Self-Compassionate Professor

Drawing on the work of Dr. Adriana Cavarero and other ethics philosophers, Eric argues that humans exist to support one another. He discusses the necessity of human connection and how we, as "unique unrepeatable" humans, are called into being by the unique unrepeatable conversations we have with others in unique unrepeatable moments. Within the context of finding post-ac work, we discuss the importance of connecting to others through informational interviews where in an interview, the interviewee hears their own story reflected through the interviewer and vice-versa. And when the interaction is treated as unique and unrepeatable, we open the door for greater authenticity and thus connection. And in this way, Eric explains, we find our own anchor and our own value.  

Dr. Laura Froyen discusses a powerful moment where she was flooded with compassion for herself and in that moment, she realized leaving academia would be in her family's and her own best interests. She talks also about her life purpose: helping families to make respectful parenting decisions and the critical need for children to learn how to make healthy and productive life choices. Laura offers fantastic advice about creating stronger boundaries and finding a more balanced life.

Dr. Jake Livengood speaks about the importance of preparing for uncertainty in the career/job-search journey. He makes a convincing case for career transitioners and job seekers to develop a "yes and" mindset--a mindset grounded in improv theatre where one accepts uncertainty and play; and in the process, finds foundational elements of career wellness and resilience: self-compassion, presence, and letting go of control. This episode will help listeners to ease up on self-pressure and show up more fully in their careers and lives.   

Dr. John Southard describes his difficult transition out of academia and into the business world and offers advice to others in similar situations. He discusses how he found the strength to move through the "academia hangover" he experienced, the challenges of hitting rock bottom financially, how he began his career transition journey by networking, and how he discovered that his research prepared him well for his new role in business. For PhD candidates, John emphasizes the importance of having a back-up career plan, the necessity of coming to grips with your financial reality, and the power (and drudgery) of networking. Find him on LinkedIn. 

Dr. Megan O'Rourke describes her unique career journey out of academia immediately after earning her PhD, her path back into academia as a tenure-track faculty member, and her decision to leave again after earning tenure. In this episode, she describes her experiences on the tenure-track, what it felt like to earn tenure, and her decision to finally take a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she now works. She advises other academics who want to leave academia to "not insulate and isolate" with other academics. Seek advice from not just those in academia, she says, but also those who are satisfied with their non-academic careers.

Dr. Tracy Costello tells the story of waking up one morning and realizing she no longer wanted to be an academic. Particularly astute at networking, Tracy went on to find new opportunities, explaining that networking is simply relationship building. She also talks about how "altac" is both an inaccurate and derogatory term, the importance of trying on new career identities, as well as her current work as a postdoc career coach and trainer. 

Dr. Chris Cornthwaite discusses the importance of writing your own story so that you can find the thread that runs through your life and begin to create a career vision that is authentic to your interests and passions--a vision that is bigger than the academic dream you once had. He also talks about how his mantra, "I'm f*cking unstoppable," helps him to overcome self-doubt as well as the importance of recognizing, building, and unbuilding rituals in our lives. In this conversation, Chris and I also geek out on the personal development work of Brene Brown, Tony Robbins, Martha Beck, and Oprah among others, discussing how important that stuff has been to our own development and transformation.

In this episode, Dr. Margie Serrato talks about the thread running through her life and career. She describes being motivated by self-analysis from the time she chose her double major in psychology and anthropology as a college student; to the dissertation topic she chose in graduate school; to her discovery of the professional world of coaching. She also describes the extremely positive impact such self-analysis and self-knowing can have on people's lives, offering questions listeners might ask themselves in order to clarify their own paths.

In this episode, Dr. Melanie Peffer gives us permission to "go for it" and do the things that feel exciting, interesting, and fun. She explains the numerous career opportunities she has encountered since leaving her tenure-track job as well as her emerging interests in industry, coaching, consulting, and even authoring children's books. Melanie is honest about the fears she experienced when she decided to leave the tenure track, but the lightness, hopefulness, and ease with which she seems to go about her work and personal life today demonstrates she made a good decision.

In this episode, Dr. Ashley Wellman gets REAL, sharing her story about the difficult and often dark ways her academic career has punctuated her personal life. After losing her husband suddenly though, Ashley found that creative writing helped her process her grief. And through this process, as she gained strength and realized her own worth, she also found herself closing the door on her academic career. Despite the heavy career and life challenges she describes in this interview, Ashley leaves listeners feeling inspired, empowered, and hopeful. She tells us that we, if we desire, get to redefine who we are.