The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast

Send a text In today's episode I am joined by the host of History With Jackson podcast: Jackson van Uden. In this episode Jackson and I discuss the origin, creation, and inspiration of History with Jackson, academic drive, the multiple avenues of studying history and political theory, being born in the 1900s, being confused by gen alpha, the importance of reading a room, and so much more.  Co...

Send a text Today I am joined by Rachel Henderson and in this episode we discuss our thoughts on corporate policy work schedules, “psychologist in training”, moving from Texas to Indiana, small school, doing research as an undergrad, the gleeification of small schools, how our perspectives change as we grow, Gen z having kids, growing up queer, living in rural areas, the importance of diversity, t...

Send a text Today I am joined by Harley Powell!! In this episode Harley and I discuss being summer birthdays, anxieties about turning 25, how she did clinical hours between undergrad and PA school to get more experience, the growing recognition of PA as a career, her path through undergrad and how she found her passion for being a physician’s assistant, her desire to go into medicine, our mutual l...

Send a text In this episode I am joined by PhD Student Camille Pushman! In this episode we discuss  first-gen students, going to Indiana University, Camille's path through undergrad, the privilege within academia, unwritten rules in academia, the grad school application process, importance of being a person outside of science, being gen Z in lab, academic twitter, my unique personality classi...

Send a text In this episode I am joined by one of my own professors from my Alma mater Dr. Natalia Hubbs! In this episode Dr. Hubbs and I discuss how she came to the US at two from Poland, her path to undergrad, how she got started in research, her first “quarter-life crisis”, going up for tenure, struggling with impostor syndrome, having strong female role models in STEM, being a mentor to underg...

Send a text Today I am joined by Chemistry PhD student Allison Reardon. In this episode we talk about Allison's path to studying chemistry, what undergrad was like, graduating in 2020 during the pandemic, the glory days of twitter (now called "X"), using her classical studies minor in real life, the benefits of going to a liberal arts school, the grad school application process, the...

Send a text Today I am joined by the wonderful Kailey Fugate. In this episode Kailey and I discuss our origin story,  Midwest culture, the winter months, Kailey navigating academia with Dyslexia, how she got involved in media projects in undergrad, her extent in the podcast realm, what motivated her to pursue graduate school, the importance of trying and taking criticism for improvement, the value...

Send a text I am joined by my good friend and Bryophyte legend in the making Kristen Hillegas. In this episode Kristen and I discuss her interest in herbalism, bryophytes, finding her path after graduation, getting experience in her field, what motivated her to pursue a PhD, her inspirations for doing a PhD instead of a masters, finding grad school programs, the grad school application process, an...

Send a text Today I am joined by the hilarious Reece Hunter. In this episode we lean into the "semi" of The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast where Reece and I discuss undergrad experiences, what it was like growing up in rural communities, pursuing higher education, importance of queer representation, importance of having supportive mentors, being gay in STEM,  path of pursuing vet sch...

Send a text Due to record errors I originally believed this episode was lost. In it's loss I filmed a new episode with Sydney Claypoole and silently mourned the loss. Upon the discovery of  finding this gem I was elated but decided to keep in the vault. However, given the fact its the podcast's 1 year anniversary, I figured you all deserve something special. So in my first episode I am r...

Send a text A message of thanks to you all for supporting the show and celebrating the podcast's 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!! Thank you all so much!  Follow us! Facebook: The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast Tiktok: @tspapod Twitter: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Threads: @tspapod Youtube: The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast

Send a text Chemistry PhD student and Organic Chemistry legend in the making Caroline Millard is this week's special guest. In this episode we talk about how Caroline graduated in the pandemic, what motivated her to pursue graduate school, moving to a new city, combating impostor syndrome, the importance of having a supportive mentor, and so much more! You DO NOT want to miss this!  Follow us...

Send a text In this episode Jesse tells us about his journey through undergrad, why its important to know if you’re ready to pursue a degree, doing a postdoc position online, coming to the US from Canada, his experience in the application process, teaching at an R1 institution, his gratitude to his partner who has supported his endeavors in academia, and the importance of being kind.  Follow us! F...

Send a text Today I am joined by the wonderful Madeline Lucas. In this episode we discuss Madeline's path to college, what motivated her to transfer, her journey through finding her way in the medical field, and so much more! Follow us!  TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Bluesky: @tspapod.bsky.social Twitter: @tspapod Threads: @tspapod Facebook: The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast Follo...

Send a text Happy Mid-Season Premiere! Today I am joined by the one and only Tim Cunningham! Tim is a former professor who is currently pursuing a career in industry. In this episode we discuss his path to chemistry,  the road to grad school, becoming a professor, teaching during the pandemic, becoming a father during the pandemic, and why he ultimately stepping away from academia to pursue a care...

Send a text Happy Mid-Season Finale!!! Today I am joined by the wonderful Nick Schmitt. In this episode we discuss Nick’s journey through undergrad, switching majors from Biology to Psychology, transferring his Junior year, his career pivots, how he met his husband, our mutual admiration of Taylor Swift, how he got interested in data analytics, and the importance of building community.  Follow Us:...

Send a text Today I am joined by the college athlete turned med student Katie Perry. We discuss Katie's private school upbringing, being a student in STEM, being a college athlete, the realities of impostor syndrome, importance of finding a mentor whose mentorship style matches what you need, and so much more.  Follow Us: TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Twitter: @tspapod Threads: @tspapo...

Send a text Today I am joined by the outstanding Olivia Waldridge. Tune in as we discuss her Floridian origin, her journey to her undergrad institution, the importance of having a supportive mentor in grad school, the reality of battling impostor syndrome, the validation in publications, and the fulfillment you get once you allow yourself to switch your interests.  Follow Us: TikTok: @tspapod Inst...

Send a text Today I am joined by the hilarious, talented, and passionate Alexis VandenBerg. In this episode we talk about Alexis’ journey through undergrad, our friendship, how she found her masters program, her current job, her thoughts on her future her interests in field work, and her feelings on gizzard shad.  Follow Us: TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Twitter: @tspapod Threads: @tspapod...

Send a text The best people in life are free and this week’s guest is no exception. Today I am joined by my childhood bestie Skyler Coomer Leightner. On this week’s episode we discuss our friendship, healthy competition, the importance of learning the art of not caring, how Skye had to navigate being a first year teacher in the pandemic, how she’s pursuing her masters while working full-time, and...

Send a text Today I am joined by the wonderful and talented Cyla Walls. Today Cyla and I discuss her pre-health journey in undergrad, how she switched her major, how she found an accelerated nursing program, the importance of taking care of yourself, finding an outlet for fun away from work and school, and to not place limits on yourself.  Follow us! Facebook: The Semi-Professional Academic Podcas...

Send a text There's no bonus points for color coding your notes in this episode! Today I am joined by the exceptional Ben Payton. He tells us about his life, his journey to undergrad, how he found his area of study in Chemistry, the struggles with impostor syndrome, and so much more. Have you checked on your bathroom couch?? IYKYK Follow Us: TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Twitter: @tspa...

Send a text Today I am joined by medical student and fellow Swiftie Steven Li. We discuss Taylor Swift (of course), Steven's adventures in undergrad,  graduating in the pandemic,  his journey to medical school and the endurance needed, and his feelings for this school year! Follow us! TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Twitter: @tspapod Threads: @tspapod Facebook: The Semi-Professional Acad...

Send a text This week I am joined by the wonderful Dr.  Shaun Edmonds. Tune in as we discuss Shaun's academic journey, his lessons learned through studying abroad, his work in the understanding of body image in the queer community, being openly queer in the workplace, being openly queer in academia and so much more! Follow us! TikTok: @tspapod Instagram: @tspapod Twitter: @tspapod Threads: @t...

Send a text Today I am joined by my fellow grad school baddie Dahlia Martinez. In this episode Dahlia tells us about growing up playing water polo, her Pre-Med journey, how she pivoted to biology and environmental science, her journey through grad school, and how she has found that standing up for yourself makes people respect you more.  Follow us: Facebook: The Semi-Professional Academic Podcast...