PhD Tips

Podcast

PhD Tips

by Cliff Freeman

Ok, so you've been accepted into a PhD program... Now what?! Here, you will find quick tips and insights of what a Phd program is, what it isn't, and what you should pay attention to on your journey. Enjoy!

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Season 2 · 9 episodes

#20 Dissertation Defense: Cliff Freeman Ph.D.
S2 Ep.8Apr 7, 2026·00:54:50

#20 Dissertation Defense: Cliff Freeman Ph.D.

On April 2, 2026, I successfully defended my dissertation: "Radical Solutions: To Be Young, Gifted in Teaching Mathematics" at Boston University's Earl Center for Learning and Innovation. In May, 2026 I will graduate with a PhD in Mathematics & Science Education. Connect with me at https://www.cliff.phd/ if you want a copy of the dissertation and a study/class guide when it becomes available! I will do another PhD Tip on the prep! But that is for season 3!

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#19 Keep A List of Research Questions
S2 Ep.7Aug 27, 2025·00:08:01

#19 Keep A List of Research Questions

Some of your best research ideas will come when you least expect them—and if you don’t capture them, they’re gone. In this episode, Cliff Freeman shares why every PhD student should keep a living research question list from the very start of their program. Learn how this simple habit can fuel your dissertation, spark future projects, and even lead to funded research years down the line. Music: Pianoma by Skillis Beats X (formally Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠@phdtipspodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@phdtips_⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠PhDTipsPodcast⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠@phdtips⁠⁠ As always, visit ⁠⁠phd-tips.com⁠⁠ for the latest updates! ---- Do you want to learn ⁠⁠⁠How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy?⁠⁠⁠ Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! ⁠⁠https://cliff.boston/podcast/

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#18 Chase Momentum Not Perfection
S2 Ep.6Aug 20, 2025·00:07:31

#18 Chase Momentum Not Perfection

Perfectionism might feel like a badge of honor, but in the dissertation process, it’s a momentum killer. In this episode, Cliff Freeman shares why chasing “perfect” before you share your work can cost you months—and how embracing early, imperfect drafts can speed up your progress. Learn why your advisor needs to see your work sooner, how early feedback can save you from wasted effort, and why every dissertation will be rewritten anyway. Music: Pianoma by Skillis Beats X (formally Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠@phdtipspodcast⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@phdtips_⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠PhDTipsPodcast⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠@phdtips⁠⁠ As always, visit ⁠⁠phd-tips.com⁠⁠ for the latest updates! ---- Do you want to learn ⁠⁠⁠How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy?⁠⁠⁠ Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! ⁠⁠https://cliff.boston/podcast/

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#17 Share Often
S2 Ep.5Aug 14, 2025·00:07:28

#17 Share Often

You’ve finished your qualifying tasks—congrats! But what you do next could save you months… or cost you months. In this episode, Cliff Freeman shares why you should assemble your dissertation committee immediately and why every piece of substantive writing—no matter how rough—should go to your advisor. Learn how early formation and frequent feedback create momentum, keep you aligned, and prevent costly rewrites. Music: Pianoma by Skillis Beats X (formally Twitter): ⁠⁠@phdtipspodcast⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@phdtips_⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠PhDTipsPodcast⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠@phdtips⁠ As always, visit ⁠phd-tips.com⁠ for the latest updates! ---- Do you want to learn ⁠⁠How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy?⁠⁠ Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! ⁠https://cliff.boston/podcast/

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#16 Qualifying Tasks
S2 Ep.4Jul 13, 2024·00:14:06

#16 Qualifying Tasks

The Qualifying Task. Oh what a process. At the Wheelock College of Education & Human Development at Boston University, we are required to complete two qualifying tasks: a literature review and a research study. In this episode, I will guide you through my journey of creating these scholarly works seamlessly, alleviating much of the stress associated with meeting tight deadlines. You can read both papers here: Qualifying Task #1: Chapter 2: Lurch Forward: Eliminating Caste in American Classrooms Qualifying Task #2: Near Peer Pedagogies for Culturally Sustaining Computer Science and Mathematics Music: Bass Boom by Cliff Freeman X (formally Twitter): ⁠@phdtipspodcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠@phdtips_⁠ Facebook: ⁠PhDTipsPodcast⁠ Youtube: @phdtips As always, visit phd-tips.com for the latest updates! ---- Do you want to learn ⁠How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy?⁠ Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! https://cliff.boston/podcast/

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#15 Year Four with Cliff Freeman
S2 Ep.3Sep 10, 2023·00:08:05

