This episode features an excellent conversation on the academic job market and alt-ac jobs with Dr. Fatemeh Mardi. Dr. Mardi has her bachelors and masters from Tehran, Iran, and her PhD in instructional technology from University of Missouri St. Louis, MO. She is currently working with Office of eLearning at University of Missouri System as an Instructional Designer. Among other things, Dr. Mardi talks about the toll on our mental and physical health through all the cycles of applying for academic jobs, and the amount of work required to stay competitive in an environment of scarce jobs.