Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

Career & Life Balance Exploration for Academics and Graduate Researchers

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Thursday Jul 20, 2023

This week on the Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I'll be talking science popularization and humor with my guest, Vikie Pedneault, a.k.a. Biolovik!

A biologist, an entrepreneur, a humorist, an improviser, a communicator, Vikie studied performing arts in high school, followed by a bachelor's degree in Biology, before finally becoming an entrepreneur and humorist in her spare time.A professional communicator and popularizer, she also has training in environmental psychology, communication and humor.
What we covered in the interview:
Business model and strategies for science communicationUsing comedy to enhance communication and engage the audienceTechniques and examples of comedy in scientific presentationsDifferent approaches to comedy and resources for improving comedic skillsNavigating sensitive topics and being mindful of privilegeThe importance of effective communication for driving change
This episode’s resources:
Vikie Pedneault | FacebookBiolovik.com | Site WebLa Baleine Nomade | Site WebHow to Write Funny | AmazonHow to Write Funnier | AmazonHow to Write Funniest | Amazon
Thank you, Vikie Pedneault!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Vikie, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on LinkedIn:Send Vikie Pedneault a thank you message on LinkedIn!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!

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Support the show !

You might also like the following episodes:
Jacob Kendall – The Stuff You Don't Plan for But Should100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other FriendsStephanie Fuccio – Whe n Time Comes to Leave Your PhDSirisha Kuchimanchi – Navigating Manufacturing and Engineering as a WomanAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)

Support the show on Patreon !


Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday Jul 13, 2023

Welcome to another collab episode of the PhD Dojo with The 2nd Lab.
In this new episode of the PhD Dojo, I talk with Gad Sabbatier about the question of whether to embark on a postdoc or not after the PhD.
There are many variables to take into consideration when taking this decision, and Gad shares his own lessons learned from doing two postdocs as well as his experience working at the interface between research and R&D.
This episode’s resources:
The 2nd Lab | Twitter
The 2nd Lab | LinkedIn
The 2nd Lab | Website
If you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me :)
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
You might also like the following episodes:
PhD Dojo - What Should I Invest In If I Want a Private Sector Job?
PhD Dojo – Becoming an Entrepreneur During Your PhD
PhD Dojo – How to Gain Confidence for Job Interviews
PhD Dojo – First Year PhD - Show Up and Avoid Tunnel Vision
As always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week and if you're not a nerd like me and don't want to delve into Podcast 2.0, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)
Support the show on Patreon !
Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday Jul 06, 2023

Jacob Kendall was trained as an academic and was on the tenure track, when a lot changed. He underwent a second heart surgery, started a couple of businesses, left his job, got married, his father got very sick (and eventually died), he moved twice, started another grad program, and had his first child. Needless to say, this is a lot of change in little time.In this Beyond the Thesis interview, we'll be talking about the lessons Jacob has learned along the way and about his reflections on being ready for expected as well as unexpected inflection points in our lives.Here are five take-home messages from my conversation with Jacob:Pursue career paths that align with your passion, even if they deviate from traditional academic trajectories.Be proactive in planning for life events and transitions that may impact your personal and professional life, such as health issues or caregiving responsibilities.Embrace change and take risks for personal growth and making a positive impact.Seek advice and support from those who have gone through similar transitions, such as utilizing professional networks and platforms like LinkedIn.Remember that careers are not static destinations but a part of life's journey, and it's important to regularly reassess and make choices that align with personal fulfillment and well-being.Don't miss out on this great interview!
Thank you, Jacob Kendall!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Jacob, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on LinkedIn:Send Jacob Kendall a thank you message on LinkedIn!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
This episode’s resources:
The Wordsmith | Website

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Support the show !

You might also like the following episodes:
Kenna Barrett – Leveraging your Degree in the Fundraising Space100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other FriendsStephanie Fuccio – Whe n Time Comes to Leave Your PhDKrishna Kadiyala – Navigating Manufacturing and Engineering as a WomanAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)

Support the show on Patreon !


Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday Jun 29, 2023

Cette semaine sur le direct Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, je parle vulgarisation scientifique et humour avec mon invitée, Vikie Pedneault, a.k.a. Biolovik !
Biologiste, entrepreneure, humoriste, improvisatrice, communicatrice, Vikie a fait son secondaire en arts de la scène, puis son baccalauréat en Biologie, pour finalement devenir entrepreneure et humoriste à temps perdu.
Communicatrice et vulgarisatrice professionnelle, elle cumule les formations continues en psychologie de l'environnement, communication et humour.
Avec Vikie, on a parlé de :
L'humour comme outil pour rassembler des publics différents et sensibiliser à la protection de l'environnement
L'importance du plan d'affaires en entrepreneuriat
Comment adaptater son discours en fonction du public pour transmettre un message qui va résonner
Conseils et pour se lancer en humour
Les bases de l'écriture humoristique
Les ressources de cet épisode :
Vikie Pendenault | Facebook
Biolovik.com | Site Web
La Baleine Nomade | Site Web
How to Write Funny | Amazon
How to Write Funnier | Amazon
How to Write Funniest | Amazon
Tu aimes Papa PhD ? Laisse-moi un commentaire > ici < - une courte phrase suffit ! Et inclus ton identifiant Twitter – comme ça je pourrai te remercier personnellement !
Merci Vikie !
Si cet entretien avec Vikie Pedneault t'a plu, fais-lui en part en cliquant sur le lien ci-dessous et en lui laissant un message sur LinkedIn :
Clique ici pour la remercier sur LinkedIn !
Clique ici pour partager avec David le principal message que tu retiens de cet épisode !
Si tu trouves de la valeur dans le contenu que je t'apporte chaque semaine, clique sur l'un des boutons ci-dessous et renvoie-moi l'ascenceur :)
Don sécuritaire sur PayPal
Deviens supporter sur Patreon !
Ou paye-moi un café :)
Tu aimeras aussi ces épisodes :
Rémi Quirion – Projeter les jeunes chercheur.e.s dans des carrières d'avenir : PapaPhD.com/203
Charlotte Hendryckx – L'aventure du doctorat à l'étranger : PapaPhD.com/193
Jean-Patrick Toussaint – Mieux préparer les doctorants à l'emploi : PapaPhD.com/155
Myriam Beaudry - L'importance de rencontrer d'autres chercheur.e.s pendant ton doctorat : PapaPhD.com/183

Thursday Jun 22, 2023

The pace and lifestile in manufacturing and engineering is different from what you find in academic research. So is the culture. Namely, they have been male dominated spaces, historically.
This week on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, I will be takling with my guest, Sirisha Kuchumanchi, about how, as a woman in these spaces, you can own your career, pivoting and growing as your path meanders and evolves.
What we covered during our conversation about the place of women in engineering and manufacturing:
The challenges of cultural differences in the work place
Navigating a new job
How to engage in meetings, asking questions and providing solutions
The importance of personal connections and of asking for help
The importance of mentorship and networking
Transferable skills gained from the PhD
The importance of finding one's voice
The challenges facing women in STEM careers and the importance of seizing opportunities
Don't miss out on this great conversation!
Reach out to me or to Sirisha using the links below if you have any feedback or any questions for us.
Also, I'd love to get to know you better. If you have a minute, please fill out the listener survey in this link.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wf5BPX1qu4?sub_confirmation=1Sirisha is the founder of "Sahita" a Global community for South Asian Women for Career & Financial Empowerment. She hosts the Podcast “Women, Career & Life” and the Radio Show "Life Beats with Sirisha". Her podcast is listed in the top 30% of Spotify podcasts. Her mission is to provide practical ideas and resources for women to further their career & life goals as they strive toward financial independence.
Sirisha is a former Global Engineering & Manufacturing Executive from Texas Instruments, a Fortune 200 company. She co-chaired the Tech & Manufacturing Women's ERG which supported over 500 employees across 3 continents and 8 countries. Sirisha is an immigrant from India and earned her doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Sirisha’s aim is to promote gender equality by empowering more women to take control of their careers and finances.
Thank you, Sirisha Kuchimanchi
If you enjoyed this conversation with Sirisha, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on LinkedIn:
Send Sirisha Kuchimanchi a thank you message on LinkedIn!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
This episode’s resources:
Sirisha Kushimanchi | Website
Women Career and Life | Twitter
Women Career and Life | Facebook
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
You might also like the following episodes:
Kenna Barrett – Leveraging your Degree in the Fundraising Space
100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other Friends
Stephanie Fuccio – Whe n Time Comes to Leave Your PhD
Krishna Kadiyala – are Things Turning for the Better for Women in STEM?
As always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)
Support the show on Patreon !
Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday Jun 15, 2023

