The Struggling Scientists

Most PhD students don’t struggle with focus because they’re lazy.They struggle because their attention is constantly being pulled in ten different directions.In this episode, we break down a simple framework to help you actually focus again — without burning out or relying on motivation.If you’ve been feeling scattered, stuck, or mentally drained, this will help you lock back in.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎓 About our channelWe are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier.If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We’ve created a free AI prompt to help you apply the LOCK framework to your own PhD:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/lock-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why You Can’t Focus01:30 The LOCK Framework02:21 Limit the Horizon04:00 Output Over Effort05:32 Cut Decisions07:18 Know What You’re Avoiding09:13 How to Lock InAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did you know that in the Netherlands, by the time you defend your PhD… you’ve already passed?Unlike in many other countries, the Dutch PhD defense is usually not the final exam that determines whether you get your degree. Your thesis has already been approved, failing is extremely rare, and the defense itself feels more like a formal and historic ceremony than an exam.In this video, I take you behind the scenes of my own Dutch PhD defense, exactly one year after it happened. I explain:Why the Dutch system is so differentWhat “Hora Est” meansWhy you have to defend in DutchThe historic role of paranymphsWhat the 45 minutes of questioning are really likeAnd how it felt to finally become DoctorIf you’re working toward your own PhD defense, curious about academic traditions in different countries, or simply wondering what a Dutch PhD ceremony looks like, this video is for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎓 About our channelWe are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier.If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS00:00 You’ve Already Passed? (How the Dutch System Works)01:08 Strict PhD Requirements in the Netherlands04:08 What Defense Day Actually Looks Like05:19 Historic Traditions, Dutch Language & Paranymphs06:43 The 45 Minutes of Questioning07:32 Hora Est & Becoming Doctor08:40 One Year Later Reflection---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Academia can get weird fast. In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real Reddit stories about awkward academic interviews, PhD supervisor dilemmas, and thesis mistakes that every researcher will recognize.Would you like your story to be (anonymously) featured in a future episode?Submit your story here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/stories/-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS00:00 Welcome to Academic Tea00:30 AI interview disaster06:40 AI tools mention07:25 PhD supervisor red flag?20:50 Thesis mistakes after submission25:10 Final thoughts---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Topics covered in this video:PhD life, academic interviews, PhD supervision, academia struggles, Reddit stories, research life, thesis writing mistakes, graduate school experiences.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Got a PhD interview coming up?This isn’t just another job interview, it’s the start of a 4+ year research partnership. In this video, we share 7 essential PhD interview tips that most applicants overlook. From your first email to the toughest interview questions.If you want to stand out, impress your future supervisor, and feel confident walking into your graduate school interview, this is for you.🎓 Your PhD acceptance starts before you step into the room.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS0:00 - Introduction: Why PhD Interviews Are Different1:06 - The First Impression Most Applicants Get Wrong5:45 - What You Must Know Before You Walk In6:27 - The Question You Will Be Asked7:20 - Don’t Forget This Crucial Step9:37 - The Trait Supervisors Secretly Look For10:19 - The Mistake That Can Cost You the Position11:23 - How to Answer Like a Future Scientist12:21 - Final Advice & Good LuckAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this special Halloween episode, we dive into the scariest real-life PhD horror stories submitted by our listeners. From crashed software hours before a big deadline to lab disasters and terrifyingly toxic supervisors, these tales of PhD struggles will leave you on the edge of your seat. We’ll share our thoughts and advice on how to navigate these grad school nightmares—so you don’t have to face them alone. Tune in to hear the stories, the fears, and, most importantly, how to avoid these grad school disasters!Will you survive the PhD horror? Find out now!🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: Twitter: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive into the features of Scite AI, the AI research assistant designed for PhD students! Discover smart citations that provide context and personalized dashboards that simplify your workflow. Learn how it enhances literature searches and tracks research progress. With a handy Zotero plugin included, it’s a tool aimed at researchers of all levels. Hear an honest review that gives it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Is it the game-changer you need in your academic journey? Tune in to find out!

