a Grad School Interview 05.01.2020 21:07
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I share insights on preparing for grad school interviews. I share with you the most common interview questions and provide strategies on answering them to highlight your fit with the program. I also discuss the importance of mock interviews and researching your interviewers. Tune in to gain insider tips and boost your confidence for your upcomi...
12: PhD Admissions Timeline 29.12.2019 13:12
If you recently applied to PhD programs and wondering what comes next in the process then this episode is for you. Learn more about the PhD admissions timeline, when you’ll hear back from programs, and what to prepare for after that. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Res...
11: Balancing Family and Academia 22.12.2019 22:44
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu shares advice on harmonizing between family and academic work expectations especially during the holiday season. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not...
10: Your GRE, Transcript, and Fee Waiver Questions Answered 15.12.2019 14:36
In this episode, Dra. Martinez-Vu answers common questions about sending GRE scores, ordering transcripts, and applying for fee waivers for grad school applications. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational pur...
9: Demystifying Grad School Myths 08.12.2019 16:51
In this episode, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu demystifies seven common grad school myths. Check it out to learn more! Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for th...
8: Imposter Syndrome and Managing Feelings of Doubt 01.12.2019 17:50
In this episode Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu shares how she manages feelings of doubt as well as the advice she gives to her students who struggle with imposter syndrome. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational pur...
7: Writing the Personal Statement and Diversity Statement 24.11.2019 14:54
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I delve into the essentials of writing the personal statement and diversity statement for graduate school. I define these two types of essays, offer advice on how to get started, and share insights on addressing common challenges such as writer's block. Tune in to learn about sample prompts, how to brainstorm ideas, and strategies for structuri...
6: Identifying a Good Grad Program 17.11.2019 15:13
Are you interested in finding a good graduate program but don’t know where to start? Then listen to the three tips that Dra. Martinez-Vu offers to help you find a program that is a good fit for you. Sign up for my free email newsletter to learn more about grad school, sustainable productivity, and personal development Get my free 15-page Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit *The Grad School Femtori...
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