The Struggling Scientists

Learn how to apply the core ideas from Deep Work by Cal Newport to your life as a PhD student, postdoc, or early-career researcher.In this episode, we break down what Deep Work actually is, why shallow work can take over your best energy, and how to use the four Deep Work methods: monastic, bimodal, rhythmic, and journalistic.If you want to protect more focused time for writing, reading, analysis, or research thinking, this episode will help you choose the Deep Work method that fits your academic life best.🎓 About our channelWe are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier.If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We’ve created a free AI prompt to help you apply the Deep Work methods to your own research:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/deepwork-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:22 What is Deep work03:37 Four methods of Deep work04:26 Monastic method06:22 Bimodal method08:18 Rhythmic method10:22 Journalistic method13:43 Conclusion15:08 AI prompt for Deep work17:02 Final thoughts📱 Follow us for more contenthttps://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletterhttps://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/https://bsky.app/profile/thestrugglings4.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@struggling.scientistshttps://www.threads.com/@thestrugglingscientistspodcast#academia #phdlife #research #scientificresearch #gradschool #academiclife #deepworkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Academia can go wrong… very quickly.In this episode of Academic Tea, we react to real stories from researchers where a single question at a conference, lab meeting, or thesis defense completely changed — or even destroyed — someone’s research.From missing control variables… to flawed assumptions… to realizing your entire project might not be based on the right idea — these are the kinds of moments every scientist secretly fears.If you’ve ever presented your work, worked on a PhD, or sat through a brutal Q&A session… you’ll definitely recognize some of these.💬 Have you ever had a question completely throw you off during a presentation or meeting?Let us know in the comments — we might feature your story in a future episode!☕ Academic Tea is our series where we react to real academic stories — the good, the bad, and the painfully relatable.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We’re The Struggling Scientists — a channel for all struggling scientists out there.We share honest experiences, practical advice, and real stories to help make your life in academia just a little bit less of a struggle.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS00:00 When one question destroys your research00:50 The wrong prey species experiment04:10 The variable mistake08:15 “Protein X isn’t even expressed”10:40 21,500 papers already exist…13:50 The missing control variable17:00 Final thoughts------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎓 Want to use AI tools in your research (ethically and effectively)?Check out our full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------📱 Follow us for more content!#academia #phdlife #research #gradschool #scientist #academiclife #phdstruggles #researchlife #academictwitterAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Did you know that in the Netherlands, by the time you defend your PhD… you’ve already passed?Unlike in many other countries, the Dutch PhD defense is usually not the final exam that determines whether you get your degree. Your thesis has already been approved, failing is extremely rare, and the defense itself feels more like a formal and historic ceremony than an exam.In this video, I take you behind the scenes of my own Dutch PhD defense, exactly one year after it happened. I explain:Why the Dutch system is so differentWhat “Hora Est” meansWhy you have to defend in DutchThe historic role of paranymphsWhat the 45 minutes of questioning are really likeAnd how it felt to finally become DoctorIf you’re working toward your own PhD defense, curious about academic traditions in different countries, or simply wondering what a Dutch PhD ceremony looks like, this video is for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎓 About our channelWe are The Struggling Scientists. We make honest videos about PhD life, academia, and how to make your research journey a little bit easier.If that sounds helpful, consider subscribing.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS00:00 You’ve Already Passed? (How the Dutch System Works)01:08 Strict PhD Requirements in the Netherlands04:08 What Defense Day Actually Looks Like05:19 Historic Traditions, Dutch Language & Paranymphs06:43 The 45 Minutes of Questioning07:32 Hora Est & Becoming Doctor08:40 One Year Later Reflection---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Got a PhD interview coming up?This isn’t just another job interview, it’s the start of a 4+ year research partnership. In this video, we share 7 essential PhD interview tips that most applicants overlook. From your first email to the toughest interview questions.If you want to stand out, impress your future supervisor, and feel confident walking into your graduate school interview, this is for you.🎓 Your PhD acceptance starts before you step into the room.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------👉 We also created a full AI Tools for Academics Masterclass, where we walk through how to use AI ethically and effectively throughout the research process:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/MasterclassAI---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------⏰ TIME STAMPS0:00 - Introduction: Why PhD Interviews Are Different1:06 - The First Impression Most Applicants Get Wrong5:45 - What You Must Know Before You Walk In6:27 - The Question You Will Be Asked7:20 - Don’t Forget This Crucial Step9:37 - The Trait Supervisors Secretly Look For10:19 - The Mistake That Can Cost You the Position11:23 - How to Answer Like a Future Scientist12:21 - Final Advice & Good LuckAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the PhD's Toolkit series, we put Scite AI to the test! Join us as we review this AI-powered research assistant and evaluate its features for PhD students and researchers. From smart citations to personalized dashboards, we break down how Scite AI can streamline your literature search and improve your research workflow. Is it really as good as it sounds? Tune in to find out our honest verdict—spoiler: it's excellent!Checkout Scite yourself via: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Scite⏰ TIME STAMPS0:00 - Introduction to the PhD’s Toolkit Series0:18 - What is Scite AI?0:55 - Introduction to Scite AI's Features1:52 - Scite Assistant: Your AI Research Helper3:11 - What are Smart Citations?5:20 - Dashboard Feature Overview6:01 - How Scite AI Improves Literature Search8:25 - Finding Hidden Research Papers with Scite9:01 - Reference Check and Tracking Research Progress9:57 - Scite Plugin for Zotero12:04 - Scite AI Pricing and Subscription Options13:33 - Final Verdict and Rating: Is Scite AI Worth It?🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists?sub_confirmation=1🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: X: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Curious about how AI can simplify your research?In this episode of PhD's Toolkit, we dive deep into Vizly, the AI-powered data analysis tool that promises to make coding a thing of the past. Join us for a full review, where we break down its functions, ease of use, pricing, and impact for researchers.Whether you’re struggling with data or just want to speed up your workflow, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Try Vizly for yourself and get 20% discount at checkout using our link👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/vizly⏰ TIME STAMPS0:00 - Introduction to The Toolkit0:19 - Vizly AI Tour Begins2:03 - Data Security in Vizly2:52 - Diving into Vizly’s Functions6:08 - Real-World Example: RNA-Seq Data Analysis11:40 - Ease of Use Breakdown13:33 - Vizly Pricing Plans Explained15:00 - 20% Discount Code15:33 - Vizly’s Significance for Researchers17:00 - Final Rating and Ranking🤩Subscribe to stay up to date with new episodes:https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🔴Check out our Webshop 🛍️https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 for academics by subscribing to our newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: 🦉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheStrugglingS4 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/👇Interested in Sponsoring The Struggling Scientists? Then here is the info you need https://www.thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join us for an exciting chat with Professor Giles Yeo, the geneticist who made a splash on Channel 4 and the BBC! In this episode, Giles shares his journey from lab research to TV fame, and how he became a leading voice in nutrition and obesity science. Get ready for behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and tips on balancing science with media.Learn more about:- The thrill of making science documentaries- The secrets to effective science communication- And the realities of combining media with academia.Don't miss this fun and informative episode with the brilliant Giles Yeo! 🌟📺🔬📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕00:00:00 Introduction Episode00:00:32 Introduction to Giles Yeo00:01:21 Switch to Science Communication00:02:34 First TV Appearance00:05:59 Writing His First Book00:07:04 First Science Documentary00:07:36 Shift During COVID-1900:09:30 Personal Challenges in Academia00:11:06 Rewards of Science Communication00:13:36 Making Science Communication Easier for Scientists00:14:18 Advice for Early Career Researchers------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔗 Try Jenni AI: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/jenni🤯: Save 20% with the code "SCIENCE20"🤩Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss new episodes like this one: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🤖Want to find our favorite AI tools for PhDs and researchers? Look no further 👇https://mtr.bio/Tools🔴Find your favorite science shirt, stickers, or coffee mugs here:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/webshop/📰Get our FREE (AI) Tools guide 🤖 by subscribing to our FREE newsletter. https://thestrugglingscientists.com/newsletter👍Follow us for more fun and interesting memes, videos, and threads guaranteed to improve your PhD experience here: Twitter: https://x.com/TheStrugglingS4Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestrugglingscientistspodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thestrugglingscientistspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-struggling-scientists-podcast/?viewAsMember=trueInterested in collaborating with us ? Get in touch 👇https://thestrugglingscientists.com/sponsors/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Weight loss isn't complicated, but that sure as hell doesn't make it easy. With so much (mis)information out there, we decided to talk with an expert to get the facts!This week, Suzanne Van Wouw and I recorded a new episode with the wonderful Prof. Giles Yeo on the science behind✅ Weight loss✅ Obesity✅ Nutrition✅ and much moreExpect to learn 🧠 :⭐Universal and science-based nutritional advice from an expert.⭐The benefits of exercise for weight management, not weight loss.⭐ Why calories don't count⭐ and so much more!We are really excited to share this episode with you!📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕00:00:00 Introduction Episode00:01:45 Introduction to Giles Yeo and his Hobbies00:03:14 Healthy Eating for Busy Scientists00:05:29 The Misconception about Calories00:09:17 Genetic Factors in Diet and Weight Loss00:14:04 Challenges in Losing Weight00:17:55 Exercise and its Role in Weight Management00:23:13 Impact and Popularity of Weight-Loss Drugs00:33:32 The Future of Weight Loss: Technology and Personalized Medicine00:39:02 Balancing Food Love with Healthy Living------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🤩Subscribe to stay up to date with Struggling Scientists episodes:🎥Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thestrugglingscientists🟢Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4v05ZoBjLLIeUAtgGZIVZK?si=b3622d3c48b8474f🍎Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nl/podcast/the-struggling-scientists/id1569193933Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of the Struggling Scientists podcast, we're peeling back the curtain on some of the most riveting and significant moments that have recently captivated the scientific community. Join hosts Suzanne and Jayron as they delve into a mix of groundbreaking discoveries, unexpected challenges, and curious incidents that highlight the dynamic nature of science today:❄️ The Freezer Fiasco: A staggering $47 million worth of research vanished overnight. What went wrong at one of the world's leading institutes? The details are more chilling than you think.