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A Postdoc's Journal

A Postdoc's Journal

Written by: Simit Patel
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About this listen

 A Postdoc’s Journal is a personal and reflective podcast offering a candid look at the emotional journey I went through navigating life as a postdoctoral research scientist. Hosted by me (Simit Patel, PhD - www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab), a former academic who spent years journalling through the highs and lows of my postdoc. Each episode delves into real journal entries from that time in my life, followed by reflections on mental health, academia, and life beyond the lab. Whether you’re a current postdoc, an aspiring academic, or someone recovering from the rigors of academic life, this podcast offers relatable stories, emotional support, and insights from someone who has been there. Join me for honest conversations about impostor syndrome, burnout, and the challenges that come with academic research, all aimed at reminding you that you are not alone in this journey.Copyright 2025 Simit Patel Biological Sciences Careers Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science
Episodes
  • BONUS: 1000 DOWNLOADS + ANNOUCEMENTS

    BONUS: 1000 DOWNLOADS + ANNOUCEMENTS
    Apr 25 2025

    BONUS: 1000 DOWNLOADS + ANNOUCEMENTS

    A Massive thank you to everyone who has helped me get to the significant milestone of 1000 downloads.

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

    Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

    Follow me and connect with me on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/

    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.social

    Reddit (NEW): https://www.reddit.com/r/APostdocsJournal/

    Now available on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@apostdocsjournal-g2o
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    4 mins
  • EPISODE 12: LACK OF MENTORSHIP

    EPISODE 12: LACK OF MENTORSHIP
    Mar 9 2025

    EPISODE 12: LACK OF MENTORSHIP

    This is the LAST EPISODE of season 1!!

    In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013--just after Christmas. I was at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight back to Germany, and I had some interesting revelations linking my childhood experiences to my problems as a postdoc. I discuss the value of having a change of scenery to help you think clearer and I delve into the impact a lack of mentorship can have on you as a young child...and as an adult.

    00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

    03:33 Journal Entry

    08:12 A change of environment can help you gain a different perspective

    10:38 I was still feeling imposter syndrome

    11:15 Microtraumas from childhood

    13:33 A lack of mentorship at school and in academia

    15:29 Goal making skills

    15:54 Knowing what you don't want to do is still progress

    17:23 Outro

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

    Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

    Follow me / connect with me on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/

    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.social
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • EPISODE 11: HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT

    EPISODE 11: HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT
    Mar 2 2025

    EPISODE 11: HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT

    In this episode of 'A Postdoc's Journal', I read a journal entry from December 2013-just before Christmas. This is a slightly different journal entry where I was collating lists of things I like and don't like about work from ANOTHER mini-journal I was keeping. This was a great tool I used to help me figure out how I like to work. If you want to try it yourself, I share some advice on how to use it effectively.

    00:00 Introduction to the Postdocs Journal

    03:26 Journal Entry

    08:26 Hearing that back feel great!

    09:14 Using this as a tool to figure out what you want

    10:30 How to use this tool effectively

    13:34 Outro

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

    Please leave a review wherever you get your podcasts!

    Follow me on:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simit_apj/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simit-patel-063388ab/

    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/apostdocsjournal.bsky.social

    Next up: Season 1 FINALE!
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    17 mins
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