Send us a text - your number will not show, so if you want a response include an email
On this show I chat with Adam Baldy. Adam holds an MA in East Asian Studies and is a PhD student at the University of Arizona. As a Senior IT Systems Analyst at Pima Community College, he blends his in-person and online teaching experience with ed tech management.
Highlights
· Starting a doctoral program is a big decision (perhaps the biggest decision you will ever make). If at any time you feel pressured to start a program, question the motives of that organization.
· Do your research! Speak with current students, graduates, and faculty. Ask for time-to-completion statistics and graduation rates. Complete the exercises in Ch. 1 of The Happy Doc Student Handbook. See episodes below.
· There are unique challenges for first-generation college students and navigating the unfamiliar territory of graduate school can add to an already stressful environment.
· Graduate school will happen in the context of your LIFE; there are no easy answers when it comes to deciding how to manage your own mental health, supporting others, building a career, etc.
· Knowing your core values is key; you will have to let some things go; be honest in terms of your priorities during this season.
· Embracing a part-time program may allow you to balance work, academia, and family life.
· Like stepping into a doctoral program, stepping out of one is also a big decision. Be cautious of “reacting." Instead, responded thoughtfully to these feelings (see the I-Think-I-Want-To-Stop activity in The Happy Doc Student Handbook).
· If you do decide to step out (whether forever or for a season), refrain from feelings of guilt/failure and listen to the Good Goodbye episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8016142
Connect with Adam
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-baldry-ab6501117/
Relevant episodes for when you are researching programs:
#2 The Doc Journey: Things You Need to Know (that they probably won't tell you)
#21 Should I Pursue a Doctoral Degree? with Dr. Chris Cappannelli
#31 Reality Check: Is a Doc Program for You? with Jamie Hillman
#53 Are We Teaching Students To Be Unhappy? with Dr. Leonard Cassuto
#69 Career Diversity & The Doctorate with Dr. Leonard Cassut
Relevant episodes for when you want to STOP:
#7 When You Want to Quit with Dr. Jodie Hemerda
#10 ABD, Limiting Beliefs and Giants with Dr. Scott Burrus
Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at: http://Expandyourhappy.com
Want to make my day? Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.
Popular Podcasts
Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics
Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.
iHeartOlympics: The Latest
Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Milan Cortina Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.