The Career Adjunct

In this episode of the Career Adjunct podcast, Iliana speaks with Laura Hartmann-Villalta. She shares how she pursued a PhD to lend credibility to her dream of writing a meaningful book, hoping it would also lead to a full-time academic position. Instead, she navigated adjunct life, juggling part-time roles until she landed a rare full-time "unicorn role."

In this episode, Laura shares lessons from her journey, the resilience it required, and how she stayed true to her goals despite the challenges. A must-listen for anyone balancing big dreams with the realities of adjunct work.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this episode Iliana sits down with Carol DeFranco, who shares her remarkable journey spanning over two decades as an adjunct professor. Carol's story is one of resilience and adaptability, having taught at multiple universities across different states, often juggling roles as a freeway flyer. She offers insight into the mindset that sustained her—embracing the realities of adjunct life without harboring expectations for a full-time position. Listeners will hear Carol's candid reflections on the highs and lows of adjunct work, the flexibility it offered, and the challenges it posed. Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and inspiring discussion about navigating the adjunct path.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, I sit down with Trish Jolly the day after she packed up her office for the last time. Trish is a dedicated and award-winning former adjunct professor with an unparalleled passion for working with college students. Her remarkable journey took an unexpected turn when her position was cut due to university budget constraints, forcing her to leave the job and campus she loved. Trish joins us to share her story, filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and a fierce determination to fight against the injustices of the adjunct system. This episode promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with plenty of laughs and tears, highlighting the resilience and strength of an educator who refuses to be silenced. Don’t miss this powerful conversation that sheds light on the human cost of academia’s financial decisions and the hope for a better future.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this special update episode, Iliana shares what led to an unplanned hiatus and what you can expect from the podcast moving forward.  Additionally, Iliana features a listener story written by an adjunct, offering a firsthand account of their experiences. 

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

Get ready for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with Angela Collier, the witty and insightful host of a very popular physics YouTube channel. Join us as Angela shares her unique perspective on the adjunct problem within academia, drawing from her own experience as a brief stint as an adjunct before leaving academia. With her trademark humor and wit, Angela delves into the systemic issues plaguing adjuncts and offers insightful reflections on how the system could be reformed. This episode promises to be both entertaining and enlightening, offering valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities for change within academia.
Be sure to check out Angela's Youtube channel and her deep-dive episode on the Adjunct Problem.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

Prepare for a raw and insightful conversation as Iliana sits down with Cheyenne Rudolph as she bravely shares her journey through academia's trenches. Despite warnings received in grad school, Cheyenne found herself immersed in the world of adjuncting, facing low pay, instability, and unexpected emotional connections to childhood trauma. Join us as Cheyenne delves into the complexities of her experience, intertwining the struggles of adjuncting with deeply personal narratives. This episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by adjunct educators, exploring the intersection of academia, personal boundaries, and resilience.

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gina Hanson, an adjunct professor in the Cal State system, as she shares her unwavering passion for advocating for adjuncts' recognition and value within academia. Gina delves into her dissertation topic, exploring the concerning issue of adjuncts' de-professionalization and its implications for higher education. With firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by adjuncts, Gina sheds light on the need for systemic change to ensure adjuncts are respected and valued for their contributions. Tune in for a compelling discussion that confronts the realities of adjuncting and advocates for meaningful reform in the academic landscape. 

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this episode, Iliana sits down with the passionate and resilient Deany Goode, who has dedicated 15 years of her career to adjuncting, primarily teaching English as a second language for academic purposes. Join us as Deany shares her unwavering commitment to the unique population she teaches and the challenges faced by both her students and herself within the higher education system. With a keen eye on social justice, Deany doesn't shy away from discussing the exploitation that all academics endure while working in higher ed institutions. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the heart of adjunct advocacy and the profound impact educators can have, even in the face of systemic challenges. 

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)

In this poignant episode, I sit down with an anonymous guest who defied the odds as the first in her family to attend college. Her journey unfolds into the stark realities of academia, where despite warnings about the slim chances of securing a full-time position, she found herself juggling adjunct roles at three different schools just to make ends meet. Join us as our guest courageously sheds light on the complexities of navigating the dream of higher education while grappling with the harsh economic realities. It's a raw and honest conversation that unveils the resilience and determination required to thrive in the face of adversity. 

ADJUNCT STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [email protected] and put "Adjunct Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! Thank you!)