🐁 When AI Goes Awry: Ever seen a rat like no other? Discover what happens when artificial intelligence takes a creative license a little too far in scientific research.🍚 The Future on Your Plate: Imagine a world where your rice is also your meat. Dive into the debate on "meat-rice" and its potential to revolutionize our food system.📄 The Disappearing Act: Millions of scientific papers are vanishing into thin air. Find out why and what it means for the future of scientific knowledge.🌌 Dune's Reality Check: The iconic desert planet from Dune—fact or pure fiction? Our discussion might just surprise you.📊 The Great Hybrid Work Experiment: How has the shift to remote and hybrid work affected scientific creativity and productivity? The insights are invaluable.Each story unfolds a layer of the incredible tapestry that is modern science, from breathtaking breakthroughs to cautionary tales that will shape the way we think about technology, nature, and ourselves.🎧 Don't just skim the surface of these stories—join us as we dive deep into the details that matter, uncovering the truth behind the headlines. ➡️ Tune in to this week's episode of the Struggling Scientists for a journey into the heart of science's most fascinating stories. Listen now to not miss out on the adventure!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, we peel back the layers of how artificial intelligence is transforming the academic landscape. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just science-curious, this discussion is packed with insights on leveraging AI to streamline your work and foster innovation.What you'll discover in this episode:🤖 The Evolution of AI Tools in Academia: Beyond ChatGPT, uncover specialized AI tools that are changing the game for scientists and researchers.🔍 Enhancing Academic Workflow: Learn how AI can make research, note-taking, and publishing processes more efficient.🧠 Ethical Considerations and Responsibilities: Navigating the complex ethical landscape of using AI in academic work.🛠 Practical AI Tools Recommendations: Get the lowdown on the most useful AI tools you should be incorporating into your academic toolkit.🚀 The Future of AI in Academia: A look ahead at the exciting developments and potential of AI in transforming research and education.Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between AI technology and academic success. Tune in to uncover how AI can reduce the struggle in your academic endeavors and pave the way for a brighter, more efficient future in science and research.Check out our recommended tools via:https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Insighthttps://thestrugglingscientists.com/Perplexityhttps://thestrugglingscientists.com/Scispacehttps://thestrugglingscientists.com/Researchrabbithttps://thestrugglingscientists.com/Jenni👩‍🔬👨‍🔬 Join us in Episode 75 and let's demystify the world of AI in academia together!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dive into the intricate world of academic knowledge management with our expert guest, Ilya Shabanov, in the latest episode of The Struggling Scientists Podcast! Join us as we unravel the secrets of efficiently organizing and synthesizing vast amounts of academic data. This episode is a must-listen for researchers, students, and academics keen on streamlining their research process. Tune in to explore:- The Evolution of Note-Taking: Discover how traditional note-taking has transformed into advanced knowledge management systems, revolutionizing academic research.- The AI Connection: Get a glimpse into the future of academic research with the integration of AI tools into knowledge management systems. How does this tech synergy open new doors in research methodologies?- Personal Knowledge Gardens:Learn from Ilya's unique approach to knowledge management, likening it to tending a garden. How can this perspective change the way you handle academic data and enhance your research outcomes?Don't miss this insightful journey through the maze of academic knowledge management. Subscribe and listen now for a fresh perspective on organizing your academic world!If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!This episode is sponsored by SciSummary, the cutting-edge AI that revolutionizes the way we engage with scientific literature. Dive into a world of simplified, yet rich, scientific knowledge with SciSummary, and experience the future of learning at https://thestrugglingscientists.com/scisummary.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists, we are honored to have Nobel Laureate, Martin Chalfie, as our special guest. Join us as professor Chalfie shares his remarkable journey in science, from the initial struggles in the lab to the groundbreaking discovery that would ultimately change the field of biology. Since he was kind enough to talk with us for over an hour this episode will be split into two parts. In episode 70 we ask him questions about his scientific career, how he almost decided he was not cut out to be a scientist, and of course his discovery about using GFP as a marker. In episode 71 we will talk about the impact winning a Nobel prize has on your life and how he missed the announcement of his own Nobel Prize!Discover the story behind his pivotal work with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a genetic tag in cells and C. Elegans. With candid insights into the challenges he faced, the collaborative efforts that led to success, and the impact of his findings, this episode promises to inspire and captivate scientists and science enthusiasts alike.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Struggling Scientists podcast, Suzanne and Jayron dive into the captivating world of coffee and its significance in the lives of PhD students and academics. From the complex composition of roasted coffee to the bioactive compounds it contains, they explore the science behind how coffee affects our bodies and minds. Discover the optimal timing and dosage of caffeine intake, the potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption, and even some surprising facts about coffee's impact on DNA and bees. So grab your favorite mug and join The Struggling Scientists as they serve up an entertaining and enlightening discussion on the wonders of coffee.If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or papers we really need to read, you can reach out to us via our website: https://thestrugglingscientists.com/Would you like to know more about becoming a guest on our podcast or sponsoring us? Then please check out the information on our website!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy