A podcast about art, creativity, and radical humanity in motion. Featuring interviews with writers, artists, dancers, musicians, wellness practitioners, academics, ex-academics, and everyone in between, I ask: What does creative survival look and feel like (in academia & beyond)? Follow @themillennialphd on Instagram for updates and more content.
Mela talks top 3 creative lessons from 2022. PLUS, part II of the episode includes reflection questions for your own DIY solo retreat. Check in with yourself on your personal, creative, and social values heading into 2023.
***Prefer your reflections written out? Accompany the episode with a special download/print out of the end-of-year creative reflection questions. Find it here. Or, at the link in bio of @themillennialphd Instagram page.
Support the showDr. Carmela Muzio Dormani - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant.
Learn more about Mela and get access to creative resources at themillennialphd.com.
The Millennial PhD is all about building community. Join the conversation:
- Connect with Mela on IG @melamuzio
- Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast & blog.
- Email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Jessica L. Groves-Chapman, PhD. is a storyteller and poet that uses neuroscience to demystify the stories of our lives, one line at a time. Jessica completed her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Georgia and was previously an Assistant Professor at Centre College. She’s also a former small business owner.
During the Covid-19 pandemic she was faced with the challenge of small business operation in the health and wellness sector and was forced to close due to safety considerations for clients and staff. During the past 2 years she’s explored her career transition through writing a novel, taking a course in life coaching, and providing homeschooling content for elementary aged children.
Support the showDr. Carmela Muzio Dormani - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant.
Learn more about Mela and get access to creative resources at themillennialphd.com.
The Millennial PhD is all about building community. Join the conversation:
- Connect with Mela on IG @melamuzio
- Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast & blog.
- Email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
The days are getting shorter and the weather in the Northeast U.S. is getting grey. Mela talks through reorienting and reclaiming this season as a time of transformation - shedding what no longer serves us to make room for new growth. Plus, four tips for practicing creativity and pursuing our goals in times of turbulence and transformation.
Support the showDr. Carmela Muzio Dormani - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant.
Mela talks with Bridget Thorpe, the Founder of values-based brand SOL VAE. In this episode Bridget talks actionable tips to infuse environmental sustainability into your brand. If you've been missing our entrepreneurship focused episodes, this one is for you.
Bridget kindly shared a 15% discount for anyone interested in SOLVAE apparel. You can view and purchase here.
*This is NOT an affiliate program. I don't make money from your purchase; it's just a discount code.
Support the showDr. Carmela Muzio Dormani - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant.
Learn more about Mela and get access to creative resources at themillennialphd.com.
The Millennial PhD is all about building community. Join the conversation:
- Connect with Mela on IG @melamuzio
- Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast & blog.
- Email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback...
Mela talks intimacy, affect, and embodied care with the incredible Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton, who shares her story of leaving academia and starting her own business as an intimacy coach (and so much more).
If you're interested in creating new ways to share your knowledge, this deeply inspired episode is for you!
Kimberly is the creator of UNCOVER, a global movement and community of women dedicated to the healing power of pleasure. With an M.A., a PhD, in-depth coaching training, and years of experience, it is her honor and pleasure to weave the intellectual side of empowerment, healing and intimacy work in with the embodied, playful practices of pleasure.
Connect with Kimberly at @drkimberlyrose on IG.
Support the showDr. Carmela Muzio Dormani - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant.
Learn more about Mela and get access to creative resources at themillennialphd.com.
The Millennial PhD is all about building community. Join the conversation:
- Connect with Mela on IG @melamuzio
- Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast & blog.
- Email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback...
This ANNIVERSARY episode is jam packed with creative ideas and inspiration that hit home over the last year. We got us! And this gathering of collective creative wisdom showcases that.
This episode features samples from:
Episode 2, ft. Dr. Nikita T. Hamilton
Episode 6, ft. Angelica Beliard
Episode 8, ft. Alyson Cadena
Episode 21, ft. Fitgi Saint-Louis
Episode 33, ft. Dr. Christine Koh
The Creative Visions program helps artists, entrepreneurs, and (recovering) academics bring a creative project or business from idea to reality. Learn more here.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
So often in academia we critique problematic depictions in the media; but, what does it look like to get on the other side and create new representation? Filmmaker Lisa Rideout talks about her journey leaving academia to make documentary films.
When she started talking about putting post-its on the wall to plan and visualize her projects, I knew we were going to get along. 😂
Lisa shares great insight & advice on:
how to get started making documentary films
Carmela Muzio Dormani, PhD - aka your host, Mela - is a sociologist, dancer, and creative consultant. Connect with Mela on IG @melamuzio or at MelaMuzio.com.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
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If you've ever asked yourself:
This episode is for you.
So often we get stuck in a habit of asking permission to pursue our dreams. Of shrinking in the face of others' opinions. What if, instead, we expanded into our full creative humanity, and by extension made space for others to do the same?
This solo episode with Mela includes discussion + guided reflection questions and weekly practices to break a habit of deference and step more fully into the process of building your creative vision.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
Ready to make room in your life for clarity and inspiration? Dr. Christine Koh talks about her journey from brain scientist to multimedia creative (and host of the awesome Edit Your Life podcast). An amazing conversation about following your intuition, making a professional pivot, and building what you want to see in the world.
Connect with Christine @drchristinekoh on Instagram or at her website.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
What is quiet quitting? What does it mean to set boundaries in our work and personal lives? Is there such a thing as anticapitalist work practices? Is quiet quitting one of them? Love it or hate it, the phrase "quiet quitting" is firmly in the popular lexicon. And now that the fall season of settle-down-and-hustle has arrived, it's a great time to talk about setting boundaries and making room for our full creative humanity.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
Breaking down student loan debt relief + methods for building toward financial freedom. Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez from Zero-Based Budget talks about her journey becoming a lawyer, paying back over $200,000 in student loan debt, and eventually launching her own business to support others working to achieve financial freedom.
In this episode we cover:
Information for current students navigating student debt
Links to resources mentioned in the episode:
https://www.ed.gov/subscriptions - Click the first box and subscribe to get updates re: student loan debt relief.
https://studentaid.gov/ - Find out if you are a Pell Grant recipient. Login to your account and go to My Aid, and see your Loans and Grants.
Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez, Esq. is a money coach, speaker, and the founder of Zero-Based Budget Coaching LLC. She has spoken to thousands and coached hundreds on budgeting, saving, debt payoff, investing, credit, building generational wealth, and more.
You can find her on Instagram and TikTok @zerobasedbudget and at www.zero-basedbudget.com.
Join the conversation!
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Or, email themillennialphd@gmail.com with feedback.
Interested in starting your own podcast? I host The Millennial Phd on Buzzsprout and I love it because, for me, it was the easiest and most user-friendly podcast hosting site. Followthis linkto sign up, and you'll automatically get a $20 Amazon gift card included in your sign up; plus, it helps support The Millennial PhD. Happy podcasting!
Support the show
The season is changing and the transition into fall is upon us. Wrapping up summer goals, projects, and activities and preparing for busy autumn can be challenging. In this episode we talk through some affirmations for this moment of transition, and launch into a new season of our own: SEASON THREE. With a new focus on imagining pathways forward and building what we want to see around us, we are sliding into the most informative and inspirational season yet. Let's get it.
Follow @themillennialphd for up-to-date info on the podcast, blog, and creative resources. Connect with Mela at @melamuzio.
Support the show
What's the deal with SMART goals? How can we challenge the idea that our worth lies in our productivity and re-imagine new pathways forwards? What does strategic planning with a community-care mindset look and feel like? Mela wraps up Season Two with a discussion of tips and strategies for overcoming academic overwhelm and pushing back against the hyper-productivity mindset that's so pervasive in academia and other workplaces.
Join the conversation and let us know what you think! Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
What does it mean to be a "successful" academic? A "professional" dancer? A "deserving" consumer of fitness education?
Artist, entrepreneur, and former academic Kyle Georgnia Marsh talks with Mela about breaking down and re-contextualizing our definitions of worthiness and success. A lifelong student of movement, Kyle is the co-founder of True II Form Pilates and Wellness, an online Pilates-based fitness studio dedicated to delivering athletic strength forming moves for every(body) that empowers practitioners to feel fearless and free in the body that is theirs. Prior to her life in Pilates-land Kyle enjoyed a brief career in academia and is proud to hold a Masters Degree in Dance Education from The Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, as well as a B.F.A. in dance performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts.
The outdated definition of "success" in academia as limited to getting a tenure-track Assistant Professorship is crumbling - and we are the ones tearing it down brick by brick and re-imagining creative visions going forward. Join the conversation and let us know what you think! Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
You can connect with Kyle on IG @kylegeorginapilates.
AND, connect with True ii Form pilate on IG @true_ii_form or at their website https://www.trueiiform.com/.
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Follow @melamuzio to connect with Mela & for dance and creative mentoring content.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates & fun (alt)ac reels.
What does it look like to build alternatives within academia? In this episode I talk with music historian and DJ Alex La Rotta, PhD about readjusting expectations for what academia can look and feel like for our generation. Great conversation about everything from tejano music to classism within the academy to charting our own paths.
Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
In this episode Mela talks about processing the academic years that's ending & shares affirmations for those who are leaving and those who are staying.
Creative joy and revolution is the name of the game. In this episode, artist and scholar Angélica Becerra talks with The Millennial PhD about bridging academia and the arts and building space for resistance in both.
