Career Thoughts Over Coffee

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, international legal practice, teaching, and coaching. But what makes his story especially interesting is not only what he does — it is how his career became a combination of different roles, interests, and unexpected opportunities. We talk about working across cultures, what coaching really means, why language matters when building a career in Japan, the discomfort of networking, and how careers can become richer when they do not go exactly as planned.Brandon's Contacts:https://whittakercoaching.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonwhittaker/

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 shape the way we work, think, and create value. This conversation is about turning chaos into direction, learning from difficult moments, and building a career that could never have been planned on paper.https://www.mkultraman.com/

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 eventually discovering that being different can become a real professional strength, Monika’s story is honest, thoughtful, and full of lessons for anyone questioning where their career is heading.

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 that once gave work and creativity a sense of purpose.

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 record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 RF28mm F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGncMics that I use to record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

Alejandro's socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pascual/Website:https://mynago.com/login

Elder's socials:https://www.instagram.com/elderinjapan/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elder-ripper/Website:https://studenthousingjapan.com/

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 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 record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 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 record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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: • Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGncMics that I use to record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 thumbnails: • Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGncMics that I use to record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGncMics that I use to record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 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/2OZQZrhLenses 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 record the Podcast:• RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7• RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlTTable Top Gear:• Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR• Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

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 differences he's observed between life and dentistry in Japan and the US. Tune in for an insightful conversation about adaptability, growth, and navigating the professional world across cultures. Mahmoud's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muha.sayed11/

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 RF28mm F2.8 STM https://amzn.to/4dE9WsF • Samyang 85mm f1.4 RF mount https://amzn.to/3lhoGnc Mics that I use to record the Podcast: • RODE Microphones Wireless GO II https://amzn.to/3E5nwE7 • RODE Interview Go https://amzn.to/4efdqlT Table Top Gear: • Microphone Stand https://amzn.to/4dQtZUR • Microphone Holder https://amzn.to/4gpViXV

Getting your PhD is only one step in the career ladder you are climbing. Here are some tips that might be of use.

Article Mentioning the Clinical Trial: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240503/p2a/00m/0sc/012000c

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. Obstacles. b. Who are these jobs for. c. Where to straightforward SciComm jobs 2- How did I get to do science communication as a part of my job. SciComm Jobs facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/wGmcJdijtqW9pQHD/

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 much. In today's episode, I'll share what's been happening during my time away and the exciting updates you can expect on the podcast. Stay tuned!

This is a sad episode. I’m sorry but no science communication today. https://youtu.be/4idQbwsvtUo?si=b3rzwlvk6iX_IFV_

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 https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/170loz2/phd_opportunity_for_fat_people/ https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/170i4pw/i_work_less_than_40_hrsweek/ https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/170cm2u/colleague_made_me_cry_while_presenting/

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/   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41578-022-00444-x#:~:text=Mental%20health%20issues%20among%20graduate,caused%20by%20their%20studies4.  

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: https://www.drbicuspid.com/dental-specialties/orofacial-pain/alternative-pain-therapies/article/15379569/can-hypnosis-relieve-acute-dental-pain https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571222002408?via%3Dihub https://www.dental-tribune.com/news/graphene-coating-that-releases-antibacterial-acid-prevents-formation-of-biofilm-on-dental-implants/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-89452-5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7966620/ https://www.reddit.com/r/PhD/comments/16ks7fv/decided_to_quit_my_phd/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

- 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 among graduate students. https://bhacjournal.org/index.php/BHAC/article/view/9332/7893 - Articles shared in the episode: # https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58038752 # https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ai-artificial-intelligence-dentists-health-care/ # https://fortune.com/well/2023/07/21/best-time-to-brush-your-teeth/ My Contacts Website: thesciendist.com Instagram: @the.sciendist Podcast webpage: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thesciendist

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

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 Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.jp/citations?user=7hPgbt4AAAAJ&hl=en Company website: www.tokudaw.com

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

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 gems and immersing themselves in the country's splendor. Dr. Wanping contacts: Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.jp/citations?user=7hPgbt4AAAAJ&hl=en Company website: www.tokudaw.com

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/

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

In today's episode, I talk about visiting the US, attending the AADOCR meeting, and spending a couple of days in LA.

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

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: https://www.youtube.com/@DrAndyStapleton

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 more, creating more, and enjoying the process of living this life more.  Today's guest is Dr. Zulema. She is a Bolivian dentist and is now working n Okayama university here in Japan as an assistant professor. She mentions many things that resonated with me and I am sure many people in the research world would relate to what she said. . . . I hope you enjoy this one 😉   Dr. Zulema's contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulema-rosalia-arias-martinez-58221447/ [email protected]

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: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/zlz1ro/my_pi_doesnt_respond_to_my_textsemails/

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/

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/ https://www.instagram.com/ella_maru/

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 believe it? Weird, right?  Link to the Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAcademia/comments/p83j5y/whats_the_craziest_shit_that_happened_to_you_in/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

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: https://www.instagram.com/citra_kusumasari/

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.😉

There are many difficult situations that Ph.D. Scholars face. This segment aims to assist Ph.D. Scholars avoid these situations whenever possible.

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  https://www.instagram.com/hiphopscienceshow/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maynardokereke/ [email protected]

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. Mauro Simao's contacts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauro-ricardo-sim%C3%A3o-5807624a/ Email: [email protected]

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 sequential art projects in Egypt, Lebanon, and Japan.    Dr. Sherif Adel's contacts:  https://twitter.com/Barbatoze  https://www.barbatoze.com/

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 intriguing. If you watch the interview, you will see how a simple act of promoting science - especially to the younger generation - can make a person become so interested and engaged in the subject that they build their career around it.   Dr. Thilina Heenatigala's contacts:  https://twitter.com/ThilinaH  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thilinaheenatigala/

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 got her master's and Ph.D. from the University of Tsukuba in Social studies.   Dr. Maryam is working as a Researcher and Gender Specialist with Sanaa Center for Strategic Studies and as a Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator with enjoi Japan KK.   Dr. Maryam contacts:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryamalkubati1/   https://twitter.com/Maryooma_mimz

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 for almost 10 years now and published many papers in this field.   Dr. Hani's story is very interesting and in today's episode, you will hear from him how he started from working as a carpenter to being a researcher in one of Japan's top research universities. Dr. Hani Contacts:  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hani-al-shareef-406695bb/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/hani3008

Today our guest is Dr. Rodi Abdulkader  He graduated from Damascus University, College of Pharmacy, and then moved to Japan to get his Master's and Ph.D. from Kyoto University, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Japan. Now, he is an assistant professor at Ritsumeikan University after working at Kyoto University as an assistant professor, too. He has great experience in both the academic field as well as the industry where he worked as a research scientist with Rhoto Pharmaceuticals.  He will share with us his experience doing research and his insight about changing the process of working with a different topic of research than the one might be used to.   Dr. Rodi Abdulkader LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodi-abdalkader-920a6186/

Today, our guest is Dr. Eugene Shumilov. He is a medical doctor who worked for various dental manufacturers like 3M and Kavo. He is now the co-founder and CSO of Diagnocat which is an AI-driven assistant tool for various dental office tasks.   LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/evgenyshumilov/  www.linkedin.com/company/diagnocat/  https://diagnocat.com/