The Cohort Sistas Podcast
Cohort Sistas, Inc.
The Cohort Sistas Podcast is an empowering and enlightening podcast that holds space for Black women and nonbinary doctoral degree holders to share their stories, experiences, and expertise. Each episode features an engaging interview on a wide range of topics, including academic trajectory, application process, mentorship, funding, career development, mental health, and social issues. Hosted by Cohort Sistas Founder and Executive Director Dr. Ijeoma Kola, The Cohort Sistas Podcast is known for its authentic and relatable approach, providing listeners with valuable insights, practical advice, and a sense of community. Whether you're looking for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a thought-provoking conversation, this podcast is a must-listen for aspiring doctors seeking to connect, learn, and thrive.
Cohort Sistas provides digital resources, mentorship, and community to improve equity in doctoral education. While our programs and platform are open to all doctoral students, applicants, and degree holders, we prioritize and center the needs and perspectives of Black women and nonbinary scholars.
Be sure to follow us on social at https://www.twitter.com/cohortsistas and https://www.instagram.com/cohortsistas, and visit our website at https://www.cohortsistas.org.
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Top 10 The Cohort Sistas Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Cohort Sistas Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Cohort Sistas Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Cohort Sistas Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Dr. Tiffany Wiggins on Knowing Your 'Why' and Transformative Mentorship
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
10/18/23 • 45 min
This week on Cohort Sistas Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Wiggins, the powerhouse founder of Black Girl Mentor. Dr. Wiggins, armed with a Ph.D. in education leadership, an ICF life and academic coaching certificate, and a wealth of experience in higher education, has channeled her passion for transformative mentorship into a thriving community for black women and girls. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, from her personal journey to her love of travel and yes, even her penchant for denim jackets!
As we explore Dr. Wiggins' own PhD journey, we uncover the pivotal role mentorship played in her experience. Her stories of having mentors and the times she grappled without one, are a testament to the importance of mentorship for black women in academia. Dr. Wiggins cracks open her challenges of juggling time, her commitment to her young daughter, and navigating the academic labyrinth to find a supportive dissertation committee. She emphatically underscores the need to know your 'why,' ensuring that the pursuit of a doctoral degree is an intentional decision, not a fleeting whim.
Finally, we delve deeper into the intricacies of the PhD journey with Dr. Wiggins. From the process of crafting a dissertation replete with typos to having the right editor, she shares crucial insights that often get overlooked. Her emphasis on the far-reaching impact of a doctoral degree on oneself, family, and community is a profound reminder of the responsibility that comes with such an endeavor. This is a riveting episode, guaranteed to inspire and motivate you, irrespective of where you are in your academic journey or if you're just intrigued by the world of higher education and mentorship.
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Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
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Dr. Anna Ampaw on Creating Her Own Community While Pursuing Her Doctoral Degree.
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
01/21/23 • 39 min
Getting a Ph.D. is not for the faint of heart and as a Black woman, social isolation can make it even more difficult. Here today on The Cohort Sistas Podcast is the incredible Dr. Anna Ampaw to tell us all about the highs and lows of the pursuit of her doctoral degree. In this episode, you will hear about Anna’s background, her family of immigrants, what she is currently doing, what made her shift focus from dentistry to biochemistry, and how her incredible supervisor made her into the doctor she is today. It’s no secret that getting a Ph.D. is unbelievably difficult and today, Anna walks us through the challenges and lows she faced throughout her journey before we explore how cultural diversity impacts studies and the importance of having a community and mentorship. She even goes into her high points, the funding of her program, what she would do differently given the chance, and so much more. She also discusses her amazing non-profit organization called Empowering Female Minds in STEM. Finally, she leaves Black women looking to do a Ph.D. with some wonderful pieces of advice. To hear the truth about getting a Ph.D. as a woman of color, tune in now!
If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community or you’re looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our site at www.cohortsistas.com.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow the Cohort Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you’re listening.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Thato Motlhalamme on Pursuing a PhD That Pushes You Outside of Your Comfort Zone
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
12/15/21 • 42 min
Today on the show we invite Dr. Thato Motlhalamme, who is here to impart some valuable and hard-won advice on pushing your comfort zones, trusting your voice, and standing up for yourself in spaces where you aren’t being heard! Author of Holding the Knife's Edge: Journeys of Black Female Scientists, Dr. Motlhalamme tells the story of her life-long love of science, her passion for addressing the knowledge gap between plant medicine and allopathic treatment, and how she intentionally chose her PhD program because she wanted to push herself out of her comfort zone. She shares with us how she navigated having a faculty advisor who did not have a definitive project timeline, and the experience of co-authoring a book about black female scientists with her mentor, as well as the various pivots in her career that led her to the creation of this much-needed book. We dive into why it was the right decision to change universities, burnout, and the unexpected reprieve because of the pandemic, plus you’ll hear some great insights on beginning your PhD with the right frame of mind, and how to navigate the difficult moments by asking the right questions. In closing, Dr. Motlhalamme shares her top advice for Black women in science and academia and reflects on not underestimating the value of your contributions in spaces where you think you’re out of your depth. We hope you join us today for this inspiring conversation with our Cohort Sista scientist.
