Welcome to Episode 41 and the launch of a new season of The PhD Journey Unplugged. As we step into 2026, this episode marks more than just a new year—it marks a moment of reflection, growth, and intentional living shaped by the lessons of the PhD journey.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah L. Gordon shares hard-earned wisdom rooted in health, wellness, and health promotion, drawn from her lived experience as a doctoral student navigating challenge, resilience, and transformation.

The PhD journey is more than an academic pursuit—it is a process that stretches your identity, tests your limits, and ultimately reshapes how you view health, purpose, and what it means to truly thrive.

Crossing that finish line brought not just a degree, but philosophical lessons about balance, perseverance, self-compassion, and the power of growth through discomfort.

These insights extend far beyond academia and into everyday life—offering reminders that well-being is not found in perfection, but in progress, presence, and purpose.

“The PhD journey taught me that success without health is incomplete, and growth without reflection is unsustainable.”— Dr. Sarah L. Gordon

All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to the final episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast for 2025—a bittersweet moment that marks the close of an incredible year of growth. What began as a small idea has evolved into a meaningful platform, and while this podcast is still in its infancy, its foundation is rooted in purpose, reflection, and connection. As we look ahead to 2026, the excitement for continued growth and deeper conversations remains strong.

To close out the year, Dr. Sarah L. Gordon welcomes back her colleague and fellow new PhD graduate, Dr. Rehan Tahir. In this genuine and candid conversation, they reflect on what the doctoral journey looked like for each of them—from setting and achieving goals to prioritizing health and wellness along the way—and share their visions for the future as emerging leaders in health promotion.

This episode is for anyone seeking insight, encouragement, and perspective from two health promotion leaders who understand the demands of high achievement. Their shared lessons serve as a powerful reminder that setting boundaries, protecting your well-being, and making health a priority are essential when striving to reach meaningful goals and navigate life’s challenges.

Dr. Tahir and Dr. Gordon take their roles seriously in advancing conversations that support others in living their best lives, both personally and professionally.

Happy New Year, and thank you for being part of The PhD Journey Unplugged. We look forward to continuing important conversations around health and human performance in 2026.

All information and opinions expressed on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast by Dr. Gordon and Dr. Tahir are for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to Episode 39 of The PhD Journey Unplugged. In this reflective closing episode of 2025, Dr. Sarah L. Gordon shares a heartfelt message of gratitude and optimism as she looks back on a year of growth and community-building and ahead to the possibilities of 2026.

As a new voice in the health promotion space, Dr. Gordon expresses sincere appreciation to the listeners who have supported, engaged with, and grown alongside the podcast, helping shape a platform rooted in mental, physical, and social-emotional well-being.

This episode honors the journey so far and sets the tone for continued purpose, connection, and impact in the year ahead.

All information and opinions expressed by Dr. Sarah L. Gordon on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast and associated social media platforms are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Welcome to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. In this special episode, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes back her friend and former classmate, Dr. Ezequiel Benavides, for a reflective and forward-looking conversation on their shared doctoral journeys and what lies ahead beyond the finish line.

Sometimes life presents ironies too hard not to notice or even laugh at, as Dr. Benavides and Dr. Gordon push through technology issues on this episode. It so eloquently reminds them of the obstacles they faced in their PhD journeys and how resilience, focus, and a smile can help you through those hurdlesThis episode is filled with genuine dialogue about the realities of navigating the doctoral process, the growth that comes from perseverance, and the excitement—and uncertainty—of stepping into the next chapter.

Together, they reflect on lessons learned, personal evolution, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose as their paths continue to unfold.

About the Guest: Dr. Benavides currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he teaches senior-level and graduate courses. He is also the Founder of Dr. Benavides Physical Education, a movement-centered education and consulting service dedicated to building meaningful relationships, empowering educators, bridging gaps in access and opportunity, and supporting learners at every level. His mission is to become a leading national model for student-centered education in movement consulting—rooted in equity, backed by research, and delivered through relationships that begin at the heart.

Founded on the belief that every child deserves meaningful movement experiences—and every educator deserves the tools to make that possible, Dr. Benavides Physical Education Services reflects his deep commitment to equity, connection, and lifelong learning. He carries this same passion into higher education classrooms, where he inspires future professionals to pursue their goals with intention, confidence, and compassion.

An educator, consultant, coach, and movement advocate, Dr. Benavides brings a wealth of experience—from being named Teacher of the Year in elementary education to earning his Ed.D. in Sports Administration and Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. His journey and insights offer powerful encouragement for listeners striving to climb their own mountains.

It was an absolute honor and privilege to welcome Dr. Benavides back to the show as Dr. Gordon closes out the 2025 year of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast—celebrating growth, resilience, and the power of staying true to one’s purpose.

The PHD Journey Unplugged podcast is rooted in authenticity, care, and genuine commitment to human flourishing. Our voices together create space for reflection, healing, growth, and hope - especially for people navigating demanding academic and life journeys.

As always, it is an honor to have this platform to educate, motivate, and grow together.

Wishing all listeners of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast community a wonderful holiday season as we edge towards the end of 2025!

All information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

In this brief and heartfelt episode, Dr. Sarah Gordon reflects on how heartbreak can hurt deeply—but it doesn’t have to sideline you.

Drawing from her experiences as a doctoral student, she shares insights on how to keep your light shining, even in the face of unexpected setbacks and emotional challenges.

Through a mental, physical, and social-emotional health lens, Dr. Gordon offers a genuine and compassionate perspective on finding your inner strength, searching for sparkle in difficult moments, and continuing to move forward when circumstances beyond your control throw you off balance.

