In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I address the challenge of how to maintain progress on your goals when you have low energy. I share my own personal experiences and offers practical advice on checking in with your body, incorporating rituals, and setting flexible, energy-appropriate goals. I also discuss the importance of self-compassion, recognizing and accepting your energy levels, and taking small steps to maintain momentum.

In episode 343 of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I introduce the first recording of my new client spotlight series, featuring an inspiring conversation with Dr. L. Paloma Rojas Saunero, a Latina physician epidemiologist and postdoctoral scholar at UCLA. Dr. Rojas Saunero shares her journey of transitioning from burnout and false urgency to aligning her workflow, creative process, and life with her values and priorities, ultimately finding more joy and confidence. We discuss the challenges of managing a new postdoc position, family life, and the pressures of academia. Dr. Rojas Saunero provides insights into recognizing the difference between true and false urgencies, mastering task, project, and energy management, and the importance of intentional work. This conversation underscores how sustainable success is about doing what truly matters in a way that feels doable and fulfilling.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I guide you through the often awkward and uncomfortable process of writing your own letter of recommendation for grad school. I explain why professors might delegate this task to students and offer a detailed breakdown of how to structure your letter. I also share reflection prompts, a checklist for ensuring a strong draft, and the importance of using affirming language. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to help you craft a compelling recommendation letter that showcases your strengths and achievements.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I address the prevalence of masking and overcompensating as survival mechanisms for first-gen and neurodivergent students. I also share persona reflections and explore why these behaviors develop, how they can lead to burnout, and what practical strategies you can test out today to resist them. You’ll learn the importance of finding identity-affirming spaces, setting boundaries, advocating for accommodations, and more.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the significance of rewarding yourself and how to celebrate small wins as a student. Drawing from personal experiences and the science behind it, I explain how celebrating achievements can boost motivation. I also share several practical strategies for rewarding yourself, including writing affirming notes, sharing wins with others, taking mini breaks, and much more.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast we focus on the importance of cultivating curiosity and care in careers with guest Naseem Kapdi. Naseem, a career coach and founder of Kimiya Coaching, shares her journey from teaching to coaching, emphasizing the power of pausing and playing in personal and professional development. We explore overcoming hustle culture, leaning into intuition, and celebrating small wins, offering practical tips for first-gen BIPOC listeners navigating grad school, careers, and beyond.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I share my top five productivity tips for chronic illness, autism, and ADHD. Inspired by the many shortcomings of conventional productivity advice, particularly its lack of inclusivity for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals, I share strategies that can be adaptable for those who are autistic, ADHD, or spoonies. These tips range from energy management techniques to setting flexible goals and organizing your space effectively. I provide practical examples and emphasize the importance of customizing these tools to your needs while addressing the broader challenges posed by systemic issues and capitalism.

Listen to this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast if you’re struggling to secure and maintain mentors. I share strategies for first-gen and BIPOC students and professionals to learn how to find mentors and strengthen their mentoring relationships. I also emphasize the importance of taking initiative and regularly checking in with your mentors, among other lessons. Tune in to get all the insights and advice that I wish I had received when I was a student and early career professional. 

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the increased issue of paused and canceled graduate admissions for fall 2025, especially for PhD programs. I offer context and insights on the factors contributing to this situation, including budget cuts, federal policy changes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university finances. I also share actionable strategies for prospective PhD applicants, focusing on developing Plan A, B, and C to navigate this challenging admissions landscape.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Analia Gomez Vidal, a bilingual multihyphenate professional and founder of AGB Services LLC. We discuss the specific challenges faced by international students in the US, including the hurdles of applying for grad schools, navigating financial constraints, and overcoming career barriers. Dr. Analia shares her journey from being an international student to becoming an entrepreneur and career coach. We also explore common experiences between first-gen and international students, and offer insights and advice to help listeners reach their personal and professional goals.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share my personal experience with goal setting and how it often led led to feelings of failure. I then delve into 10 common myths related to goal setting, explaining why they keep us stuck and how to overcome them. From the illusion of perfectionism to the false belief in hustle culture, I address these barriers and offer strategies to set more compassionate and realistic goals. I also invite listeners to join my upcoming sustainable goal setting workshop. Tune in for insights, reflections, and practical advice to help you achieve your goals in a way that honors your well-being, identities, and circumstances.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share my particular approach to goal setting and how it differs from traditional methods. I introduce a layered goal-setting strategy that aligns with personal values and capacities. I also invite you to one of my limited live public workshop for an in-depth, interactive goal-setting session. Join me on August 28 at 3pm PT or catch the replay.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast we discuss all things budget-friendly meal planning for busy grad students and professionals. Our returning guest, Jasmine Hormati, a registered dietician and founder of Mending Ground Nutrition, offers some great tips on planning and prepping meals that honor our cultural traditions while being mindful of our time, energy, and budget. Jasmine discusses practical strategies and essential tools for meal prepping, how to reduce decision fatigue, and the importance of flexibility and intuitive eating. Tune in to learn how to make your meal planning process more sustainable and nourishing!

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the recent “Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on funding options for low-income, first-gen students pursuing graduate education. I share key changes that include the elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans, the introduction of new loan caps, and how to explore alternative funding options for both Master's and PhD programs. I also provides practical insights on planning for the financial aspects of graduate school, including cost of living considerations and the importance of advocating for yourself so that you can make graduate school financially feasible for you.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I introduce you to the concept of the four types of luck: “blind” luck or what I call luck from privilege, luck from motion, luck from awareness, and luck from uniqueness. By understanding these types of luck, you can position yourself to create more opportunities rather than just waiting for luck to happen. I provide actionable tips and encourage you to reflect on which type of luck resonates most with you and how you can invite more of that luck into your life.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I speak with Maceo Nafisah Cabrera Estévez, a writer, book coach, editor, and co-founder of the Muslim Writer Salon. We discuss the realities of exploring creative writing beyond the MFA as BIPOC writers and what it means to thrive both within and outside of those institutional spaces. Maceo shares her personal journey, from struggling through grad school and navigating the white literary canon, to building vibrant writing communities rooted in belonging, voice, and joy. She offers honest reflections on the limitations of MFA programs, especially for marginalized writers, and uplifts alternative ways to gain support, develop your craft, and build a writing career on your own terms. We also discuss the business side of writing, the emotional labor of sharing your work, and the mindset shifts needed to sustain a creative practice. If you’ve ever wondered whether you really need an MFA, or how to build a writing life that honors your values, this conversation will speak directly to you.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I offer a mid-year reflection and share both the challenges and lessons I’ve learned along the way. Join me as I share how I've navigated through a very hard year and what I've learned about sustainable success, not just in business but also in life. I'll reflect on my experiences, system refinements, and how I've tailored my services to better meet current needs. Along the way, I discuss the importance of relationships, mindful micro pivots, and the essential balance between work, rest, and care. I also offer a sneak peak into to the future direction of the podcast and my commitment to providing valuable, sustainable support for first-gen BIPOC students and professionals.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I explore how to redefine productivity to overcome burnout, especially for first-gen, BIPOC, and neurodivergent individuals. I share insights on the root causes of burnout and emphasize the importance of aligning your work with core values, managing your energy, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in community care. I also provide actionable strategies to help you work more sustainably. Tune in if you resonate with doing work that honors your humanity, resists systemic barriers, and achieves your goals without compromising your wellbeing.

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I chat with Rhonda Kahn, a speaker, coach, and consultant specializing in amplifying the unique voices of leaders and teams. We address the importance of owning your story and how to communicate both intentionally and powerfully. Rhonda shares her journey from a speech-language pathologist to an actor and then a public speaking coach. She also offers practical strategies for managing nerves, connecting authentically in various settings, and using storytelling to enhance communication skills. Whether you're a grad student or professional looking to enhance your communication skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate challenging conversations and grow personally and professionally.  If you liked what you heard, check out episode 262 on my top five public speaking skills and episode 233 on my speaking services. I use Descript for video editing, generating interview transcripts, and easily sharing teaching videos. If you want a more efficient way to work, try it yourself here.  You can learn more about my speaking services here.   Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit here. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   You can connect with Rhonda at the following links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondakhan/  https://www.simplyspeechsolutions.com/ This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.* 

In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I address the significance of visibility without hustle for first-generation, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and nontraditional students. I explain why visibility matters for career advancement and community building, debunk common myths about visibility, and provide practical strategies for increasing visibility without having to hustle your way there. Learn why networking is essential, the importance of making your work accessible, and how to build genuine connections that can help you advance both professionally and personally. If you liked what you heard, check out episode 310 on creating a mentorship map and ⁠episode 266 on reciprocal networking and building genuine connections.  You can download my free Femtorship Map here. You can learn more about my speaking services ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.   I use Descript for video editing, generating interview transcripts, and easily sharing teaching videos. If you want a more efficient way to work, try it yourself ⁠here⁠.  Get your free copy of my Grad School Femtoring Resource Kit ⁠here⁠. Support our free resources with a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠one-time or monthly donation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To download episode transcripts and access more resources, go to my website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gradschoolfemtoring.com/podcast/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network. *The Grad School Femtoring Podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for therapy or other professional services.*