Are you deciding whether or stay in your PhD program or to leave? In this episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, Stephanie Fuccio shares her experience of leaving her PhD program and the important lessons the experience taught her.Hear how she navigated the difficult decision of leaving, the impact on her mental health, and how she was able to write the next chapters of her professional life after leaving.Whether you are considering leaving your PhD or not, this episode offers insight and advice that is valuable to every graduate student.What we covered during our conversation: Stephanie's journey from teaching english to the PhDHew experience of teaching vs researchàNavigating grad school with health challengesDealing with debt and overworkFacing the emotions of leaving the PhD programThe power of reaching out to people a few years ahead of youThe importance of leaving an environment that is toxic to youThe importance of conversations with a wider circle of peopleDon't miss out on this candid and insightful conversation!Reach out to me or to Stephanie using the links below if you have any feedback or any questions for us.Also, I'd love to get to know you better. If you have 60 seconds please fill out the listener survey in this link.o
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxZ3BbRsRgs?sub_confirmation=1Stephanie is a Podcast Content Shaper who is determined to help thought leaders get their message to the right audience with a combination of podcast, newsletters and videos. She's an American living abroad for over 20 years, a coffee addict and a lover of stories in any form.
Thank you, Stephanie Fuccio
If you enjoyed this conversation with Stephanie, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on LinkedIn:Send Stephanie Fuccio a thank you message on LinkedIn!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
This episode’s resources:
Stephanie Fuccio | TwitterStephFuccio.com | WebsiteGlobal Podcast Editors Newsletter | Substack linkPodcast to Connect Newsletter | Substack link 

Leave a review on Podchaser !


Support the show !

You might also like the following episodes:
Kenna Barrett – Leveraging your Degree in the Fundraising Space100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other FriendsPradeep Kumar Sacitharan – Common Obstacles to Accelerating PhD TalentAshley Ruba – The State of the Post-PhD Job MarketAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)

Support the show on Patreon !


Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday Jun 08, 2023

Bienvenue sur ce nouvel épisode d'Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD !
Cette semaine je partage avec toi ma conversation avec mes invités – Marc Chevalier, Dominic Sicotte, Julien Chapdelaine et Gad Sabbatier – où l'on a discuté de la nécessité de réinventer le doctorat  pour mieux préparer les doctorant.e.s à leur évolution professionnelle après l'obtention de leur diplôme.
Au long de la conversation, nous réfléchissons à comment rejoindre les étudiants qui ne sont pas encore prêts à entendre ce message et nous abordons l'importance de l'aspect humain et des émotions dans le processus de la recherche doctorale. Nous discutons également des passerelles existantes vers des trajets professionnels en dehors de la recherche.
Enfin, nous parlons de la nécessité de changer la manière dont le doctorat est perçu par les aacteurs du tissu socio-économique et de comment les impliquer dans cette dynamique.
Un vrai cadeau pour cette célébration des 100 000 !
Si tu trouves de la valeur dans le contenu que je t'apporte chaque semaine, clique sur l'un des boutons ci-dessous et renvoie-moi l'ascenceur :)
Don sécuritaire sur PayPal
Deviens supporter sur Patreon !
Ou paye-moi un café :)
Ce que tu apprendras dans cet épisode :
La problématique de la préparation à la carrière professionnelle chez les doctorant.e.s
La nécessité de réinventer le doctorat pour mieux accompagner les doctorants dans leur parcours
Le besoin de repenser le doctorat en 2023 pour qu'il soit mieux compris et accepté par les employeurs potentiels
L'importance de sensibiliser les doctorants à la gestion de leur évolution professionnelle dès le début de leur thèse
L'importance de fournir aux doctorant.e.s un "safe space" pour mieux leur transmettre le message
La nécessité d'impliquer les différents acteurs socio-économiques dans la recherche des "futurs talents"
La valorisation des docteurs sur le marché de l'emplo
L'importance de préparer les doctorant.e.s aux défis du monde professionnel après avoir vécu dans la "bulle universitaire"
L'importance de promouvoir des conversations et d'établir des ponts entre l'université et le monde professionnel
Les liens de cet épisode :
Marc Chevalier | LinkedIn
Dominic Sicotte | LinkedIn
Julien Chapdelaine | LinkedIn
Gad Sabbatier | LinkdeIn
Résidences scientifiques FRQ | Site web
The 2nd Lab | Site web
Télécharge la "Boîte à outils pour le doctorat" maintenant !
Tu aimeras aussi ces épisodes :
Rémi Quirion – Projeter les jeunes scientifiquesn dans des carrières d'avenir : PapaPhD.com/carrieres-davenir-remi-quirion
Ilhame Ameqrane – Être docteur.e en entreprise : PapaPhD.com/125
Viviane Lalande – Communiquer la science : PapaPhD.com/149
Arthur Lin – Légitimer son doctorat en SHS : PapaPhD.com/legitimer-doctorat-shs

Thursday Jun 01, 2023

Are you feeling stuck, wondering what career options are available beyond academia? In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Dr. Rebecca Tadokera shares her journey from a PhD in Clinical Immunology to becoming the founder and CEO of her own medical writing and scientific communication consulting company.
Get inspired and learn about the exciting opportunities available today for graduates in the growing field of medical communications.
Questions we cover in our conversation: 
What challenges do PhDs face in finding tenure-track positions as professors after completing their degree?
Dealing with feelings of failure PhD graduates may experience when they do not secure a tenure-track position?
What is medical writing, and what are the different types of jobs available in the field?
What is the entry requirement for medical communications companies, and what is the potential for growth within the company or as a freelancer?
How can freelancers establish their business and market themselves in the medical writing industry?
Don't miss out on this insightful and informative conversation!
Reach out to me or to Rebecca using the links below if you have any feedback or any questions for us.
Also, I'd love to get to know you better. If you have 60 seconds please fill out the listener survey in this link.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qd0V59GAkj0?sub_confirmation=1Rebecca is a medical communications professional who has made a successful transition to the field after spending more than 12 years working as a research scientist in academia. Rebecca holds a PhD in clinical immunology and a Master of Public Health from the University of Cape Town and has worked as a Senior Research Scientist and Research Specialist in a number of academic and public health of institutions in South Africa. Rebecca is the founder and CEO of ScieHealth Communications, a boutique medical writing and scientific communication consulting company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Rebecca is passionate about science communication and its potential to positively impact society. She is equally dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists, helping them align their careers with their values and passions. When she's not working, you can find Rebecca enjoying the great outdoors and soaking up nature's beauty. She's also an avid runner, regularly completing half-marathons.
Thank you, Rebecca Tadokera
If you enjoyed this conversation with Rebecca, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on LinkedIn:
Send Rebecca Tadokera a thank you message on LinkedIn!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
This episode’s resources:
Rebecca Tadokera | Twitter
Rebecca Tadokera | Facebook
ScieHealth Communications | Website
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
You might also like the following episodes:
Kenna Barrett – Leveraging your Degree in the Fundraising Space
100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other Friends
Pradeep Kumar Sacitharan – Common Obstacles to Accelerating PhD Talent
Ashley Ruba – The State of the Post-PhD Job Market
As always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)
Support the show on Patreon !
Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday May 25, 2023

