In this episode, we’re joined by three amazing guests—Dr. Xiaofeng Jia, Erin Main, and Victoria Main—to unpack what life really looks like after grad school. From landing a tenure-track job to juggling adjunct gigs and starting a PhD after years in the service industry, our guests share honest insights, hard truths, and a little hope for the road ahead. Whether you're nearing the finish line or just getting started, this one's for you.

This week on Graduate Students Den, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook get real about the ups and downs of advisor relationships and the sometimes messy world of department politics. We’re talking awkward emails, navigating power dynamics, finding supportive mentors, and knowing when to speak up (or stay quiet). If you’ve ever wondered how other grad students are surviving the academic maze, this one’s for you!

Grad school is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s not always financially glamorous. In this Graduate Students’ Den episode, we break down the essentials of surviving and thriving on a grad school budget. Our panel dives into funding basics—from stipends to TA/RA positions. We get real about the search for funding and student loans. Whether you're a fully funded student or figuring it out as you go, this episode is packed with tips to help you secure the bag and stay sane.

In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we tackle the all-too-familiar struggle of impostor syndrome—those nagging feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that many grad students experience. Our panelists, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, and Anaclate, open up about their own battles with feeling like they do not belong, the academic and social pressures that trigger these thoughts, and the mental toll they can take. We also discuss practical strategies for overcoming impostor syndrome, from mindset shifts to building a strong support system. If you have ever questioned whether you deserve to be in grad school, this episode is for you! Tune in for an honest, relatable, and uplifting conversation.

Grad school can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real struggle for many students. In this episode, our panelists—John, Halima, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Anaclate, and Osama—dive into the challenges of balancing academic demands, personal well-being, and social life. We discuss the stigma around mental health in academia, share personal experiences with burnout, and explore strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We also examine the role universities play in supporting student mental health and discuss practical resources available for grad students. Tune in for an insightful and relatable conversation on prioritizing well-being while navigating the pressures of graduate school!

In this episode of Graduate Students Den, our panelists—John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook—break down grad school's harsh truths and surprises. From managing coursework, research, and deadlines to juggling finances, mental health, and social life, we dive deep into what we thought grad school would be like versus what it is. Is work-life balance even possible? Are stipends ever enough? Would we still choose grad school knowing what we know now? Tune in for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the grad school experience! 🎧🔥

In this first episode of Graduate Students Den, we (John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, Anaclate, and Osama) introduce ourselves and dive into the big question—why did we choose grad school? We share our backgrounds, what led us to pursue an advanced degree, and whether we’d make the same choice again. Is grad school worth it? Would we recommend it to others? We get real about the highs, the struggles, and what this podcast is all about. Tune in for an honest and unfiltered conversation about the grad school experience!