PODCAST · education
Vida De PhD
by Lorena Aceves
In this podcast, I, Dr. Aceves, create space for scholars in and outside of the academy to authentically share their professional and personal journeys. We often think that the path to success is a linear one, but in telling our story, we quickly learn that is far from the truth. My goal is to cultivate a platform where scholars young and wise can learn about the diverse ways people (particularly individuals with PhDs) get to where they are today and emphasize the story behind the journey. I also dive into topics that are important to students and early career folks on solo episodes. Tune in!
Episodes
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The Journey of Dr. Chelsea Williams
In this episode of Vida de PhD, Dr. Chelsea Williams joins Lorena to share her journey from first-generation college student to tenured associate professor—and the role community has played every step of the way. Chelsea takes us behind the scenes of building and managing a thriving research lab…
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Dr. Aceves Shares: The In Between Being Laid Off to New Position
This solo episode is a raw and honest life update from Dr. Aceves. She shares the exciting news about her new role and reflects on the journey from being laid off to landing an amazing new opportunity. Like grief, adjusting to a major life change is rarely a linear process. We are human beings…
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The Journey of Dr. Linda Halgunseth
In this episode of Vida de PhD, host Dr. Aceves sits down with Dr. Linda Halgunseth to discuss her journey to the PhD. Together, they reflect on how the path to a PhD — and the career that follows — is rarely linear. Through her story, Linda reminds us that it’s okay to make the “wrong” choice...
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Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty: Lorena & Elia
This episode is part of the Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty series on Vida de PhD. In this conversation, Lorena and Elia reflect on navigating today’s job market. They share important realities to consider with today's job market. And how to keep the faith as you figure what is to come next...
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The Journey of Dr. Lupe Diaz Lara
In this episode of Vida de PhD, host Dr. Aceves sits down with Dr. Lupe Diaz Lara to reflect on her journey into and through her PhD. Lupe shares how she discovered research along the way—navigating aspects of doctoral training she hadn’t fully understood at the start, including milestones like...
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Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty: Deziah & Lorena
This episode is part of the Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty series on Vida de PhD. In this conversation, Lorena and Deziah reflect on the highs and lows of navigating today’s job market. They share practical strategies, honest insights, and lessons learned from their own journeys. Whether...
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The Journey of Dr. Lucía Alcalá
In this episode of Vida de PhD, host Lorena Aceves sits down with Lucia Alcala to reflect on their shared Mexican backgrounds and the experiences that shaped their academic journeys. Lucia shares her path into graduate school, the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, and…
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Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty: Lorena & Vanessa
This episode is part of the Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty series of Vida de PhD. In this conversation, Lorena & Vanessa sit with uncertainty and explore what it really means to navigate life, career, and identity when the next step isn’t fully mapped out. Through personal reflection and...
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The Journey of Dr. Ximena Franco-Jenkins
In this episode of Vida de PhD, Lorena sits down with Dr. Ximena Franco-Jenkins to unpack a journey that proves academic paths don’t have to be linear to be powerful. From aspiring flight attendant and future law student to developmental psychologist and systems-level research leader, Ximena…
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Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty with Dr. Aceves- The Beginning
This episode marks the beginning of a new era of Vida de PhD. The show will continue to feature interviews with incredible scholars navigating both academic and non-academic paths, while also shining a light on the journey into the unknown that so many of us are currently walking. These...
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Gratitude and Farewell 2025
In this episode, Lorena shares some news and reflections as she navigates this new season of life that she's been launched into unexpectedly. She also expresses her deep gratitude appreciation for everyone and everything. Feeling invigorated for the next season. Bring on 2026! En amor y poder,...
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The Journey of Dr. Adriana Umaña-Taylor
Lorena had the honor of interviewing Adriana! For the longest time, which she admits in the episode, she has admired Adriana's work. It was really awesome for Lorena to sit down with her and learn about where her professional journey started. They dove into the importance of really great mentors...
