PhDamn

Episode 31: Damn, we’re growing our sample size?!

Turns out ethics applications, supervision meetings, and imposter syndrome are not the only things you can carry during a PhD. Who knew?! In this episode, the damned divas unpack a major life change. We discuss the realities of navigating academia while your body is doing something completely different, and whether there is ever actually a “right time” for anything.

Episode 30: Damn, I have to teach?!

Teaching is an important job that acts as a vehicle to a knowledgable, well-skilled society. So what happens when you're a tired, underpaid, overworked PGR who just gets thrown into a teaching position? In this episode, the PhDamn divas talk all things teaching in academia - from prep, to pay and to our own philosophies. Abbreviations: PGR - Postgraduate Researcher GTA - Graduate Teaching Assistant/Associate

Episode 29: Damn, I don't believe my own findings?!

It's been a minute, but we're back! This week, the Damned Divas talk about the ups and downs of analysing data and writing thesis chapters. From analysis during fieldwork, to mish-mash methods - we laugh, we vent and we sigh. What's your analysis and writing process? Let us know in the comments!

Episode 28: Damn, are PhD students financial 'Loss Leaders'? (featuring Charlotte)

WARNING: This episode contains moderate rage. Things get spicy as we continue our deep dive into babyfication - aka infantilisation - in academia. This time, we’re joined by our fabulous friend Charlotte, who brings her unique insight as a local authority practice-based PhD researcher. Together, we unpack what it means to be "babyfied" in academic spaces in the UK, from the way PhDs are conceptualised by universities and how we're dubbed by senior staff as "[financial] loss leaders". Some of the keywords and abbreviations we used: ESRC - Economic and Social Research Council who fund PhDs in these disciplines GTA - Graduate teaching assistant Local Authority - local government responsible for providing services in the area of the UK that you live in PGR - Postgraduate researcher aka a PhD or research masters student RTSG - Research and Training Support Grant REF - Research Excellence Framework Learn more about Doctoral Local Authority Fellowships here: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/nihr-doctoral-local-authority-fellowship-dlaf-guidance-notes-round-4

Episode 27: Damn, am I a student, an employee or just a BABY?!

Have you ever felt like you're treated as "lesser than" in your PhD experience? Well have we got the episode for you! This month, our Damned Divas talk about our experiences with infantilisation (or babification) in academia. With an ever so slight deviation on the saga that was Lakshmi Balakrishnan's masters degree, this is likely our longest rant! Comment your experiences of infantilisation wherever you're hearing this podcast. :) Chapters: 1. 43 - Examples of how we're infantilised 2. 04 - You're not supposed to be here 3. 15 - F*** you, pay me! 4. 51 - Doing the admin of academics for free 5. 29 - Our control over when we submit our theses 6. 01.52 - Lakshmi Balakrishnan 7. 22.34 - Lack of adequate office space