Struggling to stay productive and meet deadlines in your academic life? In this episode, we dive into the common challenge of procrastination with expert insights from a psychotherapist specializing in helping academics. Learn why procrastination isn't just about laziness and discover practical strategies to overcome it, boost your productivity, and improve your mental well-being.Whether you're a PhD student, researcher, or just curious about the psychology behind procrastination, this episode has something for you! Tune in to reclaim your focus and get back on track.Also, check out our sponsor for this episode at: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/paperpileGET 20% OFF a 1-year Paperpile personal subscription with coupon code Scientists20(valid for 3 months from the date of this episode)📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕00:00:00 Introduction to Episode00:01:06 Introduction to Kate00:02:17 Defining Procrastination in Academia00:05:29 Why PhD Students Struggle with Writing00:07:52 Different Types of Procrastination00:11:08 How Procrastination Affects Mental Health00:15:14 Can Procrastination Be Beneficial?00:18:47 Practical Strategies to Overcome Procrastination00:24:45 Tools to Manage Procrastination00:31:10 Final Advice on Managing Procrastination🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: Twitter: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Curious about how AI can simplify your research?In this episode of PhD's Toolkit, we dive deep into Vizly, the AI-powered data analysis tool that promises to make coding a thing of the past. Join us for a full review, where we break down its functions, ease of use, pricing, and impact for researchers.Whether you’re struggling with data or just want to speed up your workflow, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Try Vizly for yourself and get 20% discount at checkout using our link👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/vizly⏰ TIME STAMPS0:00 - Introduction to The Toolkit0:19 - Vizly AI Tour Begins2:03 - Data Security in Vizly2:52 - Diving into Vizly’s Functions6:08 - Real-World Example: RNA-Seq Data Analysis11:40 - Ease of Use Breakdown13:33 - Vizly Pricing Plans Explained15:00 - 20% Discount Code15:33 - Vizly’s Significance for Researchers17:00 - Final Rating and Ranking🤩Subscribe to stay up to date with new episodes:https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🔴Check out our Webshop 🛍️https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 for academics by subscribing to our newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: 🦉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheStrugglingS4 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/👇Interested in Sponsoring The Struggling Scientists? Then here is the info you need https://www.thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Struggling Scientist, we're diving into a powerful movement that's reshaping academia—PhD unionization. As more students band together to fight for fair wages and better working conditions, they're not just making waves—they're sparking a new era in academic labor rights. Join us as we share the stories, struggles, and successes behind this growing movement.Why You Should Tune In:🎓 Find out what’s driving PhD students to come together and demand change in their universities.🏆 Hear about the real victories these unions have won, from better pay to crucial support for international students.🎤 Listen to the personal experiences of those who’ve been on the front lines of this movement.💪 Learn about the challenges these unions faced and how they pushed through to make a difference.🔮 Discover what the future holds for PhD unions and how their efforts could inspire change across academia.📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕00:00:00 Introduction to Episode00:01:06 Introduction to Stephanie and Andrew00:02:17 How Did You Get Involved in PhD Unionization?00:05:17 What’s the History Behind PhD Unions?00:09:00 How Do You Set Up a PhD Union?00:11:32 What Would You Like to Achieve Through Negotiations?00:13:33 What Concessions Were Made and What’s Next?00:17:10 How Did You Successfully Bargain with the University?00:19:27 Do PhD Unions Impact Other Academic Roles?00:21:06 What Are the Next Steps for the Union?00:23:31 Closing Remarks and Where to Learn More🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: Twitter: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us for an exciting chat with Professor Giles Yeo, the geneticist who made a splash on Channel 4 and the BBC! In this episode, Giles shares his journey from lab research to TV fame, and how he became a leading voice in nutrition and obesity science. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and tips on balancing science with media.Learn more about:- The thrill of making science documentaries- The secrets to effective science communication- And the realities of combining media with academia.Don't miss this fun and informative episode with the brilliant Giles Yeo! 🌟📺🔬📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕00:00:00 Introduction Episode00:00:32 Introduction to Giles Yeo00:01:21 Switch to Science Communication00:02:34 First TV Appearance00:05:59 Writing His First Book00:07:04 First Science Documentary00:07:36 Shift During COVID-1900:09:30 Personal Challenges in Academia00:11:06 Rewards of Science Communication00:13:36 Making Science Communication Easier for Scientists00:14:18 Advice for Early Career Researchers------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔗 Try Jenni AI: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/jenni🤯: Save 20% with the code "SCIENCE20"🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: Twitter: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy