Is science even real anymore? What is real? And do people still believe in science? Just when we thought grad school couldn’t get more chaotic, the NIH funding landscape threw us a curveball.

This week, Avery and Yassine dive into the messy realities of pursuing science in uncertain times, from funding struggles to the bigger question of how we connect research to real-world impact. We also check in on our PhD journeys... and yes, we have updates on Avery’s dating life too.

🧠 -As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Connect with us: 📩 [email protected] 💸 Support: patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

It's Year 4 for the Educated But Confused podcast! Join Yassine and Avery for personal and professional updates, a deep dive into the challenges of transitioning after grant work or big deadlines, and the inside scoop on fourth year. Plus, we're spilling the tea and de-stressing with NeeDoh Gumdrops. As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected]

Support us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello, listeners—

It is with the deepest honor, respect, and gratitude that we, Avery and Yassine, bring you this truly special episode. Our guest is none other than Dr. Daniel Tranel—Professor of Neurology, Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Senior Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, and Director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Iowa. These titles barely scratch the surface of his contributions to science and mentorship, for which we owe him immense gratitude.

Join us in this meaningful conversation as we celebrate Dr. Tranel’s impact on the scientific community, unpack his 2024 Carver College of Medicine Distinguished Mentor Award, explore his passion for mentorship, discuss the importance of scholarship, reflect on major scientific milestones, and gather invaluable advice for students. And if that wasn’t special enough—this episode was recorded to the minute on Dan’s birthday.

Enjoy the magic of the Iowa Vibes!

-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In today’s episode, Yassine and Avery wrap up their third year of grad school, reflecting on key lessons learned and setting intentions for the year ahead. Join us as we look back, plan forward, and embrace the chaos and clarity of academic life.

—As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

💡 Get in touch: 📩 Email us at [email protected]

🎙️ Support the show: Join our Patreon at patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In this episode, Avery and Yassine catch up with Val, one of the original hosts of educated but confused who co-founded the show with them before leaving last year after completing his Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa. Val is now teaching at Southern Oregon University, and we dive into his journey and all the new directions he’s taken in life and work since stepping away from academia.

We start off strong with Yassine's thought-provoking question: What are Val’s views on the gut microbiome, and how does it impact brain function, free will, and determinism? Val shares his insights, bridging science with philosophy in a discussion that’s both mind-expanding and full of practical implications.

Next, we explore: How has Val’s sleep research from grad school influenced his teaching? Val tells us about a course he developed and taught called “Explorations of Foundational Health.” From neuroscience-informed stress management to exploring sleep, consciousness, and the nature of free will, Val brings a unique and holistic perspective to health and well-being.

Finally, we ask: How has life shifted from the pressures of grad school to the world of professional teaching? Val reflects on the highs, challenges, and personal growth that have defined his transition from student to educator.

Tune in to this inspiring episode that brings us full circle with an OG host, diving deep into the big questions and practical lessons on health, consciousness, and the future of science and education!

-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon!patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello ebc crew-

Routines, repetitive behaviors, habits, good juju, whatever you want to call it, let’s unpack what exactly we do on our day-to-days as graduate students.

In this episode, Avery and Yassine take a deep dive into evaluating their current routines, open up about adapting to changes in behaviors due to seasonal shifts, emotional states, and environmental influences, the importance of sticking with non-negotiables, implementing positive habits, and so much more.

We also bring back the drinks of choice, so we hope you have your favorite beverage in hand, and invite you to take a sip with us as we all evaluate our personal growth in our routines.

-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello, EBC crew!

Avery and Yassine are back at it again with the green plan(t)z (bad meme reference, but stay with us). In this episode, recorded on a warm July evening in our favorite plant-filled bar, we catch up on our research and personal journeys. We dive into healthy ways to approach imposter syndrome, share our tips for creating an inspo repo and carving out time for intentional reflection, give updates on our research progress, and explore what it takes to be a good plant parent and a social magnet. Welcome to the melting pot—a pretty sustainable setup for growth, if you ask us (last plant pun, promise).

-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

In this episode, Avery and Yassine reflect on the journey of launching the EBC podcast and share the personal significance this project holds for them. They then dive into updates on their current research endeavors, including Avery’s Prospectus preparation and Yassine’s dissertation project planning. As they explore these topics, they discuss the value of pausing amidst stress to evaluate emotions, emphasizing the need to recognize the challenges of transitioning between the highs and lows of the grad school marathon. So, sit back, grab your favorite drink, and join the conversation!

-As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Get connected with us:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Resources:

101 Ways to Change the Way You Think

Hello ebc crew!

Step into the comforting ambiance of our favorite coffee haunt ~The Java House~ where the aroma of freshly brewed beans mingles with the warmth of candid conversation. With noses sniffly but spirits high, we embark on an enriching journey through the complexities of grant writing, the delicate dance of work-life balance, and the intriguing concept of "Conquering Mount Stupid." From navigating the intricacies of grant applications to sharing hard-won insights on maintaining equilibrium in our hectic lives, we brew up a stimulating blend of practical advice and introspective musings. So, pull up a chair, wrap your hands around a steaming cup, and join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in this lively coffee shop rendezvous.

As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Resources:

Writing a specific aims page

F31 examples

Get connected:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused

Hello EBC Crew! Welcome to another episode where we embark on a journey, from the West to the East and back to the Midwest, exploring life beyond the laboratory. 🌍 Whether it's for better or worse, we're diving into the experiences awaiting us outside those lab walls. In this episode, we delve into a variety of topics, from the intricacies of the NIH’s F31 to the art of writing, maintaining focus, staying organized, and practicing mindfulness. 🧠✍️ We might even touch on some unexpected subjects, like... bad haircuts? 💇‍♀️💇‍♂️So sit back, relax, and join us on this adventure! We hope you enjoy the ride!

As always, stay educated and seek confusion!

Episode Resources:

The Mindful Twenty-Something: Life Skills to Handle Stress... and Everything Else

How to Focus to Change Your Brain

Get connected:

Contact us for educated thoughts or general confusions at [email protected] & follow us on instagram @ebcpod :)

Support us by joining our patreon! patreon.com/educatedbutconfused