Ever feel like you don’t belong in your academic program: like you’re faking it, and someday everyone will realise you’re not as smart as they think? That’s imposter syndrome. In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind imposter syndrome in academia, why so many students and researchers experience it, and what you can do to cope. Whether you're a grad student, PhD candidate, or lifelong learner, you're not alone in feeling like a fraud. 🎓 Topics covered: – Why imposter syndrome is ...
Does academia kill the joy of reading? In this episode, we explore how studying literature in academic settings—whether in school, university, or postgraduate research—can turn a beloved hobby into a chore. From analysing books to death to racing through reading lists, we discuss how rigid academic expectations might strip the magic from the stories we once loved. But is there a way to reclaim our passion for reading? Tune in as we reflect on personal experiences, literary theory, and practic...
Struggling to turn knowledge into action? In this episode, we explore the Know-Do Gap—why we often fail to apply what we learn—and how the iterative process can help. From overcoming perfectionism to building habits through small, repeated steps, we’ll break down practical strategies for bridging the gap between knowing and doing. Tune in for actionable insights, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective on making progress—even when you feel stuck. The book I referenced in this episode but...
Have you ever looked at a book on your shelf and realised you don’t remember anything about it? Recently, I had to confront that horrifying reality when I picked up not one but two books that I'd not only read, but annotated! How is it possible to completely forget reading a book one has annotated? In this episode, I explore the science behind memory and reading, why some stories stick with us while others fade, and whether forgetting a book means the time spent reading it was wasted. G...
How is it possible to quit the internet in today's day and age? We need the internet for everything, from communicating with loved ones to online banking and paying our bills. But, have we ever truly challenged ourselves to think about how little we actually need to use the internet? In this episode, I explore the growing desire to disconnect from the digital world. From the overwhelming pressure of online life to the mental toll of constant content creation, I reflect on what it means to ste...
We all have ideas—brilliant, ambitious, half-formed thoughts swirling in our minds. But why is it so hard to turn them into something real? In this episode of The Annotated Mind, we explore the tension between thinking and doing, the perfectionism that keeps us from starting, and the fear of committing thoughts to the page (or any tangible form). Why do unwritten ideas feel safer? How do we overcome the anxiety of creating something imperfect? And what happens when we let go of the need for p...
What does it mean to truly engage with ideas? The Annotated Mind is a space for deep, reflective thinking—where history, philosophy, and literature meet personal growth and curiosity. In this first episode, I share why I’m rebranding the podcast, what you can expect moving forward, and why annotation—scribbling in the margins, questioning, and connecting ideas—might just be the best way to navigate an overwhelming world. Let’s slow down, think deeply, and explore the art of intellectual curio...
Do hate comments online, wars, online videos and comment sections make you feel like you're losing faith in humanity? Where have all the good people gone? Why is everyone out to hate one another and bring each other down? If you struggle with feelings of hopelessness, I hope today's episode helps. đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9
What parts of you are real and what parts of you are performative? How do you know when you've found your true self, and how do you become your true self? These are some of the questions we explore in today's episode. đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9
Have you ever sabotaged your academic success due to perfectionism? Today's question comes from someone who cannot bring themselves to write or submit any of their essays for marking. How do they overcome their writing paralysis, and is it too late? đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9
Cyberbullying is brutal, but it hurts even more when you know the people cyberbullying you. When bullies sneak their way to haunt you both offline and online, it can feel suffocating and like you have no safe space. How do you recover from the trauma they subject you to? In this video, I share the lessons I've learned from experiencing cyberbullying by people in my real life who hid behind an anonymous avatar. đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW...
Do you ever feel like a failure in life? Like you're too far behind whilst everyone else is successful, financially stable, in loving relationships and happy? Well, let's talk about being a failure in your late twenties and early thirties and how to overcome the feeling. đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9
In this episode of "A Page From My Book," we delve into the paradox of self-help addiction. While seeking personal growth and improvement can be empowering, an obsession with self-help content can sometimes leave us feeling more overwhelmed and stuck than ever. Join me as we explore the signs of self-help addiction, the psychological effects of consuming too much self-improvement material, and practical strategies to strike a healthier balance. We'll discuss how to turn the endless pursuit of...
How do you move on from being rejected by your best friend? Today's episode focuses on unrequited love from a reader write-in. If someone is perfect for you but they don't feel the same way, how do you move on and overcome feelings of hopelessness that you'll never find someone like them again? đź“© Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9
Today's episode answers a question from viewer Jacqueline: how do you confront your fears in pursuing a creative career which will be less financially stable (and profitable) than a 9 to 5? After just three months, I took a leap of faith and left my first office job despite working in soul-draining retail for almost a decade. That leap of faith resulted in my now 6-year creative freelance career. This is my advice for anyone afraid to take the risk and leave. Send your questions for the podc...
What would you do if someone who bullied you came to you for advice? In the first episode of my podcast series, I share my experience of being the nerd in school who secretly helped out her bullies online after school. Send your questions for the podcast here: https://forms.gle/aCj4jLedfRrECW6b9