Graduate Students' Den

S3E10: We Made It: End-of-Semester Reflections and What’s Next

The semester is over… or at least almost. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we take a step back to reflect on the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. From unexpected stress to personal wins, we share what this semester actually looked like behind the scenes. We talk about what worked, what didn’t, what we’re leaving behind, and what we’re carrying into the next semester. This is an honest, unfiltered check-in on grad school life — the growth, the pressure, and the lessons that don’t show up on a transcript. If you’re wrapping up your semester and trying to make sense of it all, this one’s for you.

S3E9: Does age matter in graduate school? The short answer is: yes — but maybe not in the ways you think.

In this episode, we sit down to talk about the age gaps that exist inside graduate programs — the 22-year-olds who feel like impostors among experienced cohort-mates, the 35-year-olds who've been told they're starting too late, and the institutional structures that quietly assume every student arrived straight from undergrad with no mortgage, no kids, and infinite time. We read two Reddit posts from real graduate students navigating exactly this, and react in real time. We talk about imposter syndrome, supervisor dynamics, financial pressures, and what a more age-inclusive grad school might actually look like. Whether you're thinking about applying, currently in a program, or just graduate-school-curious — this one is for you.

S3E8: International PhD Life, Research, and Reinvention | ft Dr. Debipreeta Rahut

In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Debipreeta Rahut, whose journey spans journalism, academia, and continents. From Kolkata, India, to earning her PhD in Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, and now teaching at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Rahut shares what it really takes to navigate graduate school as an international student while building a meaningful academic career. We explore her experiences balancing teaching and research, building community in a new environment, and navigating the cultural and professional transitions that come with studying abroad. Dr. Rahut also walks us through her research at the intersection of gender, media, and technology, including her work on digital activism during COVID-19 and her critique of how knowledge from the Global South is often treated in academia. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective — touching on identity, resilience, and what it means to find your place in academia across borders. If you’re an international student, aspiring academic, or simply curious about the realities of graduate school beyond the classroom, this conversation is for you.

S3E7: Midsemester Check-In: Proposals, TEDx Talks, and Teaching Challenges

We’re halfway through the semester, so it’s time for a real check-in. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we take a step back to share what we’re currently navigating in our graduate journeys. Halima walks us through what happens after defending a dissertation proposal and what that transition really feels like. Kelsey talks about preparing for her upcoming TEDxBGSU talk while also navigating PhD applications. And John reflects on the challenges of teaching a new course and what he’s learning along the way. This episode is honest, reflective, and very much in real time — the wins, the uncertainty, and everything in between. If you’re in the middle of a semester and trying to figure things out as you go, this one will feel familiar.

S3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through Communication

Public speaking is one of the most common fears people have — but is it something you’re born good at, or something anyone can learn? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Jaclyn Marsh, Assistant Teaching Professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University. Dr. Marsh oversees the university’s public speaking program, helping hundreds of students each year develop the skills and confidence to communicate effectively. We talk about what makes a speech memorable, how instructors support students who are terrified of speaking in front of others, and what it takes to coordinate a large team of teaching assistants across multiple sections of the course. We also explore how communication is changing in the digital age and discuss Dr. Marsh’s exciting new project using virtual reality technology to help students practice and improve their public speaking skills in immersive environments. Whether you’re giving class presentations, teaching public speaking, or simply trying to communicate your ideas more clearly, this episode offers insights into how anyone can become a more confident speaker.