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The Journey of Dr. Sara Vecchiotti
Sara has a pretty amazing story of pursuing not only a PhD but also a JD. Lorena dives into a fruitful conversation with Sara about all the unique places her PhD and JD journey took her professionally! If you are someone interested in a non-academic journey this episode is for you. Or if you want...
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The Journey of Dr. Maciel Hernandez
Learn hear how Maciel navigated her Mexican heritage in pursuing her higher education and then her PhD. Lorena and Maciel dive into sharing how their families are from the same Mexican state. We also talk about the importance of speaking up promote someone else especially when they can't be in…
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Promoting the Value of Public Health Research, Featuring Andra Wilkinson
This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at ChildTrends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work...
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Paving the Path Uniquely with Dr. Mara Lopez
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Mara Lopez, who is just the coolest human ever. Her educational journey is uniquely hers and the story she tells with it is so empowering. Mara is an incredible human, professional, and student of life. Tune in to learn more about her journey! En amor y…
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Student Parents, Poverty, and Partnering on Research, Featuring Renee Ryberg
This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work...
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The Story Behind the Journey with Dr. Debbie Rivas-Drake
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Debbie Rivas-Drake who takes us through journey into academia. She shares a wealth of wisdom around mentorship and the power it has to transform journeys. We also touch on the importance of community beyond your institution , such as national societies like...
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On A Non-Academic Journey with Dr. Rebecca Berger
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Rebecca Berger about her journey to pursuing her PhD and a non-academic career. Rebecca shares some precious gems around mentorship and her journey that may shed some light for your journey. Tune on in! En amor y poder, Lorena
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Reboot Special, SRCD 2025 Recap, and the Beauty of Community
This episode focuses on rebooting the show after a break for the summer. Lorena recaps the importance of community by finally sharing some highlights from the SRCD 2025 conference along with some comments from SRCD Latinx Caucus members. Tune in to relish in the beauty and importance of community.
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Stories of Impact at the Intersection of Research and People, Featuring Samantha Holquist
This podcast is part of a new series on Vida de PhD—a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work...
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Episode 60: Family Matters: The Journey of Dr. Elizabeth Munoz
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Elizabeth Munoz a fellow Latina scholar who is also a Penn State grad! Elizabeth is the first aging researcher that Lorena has on the show. She talks about the importance of family in her educational and professional journey and making career decisions that...
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Episode 59: The Journey of an Emerging Latina Scholar with Dr. Karina Jalapa
In this episode, Lorena sits down to interview Karina who now is Dr. Karina Jalapa. Karina shares her journey growing up in a Hispanic family and pursuing higher education. She dives into her graduate school experience which is almost complete. Karina ends by sharing that she's open to exploring...
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Episode 58: The Journey of a Bilingual Professor with Dr. Lisa Lopez
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Lisa Lopez that walks us through her journey in higher education to her current position as a full professor. Lisa talks about the important of role that community and community partnerships has played through her academic journey. Tune in to listen and…
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Episode 57-Belated Black History Month Feature with Dr. Joshua Wallace
In this episode, host Lorena interviews Dr. Joshua Wallace to finally record the podcast Black History Month feature. Josh takes us through his journey in higher education to obtaining his PhD. He shares some very important insights for those out there early in their careers. Also shout out to...
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Episode 56: A Developmental Scientist Leading the Way Outside of the Academy with Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel
In this episode, host Lorena has an amazing conversation with Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel about her journey that led her to various amazing professional experiences outside of the academy. Lorena quickly learned how many professional similarities she shares with Suzanne, especially how one of her...
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Episode 55: La Historia Behind the Journey with Dr. Ruben Anguiano
In this episode, Lorena has a spanglish conversation with a great mentor of hers Dr. Ruben Anguiano. Ruben shares about his early days as a child and adolescent and how that shaped his journey. Ruben also really dives into the importance of community in the work that we do and how being rooted in...
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Episode 54: Rooted in Your Raices with Dr. Koraly Perez-Edgar
In this episode, Lorena sits with Dr. Koraly Perez-Edgar to hear about her journey to where she is today. Our conversation got really deep and vulnerable when Koraly shares the beauty and challenge of growing professionally in ways that come at a cost to family closeness. We finish with Koraly...
