Dissertation Deconstructed

By Denise NixonEducation Self-Improvement How To

Dissertation Deconstructed episodes

July 29 Recruiting Quantitative Research Participants: What Every Researcher Should Know
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Struggling to find participants for your dissertation? In this episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, Dr. Denise Nixon shares practical, ethical, and effective strategies for recruiting participants for quantitative research studies. Learn how to increase survey response rates, recruit in rural and island communities, avoid common recruitment mistakes, and collect the quality data you need to successfully complete your dissertation. Whether you're preparing for IRB approval or launching your survey, this episode will help you recruit with confidence.
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26 min
July 02 Nobody's Responding?! Here's Why Your Qualitative Study Isn't Getting Participants
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Your IRB has been approved, your study is ready to go—but no one is responding. Now what?

In this episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, Dr. Denise Nixon shares practical, ethical strategies for recruiting participants for qualitative research. Learn what to consider before launching your study, what to do when recruitment stalls, how to increase participation without violating IRB requirements, common mistakes to avoid, and why staying connected with your dissertation chair can make all the difference. If participant recruitment is delaying your dissertation, this episode will help you get back on track with confidence.
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35 min
May 21 IRB Approval Without the Anxiety: What Every Doctoral Student Needs to Know
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The IRB process can feel intimidating, confusing, and filled with endless revisions—but it doesn’t have to derail your dissertation journey. In this episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, Dr. Nixon breaks down how to successfully prepare for IRB review, avoid common mistakes, and navigate revisions with confidence. Learn the essential dos and don’ts of the IRB application process, why working closely with your dissertation chair matters, and why conducting research before approval can seriously delay your progress.

Drawing from experience chairing over 50 doctoral committees, this episode also shares real insight, encouragement, and practical strategies to help doctoral students move through the process with clarity and confidence. Plus, a heartfelt reflection on recently watching five students earn their doctorates—and the joy of calling them “Doctor” for the very first time.
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Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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21 min
February 16Surviving the Dissertation Process: Real Talk From a Recent Graduate
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In this inspiring and practical episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Baker—recent doctoral graduate, entrepreneur, and higher education professor—for an honest conversation about what it really takes to survive and successfully complete the dissertation journey. Dr. Baker shares firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped her push through challenges from proposal to defense.

Whether you are just beginning your dissertation or trying to regain momentum, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and actionable insight from someone who has recently crossed the finish line.
What You’ll Learn
What surprised Dr. Baker most about the dissertation process
How she balanced academic writing with professional and personal responsibilities
Strategies that helped her stay organized and motivated
How she handled feedback, revisions, and moments of self-doubt
The importance of mentorship, support systems, and self-advocacy
Advice for ABD students who feel stuck or overwhelmed
Reflections on defense day and life after earning the doctorate
Connect with Dr. Tiffany Baker:
https://www.inspiredu-design.com
Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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41 min
December 29, 2025 Building the Literature Review: Using an Outline to Write with Clarity and Confidence
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Feeling overwhelmed by your dissertation literature review? In this episode of Dissertation Constructed, learn how to use a strategic outline to organize research, identify key themes, and write with clarity and confidence. You’ll gain practical tips for pacing your writing, ethically using AI as a support tool, and staying motivated as you move forward—one section at a time.
Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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25 min
November 27, 2025 Beating Procrastination, Burnout, and the Urge to Quit: Mindset & Habits That Work
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In this episode, we dig into one of the biggest challenges doctoral students face: procrastination, burnout, and the overwhelming urge to quit. You’ll learn why these feelings show up, how to recognize them early, and the mindset and habits that help you push through with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your dissertation journey or deep into Chapter 4, this episode gives you the practical tools and emotional encouragement you need to keep going.
Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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17 min
October 10, 2025 From Confusion to Clarity: Finding Your Theoretical Framework
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In this episode of Dissertation Deconstructed, we tackle one of the most challenging—and essential—parts of the doctoral journey: developing your theoretical framework. Many students struggle to move from uncertainty to understanding when it comes to aligning theory with research purpose. Join Dr. Denise Nixon as she breaks down how to identify, evaluate, and select a framework that provides direction and credibility for your study. An excerpt from a previous episode featuring Dr. Azadeh Osonloo sheds light on key factors to consider when developing the theoretical framework. You’ll learn practical strategies for connecting your research questions to existing theory, avoiding common pitfalls, and articulating your framework with confidence.
This episode will help you move from confusion to clarity in building a strong theoretical foundation for your dissertation.
Dr. Azadeh Osonloo - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/azadeh-o-b73189b/
Article: Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your “house” by Dr. Cynthia Grant and Dr. Azadeh Osanloo
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23 min
May 19, 2025 From Doctorate to Digital: 7 Ways to Land an Online Teaching Job
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Are you ready to take your academic expertise online? Host Denise Nixon explores seven practical strategies to help scholars, educators, and recent doctoral grads land their first online teaching job. If you are looking to supplement your income or transition fully into digital education, this episode offers clear, actionable steps to position yourself for success in the virtual classroom.
Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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Podcast Disclaimer
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28 min
April 02, 2025 The Dissertation Chair Dilemma: Choosing the Right Mentor for Success
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In this episode, host Denise Nixon discusses the importance of finding a dissertation chair and committee to develop a quality dissertation. She highlights five key factors and the essential element of patience duirng the process.

Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
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Podcast Disclaimer
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17 min
October 15, 2024 Unlocking the Literature Review: Expert Tips for Success
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In this episode, host Denise Nixon welcomes university professor and researcher Dr. Meredith Park. Dr. Park discusses the importance of writing a detailed and cohesive literature review for the dissertation and shares her expert tips for success. For more information about Dr. Park, please contact her at [email protected].

Music by Moses Harris from Pixabay
Music by Krzysztof Szymanski from Pixabay
Subscribe & Follow the Show!
https://denisenixon.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisenixon/
Podcast Disclaimer
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38 min

About Dissertation Deconstructed

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Hosted by Dr. Denise Nixon, Dissertation Deconstructed is your essential guide to navigating the doctoral journey—from your first research question to post-graduation success. The podcast offers…