Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I talk with Michelle Niemeyer - speaker, coach, and former attorney - about how to stay sharp, productive, and joyful without burning out. After experiencing burnout herself during her legal career and facing a life-changing health diagnosis, Michelle developed The Art of Bending Time: a framework to help professionals align their work, life, and purpose.
Together, we explore:
Why traditional “time management” often fails, and what to focus on instead
The hidden costs of multitasking and how to protect your energy
How small sparks of joy can prevent burnout and fuel your productivity
Why “work-life balance” is a myth and what to aim for instead
Practical tools (like the Clarity Exercise and SWORD Analysis) you can use today to refocus and reclaim your time
Whether you’re a graduate student, postdoc, or early-career professional, Michelle’s story and strategies will inspire you to rethink how you spend your time and how you define success.
👉 To access Michelle’s free tools, text CLARITY to 33777 (US only) or visit michelleniemeyer.com.

How do you go from scientist to science-informed coach helping women in STEM manage stress and avoid burnout?
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, I sit down with Lexi Reid - a former plant biologist and regulatory affairs specialist who found herself emotionally depleted after years in academia, government, and the medical device industry. Lexi shares her deeply personal and transformative journey of confronting burnout and rediscovering purpose through creativity, neuroscience, and mindfulness.
Now a certified coach and founder of MIND+ART+WELLNESS, Lexi supports high-achieving women in science to reconnect with themselves using accessible, evidence-based tools. Her story is a reminder that a PhD doesn't just prepare you for research - it can also guide you toward reinvention and well-being.
🎧 You’ll learn:• What burnout looked like for Lexi and how she responded• How plant science, policy, and medtech shaped her post-PhD path• The role of art and mindfulness in her healing process• Tips for high-achieving women navigating stress and transition• Why structure, story, and self-compassion are key for career sustainability
🖥️ Learn more about Lexi’s work: mindartwellness.com📸 Connect with her on Instagram: @lexireidstudio
🔗 More career transition stories: PapaPhD.com/subscribe☕ Talk with David  on Skool: PapaPhD.com/Skool

What happens after you land your first job post-PhD? For many researchers, the transition from academia is just the beginning. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Katerina Thomas joins David Mendes to explore how mentorship, self-awareness, and internal motivation shape the next stages of a PhD’s career journey.
Drawing from her own experience as a PhD in the life sciences now thriving in industry, Katerina reflects on redefining success beyond titles, finding mentors aligned with your values, and the importance of stepping into discomfort to grow. Whether you're still in academia or have already made the leap, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about your career path and about what truly drives you.
💡 You’ll learn:
How to navigate career growth after leaving academia
The role of values-based mentorship in professional development
Why inner work is essential in career transitions
Strategies for making deliberate, fulfilling career choices
This episode is packed with career clarity insights for PhDs seeking purpose beyond their degrees.
👉 Listen and share with someone navigating their own post-PhD transition.

Dans cet épisode d’Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, je reçois l’essayiste et professeur Mathieu Bélisle. Ensemble, nous revisitons son parcours universitaire marqué par des doutes, des abandons et une reconquête progressive du sens à travers l’enseignement collégial. Ce témoignage nuancé aborde la pression académique, la fatigue mentale en doctorat, et la quête de sens qui pousse parfois à sortir des sentiers battus de l’université.
🎓 Vous entendrez :
Pourquoi le début du doctorat peut être plus difficile que la fin
Comment alléger les attentes peut sauver un parcours doctoral
Les dessous politiques du monde académique
Ce que le cégep peut offrir aux esprits critiques et passionnés
Un épisode introspectif pour quiconque se questionne sur l’avenir postdoctoral, la valeur d’un doctorat en dehors de l’université, et les choix professionnels alternatifs comme l’enseignement collégial. 🎙️
👉 Abonnez-vous pour des récits de parcours variés et des stratégies concrètes de transition professionnelle.

🎙️ This week on Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Lucia Juarez, PhD, academic coach and creator of the SmartPhD system, joins us to talk about how PhD students can reclaim their time, boost academic confidence, and finish faster without sacrificing their wellbeing.
Drawing from her own journey through burnout, motherhood, and academic overwhelm, Lucia shares how she shifted from “just work harder” to a smarter, more human approach to research. Her strategies blend mindset work, intentional rest, and productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique, all tailored to the realities of grad school.
💡 In this episode:
Why mindset shifts are critical to academic resilience
How to adapt productivity tools like Pomodoro to your real life
Tips for managing burnout and avoiding toxic productivity
How to create joy, not just survival, in your PhD journey
Whether you're in the early stages or nearing the finish line, this conversation is packed with practical, heartfelt advice to help you thrive in grad school and beyond.
🎯 Your PhD doesn’t have to cost your health. 📱🎧 Tune in now.

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d’Horizon PhD!
Dans cet épisode, nous partons à la rencontre de Geneviève Rolland, déléguée générale du Québec à Munich, pour mieux comprendre le rôle des scientifiques en résidence au sein des délégations du Québec à l’étranger.
Au fil de l’entretien, Geneviève partage son expérience au sein du programme, explique le quotidien de ces jeunes scientifiques qui mettent leurs compétences multidisciplinaires au service du rayonnement international du Québec, et revient sur l’importance de la curiosité, de l’adaptabilité et du réseautage dans ces carrières hors du laboratoire. Ensemble, ils démystifient la transition entre le milieu académique et celui des représentations diplomatiques, et livrent des conseils précieux à celles et ceux qui hésitent encore à franchir ce pas.
 
 
À retenir de ma conversation avec Geneviève :
 Ce n’est pas un programme de recherche :  La résidence scientifique, c’est avant tout devenir un pont entre le Québec et l’écosystème local, faciliter les collaborations et aider à financer et organiser des projets internationaux, pas poursuivre vos propres travaux académiques.
 Vos compétences de PhD sont valorisées : Savoir vulgariser, être polyvalent·e, avoir une curiosité naturelle et une capacité à s’adapter sont des atouts majeurs. Votre expertise et votre réseau québécois rendent l’équipe plus forte et créent de la valeur ajoutée.
 Des retombées concrètes et un impact réel : De la cartographie de réseaux à la création de partenariats et à l’organisation de missions, les résultats sont tangibles. C’est une superbe façon de contribuer différemment au développement scientifique et économique du Québec.
Envie d’en savoir plus ou tenté·e de postuler ? N’hésite pas à écouter l’épisode, à explorer le programme Horizon PhD, ou à contacter celleuxs qui sont déjà passés par là – tout commence par une conversation ! .
Si tu veux en savoir davantage sur les programmes « Scientifiques en résidence » des Fonds de Recherche du Québec, rends-toi sur :
PapaPhD.com/HorizonPhDFRQ
 
Bonne écoute et bonne exploration !
 
Tu aimeras aussi ces épisodes :
Anne-Marie Pilote – Valoriser son doctorat en tant que scientifique en résidence : PapaPhD.com/horizon-phd-ampilote
Julie Ducharme – Être scientifique en résidence À Los Angeles : PapaPhD.com/horizon-phd-julie-ducharme
Horizon PhD – Le conseil scientifique dans un ministère : PapaPhD.com/horizon-phd-darine-ameyed
Horizon PhD – Être scientifique en résidence auprès d’un ministère : PapaPhD.com/horizon-phd-alexandra-gelle

🎓 Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD is the podcast that helps researchers, graduate students, and PhDs explore career possibilities beyond academia.
Hosted by David Mendes, each episode shares real stories of PhDs who have successfully transitioned into diverse roles across industry, government, communication, and entrepreneurship. With over 300 interviews and listeners in 100+ countries, this show is a treasure trove for anyone navigating the challenges of life after grad school.
In this trailer, discover what the podcast is all about and why it’s become a top destination for PhDs seeking career clarity, inspiration, and strategies for thriving outside the ivory tower.
👉 Follow Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts to start your journey from PhD to purpose-driven career.

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Jillian Rilley – founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant whose decades of work focus on helping people navigate change and accelerate learning, especially in disruptive times. Drawing on her experiences across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe, Jillian shares her personal journey of making bold transitions, including her pivotal move from academia in the U.S. to South Africa during a historic turning point.
ogether, David and Jillian dive deep into the concept of “the 10 Permissions,” the subject of Jillian’s upcoming book, offering guidance for anyone feeling stuck on their current path or struggling with the weight of external expectations. The conversation takes an honest look at the discomfort and growth that comes from choosing a non-linear, self-directed life—especially relevant for graduate students, early career researchers, and anyone stepping off the well-trodden academic or career path.
They discuss concrete practices for building “discomfort tolerance,” the power of self-permission, and the importance of cultivating a diverse portfolio of experiences—both for personal satisfaction and future adaptability. If you’ve ever faced doubt, disappointment, or confusion from your support network over career decisions, or are simply looking to make your journey more intentional, this episode is filled with insight and practical advice for you.
 
