Dr. Catherine Cherrstrom shares her journey from a 27-year banking career to earning a PhD and joining the professoriate. She discusses her dissertation on midlife career transitions for women, the “expert–novice–expert” arc, and the practical strategies—mentorship, small daily writing habits, collaboration, and productivity techniques—that helped her succeed. This episode offers encouragement and concrete advice for anyone considering or navigating a doctoral path: break large goals into steps, find supportive peers and mentors, and lean into the skills you already have.

In this episode, Dr. Devorah Lieberman discusses purpose-driven and principled leadership in higher education, the importance of mentoring and building diverse leadership teams, and the evolving challenges facing colleges today. She offers practical advice for early-career academics, alternative approaches to admissions and student success like "Earn to Learn," and reflections on balancing professional impact with family and values-driven service.

This episode of The Educator's Lens follows Dr. Olaby reflecting on how a Harvard Graduate School of Education course reshaped her views on admissions, evaluation, and teaching. Key ideas include Kahn’s critique of democratic inequality, Freire’s problem-posing alternative to the banking model, and Yosso’s community cultural wealth. She describes concrete changes she made revising participation criteria, expanding access to mentorship, using pulse check-ins and peer circles, and introducing the H-U-M-A-N framework (Honor lived experience, Understand context, Motivate meaning, Adapt feedback, Nurture growth), to support first-generation and working-class students in technical fields. The episode closes with a call for equity audits and policy redesign to lift standards in ways that recognize students’ assets, foster belonging, and dismantle hidden hierarchies in higher education.

In this episode of Dr. Podcast, we have the honor of hosting Dr. Kimberly Long, a distinguished nursing leader, educator, researcher, and passionate mentor. Dr. Long shares her inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges as a teen parent to becoming a leader in the field of nursing. Through her experiences, she sheds light on the importance of mentorship, the unique contributions of nurses, and her approach to fostering innovation and compassion in healthcare. This episode is a beacon of motivation for anyone in the healthcare field and beyond.

In this enlightening episode of Doctor Podcast, join us as we delve into the world of systems engineering with the esteemed Dr. Mo Huss. Explore the intriguing journey from industrial engineering to systems engineering, navigating through the challenges and opportunities in both the oil and gas industry and technology consulting. Discover how Dr. Huss managed to juggle the demands of rigorous research while working full-time, highlighting the importance of alignment between passions and career goals. Gain insights into the essential qualities that doctoral programs instill in engineers, and learn about the emerging technologies that are set to reshape information technology systems. Whether you are contemplating a Ph.D. or looking to transition from technical roles to consulting, this episode offers invaluable advice on mentorship, bridging academia and industry, and the ever-vital role of lifelong learning in engineering.

In this captivating episode of Dr. Podcast, join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Johnny Nguyen, a recent PhD graduate who's here to share his story. Listen in as Dr. Nguyen discusses his shift from wanting to be a physician to pursuing a PhD in microbiology, driven by a newfound passion for teaching. Dive into the challenges he faced, the strategies he adopted to overcome self-doubt, and the pivotal moments that defined his academic path. Discover the importance of mentorship and collaboration as Dr. Nguyen reflects on how these relationships played a crucial role in his doctoral success. He also shares invaluable advice for those considering a PhD, highlighting the significance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a community. With engaging anecdotes and meaningful insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of academia and the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Dr. Podcast as we dive into the world of academia with Dr. Jill Dalman, a remarkable individual who turned her passion for writing into a distinguished career. Discover how Dr. Dalman navigated the complexities of a PhD journey while balancing teaching and personal responsibilities. Throughout the episode, Dr. Dalman shares her personal struggles and triumphs, including overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to embrace endless curiosity. Gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, teamwork, and a growth mindset in academia. Whether you're contemplating a doctoral journey or simply wish to be inspired by an academic pioneer, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom on self-belief, purpose, and perseverance.

Welcome to the Doctor podcast, where we dive into the stories behind the doctorate journeys. We're two PhDs, best friends, and professors with a shared passion for uncovering the real journey behind earning a doctorate. We're here to shine a light on the grit, the grind, and yes, the glory of pursuing those two letters. Doctor. New episodes will drop every single week. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and let's discover the journey behind the degree together. Because every doctorate holder has a story and we're here to share it.

Join us in this episode of Doctor Podcast as we delve into the remarkable journey of Dr. Fran Wise, Director of Student Affairs at California North State University College of Health Sciences. Discover how her early experiences in education fueled a lifelong passion for learning, ultimately leading her to focus on post-secondary and adult education. Dr. Wise shares her inspiring path from teaching preschool to pursuing a PhD, while balancing a fulfilling family life. With heartfelt stories and insightful reflections, she highlights the importance of persistence, time management, and support systems throughout her academic journey. Learn how Dr. Wise overcame challenges, embraced lifelong learning, and contributed to the advancement of adult education. Her dedication to supporting students in achieving their healthcare dreams shines through, offering valuable lessons for educators and learners alike. Listen in for motivation and practical advice on navigating your own educational path.

In this episode of Dr. Podcast, we have the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Reem Olaby, a pharmacist and academic, as she shares her incredible PhD journey in biotechnology. From her fascination with drug discovery to addressing public health challenges in Egypt, Dr. Olaby recounts how her educational pursuits were fueled by passion and resilience. Listeners will gain insight into the unique challenges Dr. Olaby faced, including juggling the roles of a researcher, mother, and traveler. She discusses strategies for overcoming obstacles such as prioritizing tasks, leveraging support networks, and maintaining adaptability amidst unforeseen changes. Dr. Olaby's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the importance of asking for help. The episode further explores the pivotal role that collaboration played in her research, highlighting partnerships with prestigious institutions and the importance of fostering meaningful academic relationships. Dr. Olaby reflects on her proudest achievements and provides valuable advice for aspiring PhD candidates, emphasizing the necessity of staying true to one's passion and building a supportive network. Join us as we delve into an inspiring conversation with Dr. Reem Olaby and discover the transformative power of perseverance and collaboration in the pursuit of scientific innovation.

Join us in this captivating episode of Dr. Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Dr. Muhannad Suleiman, a distinguished professor of civil and environmental engineering at Lehigh University. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Suleiman shares his early ambitions, challenges, and the defining moments that led him to pursue a doctorate in engineering. Discover how Dr. Suleiman balanced the demanding realms of academia and personal life, his strategies for overcoming self-doubt, and the importance of collaboration and mentorship in his field. Benefit from his valuable advice to aspiring PhD students on essential skills and mindsets for success, both within and beyond the confines of a research laboratory. This episode offers a wealth of insights for anyone contemplating or currently navigating a doctoral journey in engineering, with an emphasis on passion, persistence, and the transformative power of education.

In this engaging episode of Dr. Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Liz Lozano, a remarkable scholar in social and personality psychology who shares her insightful journey from a PhD student to an assistant professor and entrepreneur. Discover the challenges and triumphs of pursuing advanced degrees as Dr. Lozano discusses overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and the importance of mentorship in academia.Dr. Lozano opens up about the trials she faced during her PhD, including the impact of a tough mentor-mentee relationship and how she advocated for herself to stay focused on her academic goals. She provides empowering advice on handling imposter syndrome and shares strategies for maintaining balance through self-care and perseverance.Listeners will gain valuable insights into Dr. Lozano's innovative approach as she bridges the gap between research and entrepreneurship with her venture, Conception Connection. Tune in for inspirational guidance on navigating the complexities of a PhD journey, cultivating fruitful collaborations, and managing the stresses of academic life while keeping your passion alive.

Join us for an inspiring episode with Dr. Anne Kjemtrup, a dedicated research scientist and veterinarian at the California Department of Public Health. Delve into her fascinating journey, filled with academic achievements, including a PhD in epidemiology, a degree in veterinary medicine, and a master's in preventive veterinary medicine. Discover how she navigated challenges, from securing an NIH grant to balancing family life and fieldwork. Dr. Kjemptrup shares the pivotal role mentorship played in her career, offering valuable advice for aspiring PhD candidates, and the importance of maintaining a goal without blinders, looking for opportunities along the way. Whether you're considering a PhD or exploring the intersections of wildlife and human health, this episode offers rich insights and heartfelt reflections from Dr. Kjemtrup's 35-year career.