#15 Year Four with Cliff Freeman

Time flies. There will be a point in your PhD journey when you wonder "Where has the time gone?!!" When you reach year four, hopefully all of that time contributed to writing papers, making conference presentations, and finishing course work! That point in time happened for me this week. I felt a surge of inspiration one morning, compelling me to record this voice note. Enjoy! — Music: PhD Slap #1 by Cliff Freeman ft. Mariana Jaramillo X (formally Twitter): @phdtipspodcast Instagram: @phdtips_ Facebook: PhDTipsPodcast As always, visit phd-tips.com for the latest updates! Do you want to learn How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy? Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! https://cliffslink.com/podcast/

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#14 Seven PhD Tips by Cliff Freeman
S2 Ep.2Jun 25, 2023·00:04:55

#14 Seven PhD Tips by Cliff Freeman

Embark on a transformative journey with today's riveting episode as we unveil seven indispensable tips for navigating the challenging realm of doctoral studies. Whether you're grappling with time management, seeking strategies to enhance your research prowess, or longing for guidance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, this episode is an indispensable compass to steer you towards triumph in your doctoral pursuits. Tune in now to unlock the secrets of success and embark on a transformative PhD experience! — Twitter: @phdtipspodcast Instagram: @phdtips_ As always, visit phd-tips.com for the latest updates! Do you want to learn How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy? Discover the secrets of starting a podcast even when your schedule is jam-packed! Introducing the ultimate guidebook designed specifically for busy individuals: "How To Start Podcasting While Very Busy" by acclaimed author Cliff Freeman, the mastermind behind PhD Tips. This invaluable ebook is meticulously crafted to empower and inspire even the most time-strapped enthusiasts. Unveil the step-by-step blueprint to launch your own podcast with confidence, all while juggling a demanding lifestyle. Don't miss out on this unparalleled resource tailored to the busiest of individuals! https://cliffslink.com/podcast/

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#13 PhD Tips with Dr. Khadija Boyd
S2 Ep.1Jun 4, 2021·00:32:12

#13 PhD Tips with Dr. Khadija Boyd

Welcome to Season 2 of PhD Tips! Today we are joined by Dr. Khadija Boyd, a retired military veteran, and currently full-time scholar! Dr. Boyd joins the podcast with 5 tips for doctoral students ready to start THRIVING in their doctoral studies.  Read some of Dr. Boyd's recently published articles: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=b4-gqSIAAAAJ As always, visit phd-tips.com for the latest updates! 

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PhD Tips Season 2
S2 Ep.1May 26, 2021·00:00:42

PhD Tips Season 2

Hi, my name is Cliff Freeman, and welcome to the second season of PhD Tips! Similar to last season, we will hear a variety of Ph.D. tips from real-life doctoral students who will eventually defend a dissertation at the end of their academic journey. In addition to current PhD students, we will invite individuals who are in the application phase, postdocs, and PhDs in the field to share some of their insights.  If you have been following the ride, thank you for tuning back in, and if you are new…welcome to PhD Tips. phd-tips.com

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Season 1 · 12 episodes

#12 Phd Tips with Dr. Andrea Curry
S1 Ep.12Dec 13, 2020·00:43:32

#12 Phd Tips with Dr. Andrea Curry

If you are having a feeling of "I can't do this" on your journey to Ph.D., stop what you are doing and listen to this podcast featuring Dr. Andrea N. Curry. Dr. Curry shares key tips for current and future Ph.D. students. Please check out some of Dr. Curry's endeavors by clicking links in the Podcast description!  Doctor of Philosophy in Health Services: The Evaluation of the Relationship between Racial Health Disparities and the Patient-Provider Relationship Dissertation Editing Consultant - Website Adjunct Online Faculty - Department of Healthcare LeTourneau University Author of Mind To Heart Motivational Thoughts now available online via  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Target, and Walmart Motivational Speaker/ Mentor Podcast Host - Mind To Heart Follow me on Social Media Facebook  Instagram   LinkedIn  Twitter  YouTube

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#11 PhD Tips with Dr. Kimberly Douglass
S1 Ep.11Dec 5, 2020·00:55:42

#11 PhD Tips with Dr. Kimberly Douglass

In this episode of PhD Tips, Dr. Douglass shares invaluable tips about shifting self-defeating mindsets that show up on your Journey to PhD. Dr Douglass blesses us with advice and tips throughout the ENTIRE show! What a special treat! Make sure to connect with Dr. Douglass if you need any support! Tik Tok: @drkimberlydouglass Facebook: Kimberly Douglass  Instagram: @DrKimberlyDouglass Twitter: @scholarvalet

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#10 Medical School Tips with Ophelia Okoh
S1 Ep.10Nov 28, 2020·00:44:53

#10 Medical School Tips with Ophelia Okoh

Ophelia Okoh is a medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. This episode is a more laid back episode as Ophelia and I are friends. She gives critical insights about the road to Dr in the medical field. In 7 years time, she will be on her way to being a successful physician in Family Medicine. Listen to Ophelia on her Podcast: Hear Her Speak Email her with any questions at: okohophelia@gmail.com 

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#9 How to Read Long Theory Articles pt. 1/2
S1 Ep.9Nov 28, 2020·00:06:25

#9 How to Read Long Theory Articles pt. 1/2

In grad school and beyond, you will encounter lengthy theory papers. These papers will be like no other paper you have read before. How do you get through them? Thanks to Dr. Jonathan Rosa and Dr. Roy Perez we now have a blueprint. This is part 1 of 2 about how to read long theory articles. Link to the full list of tips

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#8 PhD Tips with Rinice Sauls
S1 Ep.8Oct 6, 2020·00:55:44

#8 PhD Tips with Rinice Sauls

Today on PhD Tips, Rinice Sauls shares her experience as a second-year Ph.D. student. Her experience is unique in the sense that she has already experienced a successful career in K-12 as a practitioner and has begun her PhD program to learn more and eventually be successful in research. Find Rinice on twitter: @rinice_sauls

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#7 PhD Tips with Shaunesse Jacobs
S1 Ep.7Aug 31, 2020·01:07:00

#7 PhD Tips with Shaunesse Jacobs

Shaunesse Jacobs, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently in the third year of her PhD program at Boston University's School of Theology. Shaunesse is on track to becoming a household name. As a 3rd year Ph.D. student, what drives her to continue the PhD are the contributions she hopes her research questions will have, which aim to improve the public health crises of black maternal mortality. Follow Shaunesse on Twitter @shaunesse_aj #WhenBlackWomenSpeakYouListen #PhDTips

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#6 The Syllabus
S1 Ep.6Aug 11, 2020·00:04:16

#6 The Syllabus

Welcome back to PhD Tips! This tip is for all students learning in academic institutions that require professors to hand out a syllabus at the beginning of the course!  Today's Ph.D. Tip is from Cliff Freeman, a first-year Ph.D. student at Boston University studying Mathematics and Science Education. (At time of recording). Follow him on Twitter: @Cliffitt and Follow PhD Tips on Twitter: @PhDTipsPodcast

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#5 PhD Tips with Lashae Williams
S1 Ep.5Jul 29, 2020·00:38:32

#5 PhD Tips with Lashae Williams

Today on Ph.D. Tips, we are joined by Lashae William, a 2nd-year doctoral candidate at Drexel University studying clinical psychology with an emphasis in pediatric neuropsychology. Lashae's Tips for future PhD students are empowering and inspirational for anyone, but especially for students of the culture who suffer from impostor syndrome. This Podcast is a major gem!  Follow Lashae on Twitter: @lashaenwilliams and her YouTube Channel: LifeWithLashae

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#4 PhD Tips with Jay Withers
S1 Ep.4Jul 8, 2020·00:39:08

#4 PhD Tips with Jay Withers

Today, we have Jay Withers on PhD Tips! We spoke about course loads, day to day life as a PhD student, and what it feels like to be a PhD student during the pandemic. Jay Withers, originally from Little Rock Arkansaw, is a 2nd-year black graduate student in a doctoral program for Clinical Psychology at the University of Memphis. Jay's immediate interest are in how alcohol misuse affects Black emerging adults (18-25 years of age) and college students differently than White emerging adults, and how Behavioral Economics can be used to decrease substance misuse. To keep in touch with Jay, follow him on Twitter @ajwithers_

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#3 PhD Tips With Dr. Sharde M. Davis
S1 Ep.3Jun 24, 2020·00:38:21

#3 PhD Tips With Dr. Sharde M. Davis

Today on Ph.D. Tips, Dr. Sharde M. Davis shares her wisdom, insight, and Ph.D. Tips! The three major topics of discussion were Research Sabbaticals,  Mentorship, and PhD Tips that will help students succeed.   At the time of the recording, Dr. Davis is a tenure track assistant professor at the University of Connecticut (UCONN).  The tips presented today are best suited for students who are already in a Ph.D. program, on a path to dissertation writing, as well as people who maybe still in grad school speculating about "Next Steps".  You can find Dr. Sharde M. Davis on Twitter @DrShardeDavis or @BlackInTheIvory

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#2 How to Start your Dissertation Now
S1 Ep.2May 6, 2020·00:03:06

#2 How to Start your Dissertation Now

In this episode, Cliff Freeman, Phd student at Boston University, studying Math and Science, will share a tip that is helping him write his dissertation in year 0! If consistent, this tip enables PhD students who are transitioning into dissertation writing an easy one… your dissertation will basically write itself!

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#1 Organized Research
S1 Ep.1May 6, 2020·00:04:12

#1 Organized Research

Today’s featured PhD Tip is getting your Research Organized! Cliff Freeman, a PhD student at Boston University, studying Math And Science, shares his experience using Zotero, an efficient way to keep track of all his research throughout his academic journey. Zotero is a open source and free to use software which can be downloaded from Zotero.org.

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