Dr. Catherine Cherrstrom shares her journey from a 27-year banking career to earning a PhD and joining the professoriate. She discusses her dissertation on midlife career transitions for women, the “expert–novice–expert” arc, and the practical strategies—mentorship, small daily writing habits, collaboration, and productivity techniques—that helped her succeed.

This episode offers encouragement and concrete advice for anyone considering or navigating a doctoral path: break large goals into steps, find supportive peers and mentors, and lean into the skills you already have.

In this episode, Dr. Devorah Lieberman discusses purpose-driven and principled leadership in higher education, the importance of mentoring and building diverse leadership teams, and the evolving challenges facing colleges today.

She offers practical advice for early-career academics, alternative approaches to admissions and student success like "Earn to Learn," and reflections on balancing professional impact with family and values-driven service.

This episode of The Educator's Lens follows Dr. Olaby reflecting on how a Harvard Graduate School of Education course reshaped her views on admissions, evaluation, and teaching. Key ideas include Kahn’s critique of democratic inequality, Freire’s problem-posing alternative to the banking model, and Yosso’s community cultural wealth.

She describes concrete changes she made revising participation criteria, expanding access to mentorship, using pulse check-ins and peer circles, and introducing the H-U-M-A-N framework (Honor lived experience, Understand context, Motivate meaning, Adapt feedback, Nurture growth), to support first-generation and working-class students in technical fields.

The episode closes with a call for equity audits and policy redesign to lift standards in ways that recognize students’ assets, foster belonging, and dismantle hidden hierarchies in higher education.

In this episode of Dr. Podcast, we have the honor of hosting Dr. Kimberly Long, a distinguished nursing leader, educator, researcher, and passionate mentor. Dr. Long shares her inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges as a teen parent to becoming a leader in the field of nursing. Through her experiences, she sheds light on the importance of mentorship, the unique contributions of nurses, and her approach to fostering innovation and compassion in healthcare. This episode is a beacon of motivation for anyone in the healthcare field and beyond.

In this enlightening episode of Doctor Podcast, join us as we delve into the world of systems engineering with the esteemed Dr. Mo Huss. Explore the intriguing journey from industrial engineering to systems engineering, navigating through the challenges and opportunities in both the oil and gas industry and technology consulting. Discover how Dr. Huss managed to juggle the demands of rigorous research while working full-time, highlighting the importance of alignment between passions and career goals.

Gain insights into the essential qualities that doctoral programs instill in engineers, and learn about the emerging technologies that are set to reshape information technology systems. Whether you are contemplating a Ph.D. or looking to transition from technical roles to consulting, this episode offers invaluable advice on mentorship, bridging academia and industry, and the ever-vital role of lifelong learning in engineering.

In this captivating episode of Dr. Podcast, join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Johnny Nguyen, a recent PhD graduate who's here to share his story. Listen in as Dr. Nguyen discusses his shift from wanting to be a physician to pursuing a PhD in microbiology, driven by a newfound passion for teaching. Dive into the challenges he faced, the strategies he adopted to overcome self-doubt, and the pivotal moments that defined his academic path.

Discover the importance of mentorship and collaboration as Dr. Nguyen reflects on how these relationships played a crucial role in his doctoral success. He also shares invaluable advice for those considering a PhD, highlighting the significance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a community. With engaging anecdotes and meaningful insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of academia and the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Dr. Podcast as we dive into the world of academia with Dr. Jill Dalman, a remarkable individual who turned her passion for writing into a distinguished career. Discover how Dr. Dalman navigated the complexities of a PhD journey while balancing teaching and personal responsibilities.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Dalman shares her personal struggles and triumphs, including overcoming imposter syndrome and learning to embrace endless curiosity. Gain valuable insights into the power of mentorship, teamwork, and a growth mindset in academia.

Whether you're contemplating a doctoral journey or simply wish to be inspired by an academic pioneer, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom on self-belief, purpose, and perseverance.

Welcome to the Doctor podcast, where we dive into the stories behind the doctorate journeys. We're two PhDs, best friends, and professors with a shared passion for uncovering the real journey behind earning a doctorate. We're here to shine a light on the grit, the grind, and yes, the glory of pursuing those two letters. Doctor.

New episodes will drop every single week. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and let's discover the journey behind the degree together. Because every doctorate holder has a story and we're here to share it.