Episodes

  • Episode 31 - Common cover letter mistakes
    May 11 2026

    In episode 31 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss five common cover letter mistakes. More specifically:

    • The importance speaking to the hiring manager before applying
    • Writing drafts and seeking feedback from the careers service
    • Resisting the temptation to use the same cover letter for multiple applications

    A cover letter example is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    8 mins
  • Episode 30 - I'm not getting on with my PhD supervisor
    May 8 2026

    In episode 30 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss what to do if you’re not getting on with your PhD supervisor. More specifically:

    • Understanding the severity of the difficulties with the PhD supervisor
    • The benefits of a mediator to improve the supervisory relationship
    • Your next steps if the supervisory relationship cannot be salvaged

    An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    7 mins
  • Episode 29 - Should you use LinkedIn?
    May 8 2026

    In episode 29 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss whether you should use LinkedIn during your PhD. More specifically:

    • The positive aspects of LinkedIn (networking, finding opportunities, self-promotion)
    • The cons of LinkedIn (doomscrolling, comparisons, pressure)
    • Considerations for and against using LinkedIn

    An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    5 mins
  • Episode 28 - My PhD supervisor is reluctant about me publishing
    May 8 2026

    In episode 28 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss what to do if your PhD supervisor is reluctant about you publishing. More specifically:

    • Why supervisors can be cautious about their PhD supervisees publishing
    • Remembering it is your decision to publish or not
    • Considering if you need to publish, and if you have the time, energy, and motivation to publish during your PhD

    An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    4 mins
  • Episode 27 - Is it worth publishing during your PhD?
    May 7 2026

    In episode 27 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss the possibility of publishing during your PhD. More specifically:

    • Understanding the types of papers you could publish, and the journals in which could publish in
    • The importance of publishing for your career goals
    • Considering your collaborative options within and outside of your supervisory team

    An accompanying questionnaire which gets you thinking more about publishing during your PhD is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    8 mins
  • Episode 26 - Increasing your chances of finishing your PhD on time
    May 6 2026

    In episode 26 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss how you can increase your chances of completing your PhD on time. More specifically:

    • The importance of study selection in your PhD proposal
    • Finding mentors who can support you through the PhD
    • Remaining disciplined during a typical PhD working day

    An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    15 mins
  • Episode 25 - Is it normal for a PhD proposal to change?
    May 6 2026

    In episode 25 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss how it is normal for a PhD proposal to change. More specifically:

    • The normality of multiple changes in your PhD proposal in the first year of the PhD
    • The importance of communicating proposal changes with your supervisors
    • The benefits of keeping a diary of your proposal changes

    An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode to allow you to self-reflect on your own PhD proposal. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    8 mins
  • Episode 24 - I like research but want to leave academia
    May 6 2026

    In episode 24 of PhD Voice Notes, I discuss roles of interest to those who enjoy teaching but wish to leave academia. More specifically:

    • Research-related roles within a university setting
    • Other research-related opportunities outside of a university setting
    • Top tips on starting to consider your options

    A list of possible roles and a template email to employers is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O0Z1qKEwXtjBuhhkRxL4UtY6L4u3v7A2?usp=drive_link

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    8 mins