Angélica is a Latinx queer immigrant artist, podcast producer & scholar of political graphics, and current postdoc at Washington State. She received her Ph.D. in Chicana/o and Central American Studies at UCLA, along with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Humanities, from the Department of Architecture and Design. Her scholarship focuses on twenty-first-century digital arts, exploring the digital realm as a space of production, distribution, and reception of a new generation of artivism spanning national and transnational social justice movements.
Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Here it goes, the age old question...or the brand new question on everyone's mind: Is it time to quit academia?
Whether you think the Great Resignation is more of a reshuffling or a revolution, academia is experiencing a major shift, with tons of academics at all levels reconsidering their options. Dr. Carlos Camacho and Dr. Omar Ramadan-Santiago come on to talk through the complicated conversations around saying goodbye to the often toxic, gaslighting-rich environments of academia.
Connect with Mela on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time or email themillennialphd@gmail.com - I love to hear from you!
Connect with Carlos at @carloscreates2018 on IG.
Check out Omar's art.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates. AND, don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts and/or in Spotify - it really helps the show reach new listeners and get the useful info in many interviews out to people looking for it.
Who knew the transition from academia to marketing could be...fun? Alyssa Wells talks about her transition into marketing work at game company, Sporcle. She also talks us through strides some corporate environments are making to create more humane workplaces and the skills she used to pivot to a new career trajectory.
Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Have you been dreaming of launching a freelance career or side hustle? Not sure where to start or what it entails? Want to jump in but the little voice in your head is telling you, "no, not you"? It's time to hear from someone who is doing it and doing it well! In this episode Mela talks with Fitgi Saint-Louis about taking the plunge, pursuing your dream, and the nuts and bolts of becoming a creative freelancer in 2022.
Fitgi is an incredible multi-disciplined creative and voice-over actor, currently working as a freelance experiential art director. She is also an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts.
Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
This week's solo episode explores the amazing life skills I picked up over a decade as a professional dancer AND how they apply to your next creative venture. Don't sleep on the capacity the ARTS have to teach us soft and hard skills in life that can help us navigate these bumps and bruises! Enjoy!
Email me themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
What is consulting? How do you get started? What kinds of skills will you use? What options are available? In this episode we solve this greatest of mysteries by discussing, what even is consulting? Dr. Moira Kyweluk talks us through her process of launching her own consulting business and then later being hired at a larger consulting firm. Concrete tips and information for how to break into consulting!
Email Mela at themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Is creative entrepreneurship calling your name? This episode is all about tangible, actionable starting tips to get you from big idea to getting your work out into the world.
Email me themillennialphd@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram @melamuzio with feedback, questions, or comments at any time. I love to hear from you!
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Abundance mentality can be a powerful tool on the journey to creative and economic freedom. But, as a framework, it has social and political limitations. This episode explores the way that we can reconcile abundance mentality with a sociological imagination. What's worth keeping? What can serve as a useful tool in your creative journey?
Let me know what you think at themillennialphd@gmail.com.
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Thinking about launching your own business? Mel Bruce of The Leveraged PhD shares insight and expertise on academic entrepreneurship + actionable advice to get started leveraging the skills you already have to start building your dream business and lifest6yle.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates and other creative content + free resources.
Follow @melamuzio to connect with host, Mela.
Connect with Mel at @theleveragedphd.
Or, at theleveragedphd.com.
Don't forget to rate & review The Millennial PhD podcast wherever you are listening! It really helps the show reach as many people as possible.
Want to reach out directly with questions, comments, or feedback? Email me at themillennialphd@gmail.com!
You've heard the inspirational stories and the affirmations and now you are looking to get started on your own new creative project or professional pivot. In this episode I talk you through some common, concrete starting points to jumpstart your next move.
Connect with Mela on IG at @melamuzio for creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Want to reach out directly with questions, comments, or feedback? Email me at themillennialphd@gmail.com!
Don't forget to rate & review The Millennial PhD podcast wherever you are listening! It really helps the show reach as many people as possible.
In this episode I talk with a recruiter from a "Big 5" Tech company about her story getting into the industry and her top tips for breaking into the Tech industry. Johanne Sterling shares advice that is fresh, heartfelt, and on point - not the same old tired "tips and tricks".
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates and other creative content + free resources.
Follow @melamuzio to connect with host, Mela.
Connect with Johanne at @asana_mami.
Don't forget to rate & review The Millennial PhD podcast wherever you are listening! It really helps the show reach as many people as possible.
Want to reach out directly with questions or comments? Email me at themillennialphd@gmail.com !
Episode Guide:
00:00 - 37:30: Johanne's journey from communications degree to Tech recruiter, including advice on making connections and putting yourself out there.
37:30 - 44:00: Johanne talks through the Top 3 "competencies" needed for success in Tech. And they might surprise you.
44:00 - 46:00: Translating Academia for Tech
46:30 - End: Parting Advice for getting into Tech, esp. for ppl with marginalized identities
From the Episode:
Johanne-recommended resources from Jeff Sipe:
https://youtube.com/c/JeffHSipe
Looking for creative inspiration or affirmation as you begin a new creative project or professional pivot? This is the one! In my most personal episode yet I share about my journey into academia & becoming a professional salsa dancer, including lessons learned along the way about building my own creative and economic lifelines outside of academia. PLUS, I share three creative affirmations I've picked up along the way, that will resonate with anyone looking to make a professional pivot or start a new creative project.
This is the official launch of SEASON TWO of The Millennial PhD. In addition to arts and creative industries, this season explores fields like Tech, Consulting, and Entrepreneurship.
Let me know what you think at themillennialphd@gmail.com.
Follow @melamuzio to connect with me (Mela) and for fun creative content + free resources.
Follow @themillennialphd for podcast updates.
Want to reach out directly with questions, comments, or feedback? Email me at themillennialphd@gmail.com!
Don't forget to rate & review The Millennial PhD podcast wherever you are listening! It really helps the show reach as many people as possible.
In this first half of this interview last week we talked about Dominique’s turning point from active PhD candidate to full time Comedian, and the reasons behind it.
We left off in the middle of a moment of revelation for Dominique.
Here in PART TWO we continue that conversation and dive deeper into Dominique's process of pursuing their dream as a comedian.
While you’re listening remember to follow @themillennialphd on Instagram for up to date information about this podcast and other creative survival in academia content. You can follow me @mela_moves and you can connect with Dominique by following @domloveslife.
In Part 1 of this special two-part interview, Comedian Dominique Nispersos talks about stepping away from PhD candidate life to pursue the dream and the joy of comedy.
Follow Dominique at @domloveslife
And, check out their work at www.dominiquecomedy.com
Also follow the hashtag #bananaketchupcomedy
Connect with Carmela by following @themillennialphd
And, check out her personal/dance page @mela_moves
Project Manager and freelance Designer Andrew Harris talks about pivoting from one profession to another, the importance of moving on if you're undervalued, navigating diverse work environments as a man of color, and translating so-called "soft" skills to a new career path. He shares about his journey into freelance design. And, for fun, we chop it up about our WEDDING - which just passed - and the life lessons we took away from it all.
Follow @themillennialphd for updates and more creative/ alt-ac content.
Connect with Andrew on IG at @salsarchitect.
Connect with Carmela on IG @mela_moves.
Alyson Cadena, powerhouse soulful singer-songwriter shares about her process and about finding the joy and balance in creating art.
Follow The Millennial PhD on Instagram for podcast updates + other creative alt-ac content at: @TheMillennialPhD.
Follow Carmela on IG @mela_moves.
Follow Alyson on Instagram @AlyChainz.
Then, check out the podcast she co-hosts, "Songs for the Soul".
AND, stream her newest hit, "Red Flags" on Spotify.
Broadway dancer, artist, and all-around amazing human Angelica Beliard talks us through the hustle, magic, and serendipity of artist life.
Find Jazmin on Instagram at @jazmintejada_yoga or follow her new design project @matteandglosscollective .
From USC to the "A Million Little Things" writer's room, Nikita T. Hamilton, PhD. shares her experience and talks us through "how the sausage gets made" in Hollywood. If you've dreamed of leaving academia to pursue any type of writing or the entertainment industry, this is the episode for you. Dr. Hamilton shares about her journey, and drops key inspiration and wisdom along the way. She breaks down the different roles and levels in Hollywood's TV writers' rooms and talks networking, diversity, and finding your people in the cutthroat industry that is entertainment.
Follow The Millennial PhD on Instagram for podcast updates + other creative alt-ac content at: @TheMillennialPhD.
Follow Carmela on IG @mela_moves.
Follow Nikita on IG at @nikitathamilton or check out her work at http://www.nikitahamilton.com/.
Sociologist/writer Dr. Carlos Camacho and anthropologist/visual artist Dr. Omar Ramadan-Santiago are The Millennial PhD's first guests. Together we talk about the value of art and creativity as a liberatory practice, and as a survival tactic for getting through academia's exploitative conditions.
Who will survive in America? Oop, we mean "academia".
Follow The Millennial PhD on Instagram for podcast updates + other creative alt-ac content at: @TheMillennialPhD.
Follow Carmela on IG @melamuzio
Follow Carlos on IG at @carloscreates2018.
Coming soon....introducing.... The Millennial PhD: Creative Survival (in academia & beyond). A quick overview of what's to come in Season 1!