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The Struggling Scientists

The Struggling Scientists

Suzanne and Jayron 93 Episodes May 25, 2026

The Struggling Scientists Podcast is a show by and for scientists, aspiring scientists, and science enthusiasts. It aims to bring back the fun in science by discussing the scientific field and the people behind it. The hosts talk about the challenges and joys of science, helping listeners reconnect with their passion.

Episodes

Why You Struggle to Do Deep Work During Your PhD and how to fix your focus May 25, 2026 1050 Learn how to apply the core ideas from Deep Work by Cal Newport to your life as a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher.In this episode, we break down what Deep Work actually is, why shallow work can take over your best energy, and how to use the four Deep Work methods: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic.If you want to protect more focused time for writing, reading, analysis,
The Worst AI Mistakes in Published Research May 7, 2026 496 AI is already being used in academic research, and some of it is going very wrong.In this video, we break down real cases where the misuse of AI led to serious problems in published scientific papers. This includes fake references, copy pasted AI text, and completely incorrect AI generated figures that somehow made it through peer review.From a hospital librarian discovering that most references i
Questions That Destroyed Years of Research (Academia Stories) Apr 23, 2026 1045 Academia can go wrong… very quickly.In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real stories from researchers where a single question at a conference, lab meeting, or thesis defense completely changed — or even destroyed — someone’s research.From missing control variables… to flawed assumptions… to realizing your entire project might not be based on the right idea — these are the kinds of moments
Episode 87: How to Actually Focus During Your PhD (Without Burning Out) Apr 2, 2026 598 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.------------------
Episode 86: What a Dutch PhD Defense is Actually Like Mar 20, 2026 572 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 beh
Episode 85: Academia Stories That Are Almost Too Awkward to Be Real Mar 5, 2026 1530 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/-----------------------------------------------
Episode 84: 7 Tips to nail your PhD interview with a future supervisor! Feb 18, 2026 769 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
Episode 83: PhD's Worst Fears: How to Avoid These Grad School Disasters Oct 22, 2024 2295 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
PhD's Toolkit Series: Scite AI, Your Personal Research Assistant? Oct 7, 2024 1196 In this episode of the PhD's Toolkit series, we put Scite AI to the test! Join us as we review this AI-powered research assistant and evaluate its features for PhD students and researchers. From smart citations to personalized dashboards, we break down how Scite AI can streamline your literature search and improve your research workflow. Is it really as good as it sounds? Tune in to find out o
Episode 82: Managing Procrastination in an Academic World, With Kate Ahl Sep 23, 2024 2484 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&#
PhD’s Toolkit! Vizly, Data Analysis by AI — A Complete Review Sep 9, 2024 1228 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
Episode 81: PhD Unions, A New Era in Academic Labor Rights Aug 26, 2024 1488 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.W

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