This episode is a reminder that while heartbreak may change you, it can also strengthen you—if you allow it to.

If you’re navigating disappointment, loss, or emotional pain, this conversation encourages you to stay connected to your purpose, honor your resilience, and never give up on yourself.

Find your light, your life matters. Wishing all the listeners peace, love, and joy through the holiday season. In Gratitude Always, Dr. Sarah Gordon, Founder, The PhD Journey UnpluggedAll information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

In this 36th episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon invites Andrew Schubauer on to the show to talk about how to take a kinder path towards self-fulfillment. As the founder of Mountain Wisdom, LLC, Andrew provides "one-on-one" coaching within a framework of neuro-linguistic and emotional intelligence coaching. Andrew's work as a self-efficacy coach is shaped by over 10,000 miles of wilderness hiking, naval military training & service, personal achievements as an ultra endurance athlete, and years of serving on search-and-rescue teams for both people and pets. Andrew holds a Level II Search and Rescue Technician (SARTech II) certification with the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Andrew is also a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Drawing from a lifetime of fitness, adventure, survival, and reflection, Andrew brings a grounded perspective on purpose, resilience, and intentional living.Guided by Mountain Wisdom’s (LLC) core philosophy — “Effort for a Purpose” and “It starts with you, your path, your life, your choice” — this conversation explores how modern self-improvement culture can quietly undermine mental health and sustainable growth. Together, Sarah and Andrew examine several common “toxic myths” in personal development, including hustle culture, constant positivity, comparison through time scarcity, and the belief that growth should always feel easy or aligned.Each myth is unpacked through a compassionate, research-informed, and philosophical lens, highlighting how glorifying exhaustion, ignoring individuality, avoiding discomfort, and cutting off relationships too quickly can lead to burnout, disconnection, and emotional suppression. Drawing on insights from Stoicism, Aristotle, Eastern philosophy, and lived experience, this episode reframes growth as nonlinear, human, and deeply personal.Rather than rejecting ambition or purpose, this conversation invites listeners to consider a kinder path to self-fulfillment — one rooted in discernment, balance, self-regulation, and compassion. At its core, this episode asks a timeless philosophical question: How should we live? And perhaps more importantly, who do we want to become in the process?This is a thoughtful and grounding discussion for anyone navigating high achievement, personal growth, or the quiet exhaustion that can come from trying to “do it all.”Disclaimer: All information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

Welcome to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. A quick reminder: all information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.In this short and heartfelt check-in, Dr. Sarah Gordon connects with listeners as she prepares for upcoming travel. She reflects on her recent experience with burnout and how she’s intentionally reclaiming joy by rediscovering play, creativity, and moments that feel light again.You’ll even meet her Jack Russell, Louie, who makes a brief and relaxed appearance.Dr. Gordon will be back in about a week. She’s taking this time to fully unplug, recharge, and gather new stories and inspiration to bring back to the show.As always, Dr. Gordon is grateful for the opportunity to educate, motivate, and inspire others to live their best lives, emphasizing the importance of mental, physical, and social-emotional well-being.

Welcome to Episode 34 of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast. All information in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

In this Thanksgiving 2025 episode, Dr. Tahir and Dr. Gordon explore the role of hope in their lives and throughout their PhD journeys. They share personal reflections on how hope provided motivation, resilience, and a sense of direction—especially in moments when obstacles felt heavy or momentum was hard to find.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss hope within a mental, physical, and social-emotional health framework, emphasizing how it helps us reconnect to purpose and supports meaningful progress toward our goals. They highlight that hope is not passive; it’s something we can cultivate, practice, and choose—even in challenging seasons.

Hope reminds us that we have the power to take our next steps, however small, and to move toward the kind of life we want—aligned with our values, dreams, and long-term aspirations. By believing that growth and change are possible, we create space for new opportunities and forward movement.

Dr. Tahir and Dr. Gordon close the episode with warm holiday wishes and a reminder that every step—no matter how small—helps shape the future we are working toward with intention, good health, and well-being.

Welcome to Episode 33: Maintenance Matters of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Gordon explores why maintenance is an essential—and often overlooked—part of working toward any goal. Not every day will feel inspiring or productive. Some days require leaning into discipline and consistency to create momentum when motivation is low.

Drawing from her own PhD experience, Dr. Gordon shares the habits and steady routines that carried her through the long, quiet stretches of doctoral work. She reflects on how these simple, repeated actions became the foundation for her long-term progress and ultimately helped her reach meaningful milestones.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or wondered how to keep moving when the process feels mundane, this episode is for you. Dr. Gordon offers an honest look at what it means to move forward one steady step at a time—and how embracing maintenance can help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.

In this podcast, all information is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

Welcome to The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Episode 32: Sound Healing. In this episode, Host, Dr. Sarah Gordon, sits down with sound healing practitioner and longtime yoga instructor Lori Roe for a thoughtful conversation about how sound can support our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Lori shares her personal transition from teaching movement to working with sound and vibration, offering an accessible look at the origins of sound healing, what actually happens during a session, and why these practices are gaining traction in wellness and mental health spaces.Together, they explore how sound can help activate the body’s relaxation response—a powerful counterbalance to the stress, burnout, and constant striving that often accompany demanding work, academic pressure, and high-performance environments. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how sound healing works, the science behind its calming effects, and how it can become a practical tool in navigating daily stress or long-term challenges.Whether you're deep in your PhD, balancing multiple responsibilities, or simply looking for ways to care for your mind and body, this episode offers a grounded perspective on incorporating sound as part of a holistic health toolkit.All information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.