It may be down the road, or it may be just around the corner. The viva voce – the oral defence – the mention of it strikes fear into the hearts of most doctoral candidates. Can you really prepare for the oral defence? We can help! We have good advice and field-tested resources based on our experiences.

It's not easy to complete a doctoral degree. The number of folks who actually get to the finish line may surprise you. As you already know, the work is relentless and, at times, overwhelming. Most people struggle. What should you do, and who should you talk to, if you are struggling and maybe thinking of dropping out?

Your PhD Handbook will tell you that switching to a new supervisor rarely happens. Based on our experience, that's not entirely true. We discuss the challenging situations in which you might consider switching, options, and outcomes.

In this episode, we'll talk about writing and publishing your first paper. It seems like an overwhelming task, but you may find you're already part-way there. This episode will offer ideas for writing and publishing your first paper, and maybe your second, too.

What do these folks do? What are their responsibilities, when do you need them, and how do you find them? We have the answers.

We discuss challenges of completing your coursework. We offer some thoughts on how to read texts with a critical eye.

This is a topic that is rarely discussed but students need to be aware of hierarchies, gatekeepers, the ways in which power circulates in the academic world, who has it, and who doesn't. Knowledge about power is power!

Depending on your field, you may find tenure-track positions are a rarity. But if a job in academia is your goal, you should start preparing now.

It takes a village to raise a scholar. Having a support network will be invaluable to you throughout your doctoral studies. Creating a community of peers – a special interest group, a writing group, or a circle of friends – is, in our opinion, an absolute necessity. You will find your community enriching to your academic life and probably your social life too.

"Oh, if I had only known, I would have done things differently!" In this episode, we talk about some of the things you can do to prepare yourself for your doctoral journey, especially if you have been out of school for a while. Our suggestions are also timely if you've already started your program.