Office Hours With Dr. Lacy

In this episode, Dr. Lacy introduces a new series focused on the postdoctoral experience, sharing her personal journey after completing her dissertation. She discusses the emotional challenges faced after graduation, the importance of preparing for life beyond academia, and the necessity of having a clear vision and reward to navigate this transition. Dr. Lacy emphasizes the significance of believing in one's potential and the power of community support in achieving personal and professional goals.

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout 

In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the critical aspects of navigating the dissertation process, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership, understanding the role of your chair, and establishing effective systems for writing and accountability. She encourages listeners to embrace their leadership role in their research journey and to develop a clear vision and plan to achieve their academic goals. The conversation highlights the necessity of drafting, seeking feedback, and maintaining resilience in the face of challenges, ultimately empowering students to take charge of their dissertation journey and graduate successfully.

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout 

In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the critical role of feedback in the dissertation writing process for doctoral students. She addresses common fears and misconceptions surrounding feedback, emphasizing that it is essential for academic success and graduation. Dr. Lacy provides insights into overcoming emotional burnout, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the importance of submitting drafts for review. She encourages students to adopt a mindset of progress over perfection and outlines strategies for effectively navigating the dissertation journey.

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout 

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout

Trying to write your dissertation with ADHD is not just hard—it's like washing dishes in freezing water while your brain screams at you to stop. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down what writing actually feels like when you're neurodivergent and why traditional advice like "just focus" and "eliminate distractions" only makes it worse. You'll learn why your brain needs dopamine more than discipline, how to structure your writing time to stay engaged, and why creative side projects might be the key to finally finishing your dissertation. If you've been stuck, bored, or questioning your ability to do this at all, this episode will help you feel seen—and give you a new way forward.

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

You keep making plans. Telling yourself this week will be different. Promising your chair, your friends, and yourself that you're going to finish this draft. But somehow the days go by and nothing gets done. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy breaks down the real reason behind the cycle of avoidance and broken promises. It's not laziness. It's not a lack of time. It's the deep hit your confidence has taken and the fear that your best might not be good enough. If you're tired of feeling like a disappointment and ready to finally trust yourself again, this episode will show you how to rebuild belief, reset your plan, and take your next step forward.

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

You don't need more time. You don't need another book or a better plan. You just need to start. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy shows you exactly how to get words on the page today using a simple 10-minute strategy that works even if you feel stuck or unsure. If you've been telling yourself you're not ready or that you need to read more before you write, this is your reminder that clarity comes from action—not overthinking. This is your starting point. No pressure. No perfection. Just progress.

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

You keep telling yourself this dissertation has to be perfect. That it has to honor your family, your community, your ancestors. And that pressure is the reason you haven't written a single page in weeks. In this episode, Dr. Marvette Lacy reminds you of one simple truth—your dissertation is not your life's masterpiece. It's an assignment. It's your first attempt at research, not your final one. You'll learn why chasing perfection keeps you stuck, how fear disguises itself as overthinking, and what it actually takes to hit submit. If you want to finish faster and with way less stress, this episode will give you the permission and the plan to do it.

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

In this episode, Dr. Lacy discusses the interplay between grief and creativity, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's Mars sign, particularly in Libra. The conversation explores decision-making dynamics, the shadow side of people-pleasing, and the significance of setting boundaries. Dr. Lacy also provides astrological insights for each zodiac sign, encouraging listeners to embrace change and self-discovery while navigating their personal and professional lives.

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/

Book An Astrology Reading: https://www.qualscholars.com/offers/8q2V7xF3/checkout

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Creativity

02:12 Understanding Mars in Libra

07:27 Decision-Making Dynamics

12:02 The Shadow Side of People-Pleasing

16:35 Communicating Boundaries Effectively

23:04 Astrological Insights for Each Sign

25:10 Aries

29:19 Taurus

33:41 Gemini

36:50 Cancer

41:11 Leo

45:44 Virgo

50:35 Libra

53:10 Scorpio

58:46 Sagittarius

1:02:59 Capricorn

1:06:46 Aquarius

1:11:22 Pisces

In this conversation, Dr. Lacy discusses the importance of investing in dissertation coaching and support for doctoral students. She emphasizes that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step in navigating the challenges of the dissertation process. Lacy highlights the limited role of dissertation chairs and the need for additional resources and community support. She introduces her program, Qual Scholars, as a way to provide structured support for students, encouraging them to seek help and not to go through the process alone.

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Dissertation Coaching
02:14 Understanding the Role of Your Chair
05:57 The Importance of Support in the Dissertation Process
08:58 Finding the Right Resources and Community
11:40 The Role of Coaching in Achieving Goals
14:04 Qual Scholars: A Supportive Community for Doctoral Students
16:43 Choosing the Right Support for Your Dissertation Journey

Dissertation Information

Qual Scholars Community: https://qual-scholars.circle.so/

10 Pages In 2 Days Writing Retreat: https://qualscholars.com/10pages/

The Finish Your Dissertation Institute: https://qualscholars.com/theinstitute/ 

Qual Scholars Website: https://qualscholars.com/ 

Qual Scholars' Instagram: https://instagram.com/qual_scholars/