Happy Doc Student Podcast

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Dr. Birgit Fisher is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, an EMDR Clinician, an Acupuncture Detox Specialist, and an accredited site visitor for the American Psychological Association. She operates a private practice in Pueblo Colorado where she specializes in forensic and neuropsychology, with a focus on treating complex trauma. She is a Clinical Member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and has been approved by the Sex Offender Management Board as a Clinical Supervisor and Full Operational Level Provider and Evaluator for Adults, Adults with Disabilities and Juveniles. She has been a presenter at multiple national and international conferences, and is published in the areas of neuroscience, gerontology and neuropsychology. Birgit has taught at several Universities, both nationally and internationally. In addition to her teaching, clinical, and forensic work, she consults all over the world in the areas of risk management, mental health, trauma, program development and program compliance.  

The entire doctoral process, but particularly the Dissertation needs to be approached as a marathon, not a sprint.

Tips:

1.    Take the time (and instruction from your Chair) as you wrap your head around the task at hand).

2.    Get organized! Electronically or on paper. Using notecards is a great hack for creating your literature review. The earlier the better (this should be happening LONG before you are formally working on your dissertation/doc project).

3.    Ask questions! (See episode #40: How to Not Ask Dumb Questions).

4.    Start with the abstract. Then skip to the discussion section (looking for recommendations for future research). Then when you find something interesting, pull the article, and put it in the appropriate folder. 

5.    Learn APA style ASAP.

6.    Use every opportunity to hone your doctoral-level writing. And if you need an editor – PLEASE get one (see recommendation on my website – below).

7.    Check out the 1-page alignment worksheet (and episode #14 – see link below).

8.    Consider a coach for assisting you with your data analysis.

1-Page Alignment Worksheet: https://www.expandyourhappy.com/1pager

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Asking questions in a way that makes you look smart isn't rocket science.

Two steps:
1.  Spend time looking for the answer (even just 10 minutes).
2. If you can't find it, articulate it in a way that shows you are an intelligent, tenacious, and detail-oriented person (qualities we expect to see in a doc student). 

Bonus Tips: 

• When possible, frame it as a yes/no question
• Use a spell/grammar checker 

I use GRAMMARLY: https://app.grammarly.com/?affiliateNetwork=ho&affiliateID=66812&utm_source=program

You are in a program grooming you to be an independent scholar and demands you know how to think.  You have a brain. For goodness sake, use it :)

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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 Simplify Your Life and Improve Your Health with Intermittent Fasting (AKA restricted eating).

Like with any significant lifestyle change, be smart. Consult a professional before you jump in.

Shana Hussin is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who has worked in the nutrition field for over 20 years. Using unconventional nutritional therapies of intermittent fasting, balancing food intake and eliminating foods that drive obesity her clients are able to attain lasting results. Her book, Fast To Heal, details the science and power behind intermittent fasting and outlines a 5-Step approach to implement her teachings. 

On today's show she talks about a way to eat that not only simplifies your life and saves you time but has the potential to radically improve your health and overall well-being. 

Connect with Shana

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Fast To Heal

IG: shana.hussin.rdn

Product bundles can be found at: https://www.fasttoheal.info

Free email course and introductory guides: https://www.subscribepage.com/fasttoheal

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Dr. Chris Cappannelli is back (listen to episode 21- Should I pursue a doctoral degree? If you haven’t already!) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8169838

Chris Cappannelli is a federal special agent who received his EdD in Leadership and Management from St. Thomas University in 2018. 

Take-Home Messages:

1.     Chairs are critically important to the success of any doctoral candidate. You must learn how to communicate effectively with them!

2.     It is up to you to show your Chair that your degree is a priority.

3.     Chairs dictate the rules of engagements, not the other way around (e.g., you might have to take time off work to attend a meeting).

4.     Most people do not chair for the money – frankly, it is a job that is generally underpaid. 

5.     Many Chairs are overwhelmed with students – be the one that they want to spend their time on – be a STAR. 

6.     Documentation may be your saving grace.

7.     Your Chair is human with life happening at them, too.

8.     Going MIA sends a clear message that you don’t care.

9.     Own your Dissertation/Doctoral Project by stepping into the role of Independent Scholar (if you need someone to hold your hand, then reconsider this degree and if you still want to move forward, then hire a coach).

10.  Before going “upline” double-check you did not miss an email or message and do a reality check (Do you perceive your Chair is unengaged because you refusing to listen to their feedback?). If you go upline, use respectful language and be patient (and prepare for the unthinkable). 

Tips for Chairs and Students that build trust and respect:

1.     Communicate needs/wants/expectations about communication, including modes.

2.     Respond to emails, texts, classroom messages PROMPTLY (within 24 hours is best), even if it just to say you got the message.

3.     Communicate when you will be “off the grid”.

4.     Maintain professional boundaries but do communicate when something is going on that will impact the progress of the degree.

5.     Document key milestones (for students and chairs: missed meetings, response times that exceed university policy; for chairs: documents that show the student is not attending to feedback – change matrices are great for this; for students: documents that are reviewed with little feedback).

6.     Use send/read receipts on emails.

7.     For students: Make the most of the limited time your Chair has – use editors, peer support, coaching, etc. as needed. 

8.     This is a relationship and will need tending to like any relationship – if you are a Chair – determine how many students you can reasonably mentor. If you are a student – you might want to ask potential Chairs how many students they are already chairing before you agree to their mentorship.

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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At the time of this recording (Dec 2020) Paul Shaw was a second-year doctoral candidate at Union Institute and University with his is major area of concentration: Humanities and Culture. He was also pursuing a certification in Creative Writing and splits his time working on his musical career in performance and composition, conducting scholarly research, and teaching.

You don't have to be a born-academic to thrive in a doctoral program.

What's more important is to make sure you are in the program that is right for YOU!

BEFORE YOU APPLY:
1. Consider if this is the right time:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8169838
2. Consider if what program would be value add:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8609514
3.  Do your research (including understanding if the program requires a dissertation or applied doctoral project and read the course descriptions).
4. Decide if a residency component is important to you and understand what the requirements are surrounding residencies.
5. Once in your program, find your tribe ASAP (having trouble? check out the group I host at https://www.expandyourhappy.com
6. Once you find your tribe, build those relationships (you will need their support and they will need yours!)
7. Find your happy space (a way to be grounded); breaks will keep you sane and thinking clearly - In fact, this is episode is one of my pillars: Unleash Your Genius - The Secret of Self-Care: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/6988105
8. Set your default to discovery mode!

Remember: Being an independent scholar does not mean going on this journey alone!

Learn more about Paul Shaw: http://paulshawmusic.com/about

Check out his musical creations: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1PGRqVgCmkro8xRFvwZJpo?si=1d7b48ae13f841c6

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Ben Mastracco is a Plant-Based Food Coach based out of San Diego California. He specializes in helping overwhelmed dieters transition to a (mostly) plant-based diet, become meal planning pro's, and find confidence, ease, and enjoyment in healthy eating. 

Planning meals is a time-saver AND when you plan you are more likely to eat better (and you need to take care of YOU during this process).

Meal planning can be SIMPLE and FUN!

Ten Tips:

1.    Approach meal planning and cooking from the lens of “How can I have more fun?” Ask yourself: What do I want to eat? What would be FUN to eat?

2.    Do not over-complicate things (buy healthy pre-made items, like pizza crust and sauce versus making those from scratch)

3.    Find 3-4 recipes (that’s it!) You can find recipes on Ben’s website (below), google or use the app Epicurious

4.    When searching recipes, add the keyword phrases “20 minutes” or “fast” or “simple”

5.    Get the whole family involved (from finding recipes, to shopping, to prepping, cooking and clean-up!)

6.    Make a grocery list based on the recipes

7.    Make extra so you have left-overs

8.    Prep one day/week

9.    Try the Buddha Bowl (ebook below)

10. Stick with it (like all new habits you need to be consistent)

Buddha Bowl eBook: www.BenMastracco.com/Buddha

Connect with Ben:

https://www.benmastracco.com/

@benmastracco

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Dr. Eva Mika obtained her PhD in clinical-community psychology from DePaul University Chicago. 

Tips for students

• Communication is key
• Listen
• Trust 
• Show respect
• Be candid  
• Be an advocate for yourself – request a 30-minute video call at the beginning of the process and regularly during the process
• Understand that Chairs are busy people; respect their time
• DO NOT IGNORE FEEDBACK
• Ask questions 
• Be ok with rejection (see feedback podcast below)
• Cool off  before communicating something you might regret later
• Find support outside your Chair (see podcast below)
• Understand that conflicting feedback is a part of the process
• Pause and consider if you really want this
• You chose this so drop the victim mentality (time to leave your program? see the good goodbye podcast)
• A good question to ask when you are getting feedback: Are the bones there? Ask about the foundation of your project.
• Don’t be stubborn 
• Be mindful of your topic selection (see podcast on things you should know)
• Ask for what you need, but understand you may be asking for things that aren’t your Chair’s responsibility
• Do your part – step up to the plate and be responsible and accountable for your degree

Tips for Chairs

• Communication is key
• Offer a video call prior to starting the project and regularly throughout; be candid about how you work with students 
• Have the conversation about WHY the student is pursuing the degree
• Recognize your role of welcoming the student into the profession - this goes beyond mentoring a dissertation/doc project
• If you have a resistant student, share this podcast 
• Be aware of possible burnout - do you need a break or reduced student load to be the best Chair you can be?
• Encourage students to build a support system outside of you (you are not their therapist!)
•  Don’t forget about your self-care (see self-care podcast below)
• Build your own system of support

 Loyola University Chicago Applied Psychology Program
https://www.luc.edu/adult-education/degree-completion/applied-psychology/

The Doc Journey: Things You Need to Know (that they probably won’t tell you)  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/6911234

How to Feel Good about Feedback  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8063165

The Online Doctoral Journey: Building a Community of Support  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8234175

Reality Check: Is a Doc Program for You? 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8609514

Should I Pursue a Doctoral Degree – https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8169838

The Good Goodbye https://www.b

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

Want to make my day?  Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.

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Karen Newell is an author and specialist in personal development with a diverse body of work that rests upon the foundation of heart-centered consciousness. As an innovator in the emerging field of brainwave, entrainment, audio meditation, Karen empowers others in their journeys of self-discovery by demonstrating how to connect to inner guidance, achieve inspiration, improve wellness and develop intuition. She is co-founder of sacred acoustics and coauthor with Evan Alexander III, MD, of Living in a Mindful Universe. 

The Power of Sound

• Sound has been used for millennia to heal
• We are mostly water and water is highly impacted by vibration/frequency, so this makes sense
• Certain tones can be very calming (like crystal bowls, tuning forks, or brass bowls – see links below)
• If meditation is difficult for you, try using sound (think of it as training wheels)
• Sound will help you pay less attention to the thoughts (that will always be there)
• YOU CAN MEDITATE! 
• Research by Dr. Anna Yusim found a 26% decrease in anxiety levels, better sleep and better focus after using the technology for just two weeks (this pilot test used the Whole Mind Bundle)

Brainwave entrainment is moving the brainwaves to a particular state.

You might not find results with recordings on YouTube due to the way the sound is delivered (so give Sacred Acoustics a try – link below). 

Get the best results by using headphones or earbuds (so you are delivering the sound to each ear separately).

Brainwave states

Delta – sleep state 0-4 Hz

Theta – meditative state 4-7 Hz

Alpha – focused state 7-12 Hz

Beta – waking state 12-30 Hz

Binaural beats are used to deliver a different frequency to each ear. The difference between the frequencies creates the brainwave state. 

Sacred Acoustics uses binaural beats, monaural beats and harmonizes the frequencies so the sound is pleasing to the ears.

Bottom line: We all have a unique brainwave print (like a fingerprint). So different sounds will impact people differently. Don’t give up! Keep on trying. You might have results immediately, or it might take a few weeks. 

Connect with Karen Newell: [email protected]

Sacred Acoustics: https://www.sacredacoustics.com/

Podcast with Anna Yusim, MD: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/7913662

Crystal bowl (root chakra): https://amzn.to/3gNrEiw

Tuning forks: https://amzn.to/3qjSaDd

Brass bowl: https://amzn.to/3qglfzv

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZJ2EkKDtTbuC4C7FeM-69Q

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Corey Carlson has his PhD in Higher Educational Leadership from Old Dominion University. 

Keys to facilitating a positive experience: 

1.    Peer support is critical, so find your tribe. Places to look: Your courses, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. I have a group as well; you can find it at: https://expandyourhappy.com

2.    Vocalize your ideas – talk to anyone who will listen. Be cognizant of how much you are talking; don’t burn out your network

3.    Adopt a growth mindset. You are in a doc program, remember? YOU LOVE LEARNING!!! When you hit a block ask: What am I learning here?

·       It’s OK to be pissed. But be sure to move through that feeling. See:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/6988105

4.    Realize the Doctoral Research part of your program is VERY different from completing your core courses. Want to know why grades mean nothing now? Download this: https://www.expandyourhappy.com/HDSP121

·       More about this here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/7242724

5.    Facilitate a good relationship with your Chair

·       Communicate and request regular synchronous meetings –let your Chair decide how often they should be

6.    ALWAYS be curious. When you experience feelings of discomfort, ask: “I wonder what I might be learning here?”

7.    Your dissertation is an opportunity to LEARN. You will learn about science, your area of specialization, and you as a human. 

·       Learn more here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8063165

Corey’s biggest piece of advice: Work 15 minutes/day on your project. It will add up and will get you DONE! Can’t bear opening up your doc? Then do 15-minutes of self-care and call it working on my dissertation. Here are some ideas: 

TIPS for CHAIRS:

1.    Remember they have never done this before; help them by being very clear about the very next task and what they need to do to complete that task. 

2.    Be timely in your responses to your students – even if the response is simply: “I got your doc and will have it reviewed in the next 10 days. Meanwhile, please be working on this, that, and the other thing.”

3.    Consider the value of real-time communication 

4.    If a student doesn’t ask you for regular synchronous meetings, you might want to (especially if the student seems “stuck”). Personally, I find this schedule helpful: every other week pre-proposal and then weekly during data collection and analysis, then as every other week while writing chapter 5 and up until the defense. These can be 10–15-minute meetings but can save MONTHS.

5.    Invest in yourself. Your students need you. Learn how to do this in a super simple way here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/6988105

“Reaching out to embrace the random, reaching out to embrace whatever may come” Tool

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Dr. Veronika Larova was a student turned colleague. In this episode, we discuss the emotional rollercoaster ride of the process, the post-dissertation slump, and lessons I learned as her Chair. 

Her doctoral project was titled:

"The Evolution of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment: Lessons Learned from MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy" Her project resulted in the development of the PACT Model and was recently published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology: The PACT Model: Improving Outcomes in the Treatment of PTSD.
 Link to article: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678211009993
She is currently completing her Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Wright Institute in Los Angeles, where she provides individual therapy and facilitates women's groups. 

Veronika presented as a “rockstar” student. She dedicated time to her studies and possessed the raw ability to make her a natural scholar-practitioner. 

Take-Aways:

1.    Don’t go this alone: Everyone needs support during the process. 

2.    Getting feedback can be tough, especially if you are not used to getting significant feedback on your scholarly work; listen to this podcast episode: How to Feel Good about Feedback: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8063165

3.    Trust the feedback will strengthen your project.

4.    Build a community of support; this podcast will help: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8234175

5.    Seek support from your network – this includes peers, your Chair, and your family. While you can do this alone, the journey is more pleasant when you can count on the support of those who want you to succeed.

6.    Take this one step at a time – you only need to know your very next step.

7.    Trust the process

8.    When you finish, just as you will be a different person, so might those who have had to take up new hobbies to fill time while you were working on your degree. 

9.    Acknowledge the post-dissertation slump and check out The Artist’s Way (journaling and the Artist’s date): https://amzn.to/3xowzvB

10. Be kind and gentle with yourself and those who support you

Happy Doc Student Swag: http://Expandyourhappy.com

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

Want to make my day?  Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.