Navigating the world of academia after your PhD can feel overwhelming, exciting, and a little bit secretive. 'Confessions of an Early Career Researcher' is a candid, honest, and inspiring podcast for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at every stage of their journey.

In each episode, host Dr Leonie Smith sits down with scholars at varying stages of their careers to share personal stories, practical insights, and the realities of building a life in (and sometimes beyond) academia.

From funding applications and precarious contracts, to imposter syndrome and mentorship, no topic is off limits. Tune in as we unpack your new academia survival guide – 'Confessions of an Early Career Researcher' is now available on all podcasting platforms.

Publish or perish’ is something ECRs will hear consistently throughout their academic careers. But why is there such a pressure to publish early, and is it always the right thing to do? In this episode of Confessions of an Early Career Researcher, Leonie Smith sits down with Fred Paxton and Ayesha Omar to discuss their different experiences with the publishing process, the importance of patience, and the need to separate the self from your writing.

Listen to the podcast episode on the The British Academy website.

First published: 15 October 2025

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