
The Struggling Scientists
Welcome everyone to the Struggling Scientists Podcast. This is a podcast by Scientists, for Scientists. But also for aspiring Scientists, anyone science adjacent, and perhaps even hobbyists. Together we will be trying to bring back the fun in science. We all know the scientific field can be difficult and hard at times and it is easy to lose sight of our passion and enthusiasm. In this podcast, we will talk about Science and the people behind Science. Website: www.thestrugglingscientists.com
Latest episodes

Oct 16, 2023 • 37min
Episode 66: Nobel Prizes 2023, Celebrating Science's Finest Hour!
On this episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast, hosts Suzanne and Jayron dive deep into the prestigious world of the Nobel Prizes. From the emotional impact of receiving such an esteemed award to the collaborative efforts behind groundbreaking scientific discoveries, they explore the highs and lows of the Nobel Prize experience. Join them as they discuss the winners, their research topics, and other fascinating science that emerged this year. Get ready to be inspired by the stories that unfold and gain a comprehensive understanding of the Nobel Prizes of 2023. Whether you're a scientist seeking insights or simply curious about the world of groundbreaking research, this episode has everything you need to know about the Nobel Prizes.Tune in and join Suzanne and Jayron as they go through the Nobel Prize announcements of 2023.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Oct 2, 2023 • 25min
Episode 65: The Hidden Costs Of Doing A PhD
In this 65th episode of The Struggling Scientists podcast, Suzanne and Jayron delve into the hidden costs of pursuing a PhD. They asked their audience about the drawbacks that are not immediately apparent when starting a doctoral program. The responses flooded in, covering financial concerns, strained relationships, mental health struggles, work-life balance challenges, and missed personal milestones. From the surprise of not saving for retirement to the toll on friendships and the heartache of being away from family, this episode sheds light on the often overlooked hardships faced by PhD students. Tune in to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about pursuing a PhD.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sep 18, 2023 • 28min
Episode 64: Laugh, Learn, and Ig Nobel: The Weirdest Science Awards
Welcome to the 64th episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast! In this exciting edition, we dive into the hilarious and thought-provoking world of the Ignoble Prizes. Prepare to be entertained as we explore the winners in categories like Chemistry and Geology, Literature, and Mechanical Engineering. From the bizarre science of rock-licking to the peculiar phenomenon of jamais vu, we uncover the intriguing stories behind these unconventional research topics. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they delve into the lighter side of science and celebrate the whimsical achievements that make us laugh and think. Get ready for a dose of scientific fun on The Struggling Scientists Podcast!If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sep 4, 2023 • 35min
Episode 63: Demystifying the Tenure Track with Prof. Emmanuel Tsekleves
Prof. Emmanuel Tsekleves shares invaluable insights on navigating the tenure track process in academia. From the application process to standing out in job applications and strategies for success in academia, Prof. Tsekleves offers insider knowledge and advice. He also discusses the importance of building connections, establishing a niche focus, and handling challenges faced by early career academics.

Aug 21, 2023 • 37min
Episode 62: Academic Burnouts: When The Struggle Becomes Too Much
In this episode of The Struggling Scientists, we delve deep into the pervasive issue of burnout. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they sit down with guest Cevdet Acarsoy, a psychologist and PhD student, to discuss the impact of burnout on productivity, motivation, and mental health in the academic world. Uncover the vicious circle of exhaustion, procrastination, and anxiety, and learn how to detect the early signs of burnout before it reaches a breaking point. Discover the unique challenges faced by academics and gain insights into effective strategies for preventing and managing burnout. Tune in and navigate the path towards a healthier, more sustainable work-life balance.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Aug 7, 2023 • 24min
Episode 61: Inhaling the Truth, Delving Into The Science Behind Air Pollution
In this episode of The Struggling Scientists, we dive deep into the world of air pollution, uncovering its lesser-known effects and surprising sources. Join us as we explore the intricate relationship between air pollution and human health, shedding light on the toxic vs. non-toxic substances that fill our atmosphere. Our special guest, David Gonzalez, a postdoctoral scholar at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, shares his expertise in atmospheric chemistry and air pollution toxicology. We'll also discuss the alarming statistics that connect air pollution to millions of premature deaths worldwide. So grab your headphones and get ready to discover the hidden truths about the air we breathe on this eye-opening journey.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 24, 2023 • 31min
Episode 60: The Power of PhD Internships With Dr. Kristina Ulicna
Are you a struggling PhD student looking for ways to enhance your research skills and boost your career prospects? Well, you're in luck! In this episode of "The Struggling Scientists," our hosts Suzanne and Jayron, along with special guest dr Kristina Ulicna, dive deep into the world of PhD internships. They discuss the importance of internships for PhD students, the benefits of stepping out of your comfort zone, and how internships can provide a valuable break from the intense workload of a PhD. Get ready to learn about the real-world experiences of PhD interns and discover valuable tips for finding and navigating internships. Tune in now!If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jul 10, 2023 • 24min
Episode 59: From Perfect to Progress, Embracing Imperfection on Your Scientific Journey with Kate Ahl
Are you tired of constantly striving for perfection? In today's episode of "The Struggling Scientists," hosts Suzanne and Jayron tackle the topic of perfectionism and its detrimental effects on one's scientific journey. They are joined by an insightful guest, Kate Ahl, a renowned psychotherapist specializing in working with academics, scientists, and knowledge workers. Together, they delve into the dark side of perfectionism, from its contribution to procrastination and impostor syndrome to its impact on progress and mental well-being. Tune in as they uncover the hidden dangers of unexamined perfectionism within universities and knowledge industries and offer practical strategies to overcome this pervasive mindset. Get ready to embrace imperfection and unlock your true potential.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Keywords: perfectionism, drawbacks, procrastination, impostor syndrome, lack of progress, universities, dysfunction, bullying, consequences, compassion, mistakes, emotional response, mindfulness, internally motivated, academic work, smart people, progress, phd, scientists, academiaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 26, 2023 • 21min
Episode 58 The Final Battle: Navigating a Dutch PhD Defense
In this episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast, Jayron shares his experience defending his PhD in the Netherlands. Topics include preparation strategies, unexpected questions, and overcoming self-doubt. We hope our listeners can gain some insights that help them with their own PhDs!If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jun 12, 2023 • 38min
Episode 57: Bridging the Gap: Transforming Your PhD Thesis into an Engaging Magazine with dr. Liza Cornet
In this episode, we interview Liza Cornet, an expert in making PhD theses more approachable for a broad audience. We discuss her fun and innovative magazine, which translates theses into engaging stories, and offer tips for PhD students looking to communicate their research. We also talk about the challenges of striking a balance between simplifying research and keeping its message intact. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in science communication.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy