PODCAST · business
Career Thoughts Over Coffee
by Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi
Career Thoughts Over Coffee is a podcast about how people actually build careers—across science, academia, industry, media, and entrepreneurship.Hosted by Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi, a dentist-scientist, science communicator, and global corporate insider, the show features candid conversations with researchers, professionals, creators, and leaders who have navigated unconventional paths. Each episode explores career pivots, failures, immigration journeys, personal branding, and the real trade-offs behind success—without the LinkedIn filter.Whether you’re a PhD student, early-career professional,
Episodes
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He Ran NYC Nightclubs. Now He Teaches in Nagoya. with Allen Nelson
Alan Nelson ran nightclubs in New York before he ever made a living with a camera — and he definitely didn't plan on teaching in Nagoya.In this episode of Career Thoughts Over Coffee, Alan and I talk about the twenty-some years since his first trip to Japan: the subway ad that pointed him toward…
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The Signal Has to Come From Inside with Heather Dobbin
Today we talk with with Heather, an executive and leadership development coach, facilitator, and community builder in Tokyo’s startup ecosystem. Heather’s career started with psychology and English literature, then moved through teaching in Korea, educational leadership in Japan, program…
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Your Career Doesn’t Have to Be One Thing with Brandon Whittaker
In this episode of Career Thoughts Over Coffee, I speak with Brandon about building a career that does not fit into one simple box. Brandon is a New York-qualified lawyer based in Japan, a coach, and a university lecturer. His journey has taken him from the US to Singapore, Kyoto, law school,...
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He Turned Chaos Into a Career with Matt Ketchum
In this episode of Career Thoughts Over Coffee, I sit down with Matthew to talk about a career path that was anything but straightforward. From philosophy and heavy metal to Japan, data, disaster response, real estate, and problem-solving, Matthew’s story shows how unexpected experiences can…
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Being Different Became My Biggest Career Advantage with Monika M. Sadkiewicz
In this episode of Career Thoughts Over Coffee, I sit down with Monika to talk about identity, career change, burnout, and what it means to build a path that actually feels true to who you are. From moving to Japan at a young age and trying to fit in, to leaving a job without a clear Plan B and...
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I Hit a Wall: Burnout, Ambition, and Career Confusion
In this solo episode of Career Thoughts Over Coffee, I reflect on burnout, overthinking, and the quiet pressure of trying to build a career and life that actually feels meaningful. This is an honest conversation about hitting a wall, questioning direction, and trying to reconnect with the things...
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Why Most Careers Don't Go As Planned | With Amr
Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the thumbnails: • Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGncMics that I use to...
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How Stoicism Helps You Control Your Emotions | With Sherif
Sherif is back and today we discuss Stoicism and how it can help us career wise and also in our personal life. Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the thumbnails: • Canon...
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Why Building Your Own Path Can Be Lonely | With Alejandro
Alejandro's socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pascual/Website:https://mynago.com/login
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I Moved to Japan to Build a Startup… I Had No Idea What Was Coming | With Elder
Elder's socials: https://www.instagram.com/elderinjapan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/elder-ripper/ Website: https://studenthousingjapan.com/
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Reading the Air: Life as a Half-Japanese Hospitality Worker with Sasha
Sasha's Insta:https://www.instagram.com/sasha_hanim/My social media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/untitled.thoughtsovercoffee/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3...
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Tattooing Pokémons with Lisa
Lisa's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gm_tattooart_jp/My social media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/untitled.thoughtsovercoffee/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3...
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Human Computer Interface Careers in a Nutshell with Bektur
https://www.instagram.com/apolotary/ https://www.instagram.com/theesciendist/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/ Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the thumbnails: •...
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Coincidence vs Planning a Career Move with Dr. Ayumi Koso
https://www.japansci.com/My social media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/theesciendist/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the...
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Career shift as a scientist with Dr. Adam Phillips
Social media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/theesciendist/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the thumbnails: • Canon RF28mm...
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Chemistry and YouTube - Dr. Andrew Robertson
Today's episode features Dr. Andrew, a chemist and YouTuber with a channel boasting over 90,000 subscribers. We’ll dive into his journey—how he got started, what challenges he faced, and what we can learn from his experience if we’re looking to follow a similar path. Stay tuned! My social media...
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10 months of Post Doc in the US with Dr. Mahmoud
In today's episode, I sit down with Mahmoud, an Egyptian dentist who made a bold move from Japan to the United States to further his career. With 10 months of experience working in the States, Mahmoud shares his journey, from the motivations behind his decision to change countries to the key...
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Podcasting about career growth
My social media Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/theesciendist/ https://www.instagram.com/frame.watcher/ Gear that I use: Cameras I use for the Podcast: • Canon EOS R6 (Kit) https://amzn.to/30xxXOy • DJI OMSO Pocket 3 https://amzn.to/2OZQZrh Lenses I use to Capture the thumbnails: • Canon…
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Preparing for career opportunities as a PhD researcher !!!
Getting your PhD is only one step in the career ladder you are climbing. Here are some tips that might be of use.
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Growing teeth!? How far are we ? #40
Article Mentioning the Clinical Trial: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240503/p2a/00m/0sc/012000c
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Finding SciComm jobs in Japan #39
0:00 - 0:43 Intro 0:44 - 1:36 Disclaimer 1:37 - 5:10 The three ways of finding SciComm jobs in Japan 05:11 - 05:50 SciComm jobs Facebook page. 05:51 - 11:04 My job, how it started and SciComm 11:05 - 13:03 Final thoughts Points discussed in the video 1- Searching for A SciComm job (in Japan) a....
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Hi, its been a while #38
Hi everyone! It's great to be back. I've missed connecting with you all, and during my break, I've been brainstorming ways to bring you more consistent episodes. I'm excited about some small tweaks that could make a big difference. I truly enjoy our chats, and I hope you enjoy listening just as...
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I’m losing faith in humanity
This is a sad episode. I’m sorry but no science communication today. https://youtu.be/4idQbwsvtUo?si=b3rzwlvk6iX_IFV_
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037 PhD program for fat people???
Thanks for listening to the Podcast!!! If you want to be on one of the episodes, DM me on my social media links! • Website: thesciendist.com • Instagram: @the.sciendist • Podcast webpage: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thesciendist...
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036 Burnt out during PhD
Thank you for listening to the podcast! Here are the links to today's subjects. Stay positive, and always take care of your mental health, guys! https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/16s3nwm/i_felt_really_burnt_out_in_lab_today_and_my_pi/...
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035 Hypnosis, Bioactive Materials and Quitting Your PhD Program
In today's episode, we talk about hypnosis in dental treatments, a bioactive material for implants, and the story of someone who might have just quit their PhD in their 3rd semester! Cover Art from: sketchingscience @ X(Twitter), Instagram, Facebook Links Below:...
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034 The light at the end of the tunnel
- Reddit Post https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/16502mk/in_the_process_of_recovering_from_my_phd_want_to/ - Comics about PhD life: https://phdcomics.com/comics.php - Andy Stapleton video. Academia is BROKEN. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUGznJYtXbU - The article discussing mental health...
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033 The PhD Commandments
The Reddit post discussed in today’s episode: https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/15a77wc/my_pi_broke_me/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=2&utm_term=1 Send me a voice message here : https://anchor.fm/thesciendist
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032 Food supplements and empty promises - Dr. Wanping AW
Join us today for a second interview with Dr. Wanping AW as we talk about the false claims made by some people working for certain food supplement sellers. We'll discuss how these claims create unrealistic expectations regarding the benefits of these supplements. Dr. Wanping contacts: Google...
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031 Evolution research - Dr. Thomas Hitchcock
Today's guest is Dr. Thomas Hitchcock. We talked about evolution and Japan and drifted a bit into football. I hope you enjoy this one. Thomas's contacts: http://www.tjhitchcock.com/ https://twitter.com/imprintedgene
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030 Exploring authentic Japan through food - Dr. Wanping AW
Join us today as I interview Dr. Wanping AW, our special guest. Discover her fascinating journey from Singapore to Japan and her remarkable story of obtaining a Ph.D. in nutrition. Driven by a deep love for food, she has channeled her passion into assisting tourists in uncovering Japan's hidden...
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029 The ScienDist X Tokyo Nerd Nite
I will be presenting about the podcast in Tokyo Nerd Nite! If you are in Tokyo on the 19th of May, join me and others at the World Peace Theatre in Kawasaki. Details in the link below: https://tokyo.nerdnite.com/
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028 - Iran to Japan, a PhD Journey - Dr. Shiva Jafarnia
In today's episode, I interview Dr. Shiva about her decision to do a Ph.D. and move to Japan. Dr. Shiva’s contact : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiva-jafarnia-73997a104
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027 In the US for the first time in 8 YEARS !
In today's episode, I talk about visiting the US, attending the AADOCR meeting, and spending a couple of days in LA.
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026 The ups and downs of PhD with Ms. Ria Chopra
In today's episode, I interview Ms. Ria Chopra, who is a 3rd year Ph.D. scholar. She researches Cancer biology and enjoys dancing. Listen to the full episode to learn more about her Ph.D. Journey. Instagram: @phdwhodances
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025 The truth about Academia - Dr. Andy Stapleton
Today, our guest is Dr. Andy Stapleton. His background is in Chemistry, where he did his post-grad studies and postdoc. But he decided to take on a totally different direction, allowing him to talk to and help thousands of people who need accurate advice. Dr. Andy Stapleton's Youtube Channel:...
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024 The Human side of research and Academia - Dr. Zulema Arias
Hey Guys, welcome to the ScienDist podcast, Happy 2023, I hope this has been a good year for you so far; I recorded this episode when it was Christmas time; we are in a brand new year, brand new motivation, throwing last years fatigue and welcoming the new year with our sight locked on achieving...
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024 No response from my PI, what do I do ?
Welcome to another installment of No BS BTS of Ph.D. life!!!! Today we talk about how busy are the PIs / professors and how often can we send them reminders about things we want from them! Link to the Reddit post:...
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023 Stealing Your Hard work!!!
Welcome to another installment of No BS BTS of Ph.D. life!!!! Today we talk about how you make sure not to fall into the trap of having your hard work stolen from you! Link to the Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/ze6evk/can_you_publish_a_paper_excluding_one_of_the/
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022 When Art and Science merge - Ella Marushchenko
Today our guest is Ella Marushchenko. She is an artist that specializes in Scientific Illustration. She designed the covers of many top scientific journals, such as : Nature, Cell, Advanced Materials, Biomaterials Science, and many others. Ella's contacts: https://scientific-illustrations.com/...
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021 Getting Bullied into a PhD program?
Welcome to another installment of No BS BTS of Ph.D. life (I mess the name up during the podcast, sorry about that). Today I bring you another story from Reddit. The Redditor mentions being bullied by the supervisor and, on top of the bullying, being asked to join the Ph.D. program? can you…
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020 How PhD changes you - Dr. Citra Kusumasari
Today I interview Dr. Citra Kusumasari who is a lecturer in the department of conservative dentistry at the University of Indonesia. She got her Ph.D. from TMDU in Japan before moving back to Indonesia and continuing her career in Education. Dr. Citra Contact:...
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019 Why am I broke? I have a PhD! doesn't that mean anything?
Welcome to another episode of the ScienDist Podcast, today we talk about how to avoid being broke for a long time after finishing your Ph.D. You love science, and that’s a good thing, but you gotta be ready for what life throws at you.😉
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018 💩 positions - NO BS behind the scenes of Ph.D. Life
There are many difficult situations that Ph.D. Scholars face. This segment aims to assist Ph.D. Scholars avoid these situations whenever possible.
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017 Communicating science with HipHop - Mr. Maynard Okereke (HipHop MD)
Today's guest is Mr. Maynard Okereke. He graduated with a civil engineering degree but chose science communication as a career path, and at least in my opinion, he made such a great impact by making science so relatable and fun. Mr. Maynard's contacts: https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com...
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016 Why is Japan a dream place to work for civil engineers? - Dr. Mauro Simao
Today, our guest is Dr. Mauro Simao. He got his Civil Engineering bachelor's degree from the High Institute of transportation and communications back in Mozambique and his master's and Ph.D. from Kobe University in Japan. He is now working with Vector Renewables Japan as a technical advisor. Dr....
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015 Dr. Sherif Adel - Balancing science and art
Today, our guest is Dr. Sherif Adel. He got his bachelor's and masters from Cairo university in Egypt. He moved to Japan in 2017 for his Ph.D. studies. He just finished his Ph.D. studies, and I thought it would be a cool idea to interview him. He published various scientific publications and...
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014 Dr. Thilina Heenatigala - From astronomy to science communication
Today, our guest is Dr. Thilina Heenatigala. He is a science communicator with a background in astronomy. He is now the Director of Communications at the Earth-Life Science Institute in Tokyo. His story about how he got interested in astronomy and then moved into science communication is quite...
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013 Dr Maryam Alkubati - Letting go of machines (IT) to work with people (social studies)
Today, our guest is Dr. Maryam Alkubati She is a Yemeni Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Specialist with a background in IT and in social studies. She graduated from Universiti Utara Malaysia where she got her Bachelor's degree in Information Technology majoring in Information Management, she…
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012 Dr. Hani Al Shareif - From carpenting to cancer research
Today our guest is Dr. Hani Al-Shareef Dr. Hani is a personal friend of mine and you can see that he was one of the main reasons I came to Japan. He graduated from Sana University which is the same university I graduated from and got his Ph.D. from Osaka University, He has been researching cancer...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Career Thoughts Over Coffee is a podcast about how people actually build careers—across science, academia, industry, media, and entrepreneurship.Hosted by Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi, a dentist-scientist, science communicator, and global corporate insider, the show features candid conversations with researchers, professionals, creators, and leaders who have navigated unconventional paths. Each episode explores career pivots, failures, immigration journeys, personal branding, and the real trade-offs behind success—without the LinkedIn filter.Whether you’re a PhD student, early-career professional,
HOSTED BY
Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi
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How many episodes does Career Thoughts Over Coffee have?
Career Thoughts Over Coffee currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Career Thoughts Over Coffee about?
Career Thoughts Over Coffee is a podcast about how people actually build careers—across science, academia, industry, media, and entrepreneurship.Hosted by Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi, a dentist-scientist, science communicator, and global corporate insider, the show features candid conversations with...
How often does Career Thoughts Over Coffee release new episodes?
Career Thoughts Over Coffee has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Career Thoughts Over Coffee on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Career Thoughts Over Coffee?
Career Thoughts Over Coffee is created and hosted by Dr. Akram Al-Wahabi.
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