Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I address the crucial factors to consider when choosing a thesis or dissertation advisor for graduate school. Drawing from my experience coaching graduate students, I emphasize the importance of communication styles, respect, kindness, and support beyond just research alignment. I break down the topic into two scenarios: for those applying to grad school and those needing to change advisors mid-program. I provide actionable advice on gathering information and assessing advisor fit to ensure a positive grad school experience.

Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 19.

If you liked this episode, check out episode 57 on how to secure a faculty mentor, episode 188 on strategies for dealing with a toxic advisor, and episode 48 on establishing a good relationship with your advisor.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here.

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I am excited to share a trailer for The American Dream in the Eyes of Immigrants Podcast. This 2x award-winning podcast, hosted by Heidy De La Cruz, features immigrants sharing their stories of migrating to the United States. Listen in as they share about their lives back home, culture shocks they first experienced, and what the American Dream means to them. You can listen wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube. New episodes are available every Tuesday. https://open.spotify.com/show/1cieU8Wg7IRJG33nn0cAzP?si=66892198be964c8c

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is a proud member of the Genuina Media network. 

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share various strategies to track progress on long-term projects like dissertations, publications, and other manuscripts, emphasizing the importance of accountability and externalizing progress. From time-based tracking and task checklists to visual cues and planners, I offer methods you can personalize to help you maintain momentum when motivation is low, feel accomplished no matter your pace, and celebrate any wins.

Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes on long-term projects and dissertation writing here.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource kit here.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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In this replay episode, I share 10 monthly reflection questions designed to help you track and achieve your goals effectively. You’ll learn how and why I developed these questions to promote personal and professional development, combat imposter syndrome, and reinforce a growth mindset. You’ll also gain tips for consistent practice and strategies to make the exercise enjoyable and rewarding.

Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 146 and 221 on resources to plan the year ahead and journaling questions to dream again.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource kit here.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

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This replay episode on spoonie productivity discusses strategies for managing the holiday season when you are a spoonie and have limited energy. Addressing chronically ill and disabled individuals, I share personal experiences and practical tips on honoring your culture and legacy without sacrificing your wellbeing. The episode highlights the importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and adapting traditions to fit your capacity. I also encourage you to identify nonnegotiables and prioritize self-care to ensure you work towards having a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season.

Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.

If you liked this episode, check out our previous episodes 44 and 166 on reducing overwhelm before the holiday break and navigating grad school during the holidays.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource kit here.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share my personal experience of how my business was impacted by higher education funding cuts and how I adapted by making micro pivots, focusing on nurturing relationships and creating a meaningful impact. Using my 2025 impact report as a case study, I discuss what an impact report is, share metrics from my own work, and provide actionable steps for you to quantify your own impact. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating your work, especially in challenging times, and offer practical advice for your personal and professional development.

Click here to learn more and sign up for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, by January 12.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the growing trend among educators to revert back to analog tools in the classroom as a response to the rise of AI and digital tools. I explore why analog methods facilitate better learning environments. Additionally, I provide practical recommendations for incorporating more analog tools into your work and life to boost your learning, productivity, and joy. I also emphasize the importance of integrating these tools alongside digital resources to create a hybrid, personalized approach that supports diverse learning needs.

Get on the waitlist for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, here.

If you liked what you heard, check out episode 339 with Naseem Kapdi on ways to cultivate more curiosity and care in your career and episode and episode 182 on the pros and cons of using AI as a tool in grad school. 

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

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In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janice Castro, a bilingual, licensed psychologist specializing in Latine mental health and adult ADHD. Dr. Castro shares her personal and professional journey growing up as the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, dealing with trauma, and navigating the challenges of being a first gen college grad. We delve into the topic of motivation without burnout, discussing the importance of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, recognizing one's self-worth beyond your career, and adopting practical strategies. Listen in to gain insights on managing motivation and preventing burnout.

Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat here.

If you liked what you heard, check out episode 155 on how to cope with and overcome burnout, episode 193 on pacing techniques to prevent burnout, and episode 341 on masking, overcompensating, and burnout.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

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You can connect with Dr. Janice Castro via her Linktree.

To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I tackle the common misconception that rest only counts if you're asleep, napping, or doing nothing. Inspired by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith's book, titled Sacred Rest, I introduce several often-overlooked types of rest and offer practical examples of how you can start practicing them. Join me as I explore how different forms of rest can restore your mind, emotions, relationships, and more, especially for first-gen students, including college and grad students. Stick around till the end for reflective questions that can help you identify the type of rest you need most right now.

Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat here.

Get on the waitlist for my group coaching program, the Grad Empowerment Coaching Circle, here.

If you liked what you heard, check out episode 184 on how to foster joy in grad school.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

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In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the emotionally charged nature of writing and the systemic barriers that often hinder consistent writing progress. I share my experiences with overcoming these obstacles during my time in grad school and introduce the concept of a “gentle writing retreat.” With a focus on compassion and realistic goal-setting, I outline how to structure a supportive and effective writing retreat, whether solo at home or with a group virtually or in-person. You'll learn about how to set realistic goals, preparing materials in advance, and the importance of community and accountability. I also announce my upcoming two-day virtual retreat aimed at helping first-gen students and professionals make significant progress on long-term projects in a supportive environment.

If you liked what you heard, check out my writing related podcast episodes here. 

Learn more and save your seat at my Compassionate Accountability Retreat here.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I address a common concern among coaching and consulting clients, which is the question of doing enough. I discuss concepts of discernment and defining 'enough' for yourself by creating personal rules that increase confidence and self-trust. By recognizing your body’s signals or cues and setting flexible guidelines, you can make decisions that align with your values and capacity while still making progress on your goals.

If you liked what you heard, check episode 333 on how to set goals you’ll actually keep and episode 96 on three strategies to exceed not just meet your goals. 

Learn more about my coaching services here and get on the waitlist for my group coaching pods here.

Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠.

I’m excited to share a trailer for the Latine ADHD podcast, hosted by Dr. Janice Castro — a Licensed Psychologist creating a warm, inclusive space where cultura and ADHD intersect. Each episode blends real stories, practical ADHD-friendly tools, and conversations that center Latine and BIPOC experiences. Tune in to feel seen, learn something new, and find community in your neurodivergent journey. Join the newsletter for ADHD-friendly tools: https://www.drjanicecastro.com/#ADHDResources

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This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network.

*The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.