The Grad Coach Podcast

How To Read Academic Literature Faster & Smarter

If you're working a literature review or just going down the academic reading rabbit hole, this one is for you. Today, we're discussing how to work smarter, not harder, to speed up reading academic papers. We'll dive into key strategies like categorizing and prioritizing your reading list, skimming, scanning, and focusing on your research questions. Plus, we'll talk about why sometimes there's no substitute for putting in the hard work.  OVERVIEW: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Categorizing and Prioritizing 01:55 Understanding Research Methods 02:32 Reading with Intention and Critical Thinking 09:03 Skimming and Scanning 17:59 Balancing Hard Work and Smart Strategies 26:04 Practical Tips and University Guidelines 28:08 Final Thoughts KEY RESOURCES: 📝 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/ 🎓 1-ON-1 PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/ 📚 RESEARCH BOOTCAMPS: https://gradcoach.com/online-courses/ 🖋️ GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/ For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Dissertation Writing Services (Human & AI): Far Worse Than You Think ⚠️

If you've ever considered paying someone (or some AI tool) to write your dissertation or thesis for you, you need to watch this. In this episode, Dr. E and Dr. Amy Murdoch discuss the pitfalls of getting someone else to write for you - and why it's far worse than you might think. OVERVIEW: DISSERTATION WRITING SERVICES 00:00 Introduction  01:08 The Dangers of Academic Misconduct 02:18 The Role of AI in Academia 04:36 Scammers and the Risks of Outsourcing 06:24 Authenticity 15:23 Ethics and Morality in Academia 24:06 Final Thoughts KEY RESOURCES: 📝 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/ 🎓 1-ON-1 PRIVATE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/ 📚 RESEARCH BOOTCAMPS: https://gradcoach.com/online-courses/ 🖋️ GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/ For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Dealing With Dissertation Paralysis: Here's How You Get Unstuck

Hit a sticking point in your dissertation? That's okay. In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Dr. Ethar and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into how to get unstuck during the dissertation process, especially if you've taken a long break and are struggling to get back on track. Don't forget to check out our free templates and other resources to fast-track your dissertation journey - https://gradcoach.com/templates/ OVERVIEW: 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Getting Unstuck in the Dissertation Process 02:03 Rediscovering Your WHY 06:12 Be The Squeaky Wheel 18:42 Break Down the Pieces of the Puzzle 29:32 Recap + FREE Resources KEY RESOURCES: 📄 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/ 📚 ONE-ON-ONE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/ 📝 THE GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/ Don't forget to check out the rest of the Podcast catalogue at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcb33xNTVUnxw2tzMpRsyT0C7pErHxFa For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

3 Harsh Truths About The Academic Research Process - What You Need To Know

In this episode, Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of academic research. In it, we discuss the lack of transparency in academia, the myth that universities are always right, and the importance of self-reliance. Don't forget to grab our free dissertation template and consider signing up for a coach to guide you along the way.  OVERVIEW: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Deeper, Darker Truth #1: Universities Aren't Always Right 02:27 Taking Ownership and Being Proactive 06:44 Deeper, Darker Truth #2: Fear of Failure 09:31 Practical Steps to Overcome Challenges 12:22 Deeper, Darker Truth #3: No Shortcuts in Academia 17:29 Planning for Excellence and Time Management 21:29 Final Thoughts KEY RESOURCES: 📄 FREE TEMPLATES: https://gradcoach.com/templates/ 📚 ONE-ON-ONE COACHING: https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-coaching/ 📝 THE GRAD COACH BLOG: https://gradcoach.com/blog/ Don't forget to check out the rest of the Podcast catalogue at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvcb33xNTVUnxw2tzMpRsyT0C7pErHxFa For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/

Viva Voce Victory: How To Ace Your Thesis Defense

If you've got a viva voce, thesis defense or dissertation defense coming up, this one is for YOU! In this episode of the Grad Coach Podcast, Derek and Ethar share three essential tips to help you prepare and present confidently.  00:00 Introduction 00:31 Disclaimer 01:51 Understanding Your Study and Department's Approach 11:44 Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses 23:44 Investing in Your Presentation 31:47 Final Thoughts  35:55 Get Help with Your Viva Voce KEY RESOURCES: Questions You Need To Prepare For - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JHBpj1H9LA Companion Post - https://gradcoach.com/viva-voce-defense/ Get 1:1 Help With Your Defense - https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-defense-viva-voce/ Free Templates & Resources - https://gradcoach.com/blog/ If you need help preparing for your viva voce or thesis defense, check out our flagship Private Coaching service - https://gradcoach.com/dissertation-defense-viva-voce/ For more free resources, be sure to visit the GRAD COACH BLOG at https://gradcoach.com/blog/