The Struggling Scientists

Learn how to apply the core ideas from Deep Work by Cal Newport to your life as a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher. In this episode, we break down what Deep Work actually is, why shallow work can take over your best energy, and how to use the four Deep Work methods: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic. If you want to protect more focused time for writing, reading, analysi...

AI is already being used in academic research, and some of it is going very wrong. In this video, we break down real cases where the misuse of AI led to serious problems in published scientific papers. This includes fake references, copy pasted AI text, and completely incorrect AI generated figures that somehow made it through peer review. From a hospital librarian discovering that most references...

Academia can go wrong… very quickly. In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real stories from researchers where a single question at a conference, lab meeting, or thesis defense completely changed — or even destroyed — someone’s research. From missing control variables… to flawed assumptions… to realizing your entire project might not be based on the right idea — these are the kinds of momen...

Most PhD students don’t struggle with focus because they’re lazy. They struggle because their attention is constantly being pulled in ten different directions. In this episode, we break down a simple framework to help you actually focus again — without burning out or relying on motivation. If you’ve been feeling scattered, stuck, or mentally drained, this will help you lock back in. --------------...

Did you know that in the Netherlands, by the time you defend your PhD… you’ve already passed? Unlike in many other countries, the Dutch PhD defense is usually not the final exam that determines whether you get your degree. Your thesis has already been approved, failing is extremely rare, and the defense itself feels more like a formal and historic ceremony than an exam. In this video, I take you b...

Academia can get weird fast. In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real Reddit stories about awkward academic interviews, PhD supervisor dilemmas, and thesis mistakes that every researcher will recognize. Would you like your story to be (anonymously) featured in a future episode? Submit your story here: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/stories/ -------------------------------------------...

Got a PhD interview coming up? This isn’t just another job interview, it’s the start of a 4+ year research partnership. In this video, we share 7 essential PhD interview tips that most applicants overlook. From your first email to the toughest interview questions. If you want to stand out, impress your future supervisor, and feel confident walking into your graduate school interview, this is for y...

In this special Halloween episode, we dive into the scariest real-life PhD horror stories submitted by our listeners. From crashed software hours before a big deadline to lab disasters and terrifyingly toxic supervisors, these tales of PhD struggles will leave you on the edge of your seat. We’ll share our thoughts and advice on how to navigate these grad school nightmares—so you don’t have to face...

In this episode of the PhD's Toolkit series, we put Scite AI to the test! Join us as we review this AI-powered research assistant and evaluate its features for PhD students and researchers. From smart citations to personalized dashboards, we break down how Scite AI can streamline your literature search and improve your research workflow. Is it really as good as it sounds? Tune in to find out o...

Struggling to stay productive and meet deadlines in your academic life? In this episode, we dive into the common challenge of procrastination with expert insights from a psychotherapist specializing in helping academics. Learn why procrastination isn't just about laziness and discover practical strategies to overcome it, boost your productivity, and improve your mental well-being. Whether you&...

Curious about how AI can simplify your research? In this episode of PhD's Toolkit, we dive deep into Vizly, the AI-powered data analysis tool that promises to make coding a thing of the past. Join us for a full review, where we break down its functions, ease of use, pricing, and impact for researchers. Whether you’re struggling with data or just want to speed up your workflow, this is an episo...

In this episode of The Struggling Scientist, we're diving into a powerful movement that's reshaping academia—PhD unionization. As more students band together to fight for fair wages and better working conditions, they're not just making waves—they're sparking a new era in academic labor rights. Join us as we share the stories, struggles, and successes behind this growing movement....

Join us for an exciting chat with Professor Giles Yeo, the geneticist who made a splash on Channel 4 and the BBC! In this episode, Giles shares his journey from lab research to TV fame, and how he became a leading voice in nutrition and obesity science. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and tips on balancing science with media. Learn more about: - The thrill of making scien...

🚀 Boost Your Academic Writing with Jenni AI! 📚 In this video, we review Jenni AI, an AI-powered writing assistant perfect for academics and PhD students. Learn how Jenni AI can help you overcome writer’s block, manage citations, and streamline your writing process. ⏰ TIME STAMPS 0:00 - Introduction to The Toolkit 0:19 - Jenni AI Overview 0:42 - Jenni AI Tour 1:18 - Dealing with Writer's Blo...

Weight loss isn't complicated, but that sure as hell doesn't make it easy. With so much (mis)information out there, we decided to talk with an expert to get the facts! This week, Suzanne Van Wouw and I recorded a new episode with the wonderful Prof. Giles Yeo on the science behind ✅ Weight loss ✅ Obesity ✅ Nutrition ✅ and much more Expect to learn 🧠 : ⭐Universal and science-based nut...

🔬✨ Dive into the vibrant world of vlogging a PhD journey with Nathalie Reilly (@Life_and_Sunshine), an inspiration for aspiring scientists and PhD students everywhere! In this episode of "The Struggling Scientists," Nathalie shares the highs and lows of her unique PhD experience, offering a rare glimpse behind the lab coat. 🎓📸 Episode Highlights: 🎥 The Art of Vlogging a PhD Journey 🏄...

In this episode of the Struggling Scientists podcast, we're peeling back the curtain on some of the most riveting and significant moments that have recently captivated the scientific community. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they delve into a mix of groundbreaking discoveries, unexpected challenges, and curious incidents that highlight the dynamic nature of science today: ❄️ The Freezer Fias...

In this episode of the Struggling Scientists podcast, we dive into the world of academic writing in the era of artificial intelligence. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they talk to Prof. Lennart Nacke, a pioneering figure in user experience, human-computer interaction, and game design at the University of Waterloo. Lennart, with an impressive portfolio of over 200 papers and 30,000 citations, sha...

In this episode, we peel back the layers of how artificial intelligence is transforming the academic landscape. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just science-curious, this discussion is packed with insights on leveraging AI to streamline your work and foster innovation. What you'll discover in this episode: 🤖 The Evolution of AI Tools in Academia: Beyond ChatGPT, uncover specialize...

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast, we delve into the world of Science FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with our special guest, Shane Hanlon. As an ecologist turned science communicator, Shane brings unique insights into the challenges and excitements of a career in science. Tune in as we explore: - The Overwhelm of Choices: Learn how the abundance of opportunities in the scientific fi...

Dive into the intricate world of academic knowledge management with our expert guest, Ilya Shabanov, in the latest episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast! Join us as we unravel the secrets of efficiently organizing and synthesizing vast amounts of academic data. This episode is a must-listen for researchers, students, and academics keen on streamlining their research process. Tune in to expl...

Dive into the festive season with Episode 72 of the "Struggling Scientists" podcast, where we unwrap the science behind Christmas! 🎄🔬 🎅 What does the real Santa look like? We delve into an intriguing study attempting to scientifically determine Father Christmas's facial features. 🍽️ Discover how Christmas dinner with your in-laws could be influencing your gut microbiota. ❄️ Learn ab...

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists, we are honored to have Nobel Laureate, Martin Chalfie, as our special guest. Join us as professor Chalfie shares his remarkable journey in science, from the initial struggles in the lab to the groundbreaking discovery that would ultimately change the field of biology. Since he was kind enough to talk with us for over an hour this episode will be split...

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists, we are honored to have Nobel Laureate, Martin Chalfie, as our special guest. Join us as professor Chalfie shares his remarkable journey in science, from the initial struggles in the lab to the groundbreaking discovery that would ultimately change the field of biology. Since he was kind enough to talk with us for over an hour this episode will be split...

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists podcast, Suzanne and Jayron dive into the captivating world of coffee and its significance in the lives of PhD students and academics. From the complex composition of roasted coffee to the bioactive compounds it contains, they explore the science behind how coffee affects our bodies and minds. Discover the optimal timing and dosage of caffeine intake, t...