In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Zina Jarrahi Cinker and Dr. Russell Strickland geek out on physics, the role of science in society, and the psychology of effective communication. Dr. Cinker's dream of growing up to be an astrophysicist, and Bill Gates(!), eventually settled on neither. Listen as Dr. Cinker shares stories about academic politics, talking with U.S. Senators on Capitol Hill, and Tom...Somebody.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Jasmine Escalera speaks with Dr. Russell Strickland about the identity crisis she suffered while pursuing her Ph.D. Knowing that there were two typical, and unappealing, paths for students in her program led her to the brink quitting. Fortunately, Dr. Escalera's a-ha moment came when an advisor told her that she could do anything after she earned her Ph.D. Overcoming the tyranny of the Or empowered her to experience the amazing rewards her Ph.D....

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Erin Kelley shares with Dr. Russell Strickland the fascinating story of her unlikely journey from small town to law school; the gentle nudge the bar exam provided, again and again; and how she ultimately found her true calling by uniting her two passions. Dr. Kelley wants you to know that making it look easy doesn't come easy! The real search sometimes begins when you think you've reached your goal. That's OK, because the rewards far exceed the...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Kathy Gruver lays out the breadcrumbs of her career for Dr. Russell Strickland. From massage therapist to naturopath.  Along the way she met a client working to finish her Ph.D in a field she hated, a man who didn't "believe in Ph.D.s," and Dr. Phil! She's now a public speaker, coach, and multiple author. The journey didn't quite go as planned, but she wouldn't have it any other way! Dr. Gruver is "one to say 'yes' for things." What are you...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Darin Detwiler shares with Dr. Russell Strickland the heart-breaking story about the loss of his son at 16 months and how it fueled his mission. His doctoral journey began with a moment of epiphany when one of his students asked why are you here. His immediate response was, "I quit." But quitting was just the beginning... Dr. Detwiler went on to become an assistant dean at his doctoral university so quickly that he actually hooded himself at...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Fergus Connolly and Dr. Russell Strickland get into your head!Since your are unique and special, Dr. Connolly figures that your approach to your dissertation should be, too. It's all about being intentional, discovering your "why," and then being true to that truth. But, as special as you are, you're not perfect. Coming to terms with this fact early in the dissertation process is perhaps the most important thing you can do for your sanity...and...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Adi Jaffe and Dr. Russell Strickland blow the doors of your excuses. Dr. Jaffe was an addict, drug dealer, and convicted felon when his doctoral journey began. Dr. Jaffe wasted all of these excuses, instead becoming a doctor, an author, interviewing with Larry King, and building an amazing community to support addiction recovery. Dr. Jaffe "urge[s] you to put yourself in more places where you have imposter syndrome." That's how you make a dent...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin shares her traumatizing doctoral experience with Dr. Russell Strickland. A difficult advisor always makes the dissertation journey longer and more perilous. But an absentee advisor? One who then threatens to sue you when you finally switch to another advisor? The experience added two years to her doctoral studies. Fortunately, she was eventually rewarded with a private practice and opportunities for public appearances, speaking,...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Sharon Belden Castonguay and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss the importance of identity when it comes to choosing your doctoral program, your doctoral advisors, and your postdoctoral career. Dr. Castonguay advises doctoral students who choose not to pursue academia on career options. She shares an amazing technique for setting your career direction. According to Dr. Castonguay, career success is found at "the intersection of luck and hard work."

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Marlo Rencher and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss the importance of fitting in...in your doctoral program, in your village, and in your professional community. Dr. Rencher brings the unique perspective of an anthropologist to her work with tech start-ups in Detroit. She helps entrepreneurs cross the chasm from having conversations about making the world a better place and helping people to making money making the world a better place and helping...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Katherine Rosselot and Dr. Russell Strickland talk life, loss, and to how to outlast the challenges that come your way. Dr. Rosselot's doctoral journey began in response to an aggressive cancer that robbed her of her career. The journey was punctuated with suicidal ideations (not hers), a recurrence of cancer, and the loss of her husband. Dr. Rosselot managed to maintain her focus on her goals while shepherding her family through the tumult.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Jocelyn McDonald and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss the myriad opportunities available after you earn your doctoral degree. Dr. Mac talks about starting her own podcast and discusses the challenges she faced during her dissertation journey and how surrounding herself with the right people made all of the difference. Give yourself permission to be great by following the proven path to get your dissertation done and truly leverage your new title!

