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 them alone. Tune in to hear the stories, the fears, and, most importantly, how to avoid these...

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 our honest verdict—spoiler: it's excellent! Checkout Scite yourself via:...

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're a PhD student, researcher, or just curious about the psychology behind procrastination, this...

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 episode you won’t want to miss! Try Vizly for yourself and get 20% discount at checkout using our...

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. Why You Should Tune In: 🎓 Find out what’s driving PhD students to come together and demand change in their...

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 science documentaries - The secrets to effective science communication - And the realities of...

🚀 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 Block 2:33 - Managing Academic Papers 3:09 - AI Chat Feature 3:28 - Referencing and Citing Papers 5:00 -...

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 nutritional advice from an expert. ⭐The benefits of exercise for weight management, not weight loss. ⭐ Why...

🔬✨ 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 🏄‍♀️ Balancing Academia with Personal Passions 💡 Strategies for Aspiring Academic Vloggers 👩‍🔬 Whether you're...

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 Fiasco: A staggering $47 million worth of research vanished overnight. What went wrong at one of the...

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, shares invaluable insights on the evolution of writing practices amidst the rapid integration of...

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 specialized AI tools that are changing the game for scientists and researchers. 🔍 Enhancing Academic Workflow:...

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 field can lead to a paradox of choice, and how it affects decision-making for researchers and...

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 explore: - The Evolution of Note-Taking: Discover how traditional note-taking has transformed into...

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 about the unique and intricate structure of snowflakes and why no two are alike. 🫀 Uncover the concerning trend...

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 into two parts. In episode 70 we ask him questions about his scientific career, how he almost...

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 into two parts. In episode 70 we ask him questions about his scientific career, how he almost...

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, the potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption, and even some surprising facts about...

Welcome to The Struggling Scientists! In this episode, we dive into the world of non-academic careers for PhD holders. Our special guest, Ashley Ruba, shares her remarkable journey from academia to a fulfilling role as a human factors engineer in the medical device industry. We uncover the challenges academics face, the stigma around non-academic careers, and the misconceptions that often hold back PhD professionals. From networking tips to the day-to-day responsibilities in her new role,...

In the spirit of Halloween, The Struggling Scientists bring you their most bone-chilling episode yet: "Tales of the PhD".  Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they delve into the terrifying world of PhD horror stories. From lost data to deleted thesis drafts, and even a lab transformed into a cutthroat battleground, get ready to be spooked by the nightmarish experiences of fellow scientists.  Grab your pumpkin-scented candles, sit back, and prepare to be haunted by these hair-raising tales of...

On this episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast, hosts Suzanne and Jayron dive deep into the prestigious world of the Nobel Prizes. From the emotional impact of receiving such an esteemed award to the collaborative efforts behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, they explore the highs and lows of the Nobel Prize experience. Join them as they discuss the winners, their research topics, and other fascinating science that emerged this year. Get ready to be inspired by the stories that...

In this 65th episode of The Struggling Scientists podcast, Suzanne and Jayron delve into the hidden costs of pursuing a PhD. They asked their audience about the drawbacks that are not immediately apparent when starting a doctoral program. The responses flooded in, covering financial concerns, strained relationships, mental health struggles, work-life balance challenges, and missed personal milestones. From the surprise of not saving for retirement to the toll on friendships and the heartache...

Welcome to the 64th episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast! In this exciting edition, we dive into the hilarious and thought-provoking world of the Ignoble Prizes. Prepare to be entertained as we explore the winners in categories like Chemistry and Geology, Literature, and Mechanical Engineering. From the bizarre science of rock-licking to the peculiar phenomenon of jamais vu, we uncover the intriguing stories behind these unconventional research topics. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Struggling Scientists! In today's episode, titled "Demystifying the Tenure Track," we have the privilege of interviewing Emmanuel Tsekleves, a professor and research director with extensive experience in academia. Join our hosts, Suzanne and Jayron, as they dive deep into the intricacies of the tenure track process and discover the key factors that can make or break a candidate's career in academia. From the application process to the interview...