The Graduate Students Den podcast explores the highs, lows, and everything in between regarding grad school. Whether you’re navigating coursework, research, funding, or just trying to survive, we’re here to keep it real.
Each week, we bring candid conversations, personal experiences, and insights to help you make the most of your grad school journey. So grab your coffee, take a break from that never-ending reading list, and join us as we dive into today’s topic.
S4E6: Hang in There: What We Wish We Knew in Our First Year
John, Halima Ali, Kelsey Zook, and Kelsey Stanfield look back on their first year of graduate school and the questions that followed them through it:
• Am I falling behind?
• Does everyone understand this better than I do?
• What really happens during “intellectual discussions”?
• Why does academic publishing involve so much revising and formatting?
• Am I actually good enough to be here?
The panel shares the realities behind graduate-school confidence, comparison, publishing, seminar discussions, and finding a sense of belonging.
25 Sept 2026
S4E5: Teaching Without Losing the Room: Incivility and Power in the College Classroom
Welcome to The Graduate Students’ Den. Today, we are discussing something many Graduate Teaching Associates experience but may not always feel comfortable talking about: incivility in the classroom.
We will consider what incivility actually looks like, whether teaching this generation requires a different approach, and how GTAs manage authority while still occupying relatively junior positions within the university.
Our goal is not to complain about students or characterize an entire generation negatively. Instead, we want to have an honest conversation about changing classroom expectations, power, respect, and what instructors and institutions can do to create productive learning environments.
19 Sept 2026
S4E4: Inside Graduate Admissions: What Every Applicant Should Know
Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can make it much more manageable.
In this episode of The Graduate Students’ Den, we speak with Eliza Dickey, Senior Graduate Admissions Counselor at Bowling Green State University. Eliza takes us inside BGSU's graduate admissions process and discusses what prospective students should know before submitting an application.
The conversation covers how to prepare a strong application, avoid common mistakes, meet important deadlines, explore funding and graduate assistantship opportunities, and find support throughout the admissions process. Whether you are considering a master’s degree, doctoral program, or professional graduate program, this episode offers practical guidance for taking your next academic step.
Who has been a guest on Graduate Students' Den
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Cheryl Bracken
Louisa Ha
Madison Clatt
Aisha Tahir
Dr Lisa Hanasono
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
9 ratings
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