Does the NGO world interest you? And did you know that the job of Fundraiser ranks no. 17 in US News Best Business Jobs?This week on Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, I'm talking with Kenna Barrett about a career path that has not yet been covered on the show - Fundraising - and about why it may be a great avenue for you.Reach out to me or to Kenna using the links below if you have any feedback or any questions for us.Also, I'd love to get to know you better. If you have 60 seconds please fill out the listener survey in this link.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3biNCTt_9iU?sub_confirmation=1Kenna Barrett is a fundraising coach based in Silver Spring, MD. Over a 20-year period–thanks to the partnership of many donors, friends, and colleagues–Kenna has raised millions of dollars in all types of organizations, from start-ups to world-class universities. Currently, she serves as the Chief Development Officer of University Libraries for the University of Maryland.Kenna teaches fundraising at Sacred Heart University and has taught at Johns Hopkins SAIS. Kenna is a regular presenter in the fundraising community on topics such as “Making the Ask” for Introverts, the Science of Schmoozing, The Inner Game of Fundraising, and more.But here’s the thing: like many of her kin, she fell into her fundraising career quite unexpectedly. She was initially bound for academia. Along the road to becoming a professor, Kenna realized that engaging donors to support a worthwhile mission was a perfect fit for her writing skills, natural curiosity, and changemaking spirit.As a coach, Kenna loves to work with introverts, writers, working parents, career-changers, and anyone else who wants to perfect their pitch–whether to solicit a gift, land a job in philanthropy, or simply level up their professional persona.
Thank you, Kenna Barrett
If you enjoyed this conversation with Kenna, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on LinkedIn:Send Kenna Barrett a thank you message on LinkedIn!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
This episode’s resources:
Kenna Barrett | TwitterKenna Barrett | TEDx TalkPitch Perfect Fundraising | Website

Leave a review on Podchaser !


Support the show !

You might also like the following episodes:
Inês Moura – The Importance of Voice as an Academic100 K Listens Celebration – With Todd Cochrane, Ashley Ruba and Other FriendsPradeep Kumar Sacitharan – Common Obstacles to Accelerating PhD TalentAshley Ruba – The State of the Post-PhD Job MarketAs always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)

Support the show on Patreon !


Or buy me a coffee :)

Thursday May 18, 2023

Last week, you, the Papa PhD listeners, brought the show across the 100.000 listen line. Thank you!!!
As an indie podcaster running Papa PhD since almost 4 years, I am over-the-moon happy and humbled. To thank you and celebrate this important milestone, I've invited a few friends of the show and some people who contributed to the show's growth that you don't know to thank them and celebrate this milestone.
And I will be making a big announcement about the podcast.
While you're here, I'll take the opportunity to announce that Papa PhD has joined the  Podcasting 2.0 initiative and is now set up to receive boosts from you, the listener! A boost is a value for value (V4V)  contribution in Satoshis (or Sats), the smallest existing Bitcoin denomination.
All received boosts will get a shoutout on the show, in appreciation for your support.
Please check out the Fountain Podcast App that supports Podcasting 2.0 initiatives and boost the show.
Also, I'd love to get to know you better. If you have 60 seconds please fill out the listener survey in this link.
VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kxq2shx8g?sub_confirmation=1
As always, if you find value in Papa PhD and in the content I bring you every week and if you're not a nerd like me and don't want to delve into Podcast 2.0, click on one of the buttons below and send some of that value back to me by becoming a supporter on Patreon or by buying me a coffee :)
Support the show on Patreon !
Or buy me a coffee :)
Support the show !
Leave a review on Podchaser !
You might also like the following episodes:
Shaz Zamore – Building a More Diverse, More Inclusive Academia
Drew Slack – Regulatory as a Career Path for PhDs
PhD Dojo – What Mistakes Are Keeping You Out of Industry?
Ashley Ruba – The State of the Post-PhD Job Market

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