Episodes

  • EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME

    EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 9: ON BORROWED TIME

    In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from July 2013, reflecting on my contract renewal struggles and the lack of job security in academia. I discuss the challenges faced with funding gaps, self-doubt, and networking. I also explore the impact of limited networking and self-perceived inadequacies. Ultimately, this episode highlights the broader issues in academic culture with limited funding, fixed-term contracts, and internal politics.

    00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

    03:17 Journal Entry: Meeting with the Boss

    05:50 Reflections on Job Security and Visibility

    07:01 The Broader Issues in Academia

    13:27 Personal Struggles and Mindset

    18:15 Cultural and Systemic Barriers

    20:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Lessons

    23:14 Outro

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

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  • EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW

    EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 8: YEAR 1 REVIEW

    In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read out a personal journal entry from December 2012—close to the end of my first year of my postdoc. I give a very harsh review of my own academic performance and share my attitudes to work and work-life balance. I also try to make some goals for the next year.

    It is pretty clear that I was brainwashed into the academic system, evidenced by the way I judge my achievements using academic metrics of success only. I discuss some really interesting points about how philosophy to work and work-life balance has evolved over 12 years. I also reflect on how my goal-making skills have improved significantly today.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] Introduction and welcome to a Postdoc's Journal

    [02:58] Journal entry from December 2012

    [04:29] My perspective on many things has changed so much

    [05:16] Underestimating my achievements

    [06:04] Judging my success on academia's value system

    [07:42] How my attitude to work and work-life balance has changed

    [11:33] How to make good goals

    [17:03] Outro

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

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  • EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

    EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

    In this episode of "A Postdocs Journal," we jump to the middle of October 2012, about two weeks after EPISODE 6. I discuss the challenges of changing research directions, my struggles with standing up to my boss, and the impact of past experiences (bullying, in particular) can have on professional life. Join me as I attempt to breakaway from the past by developing self-awareness and reframing past experiences.

    [00:00] Welcome to a Postdocs Journal

    [01:27] Reflecting on October 2012

    [02:26] Journal Entry: 18th October 2012

    [06:25] Analyzing the Journal Entry

    [09:45] Connecting Past Experiences

    [16:00] Was It Really Bullying?

    [18:50] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

    [19:26] Looking Ahead to December 2012

    [20:16] Closing Remarks and How to Support

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

    Next:

    EPISODE 8: YEAR IN REVIEW

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  • EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

    EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

    In this episode, we jump to October 2012—about nine months into my postdoc. In this journal entry, I am reviewing my year so far and I'm judging my progress (or lack of progress) quite harshly. It feels pretty sad to relive moments like this, but I do manage to find some words of wisdom in the end.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[03:00] - Reading[05:13] - Discussion[20:17] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

    The pressure to publish in academiaThe pressure to write grant applications in academiaProcrastination, fear, and perfectionismFeeling antisocial and lonely

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

    Next:

    EPISODE 7: FEELING BULLIED

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  • EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE

    EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 5: WORK LIFE IMBALANCE

    In this episode, we jump to May 2012—about three to four months into the postdoc. At this point things still weren't going well in the lab, but I seem to be doing OK with building a life outside of work.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[02:56] - Reading[05:55] - Discussion[07:03] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

    Introversion - is it a good thing or not?Should there be a better culture around sharing failure at work?Insecurity - is it bad or functional?The relationship between work, life, and happiness

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me & message me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

    Next:

    EPISODE 6: IT'S NOT ENOUGH

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  • EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

    EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

    Firstly, a MASSIVE thank you to my listeners for your support so far. I reflect a little bit about what I've learned so far from all of you.

    In this episode, we jump to the end of March 2012—about two months into my postdoc. At this point, things still aren't going well in the lab, but I learn the value of opening up to my boss about my problems. It's a very short entry this week, but we touch on some really important points.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[08:14] - Reading[09:48] - Discussion[16:54] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

     The importance of the employee-boss relationshipThe value of opening up about your feelings

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

    Next:

    EPISODE 5: WORK-LIFE IMBALANCE

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  • EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

    EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

    In this episode, we jump to the middle of March 2012—about six weeks into my 'new' postdoc. At this point, I had started working more in the lab. Nothing was working, and I thought it was all my fault. I started burning myself out and experiencing depressive symptoms. I had no energy left for building a social life, but I tried anywhere.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[02:22] - Reading[07:55] - Discussion[22:29] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

    DepressionNegative biasWider problems in academiaAnger

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn and/or BlueSky

    Next:

    EPISODE 4: MAYBE I'M NOT THE PROBLEM

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  • EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

    EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

    In this episode, we jump February 2012—about two weeks into my new postdoc. In this entry, I'm agonizing over whether to go to a conference or not, and I try to figure out my place in my new research group...and in Germany.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[02:53] - Reading[07:04] - Discussion[14:05] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

    Anxiety when joining a new groupInsecurity

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn

    Next episode:

    EPISODE 3: I BLAME MYSELF

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  • EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

    EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

    In this episode, we jump a cold, grey December day in 2011. This is the day after my postdoc job interview. Despite being offered the job on the spot, my confidence is not running high.,

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[02:47] - Reading[06:17] - Discussion[12:39] - Outro

    Key issues discussed:

    Negative internal narrativeImpostor syndromeMy identity as a scientistContending with failure

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Follow/message me on Instagram and/or LinkedIn

    Next:

    EPISODE 2: FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS

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  • EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION

    EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    EPISODE 0: INTRODUCTION

    In this episode, I will introduce explain what the podcast is, why I'm doing it, and who it is for. I will also introduce myself!

    Timestamps:

    [00:00] - Intro[01:00] - What is a Postdoc's Journal? [02:47] - Why am I doing this podcast?[05:02] - Who is this podcast for?[07:00] - Who is Simit Patel, PhD?[09:02] - What you can expect in the upcoming episodes

    For more information about the podcast and for my contact information, please visit https://a-postdocs-journal.captivate.fm/

    Intro music and sound effects taken from freesound.org.

    Please leave a review on Apple podcasts or Podchaser

    Next up: EPISODE 1: FEELING OUT OF MY DEPTH

  • Trailer: A Postdoc's Journal

    Trailer: A Postdoc's Journal

    · A Postdoc's Journal

    A trailer for my new podcast: A Postdoc's Journal. A podcast by Simit Patel, PhD.

    Each week, I will read out entries from my own personal journal from back when I was a postdoc. Then I reflect on it, analyze it, and try to make sense of it with the benefit of hindsight.

    Be sure to subscribe on your favourite podcast app, to catch the first episode dropping soon.