Connect with Dr. Motlhalamme on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about her book, Holding The Knife's Edge by visiting her website.
If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community or you’re looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our site at www.cohortsistas.com.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow the Cohort Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you’re listening.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Shaquinta Richardson on Radical Self-Care and Navigating Burnout
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
09/13/23 • 48 min
Have you ever felt that burnout is a badge of honor? We invite you to pause and re-evaluate as we introduce our next guest, the incredible Dr. Shaquinta Richardson - a life coach passionate about helping Black women prioritize self-care to find joy. Listen to Shaquinta's intriguing journey from a role in a Fortune 500 company to becoming a renowned therapist and how she navigated the complexities of pursuing a Ph.D. with grace and resilience.
Shaquinta's unique experiences juggling multiple roles - a professor, clinical director, private practice clinician, and a Ph.D. student, all at the same time and experience the strength and determination that led her to transition into a full-time life coach and business owner during the peak of the global pandemic. We'll also delve into the nitty-gritty of her upcoming book, Gifted Black Women Navigating the Doctoral Process, and learn her innovative strategy of 'radical self-care'.
This conversation will challenge your narrative of success and guide you toward embracing rest and self-care to achieve it. Get ready to transform your approach to life as Shaquinta shares her insights on therapy, gratitude, and the importance of self-care in maintaining physical and mental health. If you're an aspiring or current doctoral student, you'll find her advice on slowing down and recharging to be invaluable in your journey. Join us to learn, unlearn, and relearn the essence of living a fulfilling life.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Tara Pixley on Finding Joy in Adversity and Motherhood
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
09/27/23 • 45 min
Dr. Tara Pixley is a visual journalist, strategic storytelling consultant, and professor renowned for reshaping visual narratives and championing diversity. Dr. Pixley's dedication to her work extends beyond the classroom - she's a mother who courageously moved across the country with her young children to pursue grad school, making her an embodiment of determination and resilience. She offers a real-world perspective on managing family and academic life, proving it's possible to thrive in both spheres.
Our candid talk with Dr. Pixley illuminates her educational journey, highlighting the exhilarating opportunities that opened up with her Ph.D. She guides us through the peaks and valleys of her academic career, discussing the nurturing environment graduate housing provided for her children, her burgeoning interest in superhero journalism that sparked her photojournalism career, and her triumphant transition to journalism education. Her experiences with challenging hierarchies and overcoming expectations in academia offer invaluable insights and stirring inspiration.
Not only does Dr. Pixley share her journey in academia, but she also uncovers how she uses her work as a platform for change, crafting narratives that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities. Her unwavering commitment to making journalism education accessible to women and people of color is inspiring. As we talk about her future plans, the importance of education, and her passion for her work, the joy she finds in adversity shines through. Listen to this compelling exploration into the life and work of a woman using her influence to effect lasting change.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
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Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks on Balancing Ethics, Media, and Mental Health
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
07/12/23 • 42 min
Discover the transformative journey of Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks, a clinical psychologist, TV personality, and consultant with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University, who transitioned from traditional psychology practice to making TV appearances on shows like Love and Hip Hop and Like Mother, Like Daughter.
In this episode of the Cohort Sistas Podcast, Dr. Powell Hicks offers valuable advice for Black women doctoral students, encouraging them to find balance, self-love, and grounding practices while navigating a doctoral program. We also explore the power of finding mentors in diverse areas, joining smaller divisions and subsections of professional organizations as a way to connect with potential mentors, and the role of mentorship in Dr. Powell Hicks' own journey into media psychology.
Lastly, we delve into Dr. Powell Hicks' approach to ethical coaching and her personal philosophy that guides her work, emphasizing the importance of standing on your own ethical standards and considering how your communication will impact the black audience watching. With her top three motivators - beauty, knowledge, and creativity - Dr. Powell Hicks inspires us to balance research, science, and ethics in our own professional endeavors. Don't miss this powerful conversation that explores the intersection of mental health and black women, as well as how we can best take care of ourselves in this space.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
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Dr. Toyin Alli of the Academic Society on Going Against the Grain & Trusting Your Decisions
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
03/29/23 • 45 min
We are so lucky and excited to sit down with Dr. Toyin Alli in today's episode to talk about her inspiring and somewhat unusual path through academia, and why she chose to focus on teaching above all the other areas of the tertiary educational space. Dr. Alli also shares about her amazing company, the Academic Society, and its work helping students through developing time management, productivity, and self-care tools. Toyin is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Georgia and has been working full-time in teaching since she completed her Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Alabama in 2016. Our guest generously shares a lot of insight and honest reflection from different points in her journey, from the summer programs she took part in, to finding her groove in teaching, and mentorship relationships that have helped her toward success. We also discuss the lack of encouragement for Black women and POC in the math field and the responsibility that Dr. Alli feels to shift this reality. So for all this and more from a truly dedicated and inspiring friend of the show, listen in now.
If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community or you’re looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our site at www.cohortsistas.com.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow the Cohort Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you’re listening.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Kimberly T Arnold on Blending Yoga and Faith in Mental Health Advocacy
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
07/26/23 • 51 min
How often do you think about the intersection of mental health, community engagement, and spirituality? Dr. Kimberly T Arnold, a dedicated health policy who received a Ph.D. in Public Health/Health Policy and Management from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, has managed to weave her passion for yoga into the fabric of her work, using it as a transformative tool for self-care and healing within the Black church. Her journey from a small farm town in South Carolina to becoming an integral part of the urban health landscape in Philadelphia is a story of resilience, mentorship, and untiring pursuit of passion that will inspire you.
Dr. Arnold's research focuses on addressing health disparities and creating comprehensive mental health support in churches. She exposes the often-overlooked impacts of policies and social determinants of health like racism, education, and income on health outcomes. But it doesn't stop at exposing the problems. She illuminates how community engagement and institutions like the Black Church can serve as anchors in the community, providing alternative systems of survival and addressing these very social determinants of health.
In a world where the acceptance of mental health in spiritual spaces is growing, Dr. Arnold has found a unique way to incorporate her love for yoga into her work within the Black church. She stresses the importance of self-care for Black women and non-binary doctoral students, sharing advice on being intentional and making self-care a priority during their doctoral journey. Join us as she shares her story, her learnings, and her advocacy for health equity. This is an episode for anyone interested in public health, mental health, or the power of community engagement.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Mikal Woldu on Switching Academic Supervisors & Redefining Pan-Africanism
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
04/26/23 • 45 min
In this episode of Cohort Sistas, the podcast, we speak with Dr. Mikal Woldu, who received her Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from SOAS University of London. Dr. Woldu is of Eritrean heritage and grew up in Italy before moving to London. This migratory pattern both shaped her personal life and informed her research questions, primarily dealing with the practices and attitudes of second-generation Africans in the Diaspora. During our conversation with Dr. Woldu, we discuss how just one person in her Master’s program convinced her to enroll in graduate school, why her research is so much more extensive than just her, and how she advocated for and switched her academic supervisor partway through her doctoral program. She talks about her post-doc project and how they are redefining Pan-Africanism. Dr. Woldu gives incredibly insightful advice regarding the Ph.D. journey and leaves listeners encouraged. Tune in for this insightful conversation with Dr. Woldu!
If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community or you’re looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our site at www.cohortsistas.com.
Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow the Cohort Sistas podcast, rate, and leave us a quick review wherever you’re listening.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
Dr. Niah Grimes on Balancing Art and Academia
The Cohort Sistas Podcast
11/22/23 • 60 min
We're thrilled to bring you an episode with a guest we admire enormously, Dr. Niah Grimes. She's a force to be reckoned with as an assistant professor at Morgan State University, an artist, and a vociferous advocate for social justice, mental health awareness, and higher education. Dr. Grimes generously shares her unique personal journey that has seen her balance art with academia, her struggles with chronic illness, and the centrality of self-care in her life. This episode is peppered with her passions - cooking, nature, and family heritage.
Our conversation takes an introspective turn as we delve into my experiences as a researcher and educator, a queer Black femme with chronic illness, and disability. I discuss the challenges I faced in my academic journey within the southeastern United States and the pivotal role played by mentorship and a supportive community at the University of Georgia. This episode will underline the importance of having a supportive community and serve as a testament to the power of resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Finally, we journey with Dr. Grimes as she shares her experience transitioning into her role as an assistant professor, meeting diverse student needs across different campuses, and the divine timing and resource utilization that led her to the perfect job. We lean into her strategies for navigating unfamiliar environments, bridging gaps, and being unapologetic in meeting her needs. As we wrap up, Dr. Grimes leaves us with empowering advice for prospective and current Black women and non-binary doctoral students. This episode is a testament to resilience, passion, and balance; indeed, a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex landscapes of higher education, identity, and personal growth.
Thank you for listening!
Leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts!
Join the Cohort Sistas community at community.cohortsistas.org
Visit our website to learn more about our programs and how you can support at cohortsistas.org
Email us at [email protected] to connect, ask questions, or suggest guests
Follow Us on our social media platforms:
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Cohort Sistas Podcast have?
The Cohort Sistas Podcast currently has 96 episodes available.
What topics does The Cohort Sistas Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Higher Education, Black Women, Society & Culture, Podcasts, Education and Phd.
What is the most popular episode on The Cohort Sistas Podcast?
The episode title 'Dr. Janice Gassam Asare on Leveraging LinkedIn To Build Research Opportunities' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Cohort Sistas Podcast?
The average episode length on The Cohort Sistas Podcast is 43 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Cohort Sistas Podcast released?
Episodes of The Cohort Sistas Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Cohort Sistas Podcast?
The first episode of The Cohort Sistas Podcast was released on Jan 12, 2021.
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