Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD

What happens after you land your first job post-PhD? For many researchers, the transition from academia is just the beginning. In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Katerina Thomas joins David Mendes to explore how mentorship, self-awareness, and internal motivation shape the next stages of a PhD’s career journey.

Drawing from her own experience as a PhD in the life sciences now thriving in industry, Katerina reflects on redefining success beyond titles, finding mentors aligned with your values, and the importance of stepping into discomfort to grow. Whether you're still in academia or ha...

Dans cet épisode d’Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, je reçois l’essayiste et professeur Mathieu Bélisle. Ensemble, nous revisitons son parcours universitaire marqué par des doutes, des abandons et une reconquête progressive du sens à travers l’enseignement collégial. Ce témoignage nuancé aborde la pression académique, la fatigue mentale en doctorat, et la quête de sens qui pousse parfois à sortir des sentiers battus de l’université.

🎓 Vous entendrez :

Pourquoi le début du doctorat peut être plus difficile que la fin

Comment alléger les attentes peut sauver...

🎙️ This week on Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, Lucia Juarez, PhD, academic coach and creator of the SmartPhD system, joins us to talk about how PhD students can reclaim their time, boost academic confidence, and finish faster without sacrificing their wellbeing.

Drawing from her own journey through burnout, motherhood, and academic overwhelm, Lucia shares how she shifted from “just work harder” to a smarter, more human approach to research. Her strategies blend mindset work, intentional rest, and productivity tools like the Pomodoro technique, all tailored to the realities of grad school.

💡 In this episode:

Why...

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d’Horizon PhD!

Dans cet épisode, nous partons à la rencontre de Geneviève Rolland, déléguée générale du Québec à Munich, pour mieux comprendre le rôle des scientifiques en résidence au sein des délégations du Québec à l’étranger.

Au fil de l’entretien, Geneviève partage son expérience au sein du programme, explique le quotidien de ces jeunes scientifiques qui mettent leurs compétences multidisciplinaires au service du rayonnement international du Québec, et revient sur l’importance de la curiosité, de l’adaptabilité e...

🎓 Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD is the podcast that helps researchers, graduate students, and PhDs explore career possibilities beyond academia.

Hosted by David Mendes, each episode shares real stories of PhDs who have successfully transitioned into diverse roles across industry, government, communication, and entrepreneurship. With over 300 interviews and listeners in 100+ countries, this show is a treasure trove for anyone navigating the challenges of life after grad school.

In this trailer, discover what the podcast is all about and why it’s become a top destination for PhDs seeking career clarity, inspiration, and strategies for thriv...

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Jillian Rilley – founder, writer, keynote speaker, and consultant whose decades of work focus on helping people navigate change and accelerate learning, especially in disruptive times. Drawing on her experiences across Africa, Asia, and Central Europe, Jillian shares her personal journey of making bold transitions, including her pivotal move from academia in the U.S. to South Africa during a historic turning point.

ogether, David and Jillian dive deep into the concept of “the 10 Permissions,” the subject of Jillian’s upcoming...

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this week’s episode, host David Mendes is joined by Al Zdenek—a seasoned entrepreneur in the wealth management industry, acclaimed author, and passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over 40 years of experience as a CPA, personal financial specialist, and now co-founder of K Club, Al brings invaluable insights to academics navigating the often daunting shift from the structured world of academia to the uncharted waters of industry and business.

Together, David and Al dive deep into practical strategies for salary negotiation, understanding job offers, and mastering the...

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Karina do Santos Machado, a trailblazing young scientist from Brazil whose journey exemplifies the power of collaboration and open science in the global South. Karina shares her path from a childhood fascination with computers to becoming a principal investigator leading cutting-edge drug discovery research with global impact, all from her home base in Rio Grande.

Facing the challenges of limited funding, infrastructure hurdles, and fewer resources common to universities in developing countries, Karina highlights how resourcefulness and community s...

Dans cette nouvelle Pépite Papa PhD, Nathalie Nguyen-Quoc Ouellette, astrophysicienne et communicatrice scientifique passionnée, nous raconte comment, après son doctorat, elle a osé sortir du parcours traditionnel pour se lancer dans la vulgarisation scientifique, surmontant de nombreux refus avant de trouver sa voie. Nathalie souligne l’importance de la résilience, de l’apprentissage face à l’adversité et du fait de suivre sa passion, même quand le chemin n’existe pas encore. Pour tous ceux qui hésitent à sortir des sentiers battus, son parcours montre que la curiosité et la persévérance ouvrent des portes insoupçonnées...

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis! This week, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Kirsten “Kiki” Sanford, a science communicator with an unconventional path from bird neuroscience to the front lines of science storytelling. In this episode, Dr. Kiki shares behind-the-scenes stories of launching “This Week in Science,” collaborating with mentors like Leo Laporte, and mastering new technologies – much of it self-taught. She reflects on the real-world skills her PhD provided, the power of embracing change, and gives practical advice for anyone looking to turn obstacles into launching pads for new opportunities.

Whether you’re at a crossroads...

Bienvenue dans cette nouvelle Pépite Papa PhD ! Dans cet excerpt de mon entrevue avec Olivier Bernard, pharmacien et vulgarisateur reconnu, il parle de comment communiquer efficacement la science, même face à la pseudoscience et aux sujets polarisants. On a parlé de l’importance de l’empathie, de la nuance et de surmonter la peur de prendre la parole publiquement. Le message à retenir : 95% des gens sont prêts à entendre la vérité, alors ose partager tes connaissances et prends ta place dans la discussion scientifique. À très vite pour une nouvelle dose d’inspiration !

Welcome to this new episode of Papa PhD Gold! Here’s the big takeaway from this excerpt from my conversation with scientific writing expert Anna Clemens: Selling isn’t a dirty word in academia – it’s all about communicating your research in a way that connects with people, even if they aren’t specialists in your field. If you approach editors, funders, or stakeholders with clarity, enthusiasm, and a strong story, you’re not being sleazy, you’re making your hard work accessible and impactful. So, embrace storytelling, invite others to the party, and remember: refining your message through feedback is ho...

Welcome to this new episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this one, host David Mendes sits down with Daria Levina, Harvard-educated lawyer, academic, author, and founder of Harvard State of Mind. Daria shares her experience navigating international graduate applications, the challenges of securing funding, and how resilience is key to overcoming academic setbacks.

Their conversation dives deep into the technical and psychological hurdles of applying to master’s and PhD programs, offering actionable advice for students worldwide. Daria describes her journey from Moscow State University to Harvard, her experience on admissions committees, and her pa...

Bienvenue à ce nouvel épisode d’Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, le podcast qui explore toutes les facettes de la vie après le doctorat !

Cette semaine, David Mendes accueille Assia Asrir, docteure en immunologie et figure engagée dans l’accompagnement des parcours scientifiques vers le secteur privé, nommément par le biais de la communauté Résalience.

Au long de la conversation, Assia partage les résultats d’une étude qu’elle a co-mené sur la perception des doctorants par les entreprises françaises du secteur des biotechnologies. Ensemble, David et Assia lèvent le voile...

In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Tina Persson, a PhD in organic chemistry turned career coach, recruiter, and author, to dive into the reality behind making the leap from academia to industry. During the conversation Tina shares her personal journey, from her PhD and climbing the academic ladder, to discovering that professorship wasn’t the right fit for her ambitions and personality.

David and Tina reflect on the unique challenges PhDs face when transitioning to the corporate world, including the crucial need to understand what companies value, and how to “sell yourself” outside of the ac...

Welcome to this new episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this episode, host David Mendes sits down with Morgan Foret, who brings a fresh perspective on navigating the journey from academia to industry. Morgan shares her personal story, beginning with her undergraduate studies in cell biology, an international research internship in Germany, and her PhD in pharmacology at McGill University, where she focused on Alzheimer’s disease. Now working in regulatory affairs at Thermo Fisher, Morgan discusses the realities and misconceptions of moving into industry after a PhD. Together, David and Morgan unpack the challenges she face...

Welcome to a brand new episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD! In this conversation, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Colleen Kelly, a seasoned chemistry professor, researcher, and now award-winning author of children’s chemistry comic books. With a PhD in chemistry from Penn State, Colleen’s career has spanned environmental toxicology, medicinal chemistry, and decades of teaching at the University of Arizona. But it’s her mission to transform “molecular literacy” for learners ages eight to one hundred and eight that sets her apart. Inspired by her own educational journey as a first-generation college student and by wat...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD. This week, host David Mendes sits down with Dr. Rob Lion, professor of Human Resource Development at Idaho State University, expert in culture, leadership development, and organizational performance, and co-owner of Black River Performance Management. With over two decades of experience guiding individuals and organizations, Rob shares his personal journey from early leadership roles to consulting, and how his curiosity led him to focus not just on systematic solutions, but on the human factors that drive real, lasting change in organizations.

In this conversation, Rob unpacks...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD. In this episode, David Mendes sits down with Sylvie Lahaie, a neuroscientist, yoga and meditation teacher, and expert in stress management and burnout prevention. Sylvie shares her compelling journey through academia, detailing both the pressures and rewards of graduate research, and candidly opens up about her personal struggle with chronic burnout during her master’s program. But Sylvie didn’t just overcome adversity—she transformed it, integrating her scientific background in neuroscience with a passion for yoga, breathwork, and meditation to foster real, sustainable relief from stress.

Tune...

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d’Horizon PhD!   Aujourd’hui, nous partons à la découverte des horizons insoupçonnés du doctorat, en poussant les portes de la diplomatie scientifique avec notre invitée Anne-Marie Pilote. Docteure en communication politique de l’UQAM, Anne-Marie occupe aujourd’hui le poste de directrice adjointe des études, volet recherche et innovation, au Cégep de Jonquière.   Au long de l’entrevue, elle nous raconte comment la pandémie a bouleversé son parcours, l’amenant à saisir l’opportunité qu’offre le programme des scientifiques en résidence du FRQ, et à aller passer un an à la Délégation générale du Qu...

Bienvenue dans cet épisode spécial du balado « Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD» produit en collaboration avec l’équipe ÉOA hors les murs de l’École d’orthophonie et d’audiologie de l’université de Montréal, au long duquel nous vous invitons à plonger dans une conversation inspirante et authentique enregistrée en direct devant public, où notre animateur David Mendes anime un panel d’invités aux parcours post-PhD aussi inspirants que diversifiés. Ensemble, ils lèvent le voile sur la fameuse question : que se passe-t-il vraiment après l’obtention d’un doctorat ?

À travers les voix de Stéphani...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD—a podcast where we dive deep into what happens after the PhD and how you can leap from academia into a diverse universe of fulfilling careers. This week, host David Mendes sits down in-person with Rayana Luna, a seasoned expert in medical affairs with over a decade of experience spanning multiple leadership roles, industry transitions, and a consulting business: Your MSL Coach. In this in-depth conversation, Rayana shares her journey from doing a PhD and feeling locked into the traditional academic path, to discovering the world of medical sc...

Welcome to a special collaborative episode of “Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD” featuring Sarah McClusky, host of the Research Adjacent podcast. In this conversation, David Mendes sits down with Sarah to explore the often overlooked world of research-adjacent careers—the roles, paths, and opportunities for PhDs and researchers beyond traditional academic tracks. Sarah draws on her extensive experience as a freelance consultant, trainer, and facilitator, sharing her journey from plant pathology and biochemistry into the wide-ranging ecosystem of research support, management, and communication. She candidly discusses the challenges many graduate students face as they near the end of their...

Bienvenue à ce nouvel épisode d’Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD !

Dans ce nouvel épisode d’« Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa David Mendes reçoit Nayana Guerrero, chercheuse en sciences sociales et directrice associée au département de gestion et de leadership au Tecnologico de Monterrey. Nayana, titulaire d’un doctorat en sciences administratives de l’UNAM, a également enrichi sa formation à Sciences Po Paris et à l’American University. Spécialisée dans l’intelligence artificielle, le genre et la durabilité des entreprises, elle consacre une grande partie de sa carrière à promouvoir un leadership inclus...

In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, host David Mendes is joined by Isabelle Koller, an assistant professor at VU Amsterdam and the founder of NextMinds. Isabelle shares her passion for helping early career researchers navigate the complexities of academia, from enhancing their well-being during their PhDs to planning the next steps in their careers. Throughout the conversation, Isabelle and David explore the challenges facing PhD students, particularly as they look to transition into industry or other sectors beyond academia. They talk about the importance of starting career exploration early, the value of networking, and practical...

Bienvenue dans ce nouvel épisode d’Horizon PhD!

Dans cette entrevue, je t’apporte Julie Ducharme, une scientifique passionnée qui entame sa deuxième année en tant que scientifique en résidence à la délégation du Québec à Los Angeles.

Au cours de l’entrevue, Julie explique en détail son parcours, depuis ses débuts en science jusqu’à son expérience actuelle, en passant par ses études doctorales en chimie à l’Université McGill et son post-doctorat à Caltech. Ensemble, nous explorons le concept de diplomatie scientifique et les opportunités professionnelles que celle-ci offre aux personnes...

Welcome to the second episode of Papa PhD Gold! In this riveting conversation, we have the pleasure of delving into the world of gig workers with Professor Sue Ashford from the University of Michigan, as she shares her insightful research on how these workers maintain their identity and vitality in a professional world full of uncertainties. Sue introduces us to the four key connections that experienced gig workers build to manage anxieties and thrive in their careers. This includes building supportive networks of peers or mentors, creating inspiring workspaces, identifying meaningful purposes for oneself, and establishing sustainable routines. Each...

Cette semaine sur Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD, je t’apporte un épisode spécial Podcasthon 2024, où je te présente une association dont la mission est de créer un environnement et une communauté propices à la rédaction de thèse et d’articles – Thèsez-vous.

Née en 2015, lors de la première retraite de rédaction organisée par et pour les étudiant.e.s, Thèsez-vous a pour mission la mise en place d’environnements physiques et humains réfléchis pour faciliter la rédaction universitaire.

L’équi...

Bienvenue au tout nouveau format d’Au-delà de la thèse – les Pépites Papa PhD. Dans cet épisode, David Mendes s’entretient avec Manon Fantino-Lalonde, une doctorante entrepreneure qui réussit à jongler entre son projet doctoral et son entreprise naissante pour parler de “La clé de l’entrepreneuriat étudiant – Bien s’entourer”. Manon nous dévoile comment elle a démarré son projet entrepreneurial inspiré par un problème médical diagnostiqué lors de son master et parle de l’importance de créer des ponts entre la recherche et la médecine clinique. Elle partage son parcours avec le programme Innovinc de l’Uni...

Welcome to a brand-new Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD experience – the “Papa PhD Gold” format, where we dive into a past episode of the show to explore the intersection of science, communication, and personal growth as a researcher. In this episode, we are joined by Elodie Chabrol, a passionate advocate for science communication and a scientist who emphasizes the importance of stepping back to view the “big picture” in research. Elodie and David Mendes discuss how engaging in science communication can transform a scientist’s approach to their work and career, from applying for grants to improving public engagement s...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD! In this positivity-charged conversation, we’re joined by Ashley Moses, a PhD candidate in neurosciences at Stanford University. Ashley is not only advancing her own research but she’s also created a precious resource, for herself and for her fellow graduate students – PhD Paths – where she shares the journey and career paths of over a hundred PhDs she’s interviewed and who have transitioned into non-academic jobs. During our conversation, you will learn about the importance of professional development during the PhD journey, about the power of networking, and the ab...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD, where we’re diving deep into the world of academia with Dr. Vikki Wright. Dr. Wright, the founder of The PhD Life Coach, joins David Mendes to share her journey from a full professorship at the University of Birmingham to becoming a life coach empowering PhD students and academics to thrive in their careers. In this episode, we’ll explore how she transitioned from a research-focused role to a teaching and coaching path, emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment in academic spaces. Vikki shares her insights on developing tran...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD!In this episode of Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, your host David Mendes sits down for a meaningful chat with Claudia, who just wrapped up her PhD and is now stepping into the pharmaceutical industry. They explore Claudia's experiences during her time in graduate school, including her struggles with impostor syndrome, and the proactive steps she took to get ready for life after her thesis. David and Claudia dive into the significance of networking, the art of telling your story in job applications, and the crucial but sometimes...

Bienvenue dans cet épisode spécial d'Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD où je pars derrière le rideau d'un événement unique en son genre : "Dans les coulisses de la recherche". Dans cet épisode spécial, j'accueille dans un format table ronde Sophie-Andrée Blondin, animatrice de l'émission Les Années Lumière sur ICI Première, Thomas Milan, communicateur scientifique et fondateur de l'événement, ainsi que Laurence Côté, doctorante à l'IRIC et participante à l'évènement. Ensemble, on a discuté de l'importance de la vulgarisation scientifique, de l'évolution de la communication dans le domaine de la recherch...

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD!I'm your host, David Mendes, and today, we delve deep into the art of pivoting professionally without fear. In this episode we are joined by two extraordinary guests, Kelly Gunther and Dr. Keri Ohlrich, cofounders of Abbracci Group and cohosts of the Breakout podcast. In this episode, we explore the complex and often challenging process of stepping out of life's predestined boxes—the expectations set by society, family, and even ourselves. Kelly and Keri share their personal stories, professional insights, and the powerful narratives of those who have made brave, life-altering ch...

Bienvenue à ce nouvel épisode d'Au-delà de la thèse avec Papa PhD ! Aujourd'hui, on vous apporte la récente conversation de David Mendes avec Myriam Beaudry, nutritionniste de formation et travailleuse autonome, sur son parcours académique et sur les défis qui l'ont menée à prendre la décision difficile d'arrêter son doctorat.Myriam nous parle de la suspension de session, un mécanisme universitaire permettant de faire une pause sans quitter le programme, et de l'importance de prendre soin de sa santé mentale dans un environnement académique où le stress abonde. Elle partage ses expériences personnelles de...

Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD!I'm your host, David Mendes, and today, I'm thrilled to dive into an enlightening conversation with Matteo Tardelli, a seasoned professional in the biotech sector and an advocate for aligning career choices with personal values. In this episode, Matteo opens up about the intricate process of uncovering one's core values and how they play a pivotal role in making fulfilling career decisions.We'll explore his journey from academia to industry, touching on his experiences and challenges in job hunting, especially in the realms of biotech and consulting. Matteo also shares practical...

Welcome to another enlightning episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD!This week, I delve into the intricacies of fear and courage with my guest, Mary Poffenroth. During this discussion about navigating the fear of change, especially relevant for graduate students and early-career professionals facing uncertainty about the future, Mary shares her rich experiences, from studying at Imperial College London to her groundbreaking work on fear and bravery, which has graced the pages of major publications like Forbes, Time, and National Geographic. In this episode, you'll discover practical "neurohacks" designed to help manage fear and anxiety—tools that are ac...

Join the Beyond the Thesis Skool community! Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD! I took some time in the middle of my family vacations to record a very short minisode and send you my 2025 wishes of a year full of enriching conversations!Listen through and you will also find a great reading recommendation for this coming year and a call for listener 2025 wishes! Episode Transcript Welcome to Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD, the podcast that delves into the diverse and impactful roles scientists can play beyond the lab. With me, David Mendes. Hi. D...

Join the Beyond the Thesis Skool community! The holiday season is here and you may be struggling with anxiety, the fear of evaluation, or just feeling overwhelmed and far from your family or friends. You're not alone.Join host David Mendes with special guest Dr. Jessica Schleider, asociate psychology professor at Northwestern University, as they dive deep into the mental health challenges faced by graduate students around the world, today, in one of the most powerful episodes of Season 5. Jessica L. Schleider, PhD, is Associate professor of psychology at Northwestern University, where she directs the Lab for Scalable Mental Health...