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Episode 53: Coming Full Circle with Dr. Bernadette Pinetta
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Pinetta who shares her journey to her current role as a postdoc at UCLA. Bernadette shares how her work has come full circle and she is now conducting research with the high school she attended. She also shares really important nuggets of wisdom around...
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Episode 52: 2025 Vision Setting with Future Dr. Juan Ouviña
In this episode, Lorena and Juan get together and talk about vision setting for 2025. They both are open and vulnerable about how this season of life has got them thinking about vision and goal setting in a whole different way. We share 3 main take aways and tons of nuggets of wisdom that are...
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Episode 51: Reflections on 2024
In this episode, host Lorena reflects back on the year 2024. She talks about the 3 major take aways for 2024 and the major theme she also takes away from this year. Tune in to hear more and hopefully you have time to dive into your own reflections for 2024. Don't forget about the magic of life <3...
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Episode 50: Reflections 6 Months into Parenthood
In this episode, host Lorena reflects back on 3 major things she has learned 6 months into parenthood and 3 months after her return to work. These reflections can also apply to other life transitions that you may be going through. Tune in if you would like to learn and also hear a few updates I...
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Episode 49: Out and Back Into Academia with Dr. Wendy Castillo
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Wendy Castillo who shares her journey as a Latina scholar to pursuing her PhD and moving into a non-academic space. She also talks about her current journey back into academia. We also talk about her awesome line of QuantCrit work! Tune in! En amor y poder,...
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Episode 48: Navigating the PhD Journey When Life Gets Real with Dr. Deziah Bermudez
In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Deziah Bermudez and get to dive into her journey to the PhD. She talks about how life gets real while getting your PhD and how to balance personal life with the academics. Deziah also shares the importance of support during the journey. Hope something from…
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Episode 47: Hispanic Heritage Month Special Part 2 with Future Dr. Vanessa Esquivel
In today's episode, Vanessa and Lorena dive into Vanessa's recent trip to the motherland (Mexico) to celebrate Mexican Independence Day! We also got to dive into reconnecting with our roots, getting to visit our parents' hometowns, and how that has connected us more to our Latindad and what it...
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Episode 46: Hispanic Heritage Month Special Part 1 with Future Dr. Juan Ouvina
In today's episode, Juan and Lorena give you a special treat talking about all things Latino. We have a back and forth conversation about what it means to be Latino, our culture, our food, the family values, ALL OF IT! This episode is a bit different from the usual scheduled programming, but a…
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Episode 45: Findings Life's Balance with Dr. Elia Matano-Bueno
In this episode, Lorena kicks off the new practice of the ice breaker question instead of guest's favorite song. Then we dive into newly minted PhD, Dr. Matano-Bueno's journey to her PhD. She shares the role of her Latina identity and how important it is for her to have work life balance. Enjoy...
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Episode 44: Going Through Life’s Changes
In this episode, host Lorena gives you a more detailed update on what’s to come on the podcast. Lorena then shares how life has changed now that she is a mom. This episode focuses specifically on how to navigate all the changes that life likes to throw at us. She talks about pivotal points in her...
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Post 2024 Summer Podcast Updates
I meant to upload this big update earlier this summer, but once you hear the update you will understand the delay haha I am looking forward to publishing more solo episodes and having more guests on the show. The show will be going through an expansion of topics to include parenthood and…
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Episode 43: Trusting Yourself and Confidence in You! Plus Podcast Updates
In this episode, host Lorena talks about the power of trusting yourself and having confidence in you along your personal and professional journey. Lorena also shares some updates about the podcast. We will be going on a quick pause as Lorena navigates some exciting life transitions which she will...
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Episode 41: Non-Academic Career Wisdom with Dr. Doré LaForett
In this episode, Guest Doré shares her journey into the non-academic world. Doré talks about some of the key differences between non-academic and academic professions which can be useful to learn about if you are on the fence on where your career can take you. Doré also shares about how national...