Jillian Reilly is a founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant. Having spent her 30-year career working in social, organizational, and individual change across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe, Jillians focus is on helping people unlock their ability to navigate change and accelerate growth and learning. Jillians upcoming book, The Ten Permissions, guides readers in permitting themselves to design lives that fully leverage the possibilities of our disruptive world.
What we covered in the interview:
Discomfort Tolerance is a Superpower: Learning to distinguish between discomfort and danger is crucial. Most growth happens when we venture into the unfamiliar, so don’t let discomfort masquerade as danger and hold you back from essential, uncomfortable conversations or bold decisions.
Approval is Desirable, Not Essential: Especially when making “novel” decisions that disappoint or surprise family and close ones. Your path won’t always be easily understood by others, but their approval isn’t a requirement for action. Back yourself, be your own permission giver.
Diversify Your Experiences: Academia often encourages tunnel vision, but Gillian urges building a “portfolio of capabilities.” Explore beyond your specialization – network, revive old hobbies, join communities, and experiment. This adaptability and broad perspective are key assets in today’s chaotic (yet possibility-filled) world.
Jillian’s advice is a timely reminder: Your life isn’t about ticking the next institutional box, but about cultivating agency and resilience for a world in constant flux. See the resources section below for Jillian Reilly’s links!
This episode’s resources:
The 10 Permissions | Website
The 10 Permissions | Book
Thank you, Jillian Reilly!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Jillian, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:
Send Jillian Reilly a thank you message on Linkedin!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
 
You might also like the following episodes:
Daria Levina – Behind the Scenes of Graduate Admissions
Morgan Foret – Demystifying Industry Careers
Al Zdenek – From Graduate School to Financial Freedom
Sylvie Lahaie – Navigating Stress and Anxiety in Graduate School

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this week’s episode, host David Mendes is joined by Al Zdenek—a seasoned entrepreneur in the wealth management industry, acclaimed author, and passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over 40 years of experience as a CPA, personal financial specialist, and now co-founder of K Club, Al brings invaluable insights to academics navigating the often daunting shift from the structured world of academia to the uncharted waters of industry and business.
Together, David and Al dive deep into practical strategies for salary negotiation, understanding job offers, and mastering the critical financial decisions that come with career transitions. Al reflects on the importance of self-awareness, preparation, and communication, sharing both personal stories (like taking up classical piano at the age of 66!) and professional wisdom to empower graduate students and researchers making their next big move.
Whether you’re on the verge of leaving academia, struggling with financial fears, or simply curious about negotiating for your true worth, this episode is packed with advice and real talk that will help you prepare for, and thrive in, your next chapter. Tune in for a blend of actionable finance tips, empathy, and encouragement—plus get the inside scoop on tools like the K Club app that can support you every step of the way.
 
Al Zdenek is a seasoned financial planner, wealth advisor, and certified public accountant (CPA) whose career centers on helping people navigate the complexities of personal finance. Early in his journey, Al recognized the importance of asking the right questions about employment benefits—pension plans, 401(k) matches, and opportunities for student loan assistance. He saw firsthand how critical it was for individuals to understand what employers offered, from tuition reimbursement to promotion opportunities tied to further education. Throughout his career, Al has encouraged individuals to consider both traditional employment and self-employment, believing that being a consultant opens doors to valuable tax deductions and greater financial control. He stresses the importance of assembling a “championship team” of experts—including a trustworthy CPA—to maximize savings and stay compliant. Whether advising on employee benefits, self-employment strategies, or optimal tax planning, Al’s focus is always on empowering others to make informed decisions and build lasting wealth.
What we covered in the interview:
Do Your Financial Homework: Treat your job search like a research project—do the same kind of prep you would for a thesis. Understand salary ranges, benefit packages, student loan repayment options, and even company stock programs before your first interview.
Ask Strategic Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about stock options, loan repayment assistance, work hours, and advancement opportunities. Bringing a well-prepared list of questions makes you look savvy and helps you negotiate from a position of strength.
Embrace Growth and Flexibility: Expect and accept initial setbacks—rejection is normal, and it’s part of the learning curve. Practice your communication skills, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to pivot in your career path. Real-world success is built on flexibility and continuous learning.
Big thanks to Al Zdenek for demystifying this crucial transition. Whether you’re about to defend your thesis or already eyeing roles outside academia, this episode is packed with actionable insights on building a solid financial future.  See the resources section below for Al Zdenek’s links!
This episode’s resources:
CakeClub App | Website
Master Your Cash Flow | Book
Master Your Business Cash Flow | Book
Thank you, Al Zdenek!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Al, let him know by clicking the link below and leaving him a message on Linkedin:
Send Al Zdenek a thank you message on Linkedin!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
 
