The Dissertation Reality Check with Drs. Alison Pattison and Lori Wieters

Progress Doesn't Always Look Like a Milestone

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507100/fan_mail/new] Many doctoral learners measure success by grades, milestones, and how quickly they finish. But what if progress looks different than we think? In this episode, Dr. Amanda Cason shares how her definition of success evolved throughout her doctoral journey. Together, we explore the challenges of comparison, the emotional weight of feedback, the importance of trusting yourself, and the lasting influence of a supportive dissertation chair. Dr. Cason reminds us that some of the most meaningful progress happens long before anyone else can see it. Whether you're just beginning your doctorate or deep in the dissertation process, this conversation offers encouragement to stay focused on your own journey, one step at a time.

Getting Out of Your Own Way

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507100/fan_mail/new] What if the biggest obstacle in your doctoral journey isn't your research, your committee, or your schedule—but the voice in your own head? Join TiffianyAnn Lundine and author Dr. Suzanne Uhl as they explore practical tools for overcoming self-doubt, quieting the inner critic, and moving beyond perfectionism and fear. This encouraging conversation will help you recognize what's holding you back and remind you that you are more capable than you think.

The Space Between Pressure and Progress

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507100/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, Dr. TiffianyAnn Lundine talks with Dr. Miguel Rubio about mindfulness, mental health, and academic performance during the doctoral journey. Dr. Rubio shares his personal story of navigating financial hardship, immigration, parenting during COVID, and the pressures of doctoral education while exploring how mindfulness can support focus, resilience, and self-awareness. Together, they discuss academic stress, productivity, perception, and why the doctoral journey often becomes a process of self-exploration as much as scholarship. This conversation is reflective, honest, and especially meaningful for learners trying to remain grounded while navigating demanding academic work.

Someone Who Gets It

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507100/fan_mail/new] Doctoral work is often described as isolating, overwhelming, and deeply personal. But what happens when someone truly understands the journey alongside you? In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, Drs. Noreen Hobayan and Carolyn Peters share how an unexpected partnership during the dissertation phase became a lifeline through discouragement, revisions, leadership changes, self-doubt, and exhaustion. What began as simple Zoom study sessions evolved into a powerful source of accountability, friendship, emotional support, and persistence. Together, they reflect on what it means to keep showing up for yourself, and for someone else, during one of the most demanding academic journeys a person can experience. This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most important part of finishing is finding someone who gets it.

Choosing a Dissertation Topic You Can Actually Finish

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507100/fan_mail/new] Choosing a dissertation topic can feel overwhelming. I certainly felt like I had to get it exactly "right". In this episode, Dr. Tim Newman and I move away from the pressure of finding the perfect topic and instead explore how to choose one that can actually carry you through the doctoral journey. We talk about alignment, purpose, feasibility, and why your “why” matters more than anything else. This conversation is for you If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing, or waiting for clarity. Hopefully it will help you think differently about what it really means to choose a dissertation topic.