Self care is important but we can't do it all on our own. This episode of the Grad Girl Wellness podcast features, Dra. Yvette Martínez-Vu, a first generation, Chicana, mother scholar and academic coach. She shares how her experiences as a graduate student inspired her to be a resource for first generation students of color as they navigate the graduate school application process and beyond! On this episode you'll hear:The importance of finding the right type of mentor for youTips on how to find a femtorInsight on Dra. Yvette's forthcoming co-authored book "The Grad School Femtoring Guide"To learn more about Grad School Femtoring visit www.gradschoolfemtoring.com, @gradschoolfemtoring (IG & Facebook), @gradfemtoring (Twitter)

On this special Wellness Reset edition of the Grad Girl Wellness podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois who will be a featured panelist and the yoga instructor for the retreat happening October 8 at 12 pm EST. Dr. Bourgeois is a "Pandemic PhD" who earned her doctorate in Administration of Justice in 2021. She is currently a professor, postdoctoral fellow and yoga instructor. Through her work with Pages & Poses LLC., she melds her passions for wellness and supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. On this episode we discuss:The parallels between a wellness and academic journeyThe difference between being a PhD student and a postdocGaining real-world experience prior to pursuing a PhDTo find out more about Dr. Bourgeois you can follow her on Instagram @jennwith2ns_yogi and on her website www.pagesandposes.com

What happens when dissertation writing and romance collide? On this episode of the Grad Girl Wellness podcast, we continue our conversation about romantic relationships. Wynta, our featured guest, is currently a first year PhD student in clinical psychology but has been known to wear many hats as a researcher, lecturer and, stress coach. Some key points she shares about relationships as a grad student include:Time management while in a relationshipCo-habitation and working from home during the pandemicThe emotional impact of a breakup while trying to finish your degreeWynta's transparency on this episode is truly invaluable for anyone listening no matter their relationship status. Feel free to give her a follow on Instagram at @wyntaworthwhile

Love is in the air. On this episode, we talk to Dr. Christina, a recently minted PhD in American studies. She shares her reflections and authentic advice on what it's like to date while in graduate school. Some of the topics we cover include:identifying the place of romantic relationships in our life and how the prioritization of relationships changes throughout grad schoolthe pros and cons of dating someone who is also a studentthe importance of therapy in helping you to conceptualize how to date and why you approach dating the way you dogrieving while also attending to academic commitments All in all, this episode is a reminder for folks to seriously consider therapy as a way to help you make sense of your dating approach. Dr. Christina suggests the directory provided by therapyforblackgirls.com to help you find a provider.To stay connected, you can find Dr. Christina at csessoms3 on Instagram and Christina Sessoms on Linked In

Add this to your book list! Danielle, a Second year PhD Student in Microbiology and Immunology, created an interactive mindfulness journal for students! The Mindful PhD journal was reviewed by licensed therapists, and is filled with reflective prompts, peer reviewed literature, meditations, quotes, and affirmations.On the show, Danielle talks about how her postbacc prepared her for prioritizing wellness during the PhD, and why she is inspired to change the culture of academia by prioritizing wellness on a structural level. She goes in depth on:the importance of 'grad'itudehow to practice micro moments of mindfulnesshow to use the journal throughout grad schoolThe Mindful PhD journal was birthed from a desire to help students develop: 1) their “why” and 2) a wellness toolkit. In spite of the name, the journal can be useful for not just PhD students but also those in Master’s and professional programs. To purchase the journal for only $24, go to www.infinitegraditude.com. You can find out more about Danielle at dani.renee_(instagram) and dani_renee_ (Twitter).

In a recent Instagram poll of the GGW community, 93% of 120 respondents shared that their health had been negatively impacted while in grad school. This was prompted by a highly popular post by @becomingadoctora, a soon to be PhD in school psychology who developed a number of physical health issues including migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome all while pursuing graduate studies. On this episode we discuss: The interconnection between physical and mental healthGoing to therapyBeing mindful of reoccurring symptoms Changing your mindset around what you have time forHow to crate healthy habits throughout the duration of grad school In short, this episode is a PSA to schedule your doctor appointments the same way that you schedule school assignments.#gradlife #phdlife #phd #phdstudent #gradschoolstudent #gradschool #phd #graduateschool #phdlife #gradstudent #phdstudent #gradschoollife #gradschoolproblems #graduatestudent #academiclife #phdjourney #thesis #gradlife #doctorate #masters #mastersdegree #academia #phdproblems #doctoralstudent #gradgirlwellness #collegepodcast #gradschoolpodcast #podcast ⁠#dissertationlife #dissertation #dissertationproblems #thesiswriting #thesiswritinginprogress

This episode is a long awaited response to the top 5 questions I received about writing a dissertation. After this very long 2 year process, I can finally take a step back to talk about the highs and lows of dissertation writing. The reflections I share are also applicable to folks working on a thesis or a capstone. On this episode, I cover the following questions with one bonus!What was my writing process? What is a realistic timeline?What setbacks did you encounter?How can a first year student prepare themselves for the dissertation writing experience?What are the things that no one warned you about? Also, be on the look out for upcoming information about this year’s 30 miles in 30 day challenge. This year will be even better with prizes, a private community and even an in person meet up!

On this episode, we talk with Cydnee aka @naturallyclarke, a third year doctoral candidate in Global Leadership and Change, about grief in graduate school. This is a topic many of us have experienced but for which there is little data. While there are studies about the experiences of undergraduates, there is scarce information about graduate students as a whole and even less about underrepresented groups within the grad student population.On this episode, we discuss: -What we want from institutions-What we can do as graduate students to support one another.  -Tips on how to advocate for yourself to your institutionsFurther reading:Varga, MA. A Quantitative Study of Graduate Student Grief Experiences. Illness, Crisis & Loss. 2016;24(3):170-186. Varga Mary Alice, Bordere TC, Varga MD. The Holistic Grief Effects of Bereaved Black Female College Students. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying. December 2020. Varga, MA.; McClam, T.; Hassane, S. Grief Experiences Among Female American and Arab Undergraduate College Students. Omega: Journal of Death & Dying, [s. l.], v. 72, n. 2, p. 165–183, 2015.

Have you been thinking about how to revamp your wardrobe for the new year? If so, this episode with Tiffany, a recent PhD in Education and the founder of Policy and Fashion, is just right for you!On this episode we cover:The importance of image as a student and instructorShopping basics while on a grad student budgetHow to determine your individual styleHead over to policy and fashion to download Tiffany's 'Wardrobe Checklist'. She will soon be offering style consultations, so reach out to ensure that your headshots, graduation photos, etc. represent you properly.Contact:IG: PolicyandfashionWebsite: www.policyandfashion.comEmail: [email protected]

Need to change your approach to writing? On this latest installment of the Grad Girl Wellness podcast, we sit down with the founder and owner of The Dissertation Coach, Dr. Alison Miller, along with a fellow dissertation consultant, Dr. Rowena Robles to talk about sustainable productivity in the lives of grad students.Writing long texts can feel like being in a constant state of uncertainty, which is why Alison and Rowena use the concept of sustainable productivity to help us sooth our nervous systems and produce work that we can truly honor. Listen to this if you want to learn more about:4 step process of sustainable productivityThe role of faith in writingHow to break down the dissertation into manageable tasksDoing this alone can be daunting, which is why The Academic Writers' Space (TAWS) exists. TAWS is a virtual co-working community based on kindness and accountability. The first week is free! Find out more about the Dissertation Coach and TAWS at www.thedissertationcoach.com