
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Dr Arun Ulahannan & Dr Julia Gauly
This is How to PhD, the show dedicated to sharing those key, practical skills for PhD success. Perhaps you‘ve just decided to embark on a PhD, or maybe you‘re a seasoned doctoral veteran about to face your viva. Whatever stage you‘re at, the PhD can be a huge challenge. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you‘ll ever do and there are a few things we learned along the way that can help you. Join myself, Dr Arun Ulahannan and my co-host, Dr Julia Gauly, as we share everything we wish we had known before starting our PhDs!
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How do you know when you’ve done enough for your PhD? Research rarely feels truly finished- every answer seems to uncover another question. In this episode, we explore how to recognise when your thesis contains enough evidence, makes a clear contribution and tells a coherent story. We’ll share three practical tests for judging whether your research is complete, explain how to agree a realistic finish line with your supervisors, and help you separate what is essential before submission from what can wait for future research. We also tackle the perfection trap and why doing more work does not always produce a stronger thesis. If you’re struggling to stop researching, start writing or finally submit, this episode will help you decide when enough really is enough.
Is it possible to thrive, not just survive, as a PhD parent? Julia speaks with Phil Gordon about balancing doctoral research, professional work and teaching while becoming a dad. Phil shares honest reflections on how life changed when his son arrived, the pressures he encountered and the support that made a difference. Packed with practical tips on managing time, sharing responsibilities, adjusting expectations and protecting your energy, this episode is for anyone starting, or considering starting, a family during their PhD.
Ever wondered how groundbreaking research grabs headlines? If you think it’s all about luck or fame, think again! This episode dives into the strategic side of getting your PhD research out of academic journals and into the wider world. With practical insights and tips, we’ll guide you through the process of working with the media to amplify your work’s impact. First, we discuss the growing importance of media engagement for academics, especially with the increasing emphasis on reach and societal impact. From understanding what makes a compelling press release to crafting one that catches a journalist’s eye, we break down the essentials. We’ll share why press releases are your gateway to media attention, how to structure them effectively, and the key phrases that make your findings stand out—all while avoiding overblown claims. And once the media bites? We’ve got you covered. Whether it’s a live interview, radio spot, or a TV appearance, we’ll walk you through how to prepare, handle questions, and keep your nerves in check. Tune in for actionable advice that ensures you’re ready to shine when your research meets the spotlight.
In this episode, we dive into the concept of impact in research—what it is, why it’s crucial, and how you can plan for it even at the PhD stage. We explore how impact goes beyond simple dissemination or public engagement, aiming for real change in society, the economy, culture, policy, health, and beyond. Our conversation covers practical ways to identify beneficiaries and stakeholders, the significance of short-, medium-, and long-term impact planning, and the essential components of reach and significance in assessing impact. We discuss how early planning for impact can enhance both your academic career and industry prospects, guiding you to align your research with meaningful, measurable goals. Finally, we offer tips on preparing project bids with impact in mind and building valuable relationships that can help carry your research into the real world. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to take your research impact to the next level!
In this episode, we explore why a strong narrative is the backbone of a successful PhD. It’s not just about compiling studies or chapters; it’s about weaving them into a story that’s engaging and easy to follow. We discuss how to build a compelling pitch that answers essential questions and captivates your audience. You’ll also hear tips for refining your PhD story, from visualising your work with simple tools to structuring your thesis in a way that flows naturally. Finally, we share advice on embracing storytelling to enhance your research’s impact, making it memorable and meaningful. Tune in to discover how to transform your PhD journey into a narrative that resonates!
Get ready for the best season yet! Season 3 is almost here, and we’re taking your PhD journey to new heights. From building a standout PhD narrative to navigating tricky co-worker dynamics, this season is packed with insights that will help you create impactful research and get the recognition you deserve. Stay tuned for expert tips on balancing work and study, mastering the art of media attention, and much more. Launching late September/early October— we'll see you soon!
This week, hosts Arun and Julia share personal experiences and practical guidance on handling criticism effectively. They emphasize the universality of criticism and the need to recognize its emotional impact, advising listeners to step away and regain perspective when it stings. The episode provides insights on embracing feedback by considering the reviewer's perspective, depersonalizing criticism, and maintaining professionalism in responses. Additionally, Arun and Julia stress the importance of seeking feedback from trusted sources who have their best interests at heart, equipping listeners with valuable strategies for transforming criticism into a tool for personal and professional growth.
In Season 2 Episode 8, hosts Arun and Julia discuss the critical issue of plagiarism, shedding light on its various forms and offering valuable tips on how to avoid it. They emphasize that plagiarism involves taking someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as one's own. Arun and Julia caution against the serious consequences of plagiarism, citing examples of individuals who have faced academic and professional repercussions for this unethical practice. They highlight the importance of proper referencing, paraphrasing, and the use of multiple sources to avoid plagiarism. The hosts then delve into practical advice for avoiding plagiarism, focusing on mastering the art of paraphrasing. They share strategies such as using quotation marks and references when copying text for later paraphrasing and suggest speaking aloud to facilitate rephrasing. They stress the importance of seeking assistance from colleagues when needed. Arun provides a step-by-step guide to paraphrasing, emphasizing the need to change word order, form, and use synonyms while preserving the original meaning. They also discuss the importance of indicating direct quotes, maintaining author names and page numbers, and the judicious use of direct quotes. The episode goes on to stress the significance of using a range of sources to enrich one's academic work. Arun and Julia advocate for synthesizing ideas from various sources rather than merely listing them. They offer practical tools and techniques to expand one's source list and effectively manage references. The hosts also touch upon the ethical issue of self-plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of indicating previous dissemination of work. Lastly, they offer insights on plagiarism checkers, advising listeners to rely on their writing skills while cautioning against free services that may compromise data privacy. Links: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe-writing-centre/reference-effectively-avoid-plagiarism/paraphrasing and http://typeset.io
This is How to PhD, the show dedicated to sharing those key, practical skills for PhD success. Perhaps you‘ve just decided to embark on a PhD, or maybe you‘re a seasoned doctoral veteran about to face your viva. Whatever stage you‘re at, the PhD can be a huge challenge. But it can also be one of the most rewarding things you‘ll ever do and there are a few things we learned along the way that can help you. Join myself, Dr Arun Ulahannan and my co-host, Dr Julia Gauly, as we share everything we wish we had known before starting our PhDs!
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