Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

This episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast features a critical discussion with Dr. OiYan Poon on the end of affirmative action and the implications for first-generation BIPOC students in higher education. The episode delves into Dr. Poon's personal and professional journey, her advocacy for racial justice, and her insights on supporting student well-being through community care. Dr. Poon al...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the concept of how to lower the bar and doing “good enough” work and how it can help you maintain momentum during challenging times. Discover how to lower the bar without compromising your academic and career progress. I also offer several personal examples, practical strategies, and tips for managing the guilt associated with not alw...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I reflect on my own struggles with freeze mode as a grad student and offer three simple, actionable steps to help you get unstuck. I discuss grounding techniques, starting with micro steps, and the importance of maintaining momentum through connection. Additionally, I share personal updates, including my efforts to build supportive communities...

In today’s episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I welcome my guest and dear friend, Doris Difarnecio, a feminist, interdisciplinary artist, theater director, and performance activist, to share her remarkable journey through performance as activism. Doris talks about her roots, growing up between Colombia and the United States, her academic trajectory, and her impactful theater work. Toget...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I share my top five productivity tips for chronic illness, autism, and ADHD. Inspired by the many shortcomings of conventional productivity advice, particularly its lack of inclusivity for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals, I share strategies that can be adaptable for those who are autistic, ADHD, or spoonies. These tips...

In this episode, I share more about my podcasting and adult autism diagnosis journey. I open up about how this podcast and my recent adult autism diagnosis have helped me with finding my voice. I share insights into my childhood struggles, the importance of self-discovery, and the value of advocacy. Tune in to hear more about my story and gain inspiration to pursue your own forms of self-discovery...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I am joined by Carla Santamaria, a formerly undocumented Honduran immigrant who more than doubled her salary in 10 months by job hopping from higher ed to healthcare to tech. We discuss the challenges and strategies for transitioning careers, the importance of networking, mindset shifts, and the intricacies of navigating new professional enviro...

This episode offers strategies for exploring career options for PhD professionals. I reflect on my post-grad school journey and the challenges I faced when transitioning from academia to alternative careers. I also offer some lessons I learned about what I would do differently when exploring career options; this includes sharing valuable strategies for PhD professionals to explore career options o...

In this episode, our guest Kara Perez, founder of Bravely Go and author of Green Money, highlights the importance of discussing finances with family, sustainability in investing, and cultural influences on financial decisions. Kara is a financial educator who focuses on bringing actionable, intersectional and accessible financial education to people who never learned the language of money.  Kara s...

This episode discusses strategies for managing the holiday season when you are a spoonie and have limited energy. Addressing chronically ill and disabled individuals, I share personal experiences and practical tips on honoring your culture and legacy without sacrificing your wellbeing. The episode highlights the importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and adapting traditions to fit you...

In this episode, I share 10 monthly reflection questions designed to help you track and achieve your goals effectively. You’ll learn how and why I developed these questions to promote personal and professional development, combat imposter syndrome, and reinforce a growth mindset. You’ll also gain tips for consistent practice and strategies to make the exercise enjoyable and rewarding.  Right on ti...

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Ramon Goings to discuss strategies for thriving in academia and building a consulting business. Dr. Goings shares his journey from music education to becoming an associate professor and entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of finding mentors, leveraging transferable skills, and seeking help. We also address all things related to the dissertation writing process,...

In this episode, originally aired on March 2023, I share six ways to overcome dissertation writing anxiety. First, I share common obstacles like procrastination, lack of motivation, time management issues, research struggles, handling feedback, and dealing with imposter syndrome. Then, I offer practical advice, personal anecdotes, and motivational tips to help graduate students in particular to be...

In this episode, I share exciting news about winning a Signal Award and reflect on the power of visibility, community, and consistency. I discuss my podcasting journey, the encouragement and support I’ve received that led to the award, the significance of representation in media and awards, and the lessons that I’ve gained in setting intentions and embracing opportunities even while experiencing m...

In this episode, I welcome my guest Dana James, a feedback and visibility coach, who addresses the importance of psychological safety and effective feedback in professional and non-profit spaces. Dana shares her journey from singing and performance to the non-profit sector, emphasizing the significance of feedback loops in fostering trust and improving engagement. Our conversation also touches on...

In this episode, I share practical advice for nontraditional students applying to grad school. Key topics include the importance of involving family in decision-making, leveraging work and life experiences, and selecting programs with robust support systems that align with your lifestyle and priorities. If you’ve decided that now is your time to go back to school after taking a break or gap years,...

In this episode, I share my personal journey with mental health challenges and navigating grief starting as early as middle school and going on through college, grad school, and my professional career. I also share the grief I’m currently experiencing after experiencing the recent loss of my therapist. I address the importance of mental health advocacy, therapy, and the care strategies I implement...

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I am joined by our returning guest Dr. Lauren Mason Carris, a first-generation scholar turned human-centered digital product leader. We discuss into the concepts and praxis of femtorship and career mapping beyond academia. Lauren shares insights from her 20-year journey across multiple industries, highlighting the importance of translating skil...

Listen to this episode if you’re struggling to secure and maintain mentors. I share strategies for first-gen and BIPOC students and professionals to learn how to find mentors and strengthen their mentoring relationships. I also emphasize the importance of taking initiative and regularly checking in with your mentors, among other lessons. Tune in to get all the insights and advice that I wish I had...

In this replay, which was originally aired in November 2021, I discuss the topic of the adjunctification of academia as well as how and why it’s important to plan for a career outside of the tenure-track. Believe it or not, you likely have had a professor who earns wages that are below the poverty line, relies on public assistance, and/or struggles to meet their basic needs. If you are being train...

In this episode, I share intentional rituals that can boost your focus, particularly on challenging tasks. I also explore the importance of identifying personal triggers, differentiating between rituals and habits, and implementing small, manageable practices to maintain both productivity and clarity. With a combination of flexibility, planning, and the critical role of community and mental health...

For today’s episode, our guest, Dr. Aeriell Armas discusses insider tips for success in grad school admissions. Originally from Queens, New York, Dr. Aeriell has brought a multicultural perspective to her work in mental health disparities in the Latine community, intimate partner violence (IPV), and digital therapeutics.  Aeriell is most notably the founder of Grad Life Grind, through which she fo...

In this episode I share essential tips for preparing for PhD oral exams, especially for first-generation BIPOC students. Among all the tips, I emphasize the importance of reviewing your prospectus, anticipating questions, connecting to a broader discourse, and managing stress. Additionally, I discuss the significance of practicing with peers and being open to feedback. To learn more, check out thi...

In this bonus episode, I share five crucial growth lessons I’ve learned from five years of podcasting. I provide updates on slight changes I’m making to the podcast. I also share insights on trying new things, trusting your intuition, honoring your values, knowing what to accepting or letting go, and following your energy.  Sign up here to access my recent pre-recorded workshop, "Your Confidence i...

In this episode we have Allison Barham who shares her journey from a healthcare professional to MBA graduate and podcaster, discussing the challenges and motivations behind her career pivots.  Allison is the host of the podcast "Allison's Corner.” She hails from Atlanta, has a passion for yoga, reading, and exploring diverse perspectives, and aims to create a space for listeners to connect, learn,...