You might also like the following episodes:
Daria Levina – Behind the Scenes of Graduate Admissions
Morgan Foret – Demystifying Industry Careers
Karina Machado – Being a Young Scientist in the Global South
Sylvie Lahaie – Navigating Stress and Anxiety in Graduate School

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Karina do Santos Machado, a trailblazing young scientist from Brazil whose journey exemplifies the power of collaboration and open science in the global South. Karina shares her path from a childhood fascination with computers to becoming a principal investigator leading cutting-edge drug discovery research with global impact, all from her home base in Rio Grande.
 
Facing the challenges of limited funding, infrastructure hurdles, and fewer resources common to universities in developing countries, Karina highlights how resourcefulness and community spirit have been fundamental to her success. Collaboration is not only a choice but a necessity in the Brazilian scientific landscape. By building networks both within her institution and internationally, Karina has leveraged open science initiatives to propel her team onto the world stage, including successful participation in global drug discovery challenges such as Conscience's CACHE initiative for COVID-19 therapeutics.
 
As Karina explains, open science has been key in providing access to critical data, software, and partnerships, democratizing opportunities for smaller labs like hers. Her story is a testament to how determined scientists, even from under-resourced environments, can foster innovation and make tangible contributions to global health.
 
Karina dos Santos Machado holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Rio Grande and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Pontifícia Universidade Católica of Rio Grande do Sul. Between 2018 and 2019, she worked as a postdoctoral fellowship in the NANO-D research group at INRIA in Grenoble, France. She is currently a Lecturer at FURG, working in the graduate programs in Health Sciences and Computer Science, where she coordinates the Computational Biology Laboratory. Her research focuses primarily on Bioinformatics and Data Science, including the following topics: Genomics, Machine Learning, Virtual Drug Screening, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics.
 
Three Inspiring Take-aways from my conversation with Karina:
Collaboration is a Superpower: In environments where resources are scarce, building bridges—within your university and beyond—makes it possible to tackle complex scientific problems. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, offer your expertise, and create interdisciplinary teams; together, you go further.
Open Science Levels the Field: By embracing open-source tools, sharing data, and participating in global challenges, you can give your work international visibility and validation, regardless of your location or funding status. Open science isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a passport to global research networks and impact.
Your Local Challenges Have Global Resonance: The unique scientific questions you face in your community, like drug resistance in tuberculosis, are shared by the worldwide research community. Your perspective and commitment to real-world problems can drive both local solutions and contribute to advancing science on a global scale.
 
Karina's journey proves that with innovation, community, and openness, you can thrive and lead in science, no matter where you start.
 If you’re curious about AI, biosciences, or just want to see how resilient, creative science happens outside the “usual” power centers, this episode is a must-listen.
Reach out to Karina on LinkedIn, and check out the episode for more wisdom! Let’s build a more open, global scientific community together. 
See the resources section below for Daria Levina’s links!
This episode’s resources:
X | Karina Machado
CONSCIENCE | Webpage
CACHE Challenges | Webpage
Thank you, Karina Machado!
If you enjoyed this conversation with Karina, let her know by clicking the link below and leaving her a message on Linkedin:
Send Karina Machado a thank you message on Linkedin!
Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David!
Leave a review on Podchaser !
Support the show !
 
You might also like the following episodes:
Daria Levina – Behind the Scenes of Graduate Admissions
Morgan Foret – Demystifying Industry Careers
Tina Persson –Leaving Academia and Embracing Industry
Sylvie Lahaie – Navigating Stress and Anxiety in Graduate School