The PhD Life Raft Podcast

This episode isn't the usual interview but a little gift of a few minutes to pause and reflect on your PhD journey. In this episode, I invite you to: Let go of the kind of PhD reflection that focuses on lack, productivity metrics, and/or self-criticism Explore reflection as a foundational practice for the development of the PhD I share three questions, designed to support you wherever you are in your research What did this year ask of you? Where did your curiosity show up? What kind of relationship do you want with your research in the coming months? This episode may be particularly useful if you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, stuck or even bored with your PhD! If you'd like to take this further you're very welcome to join the 2026 PhD Life Raft Plan-a-thon, running 5th–9th January. This five-day programme offers: Daily live sessions (8–9am GMT) with replays Guided meditations Reflective prompts and a workbook Community hub It's designed to help you reflect, reset, and plan in a calm, supportive, and neuroinclusive way.   You can find full details and registration here: https://emmab.kartra.com/page/plan-a-thon Wishing you the very best of the season!  See you in 2026!   Emma x

Natasha Joyce is a historian, researcher, and PhD candidate at La Trobe University in Bendigo. Her research focuses on accidental childhood fatalities during Victoria's gold rush era. Known as the 'Victorian Historian', she enjoys sharing her expertise with the public through storytelling and expert commentary. Natasha has appeared on national television shows, such as Who Do You Think You Are. With 25 years of experience in labour relations and capacity building, she integrates her historical knowledge with a dedication to public advocacy and volunteers for several local community groups.   In this episode we reflect on the question that many people struggle with -  "when is it the right time to start a PhD?"   Tash reflects on her own journey into the PhD.  She talks about balancing doctoral studies with other life responsibilities.  She also identifies the benefits of being a mature PhD candidate.   Tash shares advice about managing academic challenges and personal health issues.   We explore the importance of having the right support system - including tea and biscuits!   We conclude with considering the real life benefits of the PhD.   You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for 'Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft  

In this episode we explore the value of being brave and passionate in research.    Cilla shares her own journey into research leadership and identifies the most important research skills to develop.     We consider strategies for building research collaborations and Cilla shares advice on how to maintain authenticity while navigating the ideas of others.   You can find out more about Cilla's work here:   NIHR ARC South London Applied Research Leadership Academy | ARC South London   https://arc-sl.nihr.ac.uk/events-training/events-training/nihr-arc-south-london-applied-research-leadership-academy-0   Kingston University launches academy to support academics and PhD students to become research leaders - News - Kingston University London https://www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/2647/18-mar-2022-kingston-university-launches-academy-to-support-academics-and-phd-students-to-become-research-leaders/   Researcher Development Concordat – Platform of Practice (vitae.ac.uk) You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com     If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for 'Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Cynthia Fasola is doctoral candidate at the University of Greenwich with a background as a research manager.  Her Phd explores feedback practices and the barriers that people from ethnic minority backgrounds face within academia.   In this episode we talk about building confidence and strong foundations in the PhD process.   Cynthia shares advice on navigating the PhD application process.     She reflects on the significance of the supervisory relationship and the importance of finding the right person for you!   Cynthia also touches on the importance on reflecting on your own motivations and challenges in order that you can put the right support in place. You can connect with Cynthia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-fasola You can read a transcript of the episode here: thephdliferaft.com    If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for 'Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft    

Kay Danes is an award-winning author, human rights advocate and humanitarian.    In this episode Kay shares the transformative experience of reshaping her PhD research and provides insights for other PhD candidates facing similar obstacles.   Kay posits the importance of recognising challenges as part of the academic process.     She reflects on her own major shift of both subject and department within her doctoral study.     Kay also offers a useful perspective on how to approach feedback and stay focused on your research goals. You can find out more about Kay here: https://www.kaydanes.com/ You can read the transcript of this episode here: thephdliferaft.com       If you would like a useful weekly email to support you on your PhD journey you can sign up for 'Notes     from the Life Raft' here:  https://mailchi.mp/f2dce91955c6/notes-from-the-life-raft