Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs
A podcast on thriving in graduate school for first-generation BIPOC students, offering insights on academic success, career development, mental health, and navigating diversity and inclusion in higher education.
354 episodes
3 days ago
The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals.
I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fourteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too.
Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you’ll be listening in on inclusive grad school stories. You'll also learn more about grad school and academic success, career and professional development, personal development and mindset, productivity and time management, social justice and community building, wellbeing and mental health, money and financial literacy, first-gen student of color experiences, and more!
This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.
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The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals.
I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fourteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too.
Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you’ll be listening in on inclusive grad school stories. You'll also learn more about grad school and academic success, career and professional development, personal development and mindset, productivity and time management, social justice and community building, wellbeing and mental health, money and financial literacy, first-gen student of color experiences, and more!
This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share various strategies to track progress on long-term projects like dissertations, publications, and other manuscripts, emphasizing the importance of accountability and externalizing progress. From time-based tracking and task checklists to visual cues and planners, I offer methods you can personalize to help you maintain momentum when motivation is low, feel accomplished no matter your pace, and celebrate any wins.
In this replay episode, I share 10 monthly reflection questions designed to help you track and achieve your goals effectively. You’ll learn how and why I developed these questions to promote personal and professional development, combat imposter syndrome, and reinforce a growth mindset. You’ll also gain tips for consistent practice and strategies to make the exercise enjoyable and rewarding.
This replay episode on spoonie productivity discusses strategies for managing the holiday season when you are a spoonie and have limited energy. Addressing chronically ill and disabled individuals, I share personal experiences and practical tips on honoring your culture and legacy without sacrificing your wellbeing. The episode highlights the importance of setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and adapting traditions to fit your capacity. I also encourage you to identify nonnegotiables and prioritize self-care to ensure you work towards having a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I share my personal experience of how my business was impacted by higher education funding cuts and how I adapted by making micro pivots, focusing on nurturing relationships and creating a meaningful impact. Using my 2025 impact report as a case study, I discuss what an impact report is, share metrics from my own work, and provide actionable steps for you to quantify your own impact. I emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating your work, especially in challenging times, and offer practical advice for your personal and professional development.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the growing trend among educators to revert back to analog tools in the classroom as a response to the rise of AI and digital tools. I explore why analog methods facilitate better learning environments. Additionally, I provide practical recommendations for incorporating more analog tools into your work and life to boost your learning, productivity, and joy. I also emphasize the importance of integrating these tools alongside digital resources to create a hybrid, personalized approach that supports diverse learning needs.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I sit down with Dr. Janice Castro, a bilingual, licensed psychologist specializing in Latine mental health and adult ADHD. Dr. Castro shares her personal and professional journey growing up as the daughter of Peruvian immigrants, dealing with trauma, and navigating the challenges of being a first gen college grad. We delve into the topic of motivation without burnout, discussing the importance of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, recognizing one's self-worth beyond your career, and adopting practical strategies. Listen in to gain insights on managing motivation and preventing burnout.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I tackle the common misconception that rest only counts if you're asleep, napping, or doing nothing. Inspired by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith's book, titled Sacred Rest, I introduce several often-overlooked types of rest and offer practical examples of how you can start practicing them. Join me as I explore how different forms of rest can restore your mind, emotions, relationships, and more, especially for first-gen students, including college and grad students. Stick around till the end for reflective questions that can help you identify the type of rest you need most right now.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the emotionally charged nature of writing and the systemic barriers that often hinder consistent writing progress. I share my experiences with overcoming these obstacles during my time in grad school and introduce the concept of a “gentle writing retreat.” With a focus on compassion and realistic goal-setting, I outline how to structure a supportive and effective writing retreat, whether solo at home or with a group virtually or in-person. You'll learn about how to set realistic goals, preparing materials in advance, and the importance of community and accountability. I also announce my upcoming two-day virtual retreat aimed at helping first-gen students and professionals make significant progress on long-term projects in a supportive environment.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I address a common concern among coaching and consulting clients, which is the question of doing enough. I discuss concepts of discernment and defining 'enough' for yourself by creating personal rules that increase confidence and self-trust. By recognizing your body’s signals or cues and setting flexible guidelines, you can make decisions that align with your values and capacity while still making progress on your goals.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I feature Stephanie Sanchez, a former grad admissions consulting client now completing a master’s program abroad at the London School of Economics. Stephanie shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from a nonprofit career to academia to impact immigrant communities. The conversation covers strategic program selection, overcoming writing challenges, and funding applications, along with practical tips for staying organized and motivated. Stephanie's story exemplifies the power of intentional planning, courage, and a robust support system in achieving long-held dreams.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I address the challenge of how to maintain progress on your goals when you have low energy. I share my own personal experiences and offers practical advice on checking in with your body, incorporating rituals, and setting flexible, energy-appropriate goals. I also discuss the importance of self-compassion, recognizing and accepting your energy levels, and taking small steps to maintain momentum.
In episode 343 of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I introduce the first recording of my new client spotlight series, featuring an inspiring conversation with Dr. L. Paloma Rojas Saunero, a Latina physician epidemiologist and postdoctoral scholar at UCLA. Dr. Rojas Saunero shares her journey of transitioning from burnout and false urgency to aligning her workflow, creative process, and life with her values and priorities, ultimately finding more joy and confidence. We discuss the challenges of managing a new postdoc position, family life, and the pressures of academia. Dr. Rojas Saunero provides insights into recognizing the difference between true and false urgencies, mastering task, project, and energy management, and the importance of intentional work. This conversation underscores how sustainable success is about doing what truly matters in a way that feels doable and fulfilling.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I guide you through the often awkward and uncomfortable process of writing your own letter of recommendation for grad school. I explain why professors might delegate this task to students and offer a detailed breakdown of how to structure your letter. I also share reflection prompts, a checklist for ensuring a strong draft, and the importance of using affirming language. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to help you craft a compelling recommendation letter that showcases your strengths and achievements.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I address the prevalence of masking and overcompensating as survival mechanisms for first-gen and neurodivergent students. I also share persona reflections and explore why these behaviors develop, how they can lead to burnout, and what practical strategies you can test out today to resist them. You’ll learn the importance of finding identity-affirming spaces, setting boundaries, advocating for accommodations, and more.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring podcast, I discuss the significance of rewarding yourself and how to celebrate small wins as a student. Drawing from personal experiences and the science behind it, I explain how celebrating achievements can boost motivation. I also share several practical strategies for rewarding yourself, including writing affirming notes, sharing wins with others, taking mini breaks, and much more.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast we focus on the importance of cultivating curiosity and care in careers with guest Naseem Kapdi. Naseem, a career coach and founder of Kimiya Coaching, shares her journey from teaching to coaching, emphasizing the power of pausing and playing in personal and professional development. We explore overcoming hustle culture, leaning into intuition, and celebrating small wins, offering practical tips for first-gen BIPOC listeners navigating grad school, careers, and beyond.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I share my top five productivity tips for chronic illness, autism, and ADHD. Inspired by the many shortcomings of conventional productivity advice, particularly its lack of inclusivity for disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill individuals, I share strategies that can be adaptable for those who are autistic, ADHD, or spoonies. These tips range from energy management techniques to setting flexible goals and organizing your space effectively. I provide practical examples and emphasize the importance of customizing these tools to your needs while addressing the broader challenges posed by systemic issues and capitalism.
Listen to this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast if you’re struggling to secure and maintain mentors. I share strategies for first-gen and BIPOC students and professionals to learn how to find mentors and strengthen their mentoring relationships. I also emphasize the importance of taking initiative and regularly checking in with your mentors, among other lessons. Tune in to get all the insights and advice that I wish I had received when I was a student and early career professional.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I discuss the increased issue of paused and canceled graduate admissions for fall 2025, especially for PhD programs. I offer context and insights on the factors contributing to this situation, including budget cuts, federal policy changes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university finances. I also share actionable strategies for prospective PhD applicants, focusing on developing Plan A, B, and C to navigate this challenging admissions landscape.
In this episode of the Grad School Femtoring Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Analia Gomez Vidal, a bilingual multihyphenate professional and founder of AGB Services LLC. We discuss the specific challenges faced by international students in the US, including the hurdles of applying for grad schools, navigating financial constraints, and overcoming career barriers. Dr. Analia shares her journey from being an international student to becoming an entrepreneur and career coach. We also explore common experiences between first-gen and international students, and offer insights and advice to help listeners reach their personal and professional goals.
Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs
The Signal Award-winning Grad School Femtoring Podcast provides first-generation BIPOC students and professionals with conversations about graduate school and growth to help you sustainably achieve your goals.
I’m your host, Dra. Yvette Martinez-Vu, a first-gen Chicana, mama, neurodivergent, and chronically ill grad school and productivity coach, consultant, author and speaker. For over fourteen years I’ve been empowering first-gen students of color along their personal and professional journeys, and I’m really excited to support you too.
Listen every Friday to solo and guest episodes where you’ll be listening in on inclusive grad school stories. You'll also learn more about grad school and academic success, career and professional development, personal development and mindset, productivity and time management, social justice and community building, wellbeing and mental health, money and financial literacy, first-gen student of color experiences, and more!
This podcast is a proud member of the Atabey & Co. Network. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and share this resource with a friend.