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Episode 39: The Journey of a High School Latino English Teacher in Pursuit of a PhD
In this episode, Guest Juan shares his inspirational background as a Latino male and high school English teacher. Juan also walks us through the journey of being a full time teacher while balancing pursuing his PhD. Finally, he shares what the future holds for his journey and his words of wisdom...
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Episode 38: The Real Deal Behind a Multi-Racial Professor’s Journey in Academia
In this episode, Guest Mindy shares her journey as a first generation multi-racial scholar and how her inspiration for her research interests and career fall into place very naturally. Mindy opens up and shares a very vulnerable part of her journey of becoming a parent through the adoption of her...
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Episode 37: The Journey of a Latino Full Professor with Dr. Gustavo Carlo
In this episode, Guest Gustavo starts by sharing his favorite song which had a fun back story to it and it's a song that many Latinos enjoy! Gustavo then walks us through his journey through academia and to his current position as a full professor. The field has a limited number of Latino…
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Episode 36: Black Excellence in Academia with Dr. August Jenkins and Dr. TeKisha Rice
In honor of Black History Month, in this episode two amazing friends and Black scholars in Lorena’s life were interviewed. Guests August and Tekisha started by sharing their journeys as Black scholars in academia, their research agendas on Black families, and where their inspiration for that work...
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Episode 35: Thoughtful Mentorship and Editorship with Dr. Melissa Curran
In this episode, Guest Melissa has a fruitful conversation with Lorena on mentorship and editorship. Lorena starts by sharing how Melissa’s mentorship was integral to her successful PhD journey. Melissa shares tidbits on how professors can support students in their academic pursuits. Next, we…
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Episode 34: The Journey of An Applied Latina Researcher with Dr. Norma Perez-Brena
In this episode, Guest Norma shares her humble beginnings and how it led into her passion for research and doing community engaged work. Norma highlights some key parts of her Latina identity and experiences that were integral to her journey to pursuing her PhD and the work she conducts now as an...
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Episode 32: Non-Academic Career Path Guests- Words of Wisdom from An Experienced Leader with Dr. Lauren Supplee
In this episode, Guest Lauren shares all the different kinds of non-academic spaces she has worked in throughout her professional journey. Lauren also dives into nuggets of wisdom about the differences between the diverse non-academic spaces through which your career can take you. We also talk...
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Episode 31: The Journey of a Future Latina Clinical Psychologist with Jenny Diaz Navarro
In this episode, Guest Jenny shares her journey into starting her Clinical Psychology PhD. She shares how the years between her bachelor’s degree and starting her PhD were integral to her journey. We also jump into the mental health needs we would love for research and practice to better serve...
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Episode 30: Dr. Aceves’ 2023 Reflections!
In this episode, Dr. Aceves takes some time to express her gratitude for you all and all the challenges and amazing things that have unfolded for her in 2023. She ends the episode by challenging you to reflect and set your intention for 2024. Thank you for listening and following. Can’t wait for...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In this podcast, I, Dr. Aceves, create space for scholars in and outside of the academy to authentically share their professional and personal journeys. We often think that the path to success is a linear one, but in telling our story, we quickly learn that is far from the truth. My goal is to cultivate a platform where scholars young and wise can learn about the diverse ways people (particularly individuals with PhDs) get to where they are today and emphasize the story behind the journey. I also dive into topics that are important to students and early career folks on solo episodes. Tune in!
HOSTED BY
Lorena Aceves
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vida De PhD have?
Vida De PhD currently has 76 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vida De PhD about?
In this podcast, I, Dr. Aceves, create space for scholars in and outside of the academy to authentically share their professional and personal journeys. We often think that the path to success is a linear one, but in telling our story, we quickly learn that is far from the truth. My goal is to...
How often does Vida De PhD release new episodes?
Vida De PhD has 76 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Vida De PhD?
You can listen to Vida De PhD 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 Vida De PhD?
Vida De PhD is created and hosted by Lorena Aceves.
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