Doctoral work is often described as isolating, overwhelming, and deeply personal. But what happens when someone truly understands the journey alongside you?

In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, Drs. Noreen Hobayan and Carolyn Peters share how an unexpected partnership during the dissertation phase became a lifeline through discouragement, revisions, leadership changes, self-doubt, and exhaustion. What began as simple Zoom study sessions evolved into a powerful source of accountability, friendship, emotional support, and persistence.

Together, they reflect on what it means to keep showing up for yourself, and for someone else, during one of the most demanding academic journeys a person can experience.

This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most important part of finishing is finding someone who gets it.

Choosing a dissertation topic can feel overwhelming. I certainly felt like I had to get it exactly "right".

In this episode, Dr. Tim Newman and I move away from the pressure of finding the perfect topic and instead explore how to choose one that can actually carry you through the doctoral journey. We talk about alignment, purpose, feasibility, and why your “why” matters more than anything else.

This conversation is for you If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing, or waiting for clarity. Hopefully it will help you think differently about what it really means to choose a dissertation topic.

In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, TiffianyAnn Lundine sits down with Dr. Sheldon Greaves, author of The Guerrilla Scholar’s Handbook, to explore what it means to pursue rigorous intellectual work both inside and beyond the academy.

Together, they discuss how doctoral education shapes scholarly identity, why curiosity often fades, and how learning can unintentionally become transactional. Dr. Greaves introduces the idea of guerrilla scholarship—the pursuit of meaningful intellectual work without waiting for institutional permission.

The conversation also explores the importance of reflection, intellectual humility, and creating space for ideas to grow. For doctoral learners navigating exhaustion, isolation, and the pressure to finish, this episode offers a powerful reminder: scholarship does not belong only to institutions—it belongs to anyone willing to stay curious and keep asking better questions.

The Guerrilla Scholar's Handbook, available on Amazon. 

https://amzn.to/4114Sd6

Most doctoral learners don’t leave because they aren’t capable. They leave because something deeper has gone unnamed.

In this reflective conversation, Dr. John Wade and I explore what lies beneath the research question, such as misaligned expectations, identity shifts, feedback fatigue, and the quiet tension between persistence and purpose.

We discuss why the dissertation phase feels different from coursework, how meaning sustains momentum, and why staying with a hard question can shape who you become.

If you’re in the trenches questioning your progress, your topic, or yourself, this episode invites you to pause and consider the question beneath the question.

What does it really take to finish a dissertation from a Dissertation Chair's perspective?

In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, host TiffianyAnn Lundine sits down with Dr. Alison Pattison and Dr. Lori Wieters, co-authors of the book, From Research to Reality, for an honest and grounding conversation about the realities doctoral learners face.

Together, they unpack burnout, guilt around rest, sustainable progress, and the often-misunderstood dynamics of working with a dissertation committee. Drawing from their own doctoral journeys and years of supporting doctoral learners, Dr. Pattison and Dr. Wieters share practical guidance, mindset shifts, and real stories that remind listeners they are not alone or behind.

This episode is a reality check every doctoral learner needs: compassionate, practical, and rooted in what actually helps people finish.

Book: From Research to Reality

Available through Amazon: https://a.co/d/75IK34M and Barnes and Noble

Research to Reality Community: A collaborative group of doctoral learners, graduates, and faculty who have one common goal -- to finish!

https://the-research-to-reality-community.mn.co/share/lYIBHexW1u-i3Wzs?utm_source=manual

What happens when a doctoral learner steps into the room with the very people they’re studying?

In this episode, doctoral learner Sandra Salazar-Colon shares how attending a higher education conference during her data collection phase became a turning point in the way she viewed her research, but also her identity as a scholar and future leader. What began as an effort to recruit participants turned into an experience of connection, affirmation, and renewed purpose.

Together, we explore the realities of data collection, the power of proximity to your research population, and how moments outside the dissertation document can reshape confidence, clarity, and direction. If you’re feeling stuck, isolated, or wondering whether the dissertation truly matters beyond graduation, this conversation will remind you why it does—and why you do.

In this episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, Dr. TiffianyAnn Lundine speaks with Dr. Stephen Babcock, a recent doctoral graduate who completed his doctorate in just three years while balancing family, teaching, and professional leadership.

Dr. Babcock shares practical strategies for intentional planning, disciplined time management, navigating difficult feedback, and knowing when to step back without losing momentum. This candid conversation offers encouragement and perspective for doctoral learners at every stage of the journey.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is a reminder that progress is possible.

Dr. Pamala Brown—U.S. Air Force veteran, behavioral health leader, and doctoral graduate—shares a powerful reflection on resilience, alignment, and self-advocacy in doctoral life. This episode is not about changing dissertation chairs, but about recognizing when reflection, ownership, and intentional decision-making are needed to move forward with clarity and purpose. A thoughtful conversation for doctoral learners navigating challenge, misalignment, and growth. 

You can check out Dr. Brown's amazing organization at Henry 4 Helping Hands of Hope.

In this episode, TiffianyAnn Lundine talks with Dr. Twyla Williams, professor, consultant, and creator of the BRIGHT Network, about how doctoral learners can turn their dissertation journey into a pathway toward leadership. Dr. Williams breaks down her BRIGHT framework and shares practical insights on belonging, research, intentional networking, professional development, and aligning your work with your long-term goals. A powerful conversation for anyone ready to move from dissertation to purpose-driven impact. 

What happens when your doctoral progress doesn’t match the pace your institution requires?

You reflect. You pivot. You persist.

In this powerful new episode of Dissertating: In the Trenches and Behind the Scenes, I sit down with Thurman Hemingway, a doctoral learner in the final phase of his journey. After recognizing that his timeline wasn’t aligning with institutional expectations, Thurman made the bold decision to transfer schools—reigniting his commitment to finish strong.

Drawing from his background in the military and food service industry, Thurman shares what drives him to model resilience, purpose, and intentionality for his children and grandchildren.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt behind, discouraged, or underestimated.

In this conversation, Dr. Stacy Luckett shares her journey of pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership with an emphasis on K-12 education. She discusses her motivations, the influence of her family, and the challenges she faced during her dissertation process, including personal health issues. Dr. Luckett emphasizes the importance of support systems, the role of resources in academic success, and her reflections on life and education. The conversation highlights her passion for education and her commitment to making a difference in her community.

In this conversation, TiffianyAnn interviews Dr. John Beggs, a professor in physics and neuroscience, about the complexities and challenges of doctoral education. They discuss the purpose of a PhD, the personal sacrifices involved, the importance of resilience, and the role of community in supporting doctoral learners. Dr. Beggs shares insights on self-organization in research, the need for critical thinking, and the significance of contributing to meaningful knowledge in society. The conversation emphasizes the emotional and mental challenges faced by doctoral students and the importance of support systems throughout the journey.

Welcome to “Dissertating” where we will speak to doctoral learners who are in the trenches and gain insight from some who are behind the scenes.

 My name is TiffianyAnn Lundine, and I will be your podcast host.

 This podcast will not focus on the technical aspects of your writing, your dissertation. Instead, this is meant to be a space of community, one where you can connect at your leisure and hear from others striving for the same dream. This is meant to be a space where I hope you find rest, inspiration, camaraderie, and possibly some tactics to strategically plan your path.

 I have worked within doctoral education for over 20 years and finished my doctorate in 2022. Every time I speak to a doctoral learner. Still, to this day, I just light up. I embrace it all because I experienced it myself, but I know that dissertating can be lonely sometimes, and you may not be able to connect with your dissertating peers often. So here we are, together with our beverage of choice in a space of connection.

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