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Jamie Ball and Dr. Russell Strickland compare doctoral students to bakers and Olympic athletes. Dr. Ball covers the types of advice students often request and shares three major dissertation stumbling blocks that you want to avoid. Then Dr. Strickland reveals the most important three letters you'll ever encounter...and they're NOT Ph.D. Discover how to make your transition to doctor, from a couple of experts who made the transition themselves.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Kasandrea Sereno and Dr. Russell Strickland wax philosophical about higher education and the educational system in the U.S. Their discussion touches on the causes of attrition in higher education, what's missing in secondary education, and how post-secondary education could do better branding itself. Dr. Sereno discusses the strange sense of grief she felt after defending her dissertation and the joy of helping her advisees achieve their own...

Join Dr. Russell Strickland of Dissertation Done in this episode of An Unconventional Life as he talks with Dr. Jeremy Weisz of Rise25 Media about his daughter's insights on doctoral students. He goes on to reveal his own insights as they relate to the need to create structure in the dissertation process, the opposing paradigms doctoral students follow in trying to complete their degrees, and the instinct for doctoral students to try to be heroic.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Pensacola Jefferson and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss doctoral students' desire to be influential by serving others. Dr. Jefferson reveals how her doctoral degree has empowered her to serve as a counselor and prolific author. Dr. Jeffferson credits her doctoral degree for the confidence she has developed since graduation. Her confidence has enabled her to freely admit her own limits and comfortably operate in her area of expertise.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Janice Weaver reveals to Dr. Russell Strickland how her struggles with her dissertation chair motivated her to become the chair she wishes she had during her own doctoral journey. They detail the critical importance of having logistical and emotional support for your dissertation. Dr. Weaver stresses how risky it is to not have a detailed completion plan and makes the case for the therapeutic benefits of the dissertation to cope with life's...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. D. Anthony Miles and Dr. Russell Strickland swap war stories about what it takes to be successful in the doctoral degree process and after graduation. Dr. Miles reveals how to position yourself as an expert to attorneys as a professional expert witness. He also discusses his experiences in writing and publishing a book for the popular press and getting calls from media outlets for interviews on blogs, podcasts, radio, and television.

Join Dr. Russell Strickland of Dissertation Done in this episode of An Unconventional Life as he talks to Dr. Jeremy Weisz of Rise25 Media about overcoming the low statistical odds of completing your dissertation.  Dr. Strickland discusses how to create an insurance policy to boost your chances, when to invest in external support and guidance, and how you know you’ve reached the “magical tipping point” that ensures your success. Stay tuned.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Thomas Joseph and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss the importance of motivation and measurable goals in overcoming a pessimistic advisor and how a delicate balancing act of pushback with his dissertation committee chair led to a better relationship... and a done dissertation! Since graduation, Dr. Joseph has become a university faculty member and a published author...all to help students succeed. Dr. Joseph's story will inspire you to recommit and...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Sarabeth Berk, author, TEDx speaker, and burgeoning entrepreneur, tells Dr. Russell Strickland about the identity crisis she underwent when starting her doctoral program and becoming a student, again. This led her to the concept of hybrid professional identities. Dr. Berk now helps other "jacks of all trades" become the master of their unique contributions to the world. Discover how your unique identities come together in the intersection of you.

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Seth François takes Dr. Russell Strickland through his dissertation journey. They discuss the hows, whys, and whatnots of the dissertation process, including how to keep all of your self-talk positive and productive, the importance of dissertation buddies, and the most critical decision: quant or qual. Dr. Seth also shares the many exciting new opportunities his doctoral degree has brought to him. Tune in, take notes, and get your dissertation...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Justin Goldston and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss "Reasons Why" and mentors. Guidance and direction are equally important for success. Dr. Goldston recalls railing against systems and the wisdom of accepting those systems and working from within to achieve your goals. Their conversation touches on dreams, choices, impact, income, and more! Dr. Goldston's happy to share, happy to serve, and just plain happy! This episode will put a smile on your...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Heidi Stieglitz Ham and Dr. Russell Strickland discuss their multinational & remote doctoral journeys. Dr. Ham's globetrotting led her to discover a number of concerns and a sense of urgency that was not being served by academia. Through Spectrum Fusion, Dr. Ham has helped adults with autism in a variety of amazing, surprising, and inspirational ways! Her success stories will restore your faith in humanity and renew your drive to make the...

In this episode of An Unconventional Life, Dr. Angela Pearson and Dr. Russell Strickland swap war stories about their doctoral journeys. Like working full-time, being part-time military, and raising four kids...while earning a doctoral degree! And changing your dissertation topic --- twice! And having a candidacy exam prof post rules about how faculty members can win an oral exam...by laying the student out flat on the floor! The anecdotes keep flying throughout this...