PODCAST · education
Graduate Students' Den
by John Acquaful
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.
Episodes
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S4E7: AI in Graduate School: Tool, Collaborator, or Shortcut? Featuring Chris Ybarra
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of graduate education, but where should students draw the line between using AI as a helpful tool and allowing it to replace their own thinking? In this episode of The Graduate Students’ Den, we speak with Chris Ybarra, Founder and CEO of Aivana, former...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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S4E2: From Community College to PhD and Inclusive Pedagogy: Dr. Larry Willis on Building A Career in Media and Communication
What does the journey from community college to earning a PhD and becoming a university professor really look like? In this episode of The Graduate Students Den, we sit down with Dr. Larry Willis of Bowling Green State University’s School of Media and Communication. Dr. Willis reflects on his...
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S4E1: New Chapters, Same Den
The Graduate Students’ Den returns for Season 4 with “New Chapters, Same Den.” Host John Acquaful is joined by Kelsey Zook, Kelsey Stanfield, and Caroline King for an honest conversation about change, continuity, and belonging in graduate school. Kelsey Stanfield joins from Wayne State…
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S3E10: We Made It: End-of-Semester Reflections and What’s Next
The semester is over… or at least almost. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we take a step back to reflect on the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. From unexpected stress to personal wins, we share what this semester actually looked like behind the scenes. We talk about...
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S3E9: Does age matter in graduate school? The short answer is: yes — but maybe not in the ways you think.
In this episode, we sit down to talk about the age gaps that exist inside graduate programs — the 22-year-olds who feel like impostors among experienced cohort-mates, the 35-year-olds who've been told they're starting too late, and the institutional structures that quietly assume every student...
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S3E8: International PhD Life, Research, and Reinvention | ft Dr. Debipreeta Rahut
In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Debipreeta Rahut, whose journey spans journalism, academia, and continents. From Kolkata, India, to earning her PhD in Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University, and now teaching at the University of Mississippi, Dr....
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S3E7: Midsemester Check-In: Proposals, TEDx Talks, and Teaching Challenges
We’re halfway through the semester, so it’s time for a real check-in. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we take a step back to share what we’re currently navigating in our graduate journeys. Halima walks us through what happens after defending a dissertation proposal and what that...
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S3E6: Meet Dr. Jaclyn Marsh: Teaching Confidence Through Communication
Public speaking is one of the most common fears people have — but is it something you’re born good at, or something anyone can learn? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we’re joined by Dr. Jaclyn Marsh, Assistant Teaching Professor and Basic Course Director in the School of Media and...
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S3E5: Money, Mindset, and Identity: A Conversation with Sashette McPherson
In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we welcome Sashette McPherson — Financial Analyst at Bowling Green State University, CEO of Power Moves Global, and host of the Power Moves podcast. A proud BGSU alum with a master’s in Financial Economics, Sashette joins us to reflect on her graduate...
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S3E4: Community, Career Pivots, and Learning to Fail Well | ft. Dr. Shannon Orr
Welcome back to Graduate Students’ Den with John, Kelsey, and Halima. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Orr, faculty member at Bowling Green State University and Director of the Falcon Food Pantry. Dr. Orr leads one of the university’s most important community initiatives, supporting...
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S3E3: Life Skills Grad School Doesn’t Teach (But You Have to Learn Anyway)
Grad school teaches theory, research, and critical thinking. It does not teach you how to file taxes on a stipend, understand health insurance, negotiate a lease, or survive university bureaucracy. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we unpack the life skills no one prepares you for but...
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S3E2: Balancing Love, Life, and Grad School: What Changes and What Has to Give
This episode of Graduate Students’ Den dives into the often-unspoken realities of maintaining relationships during graduate school. From friendships that slowly fade, to romantic partnerships under pressure, to navigating family expectations and guilt, we unpack how grad school reshapes personal...
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Winter Break Reflections and Real Talk on Grad School
Season 3 of Graduate Students’ Den kicks off with a relaxed and honest conversation featuring John and Kelsey. In this opening episode, the panel reflects on winter break, the realities of grad life, and what it really takes to apply to and survive graduate school. We also talk about resetting…
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S2E10: Leading by Example: Dr. Cheryl Bracken at SMC, BGSU
Leadership, identity, vision. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we talk with the director of BGSU’s School of Media & Communications - Dr. Cheryl Bracken - about her journey, the challenges and rewards of leading in academia, and what it takes to build an inclusive, forward-looking media...
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S2E9: Research, Mentorship & Success: A Conversation with Dr. Louisa Ha
What does effective graduate research look like, and how do you find a mentor who guides you to success? In this episode of Graduate Students Den, Halima, Kelsey, and John welcome Professor Louisa Ha from BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey as a scholar focusing on...
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S2E8: Surviving Prelims and Proposal Defense: What Every Grad Student Should Know
Prelims and proposal defenses are two of the most nerve-wracking milestones in any graduate student’s journey. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima are joined by GCA President Madison Clatt to unpack their real experiences navigating these major academic...
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S2E7: The First-Year PhD Experience: Reflections with Aisha Tahir
Starting a PhD can be both exciting and a little intimidating. In this episode of Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Aisha Tahir, a first-year PhD student in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU, to talk about what the first semester of doctoral life…
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S2E6: Life After Grad School: Thriving in Academia with Dr. Lisa Hanasono
What does life after graduate school really look like in academia? This week on The Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Dr. Lisa Hanasono, professor in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU and Academic Director of Training at the National Center for…
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S2E5: Inside the Admissions Room: How Graduate Applications Are Really Reviewed
What really happens after you hit submit on your graduate school application? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Halima, and Kelsey sit down with Dr. Radhika Gajjala and Dr. Yanqin Lu from BGSU’s Graduate Programs Committee to uncover the truth about how applications are reviewed.…
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S2E4: Teaching While Learning: The Grad Student Balancing Act
What is it really like to stand at the front of a classroom while still sitting in one yourself? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Kelsey, and Halima get honest about the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of being both graduate students and instructors. From juggling lesson plans...
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S2E3: Inside Grad Admissions: Tips from BGSU’s Graduate College
Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Eliza Dickey from BGSU’s Graduate College to talk about everything prospective students need to know — from writing a strong personal statement and...
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S2E2: New Beginnings in Academia: A Conversation with Dr. Divya S
In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Dr. Divya S, a new Assistant Professor in BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey from graduate student to faculty member, what it’s been like starting in academia, and her advice for graduate students…
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S2E1: Welcome Back: Graduate Students Den Season 2
The Graduate Students Den is back for Season 2! In this first episode, we catch up on what we did over the summer—work, rest, travel, and everything in between—and share what we’re looking forward to (and maybe dreading) this semester. Join us for a fun and honest conversation about graduate…
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Episode 8: The Hidden Curriculum: What Grad School Doesn’t Teach You (But You Need to Know)
Grad school is more than coursework and research; it’s also about mastering the unspoken rules that set successful students apart. In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate education. From how to navigate office hours effectively, to the unexpected power of leadership roles…
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Episode 7: What Next After Graduate School? ft Dr. Jia, Erin & Tori
In this episode, we’re joined by three amazing guests—Dr. Xiaofeng Jia, Erin Main, and Victoria Main—to unpack what life really looks like after grad school. From landing a tenure-track job to juggling adjunct gigs and starting a PhD after years in the service industry, our guests share honest...
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Episode 6: Advisor Relationships & Department Politics (How to navigate academic relationships)
This week on Graduate Students Den, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook get real about the ups and downs of advisor relationships and the sometimes messy world of department politics. We’re talking awkward emails, navigating power dynamics, finding supportive mentors, and...
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Episode 5: Episode 5: Funding, Fellowships, & Money Management in Grad School
Grad school is rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s not always financially glamorous. In this Graduate Students’ Den episode, we break down the essentials of surviving and thriving on a grad school budget. Our panel dives into funding basics—from stipends to TA/RA positions. We get real about the...
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Episode 4: Impostor Syndrome Unmasked: Do I Really Belong in Grad School?
In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we tackle the all-too-familiar struggle of impostor syndrome—those nagging feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that many grad students experience. Our panelists, John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, and Anaclate, open up about their own battles...
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Episode 3: Managing Mental Health & Burnout in Grad School
Grad school can be overwhelming, and burnout is a real struggle for many students. In this episode, our panelists—John, Halima, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Anaclate, and Osama—dive into the challenges of balancing academic demands, personal well-being, and social life. We discuss the stigma...
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Episode 2: Grad School: Expectation vs. Reality – What We Wish We Knew!
In this episode of Graduate Students Den, our panelists—John, Kelsey Stanfield, Halima, Anaclate, and Kelsey Zook—break down grad school's harsh truths and surprises. From managing coursework, research, and deadlines to juggling finances, mental health, and social life, we dive deep into what we...
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Podcast Intro: Why We Chose Grad School
In this first episode of Graduate Students Den, we (John, Kelsey Stanfield, Kelsey Zook, Halima, Anaclate, and Osama) introduce ourselves and dive into the big question—why did we choose grad school? We share our backgrounds, what led us to pursue an advanced degree, and whether we’d make the…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
John Acquaful
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Graduate Students' Den have?
Graduate Students' Den currently has 34 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Graduate Students' Den about?
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...
How often does Graduate Students' Den release new episodes?
Graduate Students' Den has 34 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Graduate Students' Den?
You can listen to Graduate Students' Den 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 Graduate Students' Den?
Graduate Students' Den is created and hosted by John Acquaful.
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